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    ‘Did no one notice?’ – Man City fans reveal Rodri Ballon d’Or banner was NOT aimed at Vinicius Jr

    A MANCHESTER CITY fan group have claimed Tuesday’s Ballon d’Or banner was NOT aimed at Vinicius Jr. The group unfurled the tifo prior to City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday. A Man City fan group unfurled a Rodri tifo prior to Tuesday’s loss against Real MadridCredit: RexVinicius Jr. had been assumed as the intended target of the jibeCredit: RexRodri won the prestigious gong last year shortly after going down with a serious ACL injury. Vinicius and Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony, believing the Brazilian to be the rightful winner. The banner at Tuesday’s game showed a picture of Rodri kissing his Ballon d’Or trophy.It was accompanied by the words: “Stop crying your heart out.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMost had assumed the banner was a direct jibe at Vinicius, who started for Madrid in the clash. The Brazilian admitted after his side’s dramatic 3-2 win he “had seen” the tifo pre-match.But 1894 fan group claim Madrid president Florentino Perez – who was in the stands at the Etihad – was actually the intended target. The group wrote on X: “Nobody in the media actually realised that the person the banner targeted was not even on the pitch?Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Florentino Perez. It’s him who instigated a slur campaign against Rodri & boycott of the ceremony by his clubs’ players. “Point needed making whatever the result of the game.”Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid It proved a night to forget for City, who threw away a 2-1 lead with minutes to go at the Etihad. They now face an uphill battle to qualify for the last-16 of the tournament, with the second leg at the Bernabeu on February 19. Following the victory, Vinicius said: “I saw the banner. Real Madrid President Florentino Perez was the actual target of City fans’ tauntsCredit: Getty”Whenever the opposing fans do things like that they give me more strength to have a great game and here I have done it.”They know our history, everything we do in this competition.“It is the fifth time we come here, it is always very cold, but this time we have won and we have to continue this.” More

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    Jude Bellingham showed why is England’s best player in 50 years – with wonderfully un-English winning mentality

    WHEN Jude Bellingham rescued England’s Euros campaign from humiliation with a spectacular overhead-kick, his celebration caused a stir.After that 95th-minute equaliser in the last-16 clash with Slovakia, Real Madrid’s Brummie was seen yelling: ‘Who else?’Jude Bellingham scored an added-time winner for Real Madrid at Manchester CityCredit: AFPBellingham goaded the City fans with his trademark celebrationCredit: APBellingham rescued England’s Euros campaign with his spectacular injury-time overhead kick against SlovakiaCredit: GettyHe also netted TWO injury-time Clasico winners last season, this one at the BernabeuCredit: AFPAnd this one was in Barcelona last seasonCredit: EPADid it indicate arrogance? An over-inflated ego? A desire for individual glory over team success?Not really. It was probably just the instinctive reaction of a player who seizes big moments so frequently, that he simply expects them to happen.When Bellingham poked home in the 92nd minute at Manchester City on Tuesday, it was the sixth time in his 75-match Real career that he had netted an injury-time winner.“Who else?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTwo of those previous efforts arrived in Bellingham’s first two Clasicos against Barcelona – the most prestigious and ferocious club fixture on Earth.Bellingham had been quiet in the first half at the Etihad. He hadn’t illuminated the place like his fellow Galacticos – especially Vinicius Jr, his club’s spurned unofficial ‘winner’ of last year’s Ballon d’Or.But in the second half his influence grew, although he missed a couple of very presentable chances.And when Vinicius lobbed Ederson in the dying seconds, it was Bellingham who found the killer touch which allowed Real to carry a 3-2 advantage into the second leg of their Champions League play-off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBecause that’s what Bellingham does.This time, it was his trademark celebration – standing with his arms outstretched in front of the seething City faithful. Like Christ the Redeemer peering down over Rio.Man City player ratings vs Real MadridIf there is an element of arrogance about this then, well, Bellingham has plenty to be arrogant about.Bellingham is England’s best and most influential footballer in more than half a century, since Sir Bobby Charlton was in his pomp.Paul Scholes, one of England’s finest since Charlton, says Bellingham is ‘better than anything we’ve seen’.And he is also quite unlike any other English footballer we have known.He can often seem other-worldy because, despite the Premier League’s global financial dominance, the 21-year-old has never played in England’s top flight.Leaving Birmingham as a 16-year-old for Borussia Dortmund then snubbing Liverpool, most notably, before joining Madrid and firing the world’s famous club to the Spanish title and their 15th European Cup in his maiden campaign as Real’s top scorer and La Liga’s Player of the Season.We don’t see all that much of him, and we hear even less.Bellingham rarely speaks to the media. After 40 caps, he is yet to be interviewed by the written press. During the Euros, a set-piece TV interview was suddenly cancelled at the last minute to the disappointment of the FA.In an era of openness and accessibility around the England camp, Bellingham’s fiercely-protective father Mark – who seems constantly angry at the world his son inhabits – keeps the 21-year-old wrapped in cotton wool.This contributes towards the feeling that, while Bellingham is admired in England, he isn’t loved.It adds to the idea of detachment, of difference, of ‘otherness’.Bellingham has inherited some of his father’s anger. That irrational belief that the world is against him.Last weekend, he was heard F-bombing a linesman who had failed to award Real a throw-in during the Madrid derby against Atletico and earlier this season he called a referee a ‘piece of s***’ during a victory over Espanyol.While at Dortmund, Bellingham was fined for bringing up the match-fixing past of referee Felix Zwayer.Since joining Real 18 months ago, Bellingham has clocked up 22 yellow cards for club and country, as well as one red for dissent after the final whistle robbed him of another injury-time winner against Valencia.This is no Mr Nice Guy. In truth, winners rarely are.And then there is that supreme self-belief, which seems, rather wonderfully, un-English.England players, even the best of them, so often end up as plucky losers.The idea of heroic failure is a national characteristic. But it’s not for Bellingham.Bellingham keeps on winning games in injury-time.He was widely perceived to have suffered a disappointing Euros last summer.And yet he dominated the first half of England’s tournament opener against Serbia, scoring the only goal, he saved the summer with that extraordinary leveller against Slovakia and he assisted Cole Palmer’s equaliser in the final defeat by Spain.There is that supreme self-belief, which seems, rather wonderfully, un-EnglishDAVE KIDD ON BELLINGHAMThis despite being shunted out to the left wing for much of the campaign to accommodate Phil Foden, who has never seized the momentum and turned international matches in England’s favour as Bellingham has often done.There were mutterings about Bellingham’s character. Suggestions he didn’t fit into Gareth Southgate’s team ethos.And yet even in that tournament, with Bellingham physically and mentally drained after an all-conquering campaign in Spain, he was able to bend big occasions to his will.For Real last season, despite no previous experience in the role, he played much of the campaign as a ‘false nine’.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, he has reverted to his preferred midfield role and yet when Real needed an injury-time winner at the Etihad, who was in the right place at the right time?Bellingham, who else?SAVED BY THE BELLJUDE Bellingham’s injury-time winners for Real MadridGetafe (h) Sept 2 2023 – 2-1 winUnion Berlin (h) Sept 20 2023 – 1-0 winBarcelona (a) Oct 28 2023 – 2-1 winBarcelona (h) Apr 21 2024 – 3-2 winValencia (a) Jan 3 2025 – 2-1 winMan City (a) Feb 11 2025 – 3-2 win  More

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    World Cup winner’s Wag dubbed ‘hottest woman in the world’ and ‘from another planet’ after stunning in series of bikinis

    MATS HUMMELS’ girlfriend Nicola Cavanis took social media by storm with a series of bikini posts.Roma star Hummels, 36, and Nicola, 26, went public with their relationship in October when they appeared together at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.Nicola Cavanis took social media by storm with a series of bikini snapsCredit: Instagram / @nicolaNicola recently started dating Roma star Mats HummelsCredit: Instagram / @nicolaNicola’s snap on Instagram attracted thousands of likesCredit: Instagram / @nicolaThe model has amassed a staggering 2million followers on Instagram thanks to a series of glam pics.This time the German posted a compilation clip that showed her trying on a series of different bikinis.It appears like she was trying to send a message of freedom and self-determination citing a song by the German music duo Rosenstolz in the caption.Nicola posted on Instagram: “If I let myself be caught, then it’s only by life, as Rosenstolz would say.”Read More on FootballThe model’s snap attracted over 60,000 likes, one of which was from Hummels, and her fans stormed the comments’ section.One fan posted: “You are beyond perfect, the hottest woman in the world.”Another posted: “Incredible again, Nicola.”A third wrote: “You are from another planet.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “You look beautiful.”And that one gushed: “Wow!”Meet Germany star Mats Hummels’ new model wag Nicola Cavanis, 25, who loves Wimbledon and is banned from getting tattoosHummels enjoyed tremendous success across two stints with Borussia Dortmund where he won two Bundesliga titles and two German Cups.The centre-back also made it to the Champions League final twice with Dortmund.The defender also won three league titles with Bayern Munich and experienced tremendous success on the international stage as he conquered the 2014 World Cup with Germany.The German joined Roma in September and has since amassed a total of one goal in 14 appearances.Scroll down for more from Nicola CavanisNicola and Hummels went public with their relationship in OctoberCredit: GettyModel Nicola is the new girlfriend of HummelsCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAThe 26-year-old works for ‘Munich Models Germany’Credit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe is 10 years younger than ex-Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund man HummelsCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola has attended Wimbledon in the pastCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe has two million followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola often shares stunning photos on her social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe is a lover of tennis, ice cream and beerCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola is banned from getting tattoos by her modelling companyCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe also has a legion of followers on TikTokCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLA More

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    Newcastle reject measly late transfer offer for Kieran Trippier with Galatasaray willing to offer lucrative contract

    GALATASARAY had a late bid rejected by Newcastle for Kieran Trippier hours before the Turkish transfer window shut on Tuesday.The veteran full-back, 34, has been linked with an exit from St James’ for months and has endured a difficult campaign both on and off the pitch.Newcastle rejected a late for Kieran Trippier from NewcastleCredit: GettyA year ago it was Bayern Munich who wanted the star before several Saudi Arabian clubs wanted him.However, Galatasaray were the latest to try and test the waters but they could only conjure up a measly offer of £2.5m for the ex-England ace.Having sold Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly to Atlanta United and Juventus respectively last month, Toon chiefs know they will not face any PSR sanction come June.Despite the chance to make some extra cash to bolster the summer transfer kitty, boss Eddie Howe was determined to hang on to Trippier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSun Sport understands that the Turkish giants were willing to offer the player a lucrative three-year package to move abroad.However, Howe got his wish and the Magpies knocked back the late bid.Trippier has played second fiddle to Tino Livarmento for much of the season but he shone when brought back into the side for last week’s win over Arsenal.And that led to Howe declaring afterwards that he was determined to keep hold of the experienced ex-Tottenham and Atletico Madrid man.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “Yeah, no part of us wanted to lose Kieran. He’s had a difficult season and not so much on the pitch.“He’s had a couple of fitness issues that just halted his progress.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “He then came back into the team and had a really good couple of performances around Christmas time and showed his qualities again having not played a lot of football.”Trippier, who is believed to be out of contract this summer, will now be looking to play a key role in helping Newcastle secure Champions League as well as end their 70-year wait for major silverware when they face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final next month. More

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    Jude Bellingham joined by model girlfriend Ashlyn and mum as they fly home with Real Madrid team after win over Man City

    REAL MADRID hero Jude Bellingham flew home with his mother and girlfriend following his match-winning exploits against Manchester City.Despite twice going behind in Manchester, Madrid showed their nous in the Champions League by emerging victorious in the first leg of their play-off against City.Jude Bellingham was seen flying home from Manchester after his match-winning heroicsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe also wore a flat cap to go through the airportCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBellingham’s mum, Denise and his girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro were on the team flight homeCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBellingham’s parents met Ashlyn for the first time last monthCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe American model wore a colourful scarf with a cream coat and blue trousersCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBellingham was seen with a black shirt and trousers comboCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeErling Haaland struck twice for the home side, but the holders scored through Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz before Bellingham scored an injury time winner.The 21-year-old flew back home with the rest of the Los Blancos squad on Tuesday night.Bellingham was seen in a suave black shirt and trousers combo with a flat cap.He accessorised his look with a monogram signature Louis Vuitton bag, worth more than £2,000 on retail.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund star’s mum, Denise and model girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro accompanied him on the flight.Ashlyn, who was first pictured with Bellingham in January, was seen keeping the cold at bay with a colourful scarf from fashion brand Acne Studios.The 27-year-old American was also seen with a cream coloured jacket, light blue jeans and brown boots.Denise also donned a fashionable black leather coat and white jumper combo.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Sun exclusively revealed how Ashlyn met Denise, 56, and dad Mark, 48, in the Spanish capital at the end of January in the family box at a Real Madrid game.She hugged Denise as Jude’s team ran out 5-1 winners against Salzburg in the Champions League.Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirtEngland superstar Bellingham and Ashlyn then went for lunch together the next day.Pals say they have been on several dates after they began liking each other’s social media posts.Bellingham was said to have been particularly drawn to one in November featuring pictures of Ashlyn in a low-cut dress lying on a bed.She is from Los Angeles where Bellingham and Three Lions team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold went on holiday after the Euros in July.Ashlyn, who has 140,000 Instagram followers, was rumoured to have previously dated Creed actor Michael B Jordan and was linked with basketball player LaMelo Ball, 23.Last weekend The Sun also exclusively revealed how Bellingham still has a profile on celeb dating app Raya, a dating app for high-profile celebs.But the Daily Mail have reported Bellingham has now deleted his account.The 27-year-old model has more than 240,000 followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramMadrid team-mates like Kylian Mbappe were seen going through the airportCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBrahim Diaz was lowkey after scoring against his former clubCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeLuka Modric came off the bench during the 3-2 winCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeVinicius Junior took photos with fans after setting up Bellingham’s winnerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeManager Carlo Ancelotti had a smile on his face knowing his side have a second-leg advantageCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeFootball legend Roberto Carlos was also in attendanceCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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    Jude Bellingham copies Erling Haaland’s celebration following winner vs Man City… just days after Lewis-Skelly antics

    JUDE BELLINGHAM copied Erling Haaland’s celebration following his winner against Manchester City… just days after Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly also impersonated the striker.Former Borussia Dortmund teammates Bellingham and Haaland went up against each other in last night’s Champions League play-off.Jude Bellingham copied Erling Haaland’s celebration after netting Real Madrid’s winner against Man CityCredit: GettyHaaland strutted his stuff as he scored twice in City’s 3-2 defeatCredit: GettyMan City’s talisman struck twice to leave his side on the brink of victory.But after Real hit a late equaliser, Bellingham went one better by netting a 92nd minute winner to seal a 3-2 victory.The result leaves Los Blancos just 90 minutes away from booking their place in the next round of Europe.And Bellingham celebrated by walking in a bizarre manner down the touchline in front of fuming City fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was the exact same celebration Haaland performed when he netted City’s opener at the Etihad.But it isn’t the first time the Norwegian has been copied.Just 10 days ago, youngster Lewis-Skelly netted the third goal in Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition job of City at the Emirates.The defender had previously clashed with Haaland at the reverse fixture in September, which ended 2-2 after John Stones netted a 98th minute equaliser.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter telling Arsenal to “stay humble”, Haaland took aim at Lewis-Skelly as he asked the teen: “Who the f**k are you?”Lewis-Skelly got his revenge in the 5-1 win though and mocked Haaland by copying his meditation celebration after scoring.’Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on headMyles Lewis-Skelly mimicked Haaland after netting in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over CityCredit: ReutersHaaland often performs his meditation pose after nettingCredit: GettyHowever, Bellingham’s decision to do Haaland’s strut can only have come from a place of love.The pair struck up a long-lasting friendship during their time together at German club Borussia Dortmund.Last night saw Bellingham hail Haaland as the “best No9 in the world” after the game.And they have previously spoken highly of each other, with Haaland saying in 2021: “Bellingham is three years younger than me. That’s crazy, he is incredible.”The same year saw Bellingham say: “I stand here every week and tell you how great he is. The player you see isn’t a fluke.“He works his socks off every day and he’s an even better guy than he is a striker.”Despite their friendship, fans still found Bellingham’s decision to mimic Haaland’s celebration funny.One said: “I thought that was not allowed, possible fine?”Another declared: “Stay humble eh.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Beautiful scenes.”Another added: “He’s allowed to because he’s won stuff.” More

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    Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror show

    WAYNE ROONEY has questioned Manchester City’s “strange” decision to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan mid-season.The reigning Premier League champions suffered a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday, putting them on the verge of a Champions League exit.Wayne Rooney has claimed that Man City’s decision to let Kyle Walker leave on loan was ‘strange’Credit: ReutersWalker joined AC Milan on loan last monthCredit: GettyErling Haaland fired his team into the lead before Kylian Mbappe equalised after half-time.Haaland then thought he’d won the match from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, but two late goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham sealed the win for Los Blancos.Man City experienced some defensive weaknesses during the second half, prompting Rooney to question why Pep Guardiola let Walker leave mid-season.Walker joined AC Milan on loan until the end of the season last month.Read More on RooneyThe full-back had previously informed Guardiola that he wanted to leave Manchester – despite being City’s captain.But Rooney believes the club made the wrong decision by allowing him to move on when he did.Speaking on his Amazon Prime debut, Rooney said: “I think you see the importance of Kyle Walker over the last seven or eight years for Manchester City.”It’s so strange to see Kyle Walker go out on loan to AC Milan.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Akanji’s obviously not a right-back, Rico Lewis is a young player playing in different positions, at this point in the season where Manchester City are struggling, Kyle Walker is the captain of the football club, to allow him to go on loan, for me, is really odd.”Walker will have one year remaining on his Man City contract when he returns to the Etihad.Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobHowever, he will likely seek a permanent move away in the summer.Reflecting on the defeat to Real Madrid, City boss Guardiola said: “It’s the fourth time we played in a row against Madrid here and in the three previous we were much, much better than them but today was tight and in certain times they had chances and Ederson was our best player.”Sometimes it happens that a team is better and the result doesn’t work.” More

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    ‘Sky got no ideas of their own?’ asks Kate Abdo as she calls out Henry, Carragher and Richards live on CBS Sports

    KATE ABDO called out her CBS Sports “family” members Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards after they “left her out” earlier this month.The presenter is usually given the job of keeping the boisterous trio on track, not that she is above partaking in the banter.Kate Abdo called out her CBS colleagues after they appeared on Sky SportsCredit: CBSThierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards wore sheepish looksCredit: CBSHowever, for the North London derby earlier this month, Sky Sports took inspiration from their US rival by bringing the trio together.Sky presenter David Jones even took inspiration from Abdo—now Scott after marrying boxer Malik Scott last year—by using the same style of introduction for the show.But with the return of the Champions League, Abdo has now called out her colleagues and Sky.Introducing the show, Abdo said: “Welcome to our London studios, I’m Kate Scott, joined by my three trusted team-mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”If you’ve been watching on CBS and Paramount+ in the US over the last couple seasons I’m sure you would have seen that us four are like family.”And I’m sure you know how close our bond is and how it would feel to see one of us left out of the group.”Henry, Carragher and Richards all wore sheepish smiles knowing what was to come next.Abdo continued: “But, that didn’t stop these three. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”No, if you were in the UK and watching football on Sky then you would have seen our show, but without me.”A clip from Sky was then played out, with Abdo describing the trio as going “rogue”.’Bro thinks he’s Kate Abdo’ say fans as David Jones introduces very familiar panel for Sky’s coverage of Arsenal vs CityShe then joked: “Have Sky got no ideas of their own? What’s going on?”In response, Richards said: “Dave did it nice Kate, he did it nice.”Carragher cheekily joked: “I thought he added a bit of professionalism.”Abdo replied: “Bit of a knockoff some people might say. Should we compare notes because it’s not just me that you’ve slighted; it’s production, it’s the director, it’s everybody.”Carragher hit back: “Where did they get us all from originally? You were with Sky before wasn’t you?”The presenter replied: “Yes I was.”Henry then finally got involved, asking his colleagues: “Are you exclusive?”The pair replied: “No,” before Henry added: “And no I’m not.”He then asked Abdo: “Are you exclusive?” She then said: “Yes sir I am.”The trio then burst out into cheers.Reacting to the exchange, one fan said: “This crew is awesome. They come to work every week and knock it out of the park.”A second said: “I like how Henry explained why she was left out. But they are a fun dynamic.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third added: “Honestly that my first thought when I saw them together on Sky.”Another said: “Kate needs to speak to her agent! [Laughing emoji]” More