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      Major broadcasting change for Champions League final as new channel steps in at the last minute

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      FOOTBALL fans will be able to watch next month’s Champions League final in a brand new way.A major broadcasting change has been announced ahead of the clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.The Champions League final will be broadcast in a brand new way this seasonCredit: GettyThe UK’s European football broadcaster TNT Sports will continue to show the match on June 1.But they have today announced that non-subscribers will also be able to stream the Champions League action live on Discovery+.The option will also be available for the Europa League final between Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta on May 22.And the Europa Conference League final on May 29 between Olympiakos and Fiorentina will be shown on Discovery+ too.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt means fans will have several ways to watch the action for all three showpiece events.The Conference final sees Fiorentina attempt to win a second continental trophy after losing last year’s game to West Ham, with Joe Cole and Don Hutchison in the TNT Sports studio.But the Italians face a tough challenge in Greek gods Olympiakos, who demolished Aston Villa in the semis and will fancy their chances at the home of rivals AEK Athens.A week earlier, the Europa final between Leverkusen and Atalanta takes place and will be monitored by Cole, Peter Crouch and Owen Hargreaves.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAll eyes will be on new German champs Bayer, who remain unbeaten in all competitions this season.But their Italian opponents will be a tough nut to crack, with Atalanta on a four-game winning run and hopeful of a Champions League finish in Serie A.Aston Villa stars and wags go wild as Emi Martinez soaks team in champagne after Haaland goal secures Champions LeagueChampions League winners this centuryThere have been 10 different winners since 2000:

      2023 – Man City

      2022 – Real Madrid

      2021 – Chelsea

      2020 – Bayern Munich

      2019 – Liverpool

      2018 – Real Madrid

      2017 – Real Madrid

      2016 – Real Madrid

      2015 – Barcelona

      2014 – Real Madrid

      2013 – Bayern Munich

      2012 – Chelsea

      2011 – Barcelona

      2010 – Inter Milan

      2009 – Barcelona

      2008 – Man Utd

      2007 – AC Milan

      2006 – Barcelona

      2005 – Barcelona

      2004 – Liverpool

      2003 – Porto

      2002 – AC Milan

      2001 – Real Madrid

      2000 – Bayern Munich

      The last game will be the Champions League final, and has Hargreaves, Steve McManaman and Rio Ferdinand in tow.Borussia Dortmund reached the Wembley final 11 years ago before losing to Bayern Munich.They KO’d giants like Atletico Madrid and PSG on the way too, with stars including Man Utd loanee Jadon Sancho in top form.But perennial Champions League giants Real Madrid are favourites after defeating Man City and Bayern.The Spaniards have already won the competition a record 14 times, and Jude Bellingham will be hoping to make a huge impact ahead of England’s Euros challenge.Ultimate sports presenters rich list
      TV sports presenters make a mint.
      The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.
      Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.
      Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.
      Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.
      SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.
      With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!
      Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      Prince William sends jubilant message to Aston Villa as club seal Champions League spot and ‘can’t wait for next season’

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      PRINCE WILLIAM hailed Aston Villa’s new highness – as his message hailing his heroes’ historic Champions League qualification went viral.The first in line to the throne “can’t wait for next season” after Villa were ensured the Premier League’s fourth and final spot at Europe’s top table.Big fan Prince William will see Villa in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersWe are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at @AVFCOfficial. Can’t wait for next season. #UTV! W https://t.co/u2px5yLqkR— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 14, 2024

      The Prince must be looking forward to big European nightsCredit: RexHis favourite club will be in the continent’s top cup competition for the first time since 1982-83 – when they entered what was then called the European Cup as defending champions.The Prince went straight on social media to share his joy at Villa’s royal ascent – after Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat of Tottenham meant fifth-place Spurs can’t catch his team.Via his official account with the Princess of Wales, he posted: “We are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at @AVFCOfficial. Can’t wait for next season. #UTV! W”Villa players leapt and danced with joy in a video of Unai Emery’s men watching on a large screen at their end-of-season awards-do as City won.READ MORE TOP STORIESDefender Lucas Digne’s crazy revelling impressed viewers, while keeper Emi Martinez was on hand to shower his team-mates with champagne.However, Ollie Watkins looked less happy – with some observers mischievously speculating that was because he’s an Arsenal fan who had just seen City virtually seal a fourth successive title.Nonetheless, individual plaudits at Villa this season have focused on that same striker – as well as boss Emery’s awesome 19-month reign.Watkins’ red-hot form means the Englishman could even have hopes of a Euro 2024 starting place, let alone just a squad spot.Most read in Champions LeagueMan City’s Erling Haaland tucked home a penalty to finish off Spurs and ensure Villa earned a Champions League spot via fourth place in the PremCredit: ReutersBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, there have been widespread calls for ex-Arsenal chief Emery to be named manager of the year.Soon after completing the double over the Gunners, Villa roared back for a 3-3 home draw with Liverpool on Monday, thanks to sub Jhon Duran striking twice in the closing minutes.Forgotten five-time Champions League winner, 32, wins 19th MOTM award in just 28 games after stunning career revival And after Erling Haaland’s two goals downed Spurs 24 hours later, Prince William’s regal rejoicing spread the joy.But despite his jubilant post on X, he was quickly corrected on his language by one royal jester.That fan suggested the Prince should be chanting: “One is Champions League! I say one is Champions League!”But as Pep Guardiola’s men look certain to clinch yet another crown ahead of Arsenal on Sunday’s final day, one fed-up supporter asked William to have a word in the right ear.He wrote: “Can you tell your Dad to relegate City? Please and thank you.”King Charles might be too diplomatic for that – but on the other hand he no longer has much skin in the game now that his favourite team, Burnley, have been relegated.Supporters on social media were thrilled to see Prince William’s contribution to Villa’s joy.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne said: “Imagine having the future King of England as one of your fans. You can’t beat that.”Another asked: “Any room for me and my lad in your royal box next season, couldn’t get him a ticket all season.”Lucas Digne revelled at Villa’s end- of-season awardsCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial More

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      Liverpool No2 Pep Lijnders lands management job with club set to play in major tournament Klopp couldn’t qualify for

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      LIVERPOOL’S assistant manager has landed a new job as boss of a club set to compete in a competition Jurgen Klopp couldn’t qualify for.The Reds were rocked in January when their German manager announced that he would be leaving Anfield this summer.Jurgen Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders (left) has landed a new job in AustriaCredit: PAThe two men will both bid farewell to Anfield on SundayCredit: GettyThe 56-year-old ensured that he will depart with some silverware when guiding the Reds to Carabao Cup success in February.However, his hopes of leading them to the title are as well as their FA Cup and Europa League aspirations also being ended.Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, 45, is widely-believed to have already agreed to become Liverpool’s new boss for next season.And fans are just waiting for the formalities to be completed and an official announcement to be made with the Dutchman set to move into Klopp’s house on Merseyside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut, while Klopp is set to make an emotional farewell to the Kop against Wolves in his final game on Sunday, two of his staff members are looking forward to an exciting new challenge.Pepijn Lijnders, will take over as Red Bull Salzburg manager after he departs Liverpool this weekend.And he will be joined at the Austrian Bundesliga giants by fellow Anfield coach Vitor Matos, who will go as his No.2.Lijnders said: “I am very proud to become the new head coach of FC Red Bull Salzburg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“This is a real privilege for me. After PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto and Liverpool FC, I am now moving to another exceptional club with a really good structure and a particular focus on youth development.“I want to develop a mentality with the team that places a lot of emphasis on attacking style of play and where passion and hunger for success are the basis of everything.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days“Together with my assistant coach Vitor Matos and the entire support team, we will do our best to help the club continue to grow in an ever-changing football world.“My family has visited the city before and was overwhelmed by its beauty and the friendliness of the people. That was the last and important step for me in choosing FC Red Bull Salzburg.”Lijnders initially worked at Liverpool from 2014 as U16s coach but then stepped up to be first-team development coach in 2015.Working initially under Brendan Rodgers, he remained in his role under Klopp before the Dutchman headed for a one-year spell as boss at NEC Nijmegen in his homeland.What they have said about Arne SlotHere’s what the experts think about Klopp’s replacement:
      MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
      “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
      “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
      “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
      SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
      “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
      “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
      “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
      Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
      “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
      “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
      Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
      “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
      “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.”

      But Lijnders returned to Liverpool as assistant manager ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and played a key role in Klopp’s success.Liverpool were denied a place at the expanded 2025 Club World Cup while Arsenal also missed out after they were eliminated from the Champions League.Fifa decided that no more than two teams per country would be guaranteed participation in the controversial 32-team event with Man City and Chelsea representing the Premier League.Each Champions League winner from the period between 2021 and 2024 qualifies, meaning the 2023 and 2021 winners both make the cut.That ruled out the Kopites, while Arsenal needed to go all the way by winning this season’s Champions League to take part in it.However, they have now been knocked out of both events as a result of their defeat by Bayern Munich in the quarters.Instead, their spot will go to RB Salzburg – who will have their new man at the helm.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey’ve never won a European trophy and have only ever made it out of the Champions League group stage once.The second criteria is based on a club’s place in the Uefa Champions League coefficient over the same period, which is how Salzburg got in.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Chelsea land £5MILLION bonus from Real Madrid due to little-known Hazard transfer clause – despite him RETIRING

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      CHELSEA will pocket £5million from Real Madrid due to a little-known clause in the deal to sign Eden Hazard despite the star RETIRING, according to reports. Hazard, 33, signed for the Spanish giants from the Blues in 2019 in a deal worth £130m.Chelsea will receive £5million after Real Madrid made the Champions League finalCredit: ReutersIt comes as part of the deal Madrid made to sign Eden Hazard in 2019Credit: GettyThe terms in the deal remain valid despite Hazard retiring in OctoberCredit: GettyThe deal saw Chelsea receive £88m up front, with various performance related clauses and add-ons included.The Belgian signed a five-year deal worth £20m a season with Los Blancos but struggled with injury throughout his time at the club.After playing just 54 LaLiga games for Madrid, Hazard saw his contract with the club terminated last summer.He then announced his retirement from football in October. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the terms of the deal between Chelsea and Madrid have remained valid, according to The Telegraph.And Carlo Ancelotti guiding Madrid to the Champions League final this season has seen another of these bonuses triggered. It means Chelsea, who recently sold their training ground and a hotel in intra-group deals to help them with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, will gain a bonus £5m.Despite hanging up his pro boots, Hazard has shown he still has his incredible football ability.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFootage showed him skinning four players in training before impressing in a charity football match in Qatar.Hazard initially came through the ranks with Lille before joining Chelsea. Watch Eden Hazard ‘leave influencer for dead’ as ex-Chelsea star skins four players before scoring in charity matchAt Stamford Bridge he won two Premier League titles, two Europa League’s, the FA Cup and the League Cup while scoring 110 goals and adding 85 assists in 352 appearances. More

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      Douglas Luiz brutally trolls Rio Ferdinand as Aston Villa reach Champions League… after biting tongue for three months

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      DOUGLAS LUIZ bided his time… but found the perfect moment to strike a blow in his row with Rio Ferdinand.The Aston Villa star and Manchester United legend first clashed earlier this season after Luiz scored against the Red Devils.Douglas Luiz has trolled Rio Ferdinand after calling him out after Aston Villa qualified for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersLuiz previously clashed with Ferdinand after Man Utd’s away win at Villa Park this seasonCredit: AlamyFerdinand hit out at Luiz over his celebration back in FebruaryLuiz, 26, baffled fans with his “belly-dancing shimmy” after equalising, before United went on to win the match.Ferdinand took the opportunity to troll the Brazil international on social media afterwards, sharing a picture of the celebration and writing “U ok @dgoficial?” with a bunch of laughing emojis.Luiz went quiet after that – before spotting the ultimate chance to hit back on Tuesday night.Villa had cause to celebrate this time after Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City secured them fourth place in the Premier League., and Champions League football next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Erik ten Hag’s United way off the pace in eighth, Luiz tweeted: “I just came here to find out if @rioferdy5 is okay?”.Villa fans, unsurprisingly, loved it.One wrote: “Hasn’t tweeted since that game and comes back just for this. my number 6.”While another said: “Yes Dougie!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut one United supporter was quick to add: “He’s okay with all his trophies, thank you.”And Ferdinand himself couldn’t help biting back.Douglas Luiz gets over Arsenal celebration embarrassment after loved-up Valentine’s Day with Alisha LehmannThe former England captain, who won six Prem titles and a European Cup with United, simply replied with a picture of himself lifting the Champions League trophy.Ferdinand, 46, added: “Congrats @dgoficial… Champions League football thoroughly deserved next season.” More

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      Aston Villa stars and Wags go wild as Emi Martinez soaks team in champagne after Haaland goal secures Champions League

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      ERLING HAALAND sparked raucous joy amongst Aston Villa players and Wags as he booked them an historic Champions League spot.The striker’s double sunk Tottenham to put Manchester City on the brink of a fourth straight Prem title and ensure fourth place for the Villans.Lucas Digne was particularly ecstatic amid Villa’s joyCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficialKeeper Emi Martinez got the champagne outCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficialBoss Unai Emery shared the joy at the awards nightCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficialVilla players like Pau Torres went crazyCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficialHere’s the moment that left Villa stars roaring as Man City forward Erling Haaland finishes off Spurs from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersVilla keeper Emi Martinez led the wild scenes at the club’s end of season awards, soaking his fellow stars in champagne after they leapt from their seats to scream in celebration.But it was defender Lucas Digne who appeared the most ecstatic – dancing and yelling in font of the camera.Boss Unai Emery raised his arms in delight – knowing for sure now his squad will finish below only City, Arsenal and Liverpool.There was even royal rejoicing – via an official message from the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media account.READ MORE TOP STORIESVilla-mad Prince William was behind it as the club’s post confirming qualification for the Champions League earned a regal re-tweeting.William and wife Kate wrote: “We are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at @AVFCOfficial. Can’t wait for next season. #UTV! W”The players were watching City’s clash at Spurs on a large screen – in electric scenes shared by Villa on social media.The room hushed as Haaland lined up a stoppage-time penalty at 1-0 up.Most read in Champions LeagueWe are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at @AVFCOfficial. Can’t wait for next season. #UTV! W https://t.co/u2px5yLqkR— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 14, 2024

      Haaland was the big-screen hero for VillaHaaland’s match-winning double at Spurs delighted Villa playersCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd when the Norwegian thumped his spot-kick into the top corner to guarantee’s City’s victory, he became a Villa thriller – as the large indoor gathering 100 miles away exploded into ecstasy.Amid the back-slapping and whoops of excitement, fans noted the first reaction of many guests was to take pictures of others celebrating!Watch Gary Neville’s brilliant reaction to Aston Villa equaliser against Liverpool on live TV as fans beg ‘meme that'”Some party in here tonight!” posted one viewer.”Wild celebrations of people filming each other,” wrote another.A third observed: “Absolute scenes as everyone films everyone else. “Others put the achievement of reaching Europe’s top club tournament into spectacular context.Villa have never before qualified for the Champions League – and were last in its predecessor, the European Cup, as long ago as 1982-83, the season after they won that competition.The club only returned to the Premier League in 2018, via the play-offs, following two terms out.One fan said: “From Championship to Europe’s elite within 5 years. It’s been quite a journey.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was also not lost on many fans that Emery and Martinez are ex-Gunners.So this message in particular might be painful to Arsenal fans: “Unai Emery and Emi Martinez stopped Arsenal winning a title by taking 6 points off them? Sounds like karma to me.”Emery was at the centre of emotional scenesCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficialMartinez found it tough to take inCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial”They were playing for the consequences of the result” 🗣Pep Guardiola on Ortega and his side’s response in the second-half 🙌 pic.twitter.com/hlSsJfgKUx— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 14, 2024 More

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      Champions League winner ‘could be awarded Ballon d’Or FOUR YEARS late’ in never-before-seen move

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI could win the Ballon d’Or FOUR YEARS late – in a move almost as remarkable as his 2019-20 season.Covid restrictions robbed the striker of football’s top individual gong – despite his 55-goal campaign helping Bayern Munich win the Treble.Robert Lewandowski might get an extra gong after helping Bayern win the Treble in 2019-20, including beating PSG in the Champions League finalCredit: GettyInter Miami’s Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for an eighth time last yearCredit: AFPBayern icon Lewandowski, 35, is still going strong, albeit for BarcelonaCredit: GettyLewandowski, now with Barcelona, is arguably the greatest modern-day men’s star never to have picked up the award.And in 2021, when Lionel Messi picked up the seventh of his record eight Ballons d’Or, the Argentine revealed everyone believed the Polish goal machine had been cruelly denied 12 months earlier.Messi told the ceremony: “Robert, you deserve your Ballon d’Or. Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner of this award.”Now Diario Sport journalist Ivan San Antonio claims France Football are considering handing Lewandowski the gong retrospectively. READ MORE TOP STORIESIt’s understood no final decision has been made over such an unprecedented step.But Lewandowski would reportedly be delighted to get the award – rather than frustrated at missing out when the prestigious occasion was ditched for the first time in 64 years.OneFootball quote the 35-year-old as saying: “If I won the Ballon d’Or four years later, I wouldn’t feel offended. “It would be a great honour and I would accept the award.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBALLON D’OR WINNERS THIS CENTURYLIONEL MESSI and Cristiano Ronaldo of course have dominated the men’s award this century – but the last British winner also sneaks into the list.

      2000: Luis Figo (Real Madrid)
      2001: Michael Owen (Liverpool)
      2002: Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2003: Pavel Nedved (Juventus)
      2004: Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan)
      2005: Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
      2006: Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
      2007: Kaka (Milan)
      2008: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
      2009: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2010: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2011: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2012: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2013: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2014: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2015: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2016: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2017: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2018: Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
      2019: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2020: Cancelled because of Covid-19
      2021: Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
      2022: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
      2023: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

      Lewandowski’s 2019-20 term has few equals for goalscoring.He failed to net when Bayern completed the Treble with a 1-0 victory over PSG in the Champions League final – the only time he has won that tournament.Ex-Man Utd star HEADBUTTS Robert Lewandowski and then scores own goal as Barcelona suffer epic collapseBut Lewandowski’s 55 goals in all domestic football was 16 more than his nearest rival in Europe’s big five leagues – with 34 strikes coming in his 31 Bundesliga matches.Apart from winning the European Golden Shoe, he was also named Fifa’s Men’s Player of the Year – which only added to the anger from many fans and pundits when the Ballon d’Or awards were cancelled.The 148-cap hero won the German crown eight times in a row and, since joining Barca in 2022, has added one LaLiga title.And apart from his own record-breaking, he stands to become his country’s first ever Ballon d’Or winner – if France Football does opt to roll back the years.ALL-TIME TOP 10 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SCORERSROBERT LEWANDOWSKI is third on the all-time list – behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      But Lewandowski, former Bayern team-mate Thomas Muller and Kylian Mbappe are the only top-tenners still with clubs playing Champions League football.
      140: Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd, Real Madrid, Juventus)129: Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain)94: Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Barcelona)*90: Karim Benzema (FRA, Lyon, Real Madrid)71: Raul González (ESP, Real Madrid, Schalke)56: Ruud van Nistelrooy (PSV Eindhoven, Man Utd, Real Madrid)54: Thomas Muller (GER, Bayern)*50: Thierry Henry (FRA, Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona)48: Zlatan Ibrahimović (SWE, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United)48: Kylian Mbappé (FRA, Monaco, Paris)*
      * Includes 2023/24 More

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      Huge boost for footie fans as UK to host FOUR-DAY Champions League festival ahead of Wembley final

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      LONDON will host a four-day festival at five locations across the city ahead of the Champions League final in Wembley.The grand finale of the prestigious European club competition is returning to the capital for the first time since 2013.A four-day festival will be held before the Wembley showdownCredit: GettyLondon Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed the details todayCredit: GettyBorussia Dortmund beat the odds to reach the Champions League final this yearCredit: AFPToday, Sadiq Khan unveiled plans for the “family-friendly” celebration in the run-up to Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid’s clash on Saturday, June 1.The festival will include concerts, community events, and, of course, a lot of football.Events will be planned across five central London locations.It will take place at Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Somerset House, Potters Fields Park and South Bank.Read More in FootballFestivities will kick off on Thursday, May 30, in Trafalgar Square as the Champions League trophy is welcomed to London.The square will then be filled with inflatable football activities, a five-aside mini pitch and food stalls.This will be followed by a headline performance from Hackney’s Rudimental on Friday May 31.The show will be powered by the movement of dancing fans through a “kinetic dancefloor” before the night culminates with a DJ set by Faithless.Most read in FootballRegent Street will be pedestrianised between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus for the last two days of May to enable penalty shootout challenges and other activities.Meanwhile, Champions League legends from around the globe will be at Somerset House showcasing their skills in a five-a-side tournament.At Potters Fields Park, by Tower Bridge, a giant inflatable UEFA Champions League trophy will greet visitors, with interactive installations and activities continuing along the South Bank.It is hoped the festival, which ends on June 2, will attract many Londoners as well as the tens of thousands of travelling fans for the two teams.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichUefa’s general secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, said: “Festival-goers will enjoy a wide array of family-friendly entertainment, creating memories that will last a lifetime ahead of what is sure to be another epic encounter at the iconic Wembley Stadium.”Mr Khan said: “London is the sporting capital of the world and so it’s fitting that we are hosting the Uefa Champions League final. “I am proud that Europe’s biggest match will take place in London and delighted that thousands of Londoners and visitors will be able to experience the thrill of this special competition through the Uefa Champions Festival. “This is the start of an incredible sporting summer for London and a key part of our work to build a better London for everyone.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTransport for London has advised travellers that public transport is likely to be very busy on Saturday, June 1, particularly the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. The Metropolitan Police have meanwhile said they will be working closely with UEFA, the FA, Wembley Stadium, local authorities and other emergency services, to ensure the safety of fans and festival-goers.Jude Bellingham will represent Real Madrid and face his former side in the finalCredit: GettyTrafalgar Square will be one event location for footy fansCredit: PAWembley will once again host the Champions League final this yearCredit: Getty More