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    Fans are only just realising Kylian Mbappe’s real name as old FIFA card does the rounds on social media

    FOOTBALL fans have been left shocked to learn Kylian Mbappe’s real full name.The Frenchman is widely regarded as one of the best footballers on the planet in 2024. Kylian Mbappe went by a different name at the start of his careerCredit: GettyThe Frenchman’s full name is Kylian Mbappe Lottin which he used in his breakout season with MonacoHowever, back in 2016, Mbappe used to go by a different name.When the attacker was making his breakthrough at Monaco in the 2016/17 season, he actually went by the name Lottin.Indeed, the Paris Saint-Germain stars full name is Kylian Mbappe Lottin.Fans were reminded of this by a viral social media post which displayed his old FIFA card and name.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis base card at the start of that year showed him as a 71-rated common silver card left winger by the name of Lottin.Mbappe’s stats back then showed him with 81 pace – an unthinkably low value now – 64 shooting, 65 passing, 74 dribbling, 39 defending and 62 physical.The card stunned fans, with one saying: “They used to call him Lottin?”A second said: “81 pace lol.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third seemed to not realise the player was the world-famous superstar and said: “He looks like Mbappe lmao.”Another added: “He has been massive since.”Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Fast forward to now – with a name change from Fifa to EA FC to boot as well – and Mbappe is a 91-rated rare gold striker.His base card for the most recent addition of the game has Mbappe with 97 pace, 90 shooting, 80 passing, 92 dribbling, 36 defending and 78 physical.Mbappe’s 2016/17 season with Monaco saw him score 27 goals in 60 games and lift the Ligue 1 title.He then joined PSG the following season on loan before making a permanent switch for a massive €180million to make him the most expensive teenager ever.And by then he had simply become known as Mbappe, though the reason for the change is unknown.His father was once known as Mbappe Lottin, but now just goes by the name Mbappe with his younger brother Ethan following suit.But now after seven seasons in Paris, Mbappe looks set to leave the French giants.READ MORE SUN STORIESReports have suggested he has agreed to join Real Madrid after years of speculation about his arrival in Spain.Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford had been linked with replacing him at PSG, however SunSport understands the Englishman will snub a potential transfer to France. More

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    Eagle-eyed fans in shock and say ‘this is MAD’ after spotting FIFA legend Alex Hunter in hit ITV show

    EAGLE-EYED football fans were left shocked as they tuned into the latest episode of ITV’s Trigger Point.Famous actors Vicky McClure and Adrian Lester star in the thriller series – but it was another familiar face that got everyone talking.
    Fans were left trying to place this recognisable face while watching Trigger PointCredit: ITV
    Tomiwa Edun is best remembered as Fifa character Alex HunterCredit: EA Sports
    Gamers played as Hunter and tried to make him a world-class footballer
    Supporters could not believe that Tomiwa Edun was in the show.
    The actor is best remembered from his role playing fictional footballer Alex Hunter in the Fifa video game.
    Tomiwa was the face of mode “The Journey” in three editions of the game from Fifa 17 to 19.
    Players would control Hunter’s career with the aim of taking the teenage wonderkid to the top of world football.
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    And in a nod to his time on Fifa, his character in Trigger Point was named Alex.
    Fans were surprised to see the 39-year-old actor back on screens, with one saying: “So that’s where he went after his glittering Fifa career ended.”
    Another added: “Alex Hunter from Fifa is in Trigger Point. I had this guy winning Champions League with Real Madrid. Now he’s a criminal. Should have stuck to footy mate.”
    A third laughed: “This is mad from scoring goals in Fifa to criminal activities.”
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    More commented: “That is some journey Alex Hunter has been on.”
    Tomiwa has previously starred in Merlin and had brief cameo roles in Doctor Who and Lucifer.
    I make £50,000 a year playing FIFA on my PlayStation without leaving my bedroom – here’s how I got my dream job
    Actor Adetomiwa Edun has also featured in Doctor WhoCredit: Getty More

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    Football club come up with unique ‘cheat code’ kick-off as fans compare it to ‘FIFA glitch’

    A SPANISH second division side have gone viral for their bizarre approach to taking kick-offs.Racing Santander currently sit eighth in La Liga 2 with 18 points from 11 games.
    Racing Santander have been using a bizarre kick-off methodCredit: reddit
    The ball is passed back to another player, who sends it longCredit: reddit
    Several Racing Santander players then chase it down and put pressure on defendersCredit: reddit
    But the Green and Whites recently became popular among fans for their unorthodox kick-off method.
    Some are even branding it as a “cheat code”.
    Instead of keeping the ball, the player receiving it from the kick-off flicks it up before sending a long pass forward.
    The technique puts the opposition under some early pressure while at least four players press high in a bid to win the ball.
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    Fans were left stunned after noticing the consistent theme, with some taking to social media to have their say.
    One person commented: “Fifa kickoff glitch with a twist.”

    Another added: “Rugby kick. I rate it. It probably works well in lower leagues, but you probably should not do that against City.”
    While a third wrote: “That’s what kick offs used to be like in the early days of Association Football, before passing took over.”
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    Paris Saint-Germain tried a similar trick last season and it resulted in Kylian Mbappe scoring after just eight seconds.
    The PSG stars played three passes between themselves in the centre circle before the ball was sent long to Mbappe, who scored with his first touch of the game. More

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    BBC presenter Alex Scott looks stunning as she bares midriff at EA Sports event alongside Ronaldinho, Figo and Haaland

    ALEX SCOTT stole the show while at an EA Sports FC event. The launch saw Scott joined by other football legends such as Luis Figo, Ronaldinho and Didier Drogba, as well as Manchester City striker Erling Haaland – who was seen in a pair of green “pyjamas”.
    Alex Scott stole the show at the EA SPORTS FC 24 launch event
    Scott met other football legends such as Ronaldinho
    She was also seen next to the likes of Didier Drogba, Erling Haaland and Figo
    Scott donned blue jeans and a green and white Tommy Hilfiger top that showed off her toned midriff as she took to the stage with her fellow footie icons.
    The 38-year-old, who also took the chance to lift the Women’s Champions League trophy, captioned her post: “Game recognising Game 🤝🏾: EA Sports it’s (I’m) in the game…
    “Can’t wait to share some more exciting news very soon 👀.”
    Reacting to her post, one fan said: “Legend on and off the pitch.”
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    A second typed: “The skys is the limit. 🙌❤️🙌.”
    Many other fans responded with fire and heart emojis.
    Another fan speculated the “exciting news” Scott referred to could in fact be a legends mode within the game.
    Images from the event show the BBC presenter will once again be part of the games’ broadcasting team and will also be joining the list of Icons (stars who have retired) in the game after appearing on the Ultimate Edition cover.
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    Scott lifted the Women’s Champions League trophy
    Scott was present with a host of other stars on the video games Ultimate Edition cover
    The former Arsenal and England star made history on FIFA 22 by becoming the first woman in the popular video games broadcaster team.
    It comes as the long-running FIFA game series rebrands itself to EA Sports FC 24.
    The rebrand follows a dispute over the use of the Fifa name – with Fifa reportedly wanting $1billion (£850million) for continued branding in EA Sports’ games.
    Scott donned blue jeans with a green and white top
    One fan proclaimed her a ‘legend’ More

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    Female footballer Sydney Leroux demands FIFA ‘deflate her boobs’ after making character too ‘chesty’

    FEMALE footballer Sydney Leroux has called on FIFA to “deflate my boobs” after taking issue with her “chesty” in-game character. Leroux, 32, has enjoyed a long career playing in North America after beginning her journey with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2005.
    Striker Sydney Leroux has played for a number of clubs in North America, including the Seattle Sounders, Kansas City and Orlando PrideCredit: Getty
    Leroux was not at all convinced by her video game likenessCredit: EA Sports FIFA 16 via Twitter / @sydneyleroux
    FIFA has included women players since 2016 and went a step further with FIFA 23 by including the Women’s Super League and French Division 1 Feminine.
    A recent update has also seen the women’s Champions League and the National Women’s Soccer League, the top flight of football in America, added to the popular video game.
    But Leroux, who currently stars for Angel City FC, believed her animated character did not accurately represent her.
    She said on Twitter: “They had the headband, the braid, the neck tattoo, the overly plucked brows and someone even made me CHESTYYYY!!!!
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    “Deflate my boobs a bit and put a different jersey on.”
    But she added: “I’ll keep the brows at this point.”
    Fans weighed in with their thoughts of her botched game character.
    One admirer said: “No video game render can ever capture the grace and beauty of Sydney Leroux…”
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    While another said: “The eyebrows are in point for LA! I agree, let’s keep them!”
    Leroux is not the first player to hit out at the game’s 3D models since the new leagues were added.
    Houston Dash defender Caprice Dydasco and Liverpool striker Katie Stengel have both been left unimpressed with their depictions.
    This is set to be the last FIFA game in its current guise after game developers EA Sports split from the governing body. More

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    England legends look totally unrecognisable in incredible throwback to old video games – but can you guess all XI?

    USUALLY every England football star is instantly recognisable in their Three Lions kit.But it will take some serious skill to be able to name all 11 of this group of legends – thanks to some questionable video games graphics of yesteryear.
    England players have been depicted very poorly over the years
    Brilliant throwback snaps of FIFA, Pro Evolution Soccer and Three Lions from years gone by show a host of recent top internationals representing their country.
    And some are so obscure you might be confused even when you see the answers.
    GOALKEEPER
    The goalkeeper with his slicked-back hair and short sleeves is pretty difficult to identify.
    The mystery goalkeeper looks rather scaryCredit: FIFA, EA Sports
    He features in the 2010 World Cup version of the game where he was third-choice stopper behind Rob Green and David James.
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    After coming through at Shrewsbury, he spent the majority of his career with Manchester City and is now with Celtic.
    Answer: Joe Hart
    Joe Hart made 75 England appearancesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    RIGHT-BACK
    A reliable right-back for many years and still a familiar face on our TV screens.
    This generic face could be plenty of different playersCredit: Pro Evolution Soccer
    But the Pro Evo 2 game released in 2002 has done him no favours with this generic depiction.
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    He earned 85 caps across 12 years and boasts a superb trophy cabinet at club-level, too.
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    Answer: Gary Neville
    It is actually ex-Man Utd man Gary NevilleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    CENTRE-BACK
    A team-mate of Neville’s for club and country – not that these horrendous graphics on the Three Lions game from 1998 help in any way.
    Good luck guessing who this isCredit: Three Lions video game
    The pixelated screen and dodgy shapes have left many scratching their head working this one out – but may be helped by knowing he is now a BT Sport pundit.
    Answer: Rio Ferdinand
    Rio Ferdinand might not be best pleased even with the terrible graphicsCredit: Reuters
    CENTRE-BACK
    Another man who swapped the centre of defence for a seat in the studio alongside Nev.
    Even the shirt is all over the place on this playerCredit: Pro Evolution Soccer 2
    The pair never saw eye-to-eye at club level due to their fierce rivalry.
    But this man has surely come off worse with his PES 2 character – as has his England kit.
    Answer: Jamie Carragher
    Jamie Carragher did wear that iconic 2002 World Cup kitCredit: PA:Press Association
    LEFT-BACK
    Okay, he was never really a left-back – more of a centre-back or holding midfielder but we have shoehorned him into the team.
    Apparently there is an ex-England player hereCredit: Three Lions video game
    Good luck with this one, though, as this player’s profile looks more like an explosion of colour on Art Attack.
    The big clue is that this man is still very much involved in England matters – despite winning his 57th and final cap in 2004.
    Answer: Gareth Southgate
    It is the Three Lions manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    CENTRE-MID
    A three-man midfield is anchored by someone born in Canada – and the likeness is a world away from the real thing.
    This player actually had curly hairCredit: 2002 World Cup video game
    He starred at the 2006 World Cups and his lovely curls are replaced by a set of curtains on PES 2.
    Answer: Owen Hargreaves
    The midfielder is Owen HargreavesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    CENTRE-MID
    Another midfielder, another set of curtains – although this hero definitely burst on to the scene rocking the retro hairstyle he has been given on the 2002 World Cup game.
    At least this man did start out with curtainsCredit: Pro Evolution Soccer 2
    That is despite not actually making the final 23-man squad for the tournament in Japan and South Korea.
    He went on to make 106 England appearances, though, to go with his 915 club games in England, Wales and America.
    Answer: Frank Lampard
    Frank Lampard did not go to the 2002 World Cup but made it on the gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    CENTRE-MID
    Completing the trio is one of two current England players – not that it is clear who.
    Even with new graphics, no one is guessing thisCredit: Pro Evolution Soccer 2014
    And there is no excuse on the PES 2014 game with graphics far better than at the turn of the century.
    The kit from the 150th FA anniversary in 2013 looks good – the ex-Sunderland star less so.
    Answer: Jordan Henderson
    Jordan Henderson is one the two players still in the England teamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    RIGHT-WINGER
    In fairness, this superstar has had his fair share of different looks over the years.
    No sponsors, no hair, no features, no clueCredit: Pro Evolution Soccer
    Pro Evo played it safe with his bald, skin-head style.
    Yet there is absolutely no likeness to one of the best-looking and most famous footballers to pull on the Three Lions shirt – and he did so 115 times.
    Answer: David Beckham
    It is only the most famous England footballer in David BeckhamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    STRIKER
    Another ace done over big time by the Three Lions graphics is this team’s No9.
    This striker celebrates his goal on the Three Lions gameCredit: Three Lions video game
    This shocker shows a huge hand raised in celebration and funny-shaped head with apparently a goalkeeper, defender and goal in the background.
    He was limited to just 33 caps in the 1990s but did not feature at a major tournament for his country.
    Answer: Ian Wright
    Ian Wright did not get as many chances as he would have wanted for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    LEFT-WINGER
    We may well have saved the worst until last with this horror show of a video game effort.
    This is arguably the worst depiction of all even with the relatively-recent graphicsCredit: Pro Evolution Soccer 2013
    His PES 2013 likeness – or lack of likeness – looks more like Joleon Lescott than the actual player it is meant to be, another player still involved in the team.
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    The winger burst on the scene and is now one of the most instantly-recognisable players in English football with 81 caps and appearances at five major tournaments – not that you would know it from this version of him.
    Answer: Raheem Sterling
    It is supposed to be Raheem SterlingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Can you guess these footballers from their unrecognisable appearance in FIFA and PES?

    FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer? Everybody has a view.Many will look at the gameplay, while some will be influenced by which game their mates choose.
    There have been some baffling AI players on FIFA and PES down the years
    And some may even decide based on the players’ appearances on the game.
    Following some hilarious-looking AI players in the 90s and early-2000s, both games have got their acts together in recent years.
    But even today, you can still see some very strange looking players on both games.
    Here are some that have slipped through the net down the years.
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    A quite different look for a Tottenham star in PES 2008
    This Spurs star would go on to become a five-time Champions League winner and one of his country’s greatest ever players.
    And he had a great crop too, if you played Pro Evolution Soccer in 2008.
    The only issue is the player had a far messier haircut at the time, even before he became known for his iconic topknot at Real Madrid.
    We are talking, of course, about Gareth Bale.
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    What Gareth Bale actually looked like in August 2007Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    This Barcelona legend looks completely unrecognisable in FIFA 2006
    Gary Lineker would be delighted to see his three-season stint at Barcelona in the 1980s honoured with an appearance on Fifa.
    The only issue is the picture is not supposed to be of the England legend, but an Argentine relative unknown who had just come through the ranks.
    Despite making his debut in 2004, this future seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was still a relative unknown by the time FIFA 2006 came out.
    The player in question is none other than the great Lionel Messi.
    Lionel Messi (left) with Ronaldinho in 2005Credit: Getty
    PES were way out with this Arsenal defender
    An Arsenal Invincibles centre-back, a two-time FA Cup winner and a Champions League runner-up.
    Memorable for his long, straight hair? Nope, us neither.
    This player didn’t have quite the same importance to the Liverpool team he joined in 2013, but it’s still no reason for PES 2014 to get his appearance completely wrong.
    Unbelievably, it’s Kolo Toure.
    Kolo Toure never looked anything like his PES 2014 versionCredit: Action Images – Reuters
    You’ll do well to guess who this Liverpool striker on FIFA 23 is
    If it was understandable that Liverpool fans were being dragged through the mill with unrecognisable players on video games ten years ago, it is less so today.
    However, that’s exactly what happened with their star striker on FIFA 23.
    We certainly don’t remember Liverpool splashing out £80m on a bald Uruguayan last summer.
    An update was soon released so that the AI player would bear at least some resemblance to the real Darwin Nunez.
    Darwin Nunez is about as far away from his bald FIFA alterego as it’s possible to be.Credit: Getty
    David Beckham’s Man Utd replacement looks unrecognisable in FIFA 2004
    David Beckham’s replacement at Man Utd arrived in 2003 with a fresh face and iconic blonde streaks in his hair.
    But there was none of that on FIFA 2004, where he seemed to have more of a Ryan Giggs look.
    In the coming years, this man would become arguably football’s most recognisable player.
    It is, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo.
    What Cristiano Ronaldo actually looked like in 2003Credit: Getty – Contributor
    One of Ronaldo’s future strike partners at Man Utd didn’t look much better in AI form
    As Ronaldo joined Man Utd, the man with whom he formed such a lethal partnership was bursting onto the scene at Everton.
    And FIFA 2004 didn’t do a great job of capturing his image either.
    EA Sports had eight months to prepare an AI player that looked like this future England captain following his famous winner against Arsenal in 2002.
    But unfortunately they didn’t manage to create much of a likeness to Wayne Rooney at all.
    The real Wayne Rooney in August 2003Credit: Getty – Contributor
    How one big money summer signing looks on FIFA 23
    So FIFA didn’t quite get Cristiano Ronaldo quite right 20 years ago, but surely things are better now?
    Well, if you were told about an £86m winger from Ajax, you might imagine a picture like the above.
    The only problem is the Red Devils signed a Brazilian with bleached blonde hair, not a Dutchman.
    The FIFA image may not look anything like him, but the player in question is supposed to be Antony.
    Antony looks very different in real life to on FIFACredit: PA
    This England midfielder cuts a haunting figure in the Euro 2000 game
    A blast from the past to finish things off.
    This England midfielder looks like a cross between a ghost and a scarecrow at the old Wembley.
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    The Three Lions went out in the group stage of Euro 2000, and it wouldn’t be any surprise if the game’s graphic designers got the boot early too.
    The image is supposed to be of Jamie Redknapp.
    Jamie Redknapp would ultimately miss out on Euro 2000 due to a knee injuryCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Prem clubs get HUGE cash boost after £488m EA Sports deal that QUADRUPLES previous agreement after record transfer spend

    PREM clubs have cashed in with a huge new £488m deal with video games giant EA Sports.A fall-out with world bosses means the company’s marquee football game will no longer have the “Fifa” tag from next year.
    EA Sports’ football game will NOT wear the Fifa tag anymore next yearCredit: Getty
    But the six-year deal, signed off by club bosses, represents almost a QUADRUPLING of the previous three-season agreement.
    That deal had been worth around £23m per year, adding up to just over £1m per club.
    But the new contract to run from the start of next term will be worth £81.3m each year.
    The new agreement will extend the relationship between EA Sports and the Prem, which started in 1998, to 31 years.
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    Prem January spending almost doubled the previous record last month.
    A total of £815million was splurged by English top flight clubs during the mid-season transfer window.
    Chelsea accounted for a staggering £326m of this sum – with big money buys including Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk.
    The Blues’ spend was more than that of clubs in Spain, Germany, Italy and France put together.
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    The Premier League spent more than all the other top five leagues in January
    Meanwhile, Prem clubs have ridiculed rebooted “reverse Brexit” plans for a European Super League WITHOUT English teams.
    Conspirators Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are refusing to give up on their breakaway project despite it crashing and burning inside 48 HOURS two years ago.
    Now the three rebels are using Madrid-based sports marketing firm A22 to rehash another version of the plan that would see up to 80 clubs leave Uefa to form a new competition.
    But that would NOT include any Premier League clubs, with A22 using the success of English football as a justification for the new tournament.
    Prem club bosses last night accused the Super Leaguers of wanting to boot English teams OUT of Europe. One insider revealed: “This is a reverse Brexit.
    “We are talking about a closed league that is trying to justify itself by pitting Europe against England.
    “At the same time, they claim they want to emulate the Prem’s success. To say people are bemused is an understatement.”
    Real Madrid chief Florentino perez is refusing to give up on the hated Super League projectCredit: EPA More