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      in Soccer

      Inside football’s most explosive divorces…from star’s £10m payout to bitter split over twins fathered by another man

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      FOOTBALLERS’ love lives are notoriously messy – with numerous reports of playing away.And that can lead to explosive and VERY costly divorces. Kyle Walker, who shares four kids with Annie Kilner, is set for a courtroom showdown after she served him divorce papersCredit: BackGridIt comes after he fathered two kids with his on-off mistress Lauyn GoodmanCredit: GettyKyle was previously in a legal battle with Lauryn over child support paymentsCredit: PAKyle Walker’s bitter split from his wife, Annie Kilner, is the latest case shaking the sport.Annie finally filed for divorce earlier this year after their marriage was wracked by a series of scandals.In 2020, she agreed to stay with Kyle, 34, after it was revealed he had fathered a child with Lauryn Goodman during a brief affair and she stood by him during a bitter court battle which saw the Manchester City ace ordered pay a substantial amount.But, after it emerged that Kyle had fathered a second child with his on-off mistress, she is now preparing to battle it out in court for half of his staggering £27million fortune.READ MORE FEATURES But Kyle is far from alone in seeing his marriage end in explosive claims and courtroom showdowns over the players’ eye-watering wealth.’Not fair’Former Arsenal right-back Emmanuel Eboue, 41, had one of the most acrimonious divorces in football. Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner files for divorce and gears up to fight for star’s £27m fortuneEmmanuel Eboue says he lost a fortune to his ex-wife after their bitter divorceCredit: TwitterThe former Arsenal star blamed a lack of education for his lossesCredit: TwitterDuring his seven-year stint in the Premier League, he built an enviable fortune but lost it all in a bitter split with his ex-wife, Aurelie Bertrand, in 2017.She was awarded all their assets in the divorce, including their two mansions and his fleet of luxury cars – and he later claimed he had to wash his clothes by hand as he couldn’t afford to use his washing machine.Most read in FootballIn 2017, he told the Sunday Mirror: “I can’t afford the money to continue to have any lawyer or barrister. I am in the house but I am scared.”Because I don’t know what time the police will come. Sometimes, I shut off the lights because I don’t want people to know that I am inside. “I suffered to buy my house, but I am now scared. I am not going to sell my clothes or sell what I have. I will fight until the end because it is not fair.”Emmanuel also claimed naivety was to blame for his losses, saying that he signed everything Aurelie asked him to without question.He added: “I look back and say ­’Emmanuel, you have been naive… why didn’t you think about that before?’ It is hard. Very, very hard.”The money I earned, I sent it to my wife for our children.”He claimed of the €8 million he earned playing with Galatasary in Turkey – between 2011 and 2015 – €7million was sent to his ex wife.Paternity blowAfter 12 years of marriage, Geremi filed for divorce after a DNA test revealed he was not the father of Laure’s kidsThe Cameroonian star says it left him in “emotional shock”Credit: AFPCameroonian footballer Geremi filed for divorce from his wife Laure in March after a bombshell that blew the marriage apart.The former Chelsea star, 45, claimed he was “psychologically damaged” after finding out the 16-year-old twins he raised as his own were actually fathered by her ex.In court documents seen in March, the midfielder claims that the children were born after she had a fling while they were still together. It read: “No children have been born from this union” and also slammed her “repeated lies”. It also said that Laure had destroyed the harmony” of their marriage “through her abject behaviour”.The twins were born in 2008 and Geremi revealed they were the motivation for the pair tying the knot four years later.The court filing in March this year said that the revelation had “caused him a huge emotional shock”. Love ratRyan Giggs and his wife battled it out after she tried to take a large chunk of his fortuneCredit: Getty – ContributorRyan had a long-term affair with his brother’s wife NatashaCredit: Dan Kennedy – The SunRyan Giggs’ wife Stacey filed for divorce in 2017, after ten years of marriage, over numerous infidelities, including an eight-year affair with his brother’s wife, Natasha.He also cheated on Stacey with former beauty queen and Big Brother contestant Imogen Thomas. As one of the highest-paid players, the former Manchester Utd star had amassed a £40million fortune and the bitter split looked set to end in an explosive courtroom battle over the cash.But in November 2017, it was announced that they had reached an agreement and the figures were kept under wraps.In a statement, their lawyers said: “The terms of the settlement are confidential, but both wished to express their sincere thanks to their respective legal teams.”They are pleased to leave this chapter of their lives as firm friends.”Mummy’s boyAchraf Hakimi’s divorce had a shocking and unexpected plot twistCredit: GettyMany wondered whether Achraf had always anticipated a divorce from his wifeCredit: GettyParis Saint-Germain player Achraf Hakimi’s divorce from his wife, Hiba Abouk, had a shocking plot twist that very few saw coming.Model and actress Hiba, who has two kids with the footballer, filed for divorce after he was accused of rape by French prosecutors in March 2023.During the court battle Hiba reportedly asked for half of Hakimi’s £18.4million fortune.But in a bizarre twist it was revealed that most of his assets were actually in his mother’s name and even his substantial salary, reportedly £170,000 a WEEK, was paid into his mother’s bank account.Legally, Hakimi owned very little in his own name, leaving his furious ex with limited claim to his wealth.The revelation led to speculation that Achraf had planned his financial arrangement in anticipation of the divorce.Timeline of Kyle Walker and Annie Kilner’s relationshipEarly years – Kyle and Annie first meet in Sheffield when she was 15 and he was 17Euro 2016 – Walker caught messaging Playboy model Carla HoweApril 2019 – Annie dumps Kyle after his alleged romps with reality TV star Laura BrownApril 2020 – Kyle allegedly hosts sex party with two escorts during covid-19 lockdownFebruary 2020 – Lauryn Goodman gives birth to Kairo, her son with WalkerNovember 2021 – Walker and Kilner marry in secretMarch 2023 – Lauryn announces her second pregnancySpring 2023 – Kyle allegedly flashes and kisses another woman in a Vodka Revolution bar in CheshireAugust 2023 – Lauryn gives birth to a daughterJanuary 2024 – Annie announces split from Kyle after two years of marriage. It emerges Kyle is the dad of Lauryn’s second child. Kyle begs for forgiveness in exclusive Sun interview. Lauryn brands him a ‘pathological narcissist’October 2024 – Annie files for divorceMessiest divorce The couple were hugely popular and seen as Italy’s answer to Posh and BecksCredit: GettyTheir 2005 wedding was a spectacle filmed for national TVCredit: GettyBefore their acrimonious split, they seemed happy and had three kids togetherCredit: RexFrancesco Totti and Ilary Blasi were branded Italy’s Posh and Becks after they married in 2005, on national TV, and went on to have three kids together.But their 2022 split, after 17 years of marriage, was one of the most sensational in the country’s history and things quickly got messy. It was revealed that Ilary had hired a private investigator after suspecting him of cheating.But Francesco, 48, also accused Ilary of infidelity, claiming she was the first one to betray their marriage. The AS Roma icon said: “It is not true that I was the first to betray.”I said I was not going to speak, and I did not, but I have read too many hoaxes in recent weeks. Some have even made my children suffer.”The divorce battle escalated over financial assets, as Totti accused his ex of running off with his expensive watch collection.In turn, he hid all her luxury handbags until she safely returned his belongings. In an interview, he said: “What was I supposed to do? I hid the bags, hoping for an exchange.”They also fought over their lavish home in Rome and custody of their three children. In November, Ilary claimed the Roma star left their eight-year-old home alone when he went away – an allegation he strongly refutes, saying she was being looked after by a ‘professional babysitter’.”The police came knocking on Totti’s door and a woman, allegedly a babysitter, opened the door,” says Italian journalist Daniele Fisichella.”It’s not clear whether it was actually a babysitter -Totti was away – or it was the concierge working at Totti’s residence. “If anyone wants to write a TV series, ‘The Totti’s’, that obviously could be part of it. It’s been going on for the last two years, to be fair… it seems that the end, it’s very far away.” The pair are still battling it out in court.Bankrupt star David James ended up paying his wife £3million in their divorceCredit: Getty – ContributorFor years, David James was one of the most recognisable faces in English football. The goalkeeper played for top clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester City, and West Ham. He is said to have been earning £50,000 a week while playing for Portsmouth.He has four children with ex-wife Tanya, but the couple split in 2005 when he left her for his childhood sweetheart, Amanda Salmon, who wooed him by sending X-rated images of herself in a G-string.Tanya late said she found out about the affair when she saw a text he received during her birthday meal which read: “I would love to have your warm body next to mine right now.”The sender came up on his phone under the name Corgi Cars as David tried to hide her identity.During their bitter divorce battle, Tanya claims the star went back on his word of paying their children’s school fees and only gave her a “paltry” amount to live on after he took care of the household bills.But after paying Tanya £3million in the divorce settlement, the 51-year-old’s huge empire came crashing down and in 2014 he declared himself bankrupt, despite the £20million he had made from his time as a footballer.He was forced to auction many of his valuables, including his football memorabilia. In his 2004 biography, former Liverpool teammate, Stan Collymore wrote about David: “If he had a new car and he pranged it, he would just go and buy a new car – so there were five cars parked in the drive.”If he bought a new pair of shoes and he scuffed them, he wouldn’t clean them. He would just chuck them in the spare room and buy a new pair.”Too much disposable income, I suppose. Too easy just to bin stuff. Too easy to spend money like you’re going to be earning that kind of money for the rest of your life.”Huge payoutThierry Henry ended up paying his ex-wife nearly £10million after they splitCredit: GettyClaire was devastated when he walked outCredit: GoffINF.comIn 2003, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, 47, married Claire Merry. The couple welcomed their daughter, Tea, in 2005. However, after just four years of marriage, the French international announced he was leaving his wife, shortly before his transfer to Barcelona on a £130,000 a week contract.Claire was said to have been devastated when Henry walked out on their marriage amid rumours he had formed a “close friendship” with a Spanish actress.In court, Claire cited “unreasonable behaviour” as grounds for divorce. Thierry did not dispute the claim.In September 2007, a judge granted the divorce in a one-minute hearing at the High Court’s Principal Registry. Claire requested £10million and was reportedly awarded close to the figure, although Henry kept the £6million Hampstead mansion the couple shared. He has since demolished it and built a larger home in its place.He married Bosnian model Andrea Rajacic in 2011 and they have three children together.Locker room gossipThomas Tuchel and Sisi married in 2009 but ended their marriage 13 years laterCredit: GettyThe couple share two daughters together, Emma and KimCredit: GettyEngland’s new manager, Thomas Tuchel, 51, married his ex-wife Sisi while he worked in Germany in 2009. The couple eventually had two daughters, Emma and Kim. She quit her profession as a journalist to raise their young children.When he was offered a role as Chelsea manager, she moved to the UK in August 2021, and they bought a home near the club’s training ground in Surrey. But after 13 years together, their marriage broke down. Court documents show that Sisi had cited irreconcilable differences for their split. READ MORE SUN STORIESThree months after the divorce was finalised, he was seen out and about with his new girlfriend, Natalie Guerriero, 37, and it was revealed they have been dating since May 2022 – just a month after the split. According to the New York Post, his complicated love life and “erratic” behaviour had become a talking point in the Chelsea locker room. Shortly after, he was fired as the Blues’ boss.The breakdown of their marriage became a topic of conversation in the Chelsea locker roomCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s warrior rival Usyk was taught to fight with a knife by soldier dad & is haunted by missing final moments

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      IT’S the highly anticipated rematch that will see British boxing legend Tyson Fury attempt to unify the heavyweight titles.Six months after the Gypsy King’s first-ever defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in May, the pair will face each other for a second showdown tomorrow night. Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will face off for a second time on December 21Credit: GettyTheir last bout in May ended with Usyk as the victorCredit: GettyOleksandr Usyk pictured as a baby with soldier dad and older sister ViktoriaCredit: East2WestUkrainian heavyweight Usyk, who is the first to hold all the major heavyweight titles in 24 years, carries with him the fighting spirit of his dead soldier dad and a boxer pal killed by the Russians.His father, also called Oleksandr, was twice injured while serving the Soviet army in Afghanistan.He taught his son to duel with a blade, something that could have come in useful when the boxer joined Ukraine’s territorial defence battalion after Russia launched an all-out invasion of his country two years ago.The city where Usyk, 37, was born and grew up is under the control of Vladimir Putin’s invading forces.Read More in The SunAnd his boxer friend Oleksiy Dzhunkivskyi was shot dead by the dictator’s troops when they entered Irpin, close to the capital Kyiv, in 2022.Usyk, nicknamed The Cat, wanted to continue defending his nation, but was urged by soldiers to win for his country with his fists instead.The boxer’s dedication to his sport cost him his chance to say goodbye to his father properly – because he didn’t get back in time from winning a gold medal at the London Olympic Games in 2012 before he died.Talking about his late father, he said:  “Everything I have now is thanks to him. He put a lot in me, he taught me about the priorities in life, which are family, sports and education. Most read in Boxing“He was a military man. My mother hated it when he taught me how to fight with a knife.” She’d shout ‘Sasha, he’ll grow up to be a criminal’.”Tyson Fury warned there’s ‘nothing he can do to stop what’s gonna happen’ in rematch with ‘bogeyman’ Oleksandr UsykParents Oleksandr and Nadezhda were proud of his medalsCredit: East2WestThe boxer with mum NadezhdaCredit: East2WestBrush with deathUsyk was born in Simferopol in Crimea where his security guard dad had met his mum Nadezhda, who worked in construction.His father did not talk much about his time serving with the Soviet army, which had invaded Afghanistan in 1979.But Usyk recalled: “I saw the consequences of this post-war condition and what happened to him. He often had headaches, he had very high blood pressure.“I remember that until the last he had some nightmares in which he called out the names of his comrades who were killed.”Usyk senior was injured twice while fighting for the USSR, which controlled by Ukraine until 1991.His son, who was born under Communist rule in 1987, first had a passion for football.The family moved to a village called Rybotyn in the north of Ukraine where he nearly died from pneumonia as a child.Usyk said: “It was really bad. The doctor even told my mother that I might not survive.” Mum Nadezhda revealed: “As a child, Sasha was a very sick child.”Then my son spent a whole year in the Chernihiv hospital.”My heart was aching and the doctors were afraid to make any predictions for the future.”Oleksandr Usyk was born under Communist ruleCredit: instagram/usykaa/Usyk took up boxing at 15Credit: instagram/@usykaaPunch on pitchThe family returned to Simferopol when he was a teenager, still at school.His father was a harsh disciplinarian, who would give him a “slap on the head” if his grades fell below C.“He raised me to be a man from childhood,” he said. “He forced me to wash socks and underwear, clean the room, and iron my trousers. He said that if I don’t learn this, if I don’t learn discipline, then I won’t succeed in life. “He said: ‘The way a man behaves in life, behind the wheel, with women, shows his true strength. If he can’t cope, if he’s dirty, neglected, and doesn’t know how to behave with women, then he’s not a real man’.”He’d recovered enough from his illness to play football for his school team – something that ended when he punched an opposition player during a match.Aged 15 he took up boxing instead – encouraged by his dad, an amateur boxer.My children are asking, ‘Daddy, why do they want to kill us?’ I don’t know how to answer thatOleksandr UsykHis swift reflexes and dedication led him to success in the ring, which impressed his childhood sweetheart Yekaterina, generally called Kateryna.She once admitted: “I didn’t consider him at all, except as a friend. He said ‘If I win the fight today, will you go somewhere with me tonight?’ I say: ‘Win, we’ll see there.” He won. And that’s it.”Usyk became a national hero when he picked up a gold medal at the Olympic Games in London in 2012 in the heavyweight division.It was a victory that was to be followed by tragedy – because his dad died a few days later back in Ukraine while Oleksandr was abroad.He remembered:  “He watched me become Olympic champion, but I didn’t make it back in time to show him the gold medal.”When I arrived he was already lying in the coffin.”I handed him the medal, put it in his dead hand and then left the room.”What was most difficult to cope with is that rather than heading home directly from London, Oleksandr had stopped off to collect a supercar, which delayed him going home.During an emotional interview with TNT he said: “I wanted to bring it with me and show him what a cool car I had. My mom called me at 3am and told me the news.”Usyk’s dad saw him win an Olympic gold but died before he saw his son againCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe boxer wept as he told the story on TNTCredit: X @boxingontntHe later revealed the emotional phone call to his dad after winning the gold, saying: “I called my dad and started screaming: ‘Yes! We won!’ My father told me: ‘I congratulate you, son. I love you’. “My father never told me he loved me. It remains in my memory as something special. I tell my children every day that I love them.”War in UkraineIn 2013 Usyk became a professional boxer, becoming a world champion in the cruiserweight division, which is just below heavyweight.A year later Russian-backed separatists took control of Crimea and parts of the east of the country.He was the undisputed champion when he defeated Brit Tony Bellew in 2018.After that Usyk stepped up to heavyweight, twice beating Anthony Joshua, the second time after Russia had launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine.That fight had been in doubt because The Cat wanted to defend his country rather than be a sportsman. He returned to his homeland in February 2022, armed himself with a rifle and joined the territorial defence force.He later recalled the night bombs began to rain down on his house in Bucha, on February 24, 2022 – his daughter Yelizaveta’s birthday.He said: “My children are asking: ‘Daddy, why do they want to kill us?’ I don’t know how to answer that.”A month after signing up to fight he was persuaded to go on training for the bout with Brit Joshua.Instead, he is providing financial support for the rebuilding of his heavily bombed homeland.In his first bout, it was reported that Fury had to agree to give £1million of his reported £115m fight fee to the reconstruction of Ukraine in order for the contest to go ahead. Usyk is funding the rebuilding of a property in Irpin where one of his friends was killed by advancing Russians who seized the city in February 2022. It was recaptured by Ukrainian forces on March 28 of the same year. He said: “In this house, there was a boxing gym of my good friend. He and I were in the national team, we went to boxing competitions together. “Oleksiy Dzhunkivskyi was shot by Russian soldiers right in this hall.”World champ Oleksandr Usyk after beating Tony Bellew in 2018Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe fighter (centre, in black) joined the Kyiv Territorial Defence in Ukraine in 2022Credit: Refer to CaptionUsyk and Yekaterina have three kidsCredit: instagram/@usykaaEeyore toy Usyk’s wife and three children, Kyrylo, Mykhalio and Yelizaveta, live in the capital, Kyiv.Unlike Fury’s wife Paris, who has appeared in reality shows with her husband, Kateryna stays out of the limelight.Usyk often speaks about how much he loves her and their children.Sometimes he can be seen clutching a cuddly Eeyore toy which was given to him by his daughter after the Russian invasion separated them.Usyk carries the Eeyore toy given to him by his daughterCredit: Instagram/@usykaaOleksandr Usyk with his daughterCredit: instagram/@usykaaThe dedicated, incredibly fit pugilist has been getting up at 4.45am every day to get in shape for the biggest bout of his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd before he walks out to the roaring crowd for a second time on Saturday, the spirit of his late father could be with him.Usyk said, with tears in his eyes: “Sometimes he comes to me the day before the fight. Yes, sometimes he comes the day before the fight and smiles.” More

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      in Soccer

      Inside MOTD’s ‘new signing’ Kelly Cates’ rise to top, from famous babysitter to brutal reason her footie career ended

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      LISTENING intently to her dad and his mates’ football chat as a youngster, Kelly Cates could not have had a better preparation to host Match Of The Day.For her father is Sir Kenny Dalglish — pride of Celtic and Liverpool’s Kop, with a record 102 Scottish caps, three European Cups and a clutch of league titles to his name as both a player and a manager.Kelly Cates could not have had a better preparation to host Match Of The DayCredit: GettySharing a light-hearted moment pitchside with her dad, Reds legend Kenny DalglishCredit: AlamyKelly aged four at Anfield in 1980 with mum, dad, brother Paul and the League Championship trophyCredit: GettyAnd those mates often included ­fellow medal-laden Reds Graeme Souness and Alan Hansen, both now top pundits themselves.Kelly’s one-time babysitter Graeme once said: “She is fantastic at this job because she has been in a football house all her life, listened to the daft chat on football from all of us since she was tiny.“I’d be in the living room, Alan Hansen would be in there, opinions going out all over. “She had a great insight into how this football world works.”Read More on SportWhile Kelly has absorbed the game from some of its greatest names, it’s her own deft skills behind the mic that have seen her rise to the very top in sports broadcasting.Now, alongside friends Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, the 49-year-old is reported to be about to take over the Match Of The Day presenter’s chair from Gary Lineker.In a considerable coup for the BBC, reports suggest the corporation has managed to prise Kelly away from Sky Sports to present its flagship football programme.But she can still expect a text from her dad when she is on air if King Kenny is riled by the punditry from her guests.Most read in FootballShe revealed last month: “He texts [when she is on air], especially if my mum’s not there.Selleck ’tache“It’s if he doesn’t have anybody to sound off on. I was driving into work and decided not to sign my Sky Sports contract – it’s the scariest decision I ever made“He’ll hear a bit of our conversation, and then he will text me to chip in.“If it really bothers him, he’ll phone me on the way home.”Born the eldest of four children in Glasgow, Kelly was brought up in Southport, Merseyside, after her dad signed for Liverpool from Celtic in 1977.Her mum Marina once said: “Glasgow and Liverpool are very similar.“It’s the people — they are so friendly in both cities. “So it was very, very easy for us to settle here.”At the time Kelly was almost two years old and her brother Paul, who went on to play for Newcastle, ­Norwich and Wigan, was a baby.Two more siblings, Lynsey and Lauren, followed.Liverpool fan Kelly was always immersed in football, and said: “When I was a baby my mum took me to matches to watch my dad play.My earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ childrenKelly Cates“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t go to football games.“My earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ children.”Kelly in 1979 with dad Kenny’s Liverpool team-mate Graeme Souness, who used to babysit herDad Kenny with family friends Souness and Hansen celebrate Liverpool’s European Cup in 1978Credit: GettyKelly with fellow Sky presenters Clare Tomlinson and Carrie Frais in 1998Credit: RexGraeme — Kenny’s fellow Scotland international — was sometimes roped in for childcare duties. A black and white photo from 1979 shows four-year-old Kelly poking out her tongue at the hardman midfielder with the Tom Selleck ’tache and bushy hair.He recalled: “Kenny and I roomed together for ten years or more with Liverpool and Scotland and I was a regular at his place.“I was single and would turn up for Christmas lunch. “I used to babysit — or not necessarily babysit. “I’d ­volunteer to take Kelly out in her pram in the afternoons.I was single and would turn up for Christmas lunch. I used to babysit — or not necessarily babysit. I’d ­volunteer to take Kelly out in her pram in the afternoonsGraeme Souness“Without realising it, she was my introduction to some lovely young ladies. “I’d be walking along, and then, ‘What a gorgeous baby, you seen this baby?’ ”Despite her father’s elevated status as a Liverpool and Scotland legend, Kelly recalled: “When he was home he was just Dad.“I recall going to a Rod Stewart concert at Ibrox [stadium] once and him being stopped every ten metres walking around the pitch.“I was about seven and found it so weird — like, ‘What do they want with him?’“It was the same with his team-mates — to me they were always just Dad’s friends, sitting around arguing about football.”Her own efforts as a player were not a roaring success.Kelly with fiery pundit Roy KeaneCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedKelly is reported to be about to take over the Match Of The Day presenter’s chair from Gary Lineker – pictured Gabby LoganCredit: PAKelly’s pal and MOTD co-host Mark ChapmanCredit: GettyKelly said: “When I was 11 I was playing football on some concrete. I ran down the wing thinking, ‘Oh, this will be easy’, tripped over and knocked myself out. “That was the end of my football career.”After A-levels in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry, she won a place to read maths at the University of Glasgow.Then when Sky Sports News was launched in 1998, she made the brave move to give up her studies and join the fledgling station.She said: “The channel was looking for young people who loved football.“It was new, and no one was watching, so they pretty much said to us,“There wasn’t a massive budget but Sky just wanted young, enthusiastic people and they didn’t want to take too much of a risk by putting their best people on it.‘Go and play at being on the telly!’“It was a huge decision to leave university, but I thought, ‘This isn’t an opportunity I’m going to get again’.”On her broadcasting inspirations, Kelly mentions Des Lynam — who fronted Match Of The Day through the 1990s with brilliant understatement — and Gabby Logan, another daughter of a football icon, former Wales international and manager Terry Yorath.Kelly said: “Des was the gold ­standard. “He had that sense of being engaged with fans and got every ­single aspect of it right.“I loved that tone. “It’s the kind of tone that I like watching and ­listening to.“It kind of makes sense that I’d aim for, but not quite reach, that.“I always looked at Gabby’s career progress and watched her journey.“It was brilliant to see, and even though she’s not much older than me, it felt like she was always the next step.”It was undoubtedly a male-dominated profession, but Kelly insisted: “I wasn’t a trailblazer.“There were already people who put the groundwork in, like Gabby and Hazel Irvine. “I never have [encountered sexism] but I know other female reporters have.“Obviously you see a lot more women on screen now, but I’d like to see that backed up in the same numbers behind the cameras as well.“Now I’m older, I feel much more protective of younger women coming into the industry.”After Sky Sports News, Kelly worked as an interviewer and presenter for sports channels Setanta and ESPN. Then came work as a reporter for ITV at the 2010 World Cup, and for Channel 4 at the 2012 London Paralympics.She presented a Football League highlights show for Channel Five before being lured back to Sky Sports in 2016.At the helmOriginally at the helm for Football League matches, Kelly went on to become one of the most respected presenters on big Premier League fixtures.Working with Gary Neville, Jamie “Carra” Carragher and Roy Keane, she considers the current era to be a “golden age” for punditry.She said: “It’s not necessarily the players who play football naturally who talk about it in the best way.“It’s the ones who really worked at their game. “Carra, when he was playing, would go home and watch videos of Franco Baresi and other great defenders constantly, so he learnt.”Now Kelly — who also hosts a BBC Radio 5 show — is rated among the nation’s very foremost broadcasters by her peers and fans alike.Her friend and TV colleague Gabby, 51, says Kelly has an “effortless broadcast style and depth of knowledge that can pretty much rival anybody”.And she added that Kelly can also “disarm the likes of Roy Keane with a single eyebrow when she wants to shut him up”.Kelly’s formative years immersed in football mean she brings an understanding of the stresses that managers have to cope with daily.She continued: “I’ve had managers get a bit annoyed by a question but it’s often not me they are angry at. “They are under a lot of pressure.”In 2007 Kelly married TV ­producer Tom Cates and the couple had two daughters.They split in 2021, and Kelly said last month: “The girls are with their dad at weekends.“Although we’re not together, we get on fine and he’s really flexible with the girls, so we manage it mostly between us.I worked for ESPN years ago and they had a mantra of ‘Take the sport seriously but don’t take yourself seriously’. For me, that’s the best approachKelly Cates“The girls are getting a bit older now and they think they don’t need as much [from us] — that’s what they tell us, but they do.”In 2021 she revealed she was wary of dating, and added: “I don’t have a picture in my head of why a middle-aged, slightly overweight, mother-of-two could possibly be attractive. “It’s not that I’m putting myself down, it’s not a lack of confidence or low self-esteem — it’s that I just don’t know what that would look like.“I don’t want to spend my precious free time with a random.“Imagine going out with somebody and you sit there halfway through and think, ‘God, this guy’s an idiot’, you’ve just wasted a babysitter.”If Kelly has indeed landed sports broadcasting’s jewel in the crown, don’t expect this down-to-earth and seemingly unflappable presenter to start picking up airs and graces.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast month she said with characteristic modesty: “I worked for ESPN years ago and they had a mantra of ‘Take the sport seriously but don’t take yourself seriously’. “For me, that’s the best approach.”Gary Lineker is stepping down as MOTD hostCredit: BBCA HAT-TRICKOF QUALITY TV TALENTBy SHAUN CUSTIS, Head of SportYOU may not agree with the BBC’s decision to split presenting duties on Match Of The Day. But if that’s the way they have decided to go, they could not have picked three better people for the job.I’ve worked with Kelly Cates many times and she is the consummate professional.The fact many people didn’t realise she is the great Kenny Dalglish’s daughter speaks volumes for her talent on TV.She wasn’t handed her career.She had to prove herself to get the top jobs and did so by developing a relaxed but knowledgeable style which puts guests at ease and chimes well with viewers.Her fellow presenters, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, have also more than earned their stripes. Chapman is a brilliant all-rounder who, in my view, is the best sports presenter on radio and TV, while Logan rose up through the radio ranks to host the biggest shows on BBC Sport.They are a dynamic trio. More

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      in Soccer

      How football’s new power couple Marcus Rashford and wag Grace Jackson could rake in millions as the next Posh and Becks

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      SHE was the Love Island bombshell sent into the TV villa to shake up old flame Joey Essex and tipped to rake in millions, just like Molly-Mae Hague.And now Grace Rosa Jackson is the new beauty on the arm of England ace Marcus Rashford, 27, who she has been dating for several months.TV star Grace Rosa Jackson is dating England ace Marcus RashfordCredit: RexManchester United star Marcus has been on a series of dates with GraceCredit: GettyAn insider told The Sun the pair are “smitten” after the footballer “whisked her off on numerous dates around Cheshire” and they are said to “get on really well and have lots in common”.Marcus appears to have found the perfect blend of brains and beauty in Grace, 26, who is a savvy businesswoman as well as a fashion model and social media influencer.And brand expert Carla Speight thinks football’s latest power couple is a true “meeting of the minds” who could even become the new Posh and Becks.“Grace has got the potential to be the next Victoria Beckham — she’s already aware of the industry and she will do Marcus a lot of good, too,” Carla says.READ MORE ON GRACE Marcus is 27 now, so if he’s smart he will be looking beyond his football career.Carla Speight, brand expert“He had a taste of how far he could go with his successful school meals campaign during the pandemic, so he knows he can use his profile as a force for good.“It will be interesting to see what power move they will make together.“Marcus is 27 now, so if he’s smart he will be looking beyond his football career. He’s signed up to Jay-Z’s management company, Roc Nation.“He could follow in the footsteps of David Beckham. Marcus has already done the sportswear stuff, but has been otherwise low-key, so it will be interesting to see where this Love Island ­influence takes him.”Most read in Football‘Born for Love Island’Mancunian Grace was predicted to become the first millionaire from this year’s Love Island series — with brands queuing up to sign her, including retail giant PrettyLittleThing.In fact, immediately after leaving the villa in August, Grace signed a lucrative six-figure contract with fashion firm EGO, which her rep claimed was “a huge moment” because “no other islander has done anything like this for a first deal”.Love Island fans spot ‘clue’ that Grace’s head has already been turned by Casa hunkMany compared her to Molly-Mae Hague, the now ex-girlfriend of boxer Tommy Fury, who went from serving customers in Boots and working as a part-time lifeguard to raking in more than £6million as a model and ­influencer, with 8.3million followers.A source at the time told The Sun: “Grace is on course to be a millionaire already and a lot of brands are calling her the next Molly-Mae.”Even before heading into the Love Island villa, Grace had a blossoming career, having modelled for Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty line and online store Fashion Nova — as well as working alongside Conor McGregor to promote his Irish stout. She was also reported to have been a co-owner of Social Clubhouse, a social media management firm that launched in 2021, and events company Vamos, although she is no longer listed on the books of either at Companies House.This September, she set up her own media business, Grace Rosa Ltd. Grace’s Instagram page, which boasts 593,000 ­followers, showcases the sexiest, skimpiest and most ­stylish outfits of 2024 — which she seems to have cleverly monetised.The snaps, which she savvily signposts for fans to “shop the look”, are from enviable locations around the world and have led online ­commentators to say she was “born for Love Island”.She entertains fans with posts from stunning beaches in Marbella and Miami, Ibiza yacht parties, chic ­Parisian bars, red carpet premieres in ­London and, occasionally, from her home town of Manchester.To sit in and be single — I can’t understand why I would do that at my peak and in my mid-20s.Grace Rosa JacksonWith such a hectic schedule, it’s no surprise the aspiring star ­previously struggled to find love, once complaining: “They can’t keep up with my lifestyle!“I like to go out and go abroad a lot . . . it’s the life that I want and it helps with business. “To sit in and be single — I can’t understand why I would do that at my peak and in my mid-20s.”Grace hooked up with telly lothario Joey Essex in the Love Island villaCredit: ITVA brand expert says ‘Grace has got the potential to be the next Victoria Beckham’Credit: instagram/gracexrosaMarcus was engaged to childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi, who he met aged 15, but they split in 2023Credit: GettyIt’s that reason, and the chance of life-changing career opportunities from exposure, that led Grace to appear on Love Island in June.At the time, she said: “This is something that would push me out of my comfort zone — I don’t really date a lot. I get myself in situationships with people I know that I shouldn’t give my time to.”And producers were thrilled by the prospect of her entering as a bomb-shell, too. An insider dubbed Grace “the perfect contestant” due to her stunning looks and one other big ­ratings-puller — she was the ex of The Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex. He was Love Island’s surprise contestant and the only islander this year who was already famous.As soon as Grace entered the villa on Day 12, the reality show veteran’s head was turned, despite him having already coupled up with Liverpudlian make-up artist Samantha Kenny.On the show, Grace revealed they’d “had a thing” after meeting in Ibiza the previous summer. The pair had also been pictured at a Halloween party in matching themed outfits as Batman villains Harley Quinn and The Joker.But she revealed their “intense” romance ended on “frosty terms”, which left her “hurt and confused”.Despite downplaying the relationship, the pair were soon making up for lost time. They had a series of steamy snogs, in spite of Samantha, before Grace chose to whisk Joey away for a night of passion in the separate Hideaway private villa.Footage of the couple’s antics was said to be so X-rated that sex-scene-loving Love Island bosses were “spoilt for choice” and had to leave footage on the cutting room floor.An insider explained at the time: “Because they knew each other before, their entire relationship is on fast forward and it’s steamy stuff — Joey can’t keep his hands off her.”They coupled up shortly after, with Grace believing they could go the distance outside the villa due to her being willing to move to Essex — said to be a hurdle during their previous fling. But within days, their romance had crumbled after new blonde bombshell Jessy Potts won over the reality hunk.While it didn’t work out for Joey and Grace, who also briefly dated fellow contestant Reuben Collins, she insisted there was no animosity and “no awkwardness” after they went “back to real life”. She also had plenty of distractions to keep her mind off the Towie star thanks to the raft of new opportunities boosting her career, as she continues to benefit from the ­exposure of such a high-profile reality romance.And now Grace’s star could be on the rise again since being linked to Three Lions wonderboy Marcus.The footie ace was previously engaged to childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi, who he met aged 15, but they split in the summer of 2023.The striker is now Man United’s second highest-paid star on £325,000 a week — but he could earn considerably more if their romance lasts and they join forces for deals.I can see Grace reviving Wag culture, which died a death after Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. Grace could bring the spotlight back on to the ladies.Carla Speight, brand expertBut unlike Wags without careers, who are forced to depend upon their sports star partners, Grace is a force to be reckoned with away from Marcus’s millions. With his football fandom and her fashion following, they could be a top-tier power couple to rival any of the Premier League couplings.“I’m sure every girl dreams of dating a footballer and Marcus is definitely an upgrade from Joey Essex,” says Carla. “I can see Grace reviving Wag culture, which died a death after Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. Grace could bring the spotlight back on to the ladies.“With her skillset, she could be very useful to the Wags of these footballers. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She could guide Marcus as well with the brand deals and future opportunities, because she has done that for herself. With his profile and her business head, this is a real meeting of minds.“She has enough profile to ­survive without Marcus, but it will help her level up. It will be interesting to see where they go next.”Grace found fame on ITV dating show Love IslandCredit: instagram/gracexrosaThe beauty has a large social media followingCredit: ITVMancunian Grace was predicted to become the first millionaire of this year’s Love Island seriesCredit: instagram/gracexrosaStriker Marcus is currently United’s second highest-paid player on £325,000-a-weekCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul’s rise from ‘world’s most hated man’ who terrorised neighbours with ‘warzone’ parties to $80m Mike Tyson rival

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      HE’S the motormouth YouTube sensation who has carved out a lucrative career in boxing – despite starting out as a star on the Disney channel. Few could have predicted Jake Paul’s meteoric rise and much of it is thanks to his infamous “problem child” persona that’s netted him a cool $80million (£63m).Jake Paul is due to fight boxing heavyweight Mike Tyson tomorrowCredit: RexThe 27-year-old is just as famous for his scandals as he is for his boxing careerCredit: GettyThe social media star’s £5.5 million LA mansion raided by FBI where guns were allegedly seizedCredit: KABC-TVNow the 27-year-old, from Ohio, US, is facing his biggest and most unexpected challenge to date – a boxing bout with legendary fighter Mike Tyson. Reaching this point has been no easy thing for Paul, who once branded himself the “world’s most hated man” due to his controversial posts online and wild partying antics. During that time he’s weathered a number of scandals from alleged cryptocurrency scams that defrauded fans out of millions and his notorious “warzone parties” that featured bonfires as tall as houses.Those notorious moments led to him being fired from the Disney programme but his outrageous misconduct didn’t stop there.READ MORE FROM FEATURESThere have been “roadmap” scams, mystery boxes with no prizes, a Tommy Fury fight ‘script leak’, as well as an FBI raid for firearms.Paul’s controversial stunts are endless have led him to be considered the ultimate scandal magnet – and it’s unlikely to stop now as he prepares to clash with Tyson. Childhood abuseThe 27-year-old opened up in Netflix’s Untold: Jake Paul The Problem Child about alleged childhood abuse by his “intense” father, Greg, in Ohio. Jake claimed his dad would “slap the s*** out of him” and would regularly tell him as a child: “Life’s not fair, get the f*** over it.” Most read in BoxingEven in the documentary, Greg, a real estate worker, was evasive when it came to shouldering any blame.He denied physical abuse, despite facing allegations from both of his sons, insisting he only ever “threw them on the couch a couple times.”Evander Holyfield’s shocking boxing return aged 58 should act as danger warning to Mike Tyson for Jake Paul fight In one section, Greg defiantly said: “That’s what the f*** dads are supposed to do. Welcome to life, get the f*** over it.”Older brother Logan weighed in, saying Jake remains “traumatised” by their father’s tough parenting style, calling it “not quite legal.”FBI firearm raidsIn August 2020, Paul’s Los Angeles mansion was raided by the FBI in a highly publicised investigation. In dramatic scenes, SWAT teams descended upon his lavish Calabasas home to allegedly collect firearms, although no federal charges were ultimately filed. This wasn’t Jake’s first run-in with the law. Brothers Logan Paul (L) and Jake Paul pictured together who described their dad as a “menace”Credit: Getty – ContributorDramatic footage captured the moment the FBI raided his luxury LA mansionCredit: KABC-TVHe faced looting charges during the Arizona riots in May 2020 following the controversial death of George Floyd, which were later dropped.He previously made headlines for hosting a massive party during COVID where revellers drank, played beer pong, and swung from construction equipment despite local health restrictions.Sex assault chargesPaul has faced significant backlash following allegations of sexual misconduct from two women.TikTok star Justine Paradise accused him of sexually assaulting her in his Los Angeles home in 2019, alleging he forced her into sexual acts without her consent. TikTok star Justine Paradise claimed she was sexually assaulted by the boxer in a 20-min video posted on YouTubeCredit: YouTube/Justine ParadiseIn a 20-minute video posted on YouTube, the 30-year-old alleged Paul grabbed her face and forced her to perform oral sex on him, and touched her inappropriately without consent.Paradise claimed she felt silenced by an NDA she had signed at his residence. Paul denied the accusations, stating they were “100% false”.Shortly after, model Railey Lollie claimed Paul groped her in 2017 when she was underage and often made inappropriate remarks calling her “jailbait” during their time filming. Paul’s legal team hit back, saying Paul “has every intention of aggressively disproving it and pursuing legal action against those responsible for the defamation of his character.”‘Warzone parties’Outside Jake Paul’s Calabasas mansion where he terrorised his neighbours with wild partiesCredit: Jake Paul/YoutubeJake setting fire to a mattress at one partyCredit: SuppliedJake’s infamous antics have turned his LA neighbourhood into what locals call a “living hell.” Posting his address online led his fans dubbed “Paulers” to swarm the area, sparking noise complaints, non-stop parties, and setting furniture on fire in his pool – flames reportedly reaching the height of his home. Paul openly laughed at his neighbours’ frustrations, even taunting them with laughing emojis online. Jake Paul embraced his “world’s worst neighbour” reputation with pride. His chaotic behaviour, including wild parties and disruptive antics, eventually led to his firing from the Disney show Bizaardvark. Meanwhile, his brother, Logan, praised their devoted fans, dubbing them “the strongest army out there.”Scam sitesPaul promoted mystery boxes saying they were packed with cash when they were actually emptyHe enjoys the high life with girlfriend Jutta LeerdamCredit: @juttaleerdamPaul has amassed his $80 million (£62 million) net worth by capitalising on his controversial “problem child” persona both online and in the boxing ring. Along the way, he’s been accused of multiple schemes, including a $7 (£5.50) “roadmap” to becoming an influencer, which allegedly left teens shortchanged because they didn’t have complete access to the site.His “MysteryBrand” campaign also stirred backlash, as users reportedly won no prizes despite paying to open digital “mystery boxes.” He was also criticised for promoting gambling to kids. Most notably, Paul was named in a crypto “pump-and-dump” case that allegedly cost fans $2.2 million (£1.7 million) in losses.The rise & falls of YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul JAKE Paul is about to have the fight of his life against legendary boxer Mike Tyson. In a career like few others, he’s risen from Disney star to YouTube sensation before carving out a path as a high-profile sportsman.Here are some of the highlights from his boxing career: Paul debuted in boxing by defeating fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib in 2020.Later that year, he scored a knockout win against ex-NBA player Nate Robinson.In 2021, he turned his focus to MMA stars, stopping Ben Askren in a single round.He narrowly beat Tyron Woodley on points, then knocked him out in a rematch that December.Paul earned a decision win over Anderson Silva before facing his first loss to Tommy Fury by split decision in February 2023.He then outpointed Nate Diaz, followed by low-key knockout wins over Andre August and Ryan Bourland.Since then, he’s scored three knockout victories in the ring. His next fight is tomorrow vs. Mike TysonLike many celebrities tied to crypto scandals, Jake Paul allegedly promoted questionable cryptocurrencies – Safemoon, Yummy Coin, Milf Token, and others – without disclosing he was being paid for the role.He reportedly promoted these tokens, transferring them to a wallet linked to him before cashing out as their values dropped. This led to accusations of a “pump-and-dump” scheme – where a cryptocurrency’s value is inflated through celebrity endorsements or false claims about its value – causing fans to lose significant sums while Paul pocketed profits.Tommy Fury leaked ‘script’Tommy Fury punches Jake Paul during the Cruiserweight Title fightCredit: GettyPaul also faced accusations of fixing his rematch fight with British boxer Tommy Fury after a “script” was leaked online. The document, posted by UFC’s Mike Perry, claimed to outline the entire bout, including a dramatic TKO victory for Paul in the eighth round.But promoters quickly dismissed the document as a fake, calling it nothing more than a rumour. Despite the claims, the supposed “script” included outlandish details such as Paul walking out in a baby costume and Fury suffering a severe eye injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe celebrity boxing rivals spent two years feuding before finally squaring up in Saudi Arabia in February 2023. Paul fought Tommy in an eight-round cruiser-weight fight. The bout resulted in a split decision victory in favour of Tommy. More

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      Gary Lineker ‘could be snapped up by Netflix & DOUBLE £30m fortune’ after building TV empire away from Match of the Day

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      HE may be giving up his £1.36 million-a-year job, but the BBC’s highest-paid star will be just fine after building a canny media empire of his own.We revealed this week that Gary Lineker will be leaving Match of the Day after 25 years at the end of this season.Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: BBCHis own company has had success with documentaries like Football, Prince William & Our Mental HealthCredit: BBC SportHe has struck deals for the likes for Vision Express. Pictured in a photoshoot for the brandCredit: SWNSThe football pundit will quit the BBC after anchoring the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the next World Cup.In a statement confirming he’s stepping down, Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”While many might shudder at the thought of stepping away from such a well-paid role, Lineker’s booming projects away from the Beeb could still see his estimated £30million fortune DOUBLE in the coming years, according to experts.And it’s all thanks to his TV production company, Goalhanger Films.READ MORE SPORTS FEATURESThe firm has already been behind high-profile BBC shows, including Football, Prince William And Our Mental Health in 2020, but it’s also found success with steaming giants, selling a Serena Williams documentary to Amazon last year.Brand and culture expert Nick Ede believes big beasts like Netflix will now have Lineker’s future projects in his sights – and could reward him with a multi-million pound deal, if David Beckham’s £20 million payday was anything to go by.He tells us: “This is a golden moment for Gary to make even more money, spread his broadcasting wings and create compelling content that will help him double his wealth. “I’m sure he will be selling his documentaries and series back to the BBC but now he has the option to sell to the highest bidders with the biggest viewership, making him one of the most powerful men in the media and it’s only going to get more successful for him as the demand is increasing.Most read in Football“Netflix has massive budgets and knows that his shows rate really well, like his Prince William doc. “With his black book full of the greatest sports stars in the world – and royals – plus Netflix’s high demand for content, he will be top of their list for programmes, and could earn tens of millions.”Watch first look trailer for BBC’s ‘Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health’Goalhanger also has an extremely successful podcast production arm, which is now signed up with global entertainment agency WME.In 2022, Lineker hailed  the “incredible growth” of Goalhanger Podcasts, and admitted he could leave the BBC to work on it full time – so it’s very possible that’s what his plans are.He told The New Statesman: “Maybe. Who knows? Life’s thrown many things at me. And I’m 61. “We don’t really know what the boundaries are in terms of growth. But it’s a very, very good business.”Brand dealsThe Rest Is Football podcast has over 320,000 subscribers on YouTubeCredit: The Rest Is FootballLineker has been the face of Walkers for 30 yearsCredit: AlamyHis company has also sold a Serena Williams documentary to AmazonCredit: AFPGoalhanger has produced some of the biggest podcasts in the country, including The Rest Is Politics , hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, and The Rest Is History, presented by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook.And it has found success Stateside recently, too, launching The Rest Is Politics: US.Last year, Gary began fronting The Rest is Football podcast with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer – which has 320,000 subscribers on YouTube.And Nick thinks he’ll continue to earn even more from YouTube thanks to his many brand deals.His most famous is Walkers – who he’s been working with for 30 years, and appeared in over 150 adverts for.Lineker is estimated to earn around £1 million a year from the crisps giant, and signed another three-year deal with them in 2022.He’s also got his own range of specs in high street chain Vision Express, with glasses frames starting at £99 and sunglasses at £39.Shirts brand TM Lewin, also signed Lineker up, to promote its budget range, starting at £25. In 2023, he launched his own line with Next, modelling his own clothes online.Having previously also hosted for the likes of NBC and TNT Sports, Nick says a move to YouTube for Lineker may be on the cards – as he’ll be free from the BBC guidelines.He adds: “He will soon be using YouTube to carry on his football commentary and be able to monetise this.“Without the BBC stronghold for limited commercial activity, he will be getting offers from brands who want to piggyback on the perennial success of his Walkers crisps ads and maximise on his popularity.”Lavish lifeLineker has a £4m mansion in BarnesCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceThis includes a £50k Jaguar F-PaceCredit: JaguarLineker’s business acumen has led to him owning a £4 million home in Barnes, London – complete with gym and cinema – as well as a car collection worth over £300,000.That included his super-smart Jaguar F-Pace, worth around £50,000.But he’s also been seen riding a Mercedes SL550, BMW 650i convertible, Range Rover Sport and a Jaguar XJ.The hotshot striker was even spied in a £20,000 Mini Cooper Turbo once upon a time.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe car collector has also invested in insurance company, Ticker, which aims to reduce premiums for drivers between the ages of 17 and 25, and is backed by former Formula 1 driver Mark Blundell.Nick finishes: “Lineker has cleverly created a media business that doesn’t need to rely on him and is set to make much more money after BBC.”Lineker has a range with NextCredit: NextHe broke BBC guidelines when he wore his range on the EurosCredit: BBC More

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      in Soccer

      My family hammered me after my first MOTD appearance but hosting TV’s best football show is an honour, says Gary Lineker

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      GARY LINEKER has blown the final whistle on his Match Of The Day presenting career – and what a goal-den run it has been.Over a quarter of a century, his highlights reel includes hosting the programme in his undies and having toast thrown at him by footie hardman Vinnie Jones.Gary Lineker presented the first MOTD of the new season in his Leicester City emblazoned pants after his former club won the title in 2016Credit: BBCGary’s first appearance as the main presenter on MOTD in 1999Credit: Pixel8000Gary with pundits Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson in 2000Credit: BBCYet the ex-England ace’s debut on the world’s longest-running TV football show left him squirming. “My first-ever appearance on Match Of The Day was probably my worst,” he told the BBC.“I was playing for Leicester in 1980 and, in those days, there was usually just one game shown. So it was incredibly exciting when I heard that our match against Aston Villa had been chosen.“Unfortunately, I missed an easy chance, knocking it over the bar from five yards out. I remember going home and being absolutely hammered by my family when they watched the show that night.”Gary, 63, who hails from a family of greengrocers, added: “My dad enjoyed a bet, but if you’d offered him odds that night back in 1980 that one day I’d present MOTD in my pants, as a result of Leicester winning the Premier League, then he would have laughed you out of town.”Read More on Sport‘I wanted Des’s job’Few have had more stellar England careers than Gary, whose final show will be at the end of this season.The former striker remains the Three Lions’ top scorer at World Cups, with ten goals to his name, and is England’s fourth-highest scorer of all time.He notched up four goals at Italia 90 when England reached the semi-final. He scored in that match before West Germany famously won on penalties.Later, showing an aptitude for a pithy phrase, he said: “Football is a simple game — 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and, at the end, the Germans win.”Most read in FootballThe ex-England skipper always had his eye on a career in the media during his playing career.On retirement, he went into presenting and punditry with the BBC, initially for Radio 5 Live.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027He was also a witty team captain on TV sporting quiz show They Think It’s All Over from 1995 to 2003.Dad-of-four Gary took over presenting Match Of The Day in 1999 from Des Lynam, who many at the time regarded as irreplaceable.And earlier this year, he told the BBC: “I didn’t do punditry for very long. I wanted Des’s job.”At the time he stepped up to the top hosting role, Gary said: “I’ve been watching Match Of The Day since I was a boy.“And just as captaining England was an honour, so too is hosting the best football show on TV.“It’s a job any sports broadcaster would be proud to do and I’m thrilled.” Gary would say of his first show in the hot seat in 1999: “You can’t really practise telly. I don’t get nervous, didn’t as a player, don’t as a presenter, but I remember that first show, there were a few butterflies.”At first, Gary says his presentation style was not as honed as he would have liked. He recalled: “I remember for a couple of years driving home and thinking, ‘I’m never going to be able to crack this’.“But, in the end, you get used to the environment and then it becomes natural — and then it really depends on whether you’ve got enough likeability, that more people like you than hate you.”Gary’s mix of assured authority and quick sense of humour won him legions of fans.Following Premier League rights returning to the BBC from ITV in 2004, Gary pushed for all the day’s matches to be screened.“It’s constantly evolved,” he told the BBC when celebrating Match Of The Day’s 60th anniversary in August this year. “I can remember when I grew up there was just one game shown. Then it went to two.“Then we lost the rights for three years to ITV. When we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we can show all the games?’.“We found a way of doing it, so I thought, ‘Right, we won’t get people moaning their team is never on Match Of The Day’.“But, of course, then it becomes where the team is in the running order. ‘We’re always last’, and this kind of stuff’.”Despite Gary and his pundits’ forthright criticism, he says few players have had a go at him, explaining: “Very, very rarely. Not with players.“Managers more so, managers are touchy. Footballers get it — they know when they’ve made a mistake.”The MOTD team, clockwise from top left: Jimmy Hill, Barry Davies, John Motson, Gary, Des Lynam and Alan at the 1998 World CupCredit: PA:Press AssociationGary, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright with the MOTD team behind the scenes in 2016Credit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesGary, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard amd Micah Richards go wild after England go through after beating Switzerland on penalties at Euro 2024Credit: Pixel8000Gary covering the match between Leicester City and Manchester United in 2000Credit: ColorsportA young Lineker at Leicester City in 1979Credit: AlamyOne player who did have a “pop” at him was former Wimbledon hardman Vinnie Jones. The player-turned actor told The Sun how Gary “said he’d rather watch Ceefax than watch Wimbledon”.Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star Vinnie, who was not amused, said: “If I’d got hold of him, I’d have ripped him a f***ing new a***hole.“So when I saw him in a hotel in Dublin, I threw me f***ing dinner at him and said, ‘Well, you want to say something now, big ears?’.”The 1995 set-to also involved Vinnie chucking slices of toast at Gary.Three years later, the pair appeared together in a Walkers crisps advert, the hatchet seemingly buried.If I’d got hold of him, I’d have ripped him a f***ing new a***holeVinnie JonesNow Vinnie says: “He’s not on my Christmas card list. I’m sure I’m not on his.”In 2016, Gary promised to present Match Of The Day in his pants if his beloved Leicester City achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Premier League title.“I did a tweet in December saying if Leicester win the league I’ll do the first show of next season in my undies. When I did that tweet, I knew there was categorically zero chance Leicester would win the league. But, of course, they did.“I kind of had to do it. It was the most surreal thing I’ve done on TV.”Gary also showed his cheeky side when then-Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette let out a blood-curdling scream after being fouled, falling to the ground and clutching his leg, in 2021. Lacazette soon returned to his feet without needing treatment.‘Exceeded expectations’At the end of the show, Gary threw himself off his presenter’s chair with mocking screams.His prowess behind the mic has also seen him present coverage from the Olympics, major golf tournaments and the Sports Personality Of The Year awards.He has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air talent for the past seven years and would work for other networks, including BT Sport.There is also a lucrative long-term sponsorship deal with Walkers crisps, and he jointly owns TV production company Goalhanger Films.It produced sports documentaries including Rooney: The Man Behind the Goals, about Manchester United icon Wayne.Goalhanger also has a podcast division, which has proved Gary’s Midas touch.I did a tweet in December saying if Leicester win the league I’ll do the first show of next season in my undies. When I did that tweet, I knew there was categorically zero chance Leicester would win the league — but, of course, they didGary LinekerNow the largest British producer of podcasts, its shows include The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics and his own podcast, The Rest Is Football, which he hosts with fellow goal-scoring great Alan Shearer and ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards.With his Match Of The Day contract expiring next summer, Gary said in an August interview: “Podcast-wise, things have really exceeded our expectations.“But at the same time, I love being part of Match Of The Day, I love working for the BBC.“I know it has its issues and it has its troubles, but I think it’s brilliant.”Gary is not content to do what his critics demand and stick merely to football.Controversy over his political tweets reached boiling point in March 2023, with the resulting furore seeing the Match Of The Day host taken off air.He had written on X that the language used by the then-government to launch a policy on small boat crossings was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s”.Esquire magazine called the ex-Leceister, Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona striker “the voice of liberal Britain”.But BBC chiefs suspended Gary — who never received a yellow card, let alone a red, during his 16 years and 654 competitive matches.In a mark of Gary’s popularity among his peers, sport presenters from across BBC programming, including Shearer, Ian Wright, Alex Scott, Jermain Defoe and Dion Dublin, mutinied and came off air.Wright said he would quit Match Of The Day if the BBC “get rid of Lineker”. TV and radio shows including Football Focus, Final Score and Fighting Talk were pulled.Match Of The Day lasted just 20 minutes without presenters or analysts and only edited highlights screened.I love being part of Match Of The Day, I love working for the BBC. I know it has its issues and it has its troubles, but I think it’s brilliantGary LinekerIt was a mark of the esteem Gary is held in by the public that the BBC backed down and reinstated him.An independent review of the corporation’s social media guidelines saw tougher new rules introduced. Then last month came rumours of a leaked email that hinted the BBC was drafting a statement on Gary’s departure from Match Of The Day.A BBC spokesman insisted: “We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season.”Gary characteristically treated the speculation over his future with a gag. He introduced Match Of The Day by saying: “Hello. Seven games on the way and it’s my final show . . . ”READ MORE SUN STORIESThen, pausing with impeccable comic timing, he added: “Before the international break.”Now, one of football’s most cherished sons really is leaving — as perhaps the iconic programme’s greatest-ever presenter. More

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      in Boxing

      How Mike Tyson & Jake Paul’s $80m clash became ‘boxing’s biggest freak show’ with lie detector gaffes and $2m VIP seats

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      AS the dust settles on the US election, America is bracing itself for another epic and unpredictable showdown.And once again, it pits a controversial, motor-mouthed veteran against a far younger contender many predict is not cut out for the job.Boxing legend Mike Tyson famously won 44 of his 58 fights by knockoutsCredit: GettyIron Mike is set to take on 27-year-old YouTuber Jake PaulCredit: GettyCritics have dubbed Mike Tyson and Jake Paul’s boxing match the biggest freak show in boxing historyCredit: GettyMore than 60,000 fans will pile into Texas’s AT&T arena on Saturday to watch the spectacle of former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson, 58, take on 27-year-old YouTuber Jake Paul in what critics have dubbed the biggest freak show in boxing history.VIP ringside seats are being sold for a record £1.55million — and millions more will tune into the event which, in a groundbreaking move, is being streamed live on Netflix.But it remains to be seen whether Paul can solve the conundrum that has seen fighters with twice his class pummelled to the canvas by the self-styled Baddest Man On The Planet.In Tyson’s famous words: “Everyone has a plan ’til they get punched in the mouth.”READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONThe stats behind Mike Tyson vs Jake PaulUntil his retirement in 2005, the human pitbull famously won 44 of his 58 fights by knockouts.Yet even Tyson — whose training regime includes microdosing magic mushrooms and smoking weed — can’t win against Old Father Time.The three-decade age gap between the men is the largest in professional boxing history.Gutsy Paul, rated a decent if inexperienced pugilist, may use his youth to give the ex-champ the runaround before delivering a knockout blow.Most read in BoxingSo is this simply a circus act or a legitimate contest in the spirit of the Marquess of Queensberry?What’s certain is that it will be box office gold.Jake Paul had vision of himself fighting Mike Tyson while high on psychedelics three years agoRather than the usual pay per view, the fighters have signed a deal said to be around £31million each for Saturday’s early hours bout.It is already predicted to be one of the most-viewed boxing matches of all time, and media analysts suggest it could usher in a new dawn for how live sports are consumed, with further plans to broadcast NFL and WWE events on Netflix.Tyson is characteristically bullish ahead of the fight in Arlington, Texas.Before Paul had his most recent and 11th fight, Iron Mike insisted: “Regardless of how old I am, this guy only has ten fights.“If I can fight ten per cent of what I was, he only has ten fights, he couldn’t match that.”‘Weak and flawed person’Not everyone shares his optimism. Boxing great and promoter Barry McGuigan told a newspaper he fears Tyson will tarnish his legacy if he is remembered for “that sham of a fight with that YouTuber”.The former featherweight, who will appear on this year’s I’m A Celebrity, added: “A 58-year-old man shouldn’t be fighting. He just shouldn’t.“At that age your punch resistance invariably disappears. And while we see all these clips of Tyson doing the pads, that’s not real. What’s real is sparring against good-quality opposition and seeing how you look then.”The younger man’s route to the Texas ring was as a celebrity You- Tuber whose maiden fight was a so-called white-collar boxing contest for office workers.He has won ten of his 11 professional bouts with seven knockouts.Nicknamed The Problem Child, Paul’s only loss was to Tommy Fury — but it was a split decision and he knocked the Love Island star down in the eighth round.Love Island’s Tommy Fury on the way to beating Jake Paul in Riyadh last yearCredit: GettyJake Paul’s skater girlfriend Jutta LeerdamCredit: Instagram / @uttaleerdamIt is a record that lends him legitimacy, though his opponents included a YouTuber, a retired basketball star and four Mixed Martial Arts fighters.The opponents were well-picked — seven were 35 or older — and purses huge. Paul has earned tens of millions from his fights including almost £24million from the bout with Fury.Yet Tyson has fought genuine ring legends including Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno.In August at a press conference with Iron Mike, Paul bragged: “I’m here to make 40million dollars and knock out a legend.“I don’t give a f* about anything else. And he’s the one that wanted it to be a pro fight. “So he’s gonna get his ass knocked out for real on a real record.”One glamorous figure in Paul’s corner is his Dutch girlfriend Jutta Leerdam, an Olympic speed skating silver medallist who admits to more anxiety over the clash.She told the Netflix documentary Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson: “I’m a little scared. “I think, ‘Hey, stay away from my boyfriend.’ But it’s also the sport, so I understand that.”And when hooked up to a lie detector machine on the endless social media promo trail, Paul’s trash talk bluster disappeared. Asked if he would beat the former undisputed champion, he answered: “Yeah.”Mike Tyson famously chewing Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997Credit: SkyMike Tyson being led away by cops after rape arrest in 1991Credit: RexBut the lie detector begged to differ, suggesting Paul’s cocky facade hid his real belief that he would lose.When a clip of the test went viral, Tyson shared it with his 30million Instagram followers with three laughing emojis emblazoned on it.The pair were originally scheduled to meet on July 20 but Tyson was taken ill two months earlier in an plane toilet after an ulcer flare-up.On the plane, I went to the bathroom, and I threw up blood,” he revealed. “Next thing I know I’m on the floor and I was defecating tar.” In his Eighties prime, Tyson was the most destructive heavyweight of his generation.Menacing in black trunks, black ankle-high boots and no socks, he would pace the ring before the first bell like a caged lion.Psyching out many before a punch was thrown, he won his first 19 professional fights by knockout, 12 of them in the first round.In 1992 he was convicted of raping 18-year-old Miss Black America contestant Desiree Washington and received a six-year prison sentence, serving less than half that time.I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity.Mike TysonOn his release, he fought two losing fights against Evander Holyfield. In the second, Tyson sank his teeth into Holyfield’s ear, biting the fleshy top off before spitting it out on to the canvas.Teddy Atlas, his former trainer, called Tyson “a very weak and flawed person”.His penultimate contest — against Brit Danny Williams in 2004 — saw him unable to beat the count after being knocked down in a bloodied heap in the fourth round.In his last professional fight in 2005, he threw in the towel against Irishman Kevin McBride before the seventh round.Announcing his retirement afterwards, a downbeat Tyson insisted: “I’m not going to disrespect the sport any more by losing to this calibre of fighter.”A 2020 exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr was judged a draw. Tyson admitted he was high on marijuana during the fight, revealing afterwards: “I smoke every day.” He credits weed for helping him beat a destructive cocaine and booze habit.‘I’m a glutton for pain’Asked by US TV host Jimmy Kimmel recently if he intends to be “high on marijuana” during his bout with Paul, Tyson replied: “That’s a possibility.”Also a magic mushroom user, Tyson says he takes the psychedelics during his workouts “because I feel beautiful”.Now he has been lured back to his beloved ring partly, at least, for the adulation. “I’m a glory junkie,” the fighter with a Maori-inspired face tattoo admitted. “I love people thinking about me all day.“I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity.“This is all I started fighting for — to get all this fing status.“I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that. “I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough.”The giant purse might help too, with punters paying through the roof to get close to the action.The arena’s most expensive ticket is a record $2million VIP package, which will seat two people less than six feet from the action in a private booth.If Mike lands one clean punch, and if he makes him miss, he will make him pay.Jeff FenechFurther perks include the chance to visit both fighters backstage before the fight, an open bar and gourmet all-inclusive food menu, plus a personal security escort to accompany guests across the venue.And even at 58, the allure of an Iron Mike knockout remains undimmed.Jeff Fenech, who trained Tyson to defeats against Williams and McBride, believes the fallen champ still has what it takes to dispatch upstart Paul.The cornerman said: “If Mike lands one clean punch, and if he makes him miss, he will make him pay. “If he doesn’t try and strike at the same time and is patient, the fight could be over in one minute.”Thankfully — perhaps for both fighters — the rounds will be two minutes long rather than the usual three for men’s bouts.Dad-of-seven Tyson explained: “I wanted the shorter rounds because I wanted more action. “If we only have two minutes, we’ll fight more.”And the fighters will wear 14oz gloves rather than the usual 10oz to lend greater protection.Neither man will wear headguards.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe prospect of a potentially stoned former heavy-hitting champ battling a rookie almost young enough to be his grandson may not warm the cockles of boxing purists.“People say it’s s*t,” Gypsy King Tyson Fury said. “But I bet they still watch it.” More