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      in Soccer

      Incredible rise of new England football star Kobbie Mainoo who earns £20k a week aged just 18 – and still lives with dad

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      HE made his full England debut against Belgium at Wembley tonight and looked right at home – paving the way for selection at this summer’s Euros.But The Sun can reveal that away from the floodlights of the national stadium, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo leads a humble, quiet life, just like any average teenager.Kobbie Mainoo made his full debut tonight in England’s game against BelgiumCredit: GettyKobbie grins after winning the FA Youth Cup in 2022Credit: GettyThe Sun speaks to Kobbie’s first ever coach, Steve Vare, who mentored him when the star was just four years oldLocals told how the Manchester United midfielder loves eating out at Nando’s and still lives with his dad Felix in a modest £370,000 semi — in a street where some neighbours have no idea who he is.In fact, the only sign of any of the perks of Kobbie’s £20,000-a-week job is an £80,000 BMW X4 — given to him by United – along with a Mercedes A-Class which takes pride of place on the drive.Kobbie is the most talked-about young player in English football right now, with accomplished performances beyond his years culminating in a late call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad last week.Those who know Kobbie say he is a down-to-earth lad who “takes everything in his stride”.READ MORE KOBBIE MAINOOHis first coach, Steve Vare, who mentored him as a four-year-old at Cheadle And Gatley FC, told us: “He came from a lovely family — I used to have regular chats with his dad.“I do know Kobbie is still in ­contact with his old school friends — he hasn’t lost sight of the fact he is very grounded. “That is probably down to him coming from a loving, very stable family.”Kobbie’s parents Felix and Abena Herold — who are Ghanaian immigrants — are separated but he splits his time between their homes, which are within 30 minutes of each other.Most read in FootballAt Felix’s house in Sale, some locals do not even know who Kobbie is.Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilThe family moved into the rented three-bedroom home around four or five years ago and Kobbie keeps himself to himself, with one neighbour saying: “I’ve got no idea who he is.”Others talk proudly about having an England star in their midst, with another saying of the young star: “I remember him going to and coming home from school in his uniform.“He was always a very smiley young boy. “I say hello to Felix when I see him. “They’re a nice family.”A third neighbour, who is a friend of the family, added: “I’ve known Kobbie and his dad for years. “Kobbie is a really nice boy from a really nice family – and he’s a really good ­footballer. “He’s going to be a star.”Kobbie is powered by grub from Nando’s — one of his favourite treats.He was recently spotted collecting a bag of food from his local branch in Altrincham, where he fist-bumped a member of staff who is a huge ­Manchester United fan.One onlooker said: “Kobbie came in on his own with his hood up, but he got recognised straight away. “He was a lovely lad and fist-bumped a ­member of staff. “He seemed really nice and down to earth.”Kobbie receives his England cap from Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyThe star signing for Man Utd, pictured with the rest of his familyCredit: Instagram / Kobbie MainooThere was a time, before he became a United first team regular, that Kobbie was not even the most famous person in his own family.His older half-brother Jordan ­Mainoo-Hames, 29 — Felix’s son from another relationship — appeared on season five of ITV2 dating show Love Island, spending 38 days in the villa.Jordan, who has since embarked on a successful modelling career, is one of Kobbie’s biggest fans — frequently shouting about him to his 711,000 Instagram followers.When Kobbie got the England call-up, Jordan shared a snap of him and wrote: “Movin’ on up.”Kobbie, whose close family circle includes his sisters Ama and Efia, also spends time at mum Abena’s £500,000 detached three-bed home in Cheadle Hulme.Abena is a secretary of her new husband Robin’s construction firm.Kobbie is said to still regularly visit his parents’ home country of Ghana.He was quick and had a really powerful shot for a kid that ageSteve VareThe ace — full name Kobbie ­Boateng Mainoo — was born on April 19, 2005 in Stockport, Gtr Manchester, and raised in the sleepy suburb of Cheadle Hulme.Aged four, he began playing for local side Cheadle And Gatley under Steve — who quickly spotted his incredible talent.Steve said: “He was only here for about a year and he was very good for his age. “He found some things too easy. “It was obvious we needed to test and challenge him more.“In game situations, he would just run from one end to another and score, so we put in challenges — like he could only score with his weaker foot. “He was quick and had a really powerful shot for a kid that age.“He could have won a trophy for best player every week, to be honest, but I would tell him, ‘I am going to give it to someone else this week’ – and he never got upset.”Kobbie in the sun during a trip to LACredit: InstagramKobbie seated next to Daniel Gore as they headed to the US last JulyCredit: GettyKobbie playing for his school in Year 6Credit: Facebook / Cheadle And Gatley FCOver the past few weeks, Steve has been inundated with interview requests to talk about Kobbie — from media across the globe including America and Denmark.He added: “We are immensely proud of Kobbie. “He does come across as a really grounded person who just takes it all in his stride.“I am sure that he will still be the same Kobbie.”Kobbie left Cheadle And Gatley for Failsworth Dynamos before being asked to train with United and local rivals Man City.He later opted for his beloved boyhood side United, joining the club aged seven — and was regarded as one of their best talents throughout his time in the academy.Kobbie studied at Cheadle Catholic Infant School and St James’ Catholic High before moving on to Ashton-on-Mersey School under United’s scholarship programme.One source said: “Kobbie was a very bright, very well-rounded young man and he finished with good grades.”During his time playing for the Red Devils, Kobbie has won the FA Youth Cup and the club’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player Of The Year award for the 2022/23 season.He signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday – the earliest date a player can do so — and made his first team debut in the League Cup against Charlton Athletic last January.I think he’s incredible for such a young age, with the maturity he’s shownWayne RooneyAnd he has started gaining the plaudits he deserves over the past few months from the great and good of the game thanks to some stellar performances – after his season was delayed by an injury suffered in pre-season.Kobbie has shown calmness, composure and class on the ball in some tough matches — including arguably his best game so far in the 4-3 FA Cup thriller against fierce rivals Liverpool, in front of 72,291 fans at Old Trafford.He won the Premier League’s Goal Of The Month competition in February for a sensational individual goal away at Wolves – dribbling past players with ease before bending the ball into the corner in the 97th minute of a frantic 4-3 victory.United legend Rio Ferdinand compared him to AC Milan’s great Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf, while Wayne Rooney has also heaped praise on him.Wayne said: “I think he’s incredible for such a young age, with the maturity he’s shown. “He always seems to make the right decisions. “He has a very bright future.”No challenge seems to faze ­Kobbie — including his 15-minute cameo for England against Brazil on Saturday, which they lost 1-0.He has settled into our group with no problems at all and he looks completely at homeGareth SouthgateIt was fitting that his debut was against Brazil, as he grew up idolising silky Samba Boy Ronaldinho.At one point during the game, Kobbie showed nimble footwork the ex-Barcelona forward would have been proud of.Ahead of tonight’s match, ­manager Gareth Southgate said of Kobbie: “We put him in the team as the game went on the other day — when it was 0-0 against Brazil.“That would suggest we would be happy to put him on the pitch at any moment.“We will be mindful of how quickly we go with a young player.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He has settled into our group with no problems at all and he looks completely at home.”Some of Kobbie’s neighbours may not know him yet — but he could well be among the names this country never forgets if Southgate’s men finally win a major tournament this summer. More

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      in Soccer

      Lauryn Goodman blasts Kyle Walker for ‘wheeling out kids’ at Wembley & says star ‘will be overweight bald nobody soon’

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      ENGLAND captain Kyle Walker’s former mistress blasted him after the three sons he has with his wife appeared at the Brazil match as mascots.Reality TV star Lauryn Goodman – who has a son and daughter with him – claimed he was using the children as ammunition in the bitter fall-out between them.Reality TV star Lauryn Goodman has claimed Kyle Walker was using children at Wembley as ammunition in the bitter feud between themCredit: PAKyle posed with mascots ahead of a friendly clash between England and Brazil this weekendCredit: Mike Egerton/PA WireA source close to Lauryn, 32, said: “It’s a shame to see children wheeled out as part of a row between adults and his many infidelities.“Lauryn couldn’t be less bothered and says he will be an overweight bald nobody soon.”Proud Kyle, 33, walked out at Wembley with Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, and Reign, five.But he later limped off with a suspected hamstring injury.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERThe Man City defender is expecting a fourth child with wife Annie, who was also there on Saturday night.Annie was also at Wembley to support her kids and Kyle. A source said: “She remains dignified throughout the dramas, united for the sake of her three children and upcoming new born whom they are all looking forward to welcoming into the world.“Kyle is focusing on his family, Manchester City and England – and is determined to do whatever he can to contribute to their success.”Most read in FootballA spokeswoman for Kyle Walker said: “Kyle’s sons were on the pitch to share the honour of their Dad leading out England ahead of the Euros. “Previous England captains have celebrated in the same way with their families. Prem stars won’t know what’s hit them’, as wronged pair Lauryn Goodman & Rita Johal set for TV show about life of WAGS“It was a special occasion for Kyle and a proud moment for the boys which was appreciated by England fans at Wembley.”In a bombshell interview with The Sun, Kyle, 33, said he bitterly regretted betraying his “soulmate”.And he admitted making “idiot choices and idiot decisions” after sleeping with Lauryn.He added: “The man that’s meant to love, care and be there for her, did this.“There have been days in this ordeal where I’ve just wanted to curl up in a ball and go to sleep.“The only person to blame is me. I have roles and responsibilities that I’m aware of and I’ve made stupid choices. But I need to own up to my mistakes — I owe it to everyone.“My actions have caused a lot of pain to a lot of people. I’m sorry because, as a family, this isn’t meant to happen.”The Man City defender is expecting a fourth child with wife Annie Kilner, who he says he regrets betrayingCredit: GettyWalker limped off the pitch with a suspected hamstring injuryCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      England fans rage over ‘woke’ kit as Three Lions wear woke design for the first time

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      ENGLAND wore their controversial kit for the first time last night against Brazil — as fans raged over its woke design.Nike’s addition of purple and blue horizontal stripes to the St George’s cross angered many in the official England kit store at Wembley Stadium.England fans are furious following Nike’s offensive adaptation of the St George’s Cross on the new England ShirtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/officialfootballfashion/p/C4s5FMHsU1J/?img_index=10The emblem is on the back of the shirt’s neckCredit: RexMichelle Betterton, 43, with her twins, ten, said: “I support inclusivity and diversity, I’m just not sure they should have done it on the cross. Can you imagine if they coloured the Welsh Dragon black?”Dean Ward, 54, who travelled from Stamford, Lincs, with wife Leanne, 52, and son Jack, 12, said: “It’s all woke marketing. I’m not a fan of them messing about.“They wouldn’t get away with messing about with any other flag.”Lee Farrell, 43, who was at the game with wife Helen, 44, son Jude ten, and daughter Aoife, 12, all from Leicester, said: “They should have left the shirt alone. But it’s the world we live in now.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLiam, a dad from Wigan, told us: “I’m showing the shirt the red card.”Fans also hit out at the cost.A match day version costs £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for kids, while replicas are £84.99 for adults and £64.99 for children.Michelle added: “It’s disgusting. £65 for a child’s? Absolutely not!” The redesign is widely believed to have been brought about because of concerns over the flag’s history and its link to far-right groups.Most read in FootballCoach Gareth Southgate has said: “If it is not white with a red cross, it is not the St George’s flag.”Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the national flag is a “source of pride and identity” and should not be messed with.Keir Starmer blasts hated change to England footie shirt on Sun’s new politics show and demands kits must be cheaperNike said it never intended to offend.The Three Lions will wear it again on Tuesday against Belgium.
       THE German FA has sparked fury by ditching its national team kit supplier, home-grown adidas, after 70 years — for Nike.
      Ollie Watkins in the shirt against Brazil on Saturday nightCredit: PA’I’m showing the shirt the red card. They should never have changed the colours’, says dad Liam, from WiganCredit: John McLellan’I support diversity but can you imagine if they coloured in the Welsh Dragon black?’, says mum MichelleCredit: John McLellan’It’s all woke marketing. I’m not a fan of them messing about’, says Dean from StamfordCredit: John McLellan More

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      in Soccer

      Man City ace Erling Haaland signs new two year contract as he boosts career away from the pitch

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      FOOTIE ace Erling Haaland has netted again — this time a tasty deal promoting his home nation’s seafood.The Norwegian super-striker has proved to be a prize catch for Manchester City, scoring 81 goals in 87 games so far.Man City ace Erling Haaland has netted a contract to be an ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood CouncilCredit: Instagram / @herrelandslagetHaaland in the Seafood Council advertCredit: PressworksAnd now the Leeds-born 23-year-old has landed a whopper, signing a contract to be an ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood Council.The deal will run until October 2026 and see the goal machine appear in TV commercials, posters and digital ads worldwide.Haaland, who signed for City from German side Borussia Dortmund in a £51million deal in 2022, said: “Seafood has been part of my upbringing and my diet growing up.“Norwegian seafood, which I consider to be the best in the world, still has a natural place in my life. READ MORE ON ERLING HAALAND”The Norwegian Seafood Council does an important job of inspiring and building knowledge about tasty and healthy seafood, globally and at home in Norway.”Haaland has also scored 27 goals in 29 games for Norway’s national team and is expected to face the Czech Republic today.NSC chief executive Christian Chramer said: “Haaland is recognised as one of the world’s best footballers, and is a gigantic profile with unrivalled global visibility.“The match with Norwegian seafood is obvious. Being able to combine two of Norway’s best exports and strongest brands fills us with enormous pride.”Most read in FootballBut it is not just seafood that fuels the Nordic net-buster.The Sun revealed last week that Haaland is inspired by a lucky hat-trick pasta dish he eats at his favourite Italian restaurant.Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralHe regularly tucks into a special of pasta, cream and mushrooms cooked for him by Beppe Piccoli, owner of Vero Moderno in Salford, Greater Manchester.The 6ft 4in goal monster has eaten at the restaurant once a week, almost every week, for the last two years and credits its signature dish for his prowess.Beppe said: “When I first gave it to him the very first time I met him, it was before the season kicked off. I said, ‘When you score a hat-trick on Sunday, please thank Beppe and Vero Moderno’. He scored a hat-trick, didn’t he? It was funny.” More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua gets ‘very cosy’ with Brit hairdresser in Dubai desert after she congratulated him after brutal knockout

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      BOXER Anthony Joshua enjoys a day out with a hairdresser beauty while quad biking in the desert.AJ, 34, was seen with Kika Osunde’s hands wrapped around his waist and with her head leaning on his back.Anthony Joshua rides through the desert outside Dubai with hairdresser Kika OsundeCredit: SnapchatAJ, third from right, and Kika, second from right, together outside a restaurantCredit: InstagramIn another video he sits at the back with his arms around her and leans forward to reach the handles. Heavyweight star AJ had been driving the bike alone while Kika, 37, was in a buggy with others. But they soon got close on his bike in Dubai.A source said: “They looked very cosy and like they were having fun with each other.”READ MORE ANTHONY JOSHUAThe pair have been spending plenty of time with each other since AJ’s win over Francis Ngannou in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.Moments after his KO, AJ rushed over to Kika for a ringside cuddle and kiss, above right. He said: “How are you Kika? I haven’t seen you in so long! How are you?” She replied: “Congratulations. I’m good.”On Tuesday they were spotted dining with pals at Lebanese restaurant Babati Lounge in Dubai.Most read in BoxingThe pair go back several years, with AJ urging followers to support her Instagram in November 2020.Kika, known as Kika Good Hair, runs a salon in West London and boasts hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.’I know I’m gonna see him one day’ – Anthony Joshua calls out reporter in press conference after KO of Francis Ngannou She has said previously: “I’m all about seeing people live their best lives each and every day and in that we become united in our dreams and aspirations — all day every day.”AJ has a son JJ, eight, with his ex Nicole Osbourne. He has been romantically linked to models Cara Delevingne and Bella Hadid.A spokesman for AJ said: “Anthony is in a relationship . . . with professional boxing. He has no time for extra commitments.“He is having a break from boxing and will return to the gym this week. Sadly the claims of a relationship are just rumours.”AJ with Kika in Saudi Arabia during one of his big matchesCredit: TikTokAJ and Kika have known each other for some time, and he asked his followers to support her all the way back in 2020Credit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood’s Man Utd teammates BACK him to make shock Old Trafford return amid club’s goalscoring woes this season

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      MASON Greenwood’s Man United teammates have backed him to make a shock return to Old Trafford.The striker, 22, feared his Red Devils career was over when he was sent to play in Spain after his arrest for attempted rape.Mason Greenwood’s Man United teammates have backed him to make a shock return to Old TraffordCredit: GettyUnited’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe suggested the door was not shut on Greenwood returning to the clubCredit: RexThe charge was dropped by Greater Manchester Police, along with an assault charge, but Greenwood has not played for United since the January 2022 arrest.But in a controversial interview new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe suggested the door was not shut on the ace, who has eight goals and five assists for La Liga side Getafe.And now the Man Utd dressing room has secretly offered its support in a poll.A source: “His team-mates would not be against him returning to Old Trafford.READ MORE MAN UNITED NEWS“They know all about the background and understand how controversial it would be to have him back.“Their decision is a footballing one, pure and simple.“United have struggled to score goals this season and they need a player like Mason. “They’re watching him score and create goals for Getafe every week.”Most read in FootballHe remains contracted to United until 2025 — but in September went on loan to Madrid, where he has settled with partner Harriet and their baby daughter Summer.However, his return would risk internal revolt, with the women’s team opposed to it.Mason Greenwood reveals ‘best feeling so far’ in rare interview after Getafe aces ‘take Man Utd loanee under their wing’The winger has settled into Madrid life with partner HarrietCredit: FacebookGreenwood has not played for United since January 2022Credit: AFP More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Christian Horner accuser ‘angry and upset’ she was ‘never shown full sext probe dossier which cleared him of wrongdoing’

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      THE woman who accused Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour has lodged a complaint against him with the sport’s ruling body.A team probe this month saw the allegations dismissed.It was revealed today the woman who accused Christian Horner filed a grievance with FIA and its ethics committeeCredit: GettyFormer Spice Girl wife Geri, left, is standing by Horner, rightCredit: GettyBut it was revealed today the woman, who has been suspended from her job at the team’s base in Milton Keynes, filed a grievance with the FIA and its ethics committee. It is the third complaint to the FIA over Horner’s conduct since the start of February, it is claimed. It is unclear if it will now launch its own probe.Its boss, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, held an hour-long private meeting with Horner during the Bahrain GP last month. READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNEREx-driver Horner has said he wants to move on from the scandal, with ex-Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell standing by him.The accuser is appealing Red Bull’s ruling that backs Horner.A source said: “She has not been allowed to see the whole of the report which cleared Horner and has no clarity as to why the inquiry reached its decision.“A timetable for her appeal process is being drawn up.”Most read in MotorsportHorner’s spokesman said he had not seen the complete dossier either.Red Bull said it was unaware of the complaint to the FIA.Geri Halliwell breaks cover to stand by her scandal-hit husband Christian Horner at F1 as couple rocked by sext storm More

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      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish lands massive megabucks deal to become the face of kitchen cupboard staple

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      JACK Grealish has landed a tasty new brand deal – after signing up for a new Hellman’s mayonnaise advert campaign.The Manchester City ace filmed the ad last week with some of his England teammates.Jack Grealish has signed a deal to become the face of a kitchen cupboard stapleCredit: GettyThe Man City winger is now representing Hellman’s MayonnaiseCredit: AlamyInsiders said the mayo ad would air in the run up to the Euros in Germany this summer.A source said: “Jack is a man in demand off the pitch and he’s the star of a new Hellman’s mayo ad.“He took part in a video shoot alongside some other England players in Manchester last week.“The details of the shoot are being kept under wraps but it’ll show Jack and his teammates enjoying a squirt or two of the white stuff.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJack is a big fan of sauce and last year even got his own brand of Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce at a party.The chain chicken shop created Super Jack’s Sauce for the winger who loves a takeaway after a game,He said last summer he ordered the same Chinese restaurant, Spinningfields’ Wing’s Restaurant, after each game at the Etihad.Jack said: “I love Chinese. After every game, I get one.Most read in Football“I go to Wings’ in Manchester. I usually get a takeaway. I have Singapore chow mein, I have egg-fried rice, I have salt and pepper chips, I have salt and pepper prawns and then curry sauce.Is this the moment Jack Grealish is told of his family’s terror at £1m jewellery break-in raid at his mansion?“Then I just mix it all in and have a big free for all.”Last month Jack, 28, signed a seven-figure-deal to become the new face of Pepsi.He joined the campaign with ex footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones. More