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      Meet Chelsea kid Tudor Mendel-Idowu, 17, who attends Eton College, was on Child Genius TV show and is studying Latin

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      MEET Tudor Mendel-Idowu, who surely must be the UK’s brightest footballer.The Chelsea academy prospect, 17, is blossoming in the U18s this season – with five goals and three assists in nine games.
      Tudor Mendel-Idowu is a rising star with Chelsea’s U18 sideCredit: Getty
      Mendel-Idowu is also a student at prestigious Eton CollegeCredit: Linkedin
      However, if he doesn’t make the grade as a player – he can count on his education.
      Mendel-Idowu is a star pupil at the prestigious Eton College, where Prince William and Harry attended.
      Better still, he’s a King’s Scholar – meaning he’s one of the most academically gifted boys in the country.
      Early bloomer
      As early as aged eight, Mendel-Idowu was juggling academia with playing football.
      He took part in the Child Genius of the Year in 2014, alongside his 11-year-old sister Hazelle, that featured on Channel 4.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      The competition was overseen by Mensa, and featured 20 highly-gifted youngsters between the ages of seven to 12, who face two gruelling rounds: Logic and Reasoning and Memory Recall – where they have just one hour to commit 104 randomly shuffled playing cards to memory.
      While his sister was eliminated in the second round, brainy Tudor finished second overall.
      At the same time, he discovered a flair for the beautiful game as various clubs declared their interest.
      “Like every kid, I played football from a very young age,” he told Chelsea’s website.
      “It would have been around the age of seven or eight that I realised I had a special talent. About the same time, I saw my academic gift coming to fruition as well.
      “There were different top academies across the UK that approached me. Chelsea were the ones who showed the most interest and essentially being the top academy, they really wanted to get me, and did in the end.”
      At age eight Mendel-Idowu appear on Channel 4’s Child Genius of the YearCredit: Channel 4
      Mendel-Idowu finished runner-up in the competition overseen by MensaCredit: Channel 4
      Runs in the family
      Intelligence and being a brilliant footballer (he’s been capped by England at U15 and U17 level) is in Mendel-Idowu’s blood.
      His grandfather on his mother’s side played internationally for his country, Nigeria.
      While on his father’s side, his other grandad Dr Fola Kayode Mendel-Idowu was a gifted academic who specialised in bio-aeronautics.
      He would make history as Africa’s first flying doctor.
      “My parents have always said I am a sort of fusion of these two extraordinary individuals,” he recently told FIFA.com.
      This campaign Mendel-Idowu has scored five times for Chelsea’s U18s in nine gamesCredit: Getty
      Talented midfielder Mendel-Idowu has been capped by England U17sCredit: Instagram
      Astonishingly, Tudor is a King’s Scholar at Eton.
      “King’s Scholars are the top fourteen brightest students in the UK, if not the world, admitted once per year at the age of 13,” he explained.
      “It’s decided after a rigorous examination process over two weeks, covering papers in a variety of subjects: Maths, Latin and Divinity to name a few.”
      Currently, he’s studying Latin, Greek and Modern History for his A-levels.
      He said: “Students who study these subjects have a wide range of options. I’m looking at Classics courses which opens other pathways like Philosophy, Law, Literature and Archaeology.
      “Foreign policy and international relations have always interested me too. I can really go in any of these directions.”
      Mendel-Idowu is juggling a football career with academiaCredit: Instagram
      Bright Mendel-Idowu has big ambitions to be a first class playerCredit: Getty
      But he won’t neglect his football, which he still holds a massive ambition in.
      “I want to be competing at the highest level. I have the same expectations for myself in football as I have as an academic,” Tudor revealed.
      “I want to be at the top. Playing in, and winning Champions Leagues. Playing at a World Cup. Maybe even a World Player of the Year Award – we’ll see!” More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea bidder Todd Boehly is US billionaire who owns baseball team LA Dodgers and is behind Netflix hit Ozark

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      BILLIONAIRE tycoon Todd Boehly is one half of a consortium with Hansjorg Wyss trying to buy Chelsea football club.The American, 46, who owns a stake in the LA Dodgers, is said to be readying a bid with the Swiss businessman this week.
      Billionaire tycoon Todd Boehly is part of the consortium interested in buying ChelseaCredit: Getty
      But Boehly already has his hands full as the interim CEO of the scandal hit Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
      The investor, said to be worth around £5billion, was hired last October to clean up the organisation that produces the cancelled Golden Globe Awards in the wake of racial discrimination.

      Although he’s heavily involved with sport, as an owner of Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and WNBA team Los Angeles Sparks, Boehly has enriched his business portfolio in entertainment.
      Through his holding company Eldridge, he owns MRC entertainment company, which produces Netflix hit Ozark, and Dick Clark Productions.
      While MRC also invests in independent film and TV companies A24, who have received 25 Oscar nominations and Fulwell73, which James Corden is a partner of.
      Well-connected in Hollywood, it is not inconceivable that Boehly could pursue turning Chelsea’s fortunes into a TV series.
      With a route already into Netflix, as well as a share of Fulwell73 who created Sunderland ‘Til I Die, it almost seems inevitable.
      In Los Angeles Boehly, far right, is part owner of the DodgersCredit: Corbis
      In Hollywood Boehly is a big playerCredit: Getty
      Boehly’s MRC company produces Netflix hit OzarkCredit: COURTESY OF NETFLIX
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      His own sporting pedigree
      Boehly is of German heritage, after his grandparents emigrated to the US.
      At school he was on the wrestling team which won state tournament titles in 1990 and 1991.
      So key was Boehly’s role on the team, the school named their facilities after him – calling it the Boehly Family Wrestling Room.
      In terms of further education, Boehly graduated from both the College of William and Mary, as well as the London School of Economics – where he would have first got a taste for life in the English capital.
      Back in 2019, he was linked with a move for the Blues as well as London rivals Tottenham.
      However, he deemed Spurs as too expensive an option with a proposed new stadium on the horizon and an upgrade in facilities.
      Boehly is married to Katie and they have three sons, Nick, Zach and ClayCredit: Getty
      Family life
      Away from business, Boehly is a dedicated family man.
      He is married to wife Katie – and they have three sons, Nick, Zach and Clay.
      One of Boehly’s credit funds is called NZC Guggenheim – with the NZC coming from his sons’ initials.
      The reason for that is an investor wanted assurances from Boehly he would take it seriously, so he named it after his loved ones.
      Does his bit for charity
      Boehly, left, cheers on the LA DodgersCredit: AP
      Alongside wife Katie, Boehly founded the Boehly Center for Excellence in Finance in 2014 at his old university.
      The billionaire is on the board of Faces – Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures – and the Brunswick School, a private school in Connecticut.
      Elsewhere, Boehly is involved with helping the Prostate Cancer Foundation, as well as the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption – the only non-profit charity in North America dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care.
      Heads investigation
      In 2021, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was exposed by the Los Angeles Times for its lack of diversity.
      At the time, the HFPA, an organisation of journalists and photographers who report on the entertainment industry and cast nominations for the Golden Glove Awards, didn’t have a black member within its then 87-person strong group.
      That was reflected who was receiving awards, as notable shows including British TV hit I May Destroy You were disappointingly snubbed.
      The LA Time report dropped one week before the ceremony, and caused a massive stir in Hollywood with viewing figures dipping to an all-time low.
      Wholesale changes were made as the organisation was forced to change its practices.
      Boehly was named interim CEO of the scandal hit Hollywood Foreign Press AssociationCredit: Reuters
      21 new members were added, with 29 per cent being Black, 24 per cent Asian, 29 per cent are Latino and 19 per cent Middle Eastern or North African.
      As an interim chief executive officer, Boehly was brought in to lead the HFPA in continuing to increase the diversity of its membership, as well as form measures that will change its practices moving forward. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd boy wonder Charlie McNeill, 18, was signed from Man City and scored over 600 goals at youth level

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      MARCUS RASHFORD and now Charlie McNeill.Manchester United are rich with youthful strikers set to dominate their first team in years to come.
      Charlie McNeill has turned heads at Old Trafford since joining Man UtdCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      McNeill, 18 was snatched from United’s crosstown rivals Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But it’s the new kid on the block, 18-year-old McNeill, who is earning major plaudits.
      A £750,000 signing from crosstown rivals Manchester City, who will be kicking themselves for losing another top talent (think Jadon Sancho), McNeill has turned heads at Old Trafford.
      In 2018, he inked a six-year deal with Adidas that could net him over a £1million.
      And in his first season with United, he crashed in an astonishing 24 goals in 21 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League, settling in better than anyone could have hoped.
      But there shouldn’t really have been any doubts that his goalscoring prowess wouldn’t immediately translate with his new side.
      After all, McNeill scored over a staggering 600 goals at youth level.

      ALWAYS A RED DEVIL
      Astonishingly, McNeill has bounced between the Manchester clubs a few times.
      He was originally part of United’s academy and played alongside Greenwood.
      Adidas signed McNeill to a six-year deal back in 2018Credit: Instagram @charliemcneill9
      Since moving to Man Utd, McNeill has exploded into life in his new surroundingsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      COMPETITION: WIN ONE OF FOUR SUPERCARS OR A DREAM CAR AND £100k IN CASH
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      In 2014 he made the switch to Manchester City, where he established himself as one of the most impressive young strikers in European football.
      His record in front of goal was nothing short of amazing.
      For City’s U15s team he scored 110 goals in 72 games – while also registering 38 assists.
      Knowing they had to lure McNeill back, United fought off competition from Juventus and RB Leipzig to bring him back to Old Trafford in October.
      ‘RIDICULOUSLY GOOD’
      McNeill’s start to his second coming at United was phenomenal.
      According to the Manchester Evening News, they’ve been told by United sources that the hotshot teen has been ‘ridiculously good’ in training sessions.

      McNeill scored 24 goals in 21 U18 Premier League appearancesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Man United coaches have said that McNeill has been ‘ridiculously good’ in trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      On his U18 debut his double earned United a 4-0 win over Derby County.
      And in a stunning 4-3 win over Liverpool, he showed how lethal he is in front of goal – bringing a Noam Emeran cross down with one touch before driving a shot into the bottom left corner.
      He’s a man who knows instinctively where the goal is.
      With the likes of Rashford and Sancho working alongside him in tandem, United should be good for goals in years to come.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man Utd set to hand Mason Greenwood new long-term contract in 2021 after breaking into Solskjaer’s first-team More

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      in Soccer

      Roman Abramovich’s seven kids and their luxurious lifestyle, from a wild child to the heir to Chelsea owner’s throne

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      ROMAN ABRAMOVICH is not afraid to splash the cash.And, with seven kids, the Chelsea owner has always had to fork out plenty on birthday and Christmas presents.
      It’s a family affair for Roman Abramovich when he watches Chelsea at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      At 54, his kids all come with their own likes and dislikes who are likely to inherit daddy’s incredible £10billion fortune.
      But who are they and what do we know about them?Starting with the eldest, Anna, 29
      Anna Abramovich is a philosophy graduateCredit: Getty – Contributor
      She caused a stir when she got engaged at 18Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Her 16th birthday reportedly cost six figuresCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Colombia University philosophy graduate Anna was the first born in Abramovich’s second marriage to Irina, who he divorced in 2007 after 11 years together.
      She first hit the headlines when she got engaged at 18 to then-boyfriend Nikolai Lazarev in 2010, while still going to school by helicopter or in a chauffeur-driven limo.
      Roman was said to be upset at the engagement, and the couple split before they married.
      Anna was later seen hanging out with party animal Calum Best.
      Her 18th birthday party reportedly cost six figures, while it’s been said she’s the one that most resembles Roman in personality.
      She now lives in New York.
      Arkadiy, 27
      Arkadiy is the heir to daddy’s £10billion fortuneCredit: Corbis – Getty
      A keen football fan, Arkadiy is often seen at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He reportedly tried to buy a stake in CSKA Moscow and was interested in FC CopenhagenCredit: PA:Press Association
      As some families choose to do, it will be the first male in this household that’s the heir to the kingdom.
      Like Anna, Arkadiy is the son of Roman and first wife Irina, and he’s done very well for himself independently of his father.
      He is the founder and owner of ARA Capital, that manages assets including major stakes in e-commerce and gas, oil company Gazprom Neft.
      A regular at Stamford Bridge, Arkadiy also has his eyes on owning his football club – reportedly failing in a bid to own stakes in CSKA Moscow. He was also once said to be interested in Danish side FC Copenhagen.Sofia, 26
      Sofia Abramovich is said to be the ‘Wild Child’ of the familyCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch
      She’s happy to flaunt herself on social mediaCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch
      Sofia shows off her lavish lifestyle on InstagramCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch
      On board a private yacht is where Sofia seems happiestCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch
      Sofia graduated from Royal Holloway universityCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch
      The party girl of the family studied management and marketingCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch
      And she is also keen on showjumpingCredit: Instagram @sofiaabramov1ch
      The reported ‘Wild Child’ of the family, Sofia loves sharing her glamorous life on Instagram, flaunting her wealth whenever she can.
      Her 18th birthday party included a performance by pop band McBusted, and was held at a nightclub at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.
      She regularly parties with her celebrity friends the Beckhams and the Ramsays, and often heads off to the exclusive £3,000-a-night hotel the One & Only Reethi Rah in The Maldives
      Sofia graduated with a degree from Royal Holloway in management and marketing, which seems ideal for somebody like her who has marketed herself so well.
      She also has three horses called Dora, Billy Fraulein and Zanzibar, and has represented Russia in showjumping competitions.
      Arina, 20
      It seems that anything Arina wants, she gets!
      She’s also one who caught the showjumping bug, and excelled in competition thanks to a horse called Pringle.
      Roman reportedly splashed around £50,000 to buy Arina the Roan Gelding who won first prize in her class at the International Horse Show at Olympia in December back in 2013.
      She reportedly wants to emigrate to Australia to enrol into a zoology faculty.
      Ilya, 18
      The second oldest boy in the Abramovich dynasty, Ilya was the last child born to both Irina and Roman before their marriage collapsed.
      However, his studies would’ve been interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
      It’s unknown about his plans for university.
      Aaron, 11 and Leah Lou, 7
      Abramovich had five children with his second wife IrinaCredit: AFP
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      Abramovich’s sixth and seventh child, were both born in Manhattan, New York.
      Roman regularly visits and has kept a cordial relationship with Dasha, according to reports.
      They were born out of Roman’s third marriage to model and art collector Dasha Zhukova, which ended in 2017.
      Aaron, who was once seen seen wearing a Chelsea shirt with Morata on the back, and Leah Lou live with their mother in the Big Apple, attending a private school in the city. More

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      in Soccer

      Gay football manager Luke Tuffs came out while playing non-league but fears Premier League stars can’t because of owners

      by

      PIONEERING gay football manager Luke Tuffs believes it would be difficult for a Premier League player to come out if they want to be accepted by the old guard and foreign owners that run the clubs.The ground-breaking 35-year-old, currently boss at non-league Leatherhead FC, has been open about his sexuality since he was a youth player at Camberley Town in the former Ryman League, when he accidentally came out to team-mates on a night out.
      Luke Tuffs is an openly gay football managerCredit: Oliver Dixon
      Tuffs has enjoyed a steady rise in the game and is first team manager of LeatherheadCredit: Oliver Dixon
      But with some clubs run by owners from countries who don’t recognise the gay community – coupled with ‘old-school’ coaches – that makes it impossible for homosexual footballers to reveal their sexual preference, especially if they are young and working towards a professional contract.
      Tuffs said it could take a player to come out when he is in an academy, before making it big, to finally break years of silence about gay football stars playing at the highest level.
      Speaking to SunSport, he said: “It’s going to take someone who is already out as a youngster, while they are training at a top academy, and before they have made it.
      “And if they then become a superstar, I think that could make the difference for others.
      “I hope that’s something we see, but it’s very tough to imagine.”
      ACCIDENTAL OUTING
      Tuffs was 15 when he accidentally revealed he was gay to his team-mates at Camberley Town.
      As some of the players were eyeing up girls in a bar they were all getting drunk in, a sozzled Luke decided to show them a photo of his boyfriend.
      “It wasn’t intentional,” he laughed looking back.
      “Being very drunk, I showed them a picture of my boyfriend and then immediately regretted it.
      “I then came out a week or two after that to my parents because I thought they would hear it at the football.”
      When Tuffs was a teenager at Camberley Town he came out to his team-matesCredit: Oliver Dixon
      Tuffs is engaged to partner of six years Rhys and they plan to have childrenCredit: Instagram / @coachluket
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Tuffs feared a backlash from his Camberley Town mates, but was surprised by their reaction.
      He said: “I went into training very sheepishly a few days later and the boys asked me, ‘did you try to tell us something the other day, Tuffs?’
      “I said, ‘yeah, I guess so.’ But they were all really good with it. There was one comment from someone but he got shot down pretty quickly.
      “Looking back, I was very worried about it all at the time.”
      HOMOPHOBIC ABUSE
      Tuffs soon realised he wasn’t the best player, so he decided to work on his coaching badges and turned out for LGBTQ Sunday league side London Titans in his spare time.
      It was there where he first encountered abuse as a gay man in football.
      He said: “When I played for London Titans, alongside gay and straight people, I was abused.
      When I played for London Titans, alongside gay and straight people, I was abused. We got spat at, someone threatened to stab me. It was absolutely insane.Luke Tuffs
      “We used to play just against other gay teams, but because we were very successful and won the league two years in a row we were promoted to a league where we played against less gay-friendly teams.
      “It got better over time, but in the first year we got spat at, someone threatened to stab me. It was absolutely insane.
      “But we knew we were putting ourselves out there to be seen by other people.
      “Visibility is really important, so we knew it was for a good cause.”
      Tuffs was surprised that his team-mates supported his decisionCredit: Oliver Dixon
      Gay-friendly Sunday league team London Titans celebrate Pride in London
      Leatherhead boss Luke Tuffs revealed he suffered abuse when he played for London TitansCredit: Oliver Dixon
      SUPPORT ACT
      Tuffs has been a success story as a coach.
      From working with the first-team at Hartley Wintney, to his first managerial job at Knaphill in 2019, and then with Ashford Town, he has enjoyed an upwards career trajectory.
      He revealed: “I’ve never had any issues with non-league. I think you have to have quite a thick skin to be involved in football anyway.
      “I don’t think I would have survived if I didn’t have one. But I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by good people and have the success we’ve had as a group.”
      In the dressing room, where jokes fly about and can get lewd, Tuffs is happy to occasionally be the punchline because of his sexuality.
      He’s in on the gags from his team-mates because he knows it comes from the right place.
      “With the togetherness you have in football, there can’t be too many boundaries between you,” he told SunSport.
      “A lot of my mates, and that’s players and coaches, will take the p*** out of me for being gay. That’s fine because it’s coming from a place of love.
      “The important thing is that they know me. And that’s the same with supporters who I know, they can say what they like.
      “An opposition player or rival supporter can’t really say that. I think it’s pretty obvious if you’ve got that consent.
      “But there might be gay people who haven’t come out that won’t like that I do that. They could say, ‘it’s all right you taking the stick but I can’t go through that.’
      Tuffs receives a warm reception from the home fans at LeatherheadCredit: Oliver Dixon
      Tuffs revealed he welcomes banter from his players and supporters who know himCredit: Oliver Dixon
      “I do worry that I could be stopping other people coming out. I had an academy boy once tell me he was gay.
      “He said, ‘I couldn’t come out in the dressing room because I saw the stick you got in the dressing room.'”
      A tough ask
      During the Premier League era, we have never seen an active player admit they are gay.
      Justin Fashanu came out a few years before the Premier League began in 1990 and tragically took his own life in 1998.
      Former Hull player Thomas Beattie came out on 2020.
      He was only the fourth male professional footballer who has played in Britain to come out as gay – after Fashanu, German star Thomas Hitzlsperger and American Robbie Rogers.
      Tuffs believes the old guard who police football clubs, from coaches to owners, are the issue.
      “Football is a reflection of society, but society doesn’t incorporate all types,” he said.
      If I can have that kind of impact coaching in the seventh tier, imagine the impact someone playing at the highest level could have if they were as openly gay as me?Luke Tuffs
      “You’ve got a young generation coming through, and they don’t care what you are.
      “There are some older people, and I’m not laying blame at their door because it’s how they grew up, who will struggle to accept gay men in football.
      “No matter how many workshops are put on, when you’re 50, 60, or 70-years-old that won’t change a lifetime of thoughts.
      Justin Fashanu came out as gay before the Premier League eraCredit: Getty – Contributor
      However, Tuffs believes it would be difficult for a current Premier League star to come out because of foreign owners and coaches with old school beliefsCredit: Oliver Dixon
      “Another problem is with who owns these football clubs. In the case of Newcastle United, it’s Saudi Arabians.
      “They don’t recognise the gay community and believe it’s illegal to be a homosexual.
      “So why would they sanction signing a gay footballer? It’s simple, they wouldn’t.
      “And it’s the same with players. Why would someone come out in the dressing room when they could be sitting next to a team-mate who comes from a country where gay people are repressed?”
      Doing his part
      For now, Tuffs is happy doing his bit – being a visible gay man in the game.
      His Instagram shows off his life with fiance Rhys, who he met in a Starbucks and swiftly arranged a date.
      They have been together for six years and plan to marry in the next year. They also want to have children.
      “I live exactly the same life as a straight person,” Tuffs said.
      “On Instagram there’s me and Rhys, my football career, and us out with our mates. I am no different to anyone else.”
      Because of his openness, he has become a go-to guy for gay football fans.
      Tuffs revealed: “I get people that come out to me on Instagram or want to talk about football with another gay person.
      By being openly gay on Instagram, Tuffs has been someone gay football fans can reach out to onlineCredit: Instagram / @coachluket
      Tuffs understands his privileged position but wonders the impact someone playing at a higher level could have for the gay communityCredit: Oliver Dixon
      “I try and do my best for them, or I often give them people to reach out to if they are struggling.
      “I understand it is a very privileged position to be in and an enormous responsibility.
      “But, it does make me wonder. If I can have that kind of impact coaching in the seventh tier, imagine the impact someone playing at the highest level could have if they were as openly gay as me?” More

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      in Soccer

      David Beckham’s Inter Miami hopes to entice transfer targets with fantastic beaches and celebrity lifestyle

      by

      DAVID BECKHAM’s Inter Miami project hasn’t quite gone to plan – but at least they can guarantee some sun.The MLS club’s season ended up going out with a whimper with the club missing out on the playoffs.
      David Beckham’s MLS franchise is still in its very early stagesCredit: Alamy Live News
      David Beckham is hoping to bring the world’s best talent to his Miami teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It was hoped the arrival of former Manchester United team-mate Phil Neville as manager might improve things this term – but they are still finding their feet.
      But it all started with bold ambitions.
      At a press conference initially announcing the club, Becks made noises that he was regularly speaking to the world’s best talent to lure them to his project.
      Olivier Giroud, who has just signed for AC Milan, was recently linked with a move to the club, and was reportedly offered a £4million apartment to live in. 
      While even Lionel Messi has hinted that he wants to play his final days in the US – with Miami favourites to land his signature.
      So what can any prospective transfer targets expect from a life in Miami?
      Join SunSport in lending the former Man United great a hand in making ‘The Magic City’ the go-to destination for the best footballers in the world.
      THE WEATHER
      While you may have to be wary of the odd tropical storm here and there, Miami weather is mostly perfect.
      January averages around 20 degrees Celsius, while winter highs range between 23-27 degrees Celsius.
      The wet season starts in May and ends mid-October, but the temperatures are between 27-35 degrees Celsius and it’s insanely humid.
      Good job the football season starts in May, otherwise it would be hell playing in those conditions.
      Blue skies and sunshine decorate the high skyscrapers of MiamiCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Miami Beach is the best place for a footballer to top up their tanCredit: Alamy
      THE BEACHES
      They say life’s a beach… Miami has several from Key Biscayne to North Beach, where prime athletes can bronze themselves on a daily basis.
      There’s the 21st to 45th street beach, which runs alongside the Miami Beach boardwalk and South Pointe Park.
      Some of the world’s best hotels and restaurants are nearby, so it’s the perfect spot.
      Anyone feeling active could head to Lummus Beach where volleyball courts are available to rent or there’s thatched huts to lounge under.
      Haulover Beach boasts white sands and a choppy sea, ideal for surfers.
      On Tuesday nights there’s a food truck festival with live music and local foods for the whole family.
      South Pointe Park is perfect for a stroll or jog for a Beckham transfer targetCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Miami Beach is the perfect location for any footballerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      David Beckham won’t have trouble selling the white sands of Miami BeachCredit: Getty – Contributor
      THE RESTAURANTS
      Miami’s cuisine is fit for a king and is influenced by the ocean with plenty of seafood on offer.
      Latin American foods are key here, so most restaurants boast many Cuban-influenced dishes – most meaty based.
      The most exclusive restaurants in town are Terrazza in the Shore Club Hotel, Zuma in the heart of downtown Miami and Jaya at the Setai Hotel.
      Jaya is a favourite of the likes of Jay Z and Bono whenever they’re in town, with menu highlights including a whole branzino for a reasonable £27.
      Terrazza’s Italian by-the pool fare will attract many footballers wanting to load up on carbs.
      While Zuma’s light Japanese meals will have weight-conscious footballers frothing at the mouth.
      Eating by the pool at the Shore Club Hotel is what most sports stars do in Miami
      Jay Z and Bono are fans of the Jaya at The Setai hotelCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/
      Footballers will love the Asian cuisine on offer at the JayaCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/
      Footballers could rest poolside at The Setai hotel during preseasonCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/
      THE STADIUM
      Central to Beckham’s Miami franchise is a super stadium fit for the best players in the world.
      The 18,000 all-seater arena is in the Overtown neighbourhood, near the Miami River, and was originally met with some controversy from the locals who didn’t think a stadium should be built on the site.
      A world-class training centre sits next door to the stadium and boasts first class facilities.
      However, be sure that it will be a state-of-the-art venue, not only fit for football, but ready to house concerts featuring the world’s leading pop stars.
      Interestingly, it won’t be the biggest stadium in the country, but it’ll surely be a sellout week in/week out with Beckham involved.
      David Beckham’s Miami stadium is fit for any top footballerCredit: Splash News
      THE CELEBRITY CULTURE
      After all, this lot can’t be wrong.
      The most famous faces in the world choose Miami as a holiday destination, pouring in on their private jets regularly during the summer.
      Some celebrities even call Miami home, so any footballer who wants to embrace celebrity culture should look no further.
      Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Combs, Matt Damon and Jennifer Lopez all have lavish homes in Miami.
      Most opt for Star Island, so expect footballers to be checking out homes in that area.
      With footballers making the crossover into movies and TV, major productions in the city are on the rise.
      Could the team feature in The Rock’s show ‘Ballers’ in a future episode?
      A Miami-based footballer could be mates with Anna Kournikova and Enrique IglesiasCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sean Combs loves living the Miami lifestyleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      You could bump into Jennifer Lopez living in MiamiCredit: Fame Flynet
      Matt Damon is an active celebrity in Miami circlesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      SPORTS CULTURE
      Anyone moving to Miami will have to be very aware of the sports culture that runs through the city’s veins.
      Although the Miami Dolphins haven’t tasted Superbowl success since 1974, they’re steeped in NFL history thanks to legendary quarterback Dan Marino.
      The NBA team Miami Heat was the one-time home of LeBron James when they picked up consecutive championships in 2012 and 2013.
      They’re also represented in the MLB by the Marlins, who are co-owned by NY Yankee great Derek Jeter and have won two World Championships.
      The Miami Heat are the most successful sports franchise currently in the cityCredit: USA TODAY Sports
      David Beckham’s football team could have cheerleaders like the Miami HeatCredit: Getty – Contributor
      David Beckham’s Miami franchise will rival the Miami Dolphins for fansCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Any single footballer may be interested in dating a Miami Dolphin cheerleaderCredit: Corbis
      The Miami Marlins are favourites of the Hispanic communityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      BAYSIDE MARKETPLACE
      For shopping and dining, incoming footballers will look no further than taking a stroll along Bayside Marketplace.
      Wrapping along the bay walls of the bank, it boasts designer shops, posh restaurants and a great vibe that encompasses all that’s great about Miami.
      Incidentally, Miami Vice often filmed episodes here, so if it’s good enough for Don Johnson…
      Bayside Marketplace offers fine dining and shoppingCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Bayside Marketplace was where Miami Vice was mostly filmedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Latest football features.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      OCEAN DRIVE
      No doubt any big-name Beckham signing will be driving a fresh motor.
      With that in mind, they’ll definitely want to cruise down Ocean Drive with its surrounding Art Deco hotels and bars.
      The Clevelander Hotel, with its bar and massive swimming pool provide a great spot to grab a refresher in the hot heat.
      You’ll be mad not to be impressed by the architecture.
      It’s an amazing experience for any tourist and any future Beckham signing.
      So, where do we sign up?
      Ocean Drive boasts some of Miami’s best hotels and barsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ocean Drive is a haven for Art Deco buildings and is perfect for footballers to cruise downCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ocean Drive comes alive at nighttime with its bustling nightlifeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      EVERGLADES
      On the list of must-do things in Miami – and Becks doesn’t even need to sell the tourist haven – is the Everglades.
      Unlike anything in the world, it’s your best chance of seeing a crocodile swimming in its natural habitat.
      Over 1.5 acres long, the wetlands begin in Orlando at the Kissimmee River and end at Lake Okeechobee.
      The Everglades is one of Miami’s most famous tourist attractionsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      You could see crocodiles on a tour of the EvergladesCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Amazing body transformations of footballers, from Man Utd’s Ronaldo building mass muscle to Hazard shifting extra weight

      by

      FOOTBALLERS will do anything to get an edge over their opponents.And that means more work in the gym, sculpting their perfect bodies and lifting heavy weights to gain extra muscle.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is sculpted like an AdonisCredit: AFP or licensors
      But these stars didn’t always look like body builders.
      In fact, these athletes have enjoyed a remarkable body transformation over the years, even when they could not train normally last year during the coronavirus lockdown.
      EDEN HAZARD
      When former Chelsea star Hazard moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth £130million, Los Blancos were delighted.
      But they wouldn’t have been happy when he turned up to training seven kilograms overweight.
      Even fans pointed out he looked chunky when he reported for preseason games.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      However, during the coronavirus lockdown Hazard took his fitness very seriously.
      “It’s complicated for me. I’m trying not to eat a lot,” he told RTBF.
      “I’m trying not to go into the pantry to eat a lot of buns, but it’s not easy.”
      Unfortunately for the Belgian he has still suffered to hit top form since for Madrid and has been linked with a move to Juventus.
      When Eden Hazard arrived at Real Madrid he was seven kilograms overweightCredit: Twitter @realmadrid
      CRISTIANO RONALDO
      As a youngster, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was often called too skinny by his coaches.
      But through the years, Ronaldo went from lanky winger to powerhouse forward thanks to a strict exercise regime.
      “I put it in my mind that my body can improve,” Ronaldo said.
      “With dedication and hard work in the gym I improved a lot on that – at the end of the day it’s down to the person’s mindset.”
      A Pilates-based routine that focuses on resistance work to strengthen his core is also key to his success – reportedly giving the Portuguese star the body of a 23-year-old.
      Now Manchester United will be hoping to reap the rewards after they forked out to bring him back to Old Trafford from Juventus at the age of 36.
      Ronaldo used to be called too skinny when he was an up and coming youngsterCredit: AFP
      Thanks to a strict diet and rigorous exercise regime Ronaldo has transformed his bodyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MARCUS RASHFORD
      When Rashford emerged on the scene in 2017 as a fresh-faced 19-year-old, his body was still developing.
      But having Ronaldo as a role model at the club when he was a youngster was a big help.
      The striker watched his now teammate in training closely, adding strength and conditioning work to the technical training he does at Carrington, which has given him a more muscular physique today.
      When Marcus Rashford first emerged on the scene in 2017 he was skin and boneCredit: Reuters
      Today, with added strength and conditioning training Rashford has bulked upCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
      The Bayern Munich striker has been sensational for the Bavarian giants, and it’s all down to his nutritionist wife Anna.
      Through his diet, as well as rigorous training regime with the Bundesliga side, he is now the perfect specimen.
      “We changed our diet step by step, first cutting out sweets and then milk,” Lewandowski explained.
      “Cows’ milk and soya milk isn’t good for me. Almond milk and rice milk is OK. I don’t really drink alcohol, either. Maybe wine but only sometimes.”
      When he started his career at Lech Poznan Lewandowski was skinnyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lewandowski now flashes killer abs thanks to a diet enforced by his nutritionist wife AnnaCredit: Instagram @_rl9
      ADAMA TRAORE
      A devastating blend of pace and power, Traore’s game has come on leaps and bounds.
      And social media blew up when snaps of the Spain winger emerged showing off a raging bicep that would’ve put any Hollywood action hero to shame.
      But despite his rippling muscles, Traore insists he doesn’t do any weight training.
      “My training? I don’t do weights,” he told La Sexta.
      “It’s hard to believe, but I don’t do weights.
      “It’s genetic. I exercise, but I gain mass very quickly.”
      Spanish winger Adama Traore was a slight winger playing for Spain’s U16 teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      At Wolves, Traore showed off his hench physiqueCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ADEBAYO AKINFENWA
      You don’t get the nickname ‘The Beast” for nothing, as well as a 98 strength rating in FIFA 20.
      Football’s strongest man Akinfenwa, 39, ruffles defenders feathers playing for Wycombe Wanderers in League One.
      To fuel his weights sessions, the striker eats like a beast too, although his weight does go up and down.
      “Breakfast is Weetabix with honey,” he told the Daily Mail.
      “At training there will be some kind of chicken. Our chef personally does chicken for me and that makes me very happy.
      “Then a shake in the afternoon. For dinner, again it’s probably chicken, potato and coleslaw. My partner is half-Nigerian, half-Caribbean so it may be the curry goat, rice and potato. It’s the carbs I need to eat.
      “I throw in the odd Nando’s. Quarter-chicken, medium breast, chips, corn on the cob and five wings. I don’t deviate.”
      Adebayo Akinfenwa had a smaller frame during his time at NorthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Akinfenwa is now nicknamed The Beast because of his enormous size
      HULK
      The aptly named Brazilian striker has always been admired for his physical stature.
      Built like a truck, Hulk is currently terrorising defenders back in Brazil for Atlético Mineiro, who he led to the Brazilian title.
      But there was a time when the former Porto star looked a little overweight, rather than chiselled.
      He has toned up now, and looks fitter than his 35-years suggest.
      At Porto Hulk was a little rounder and squarerCredit: AFP – Getty
      Now plying his trade back in Brazil, Hulk is leaner, more muscular and fit as a fiddle
      SERGIO RAMOS
      The Real Madrid legend’s Instagram account is littered with videos of high-intensity workout videos.
      When he was at Sevilla, he was just a beanpole of a defender. Now, he’s the real deal.
      “My training routines at home are usually focused on functional and isometric exercises, always ending with some cardio work,” the  Paris Saint-Germain signing revealed.
      And for Sergio, a healthy breakfast is the perfect to start the day.
      He revealed: “I usually take a coffee, some whole-grain bread with protein like turkey breast or a poached egg, and a piece of fruit.”
      When he began his career at Sevilla, Ramos was a beanpole of a defenderCredit: EPA
      Ramos is now one of the most chiselled footballers around
      GEORGE ELOKOBI
      There’s no doubt about it, Elokobi is hench.
      The former Wolves star, now playing for National League side Maidstone United, was always a crowd favourite because of his size.
      At only 5ft 9inches, he isn’t the tallest. But he earned the nickname of ‘The Body’ at Molineux because he was pure muscle.
      The defender even stripped down to his smalls on the catwalk during a charity fashion show at the club.
      Former Wolves star George Elokobi was nicknamed ‘The Body’
      Elokobi even stripped down to his smalls to show off his six-pack for a charity fashion showCredit: Matthew Ashton
      MARIO BALOTELLI
      The fiery former Manchester City striker was always tall and lean.
      But after celebrating scoring for Italy against Germany in Euro 2012, he was keen to show off a ripped torso as he flexed his muscles shirtless.
      However, the normally fit Balotelli was anything but in 2018 when he returned to training for Nice reportedly two stone overweight when a move to Marseille collapsed.
      He soon dropped half a stone and was back to normal and is now playing for Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor.
      When Mauro Balotelli first emerged on the scene he was leanerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      At Euro 2012 Balotelli flexes his muscles after scoring against GermanyCredit: Corbis – Getty
      ALEXIS SANCHEZ
      The Inter Milan striker takes his training very seriously.
      Former Manchester United star Sanchez enjoys working out alone, and shared a video online strutting his stuff at their Carrington training ground to the famous Rocky theme ‘Eye of the Tiger’ in 2019.
      Sanchez has also been seen in the past enjoying sprint drills on the beach. After all, even in pre-season you can’t down tools in the summer.
      Standing at 5ft 6in, the former Gunner knows he needs strength as an attribute for his game to thrive. And he looks the business after rediscovering his form in Italy.
      Alexis Sanchez has worked hard on building his muscle massCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sanchez is happy to share his extra workouts on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alexis_officia1 More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s Anthony Elanga scored against Atletico Madrid in Champions League, idolises Thierry Henry and signed big deal

      by

      BRILLIANT Anthony Elanga is well on his way to becoming Manchester United’s next youth success story.The Swedish winger, 19, saved the Red Devils with late equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
      Anthony Elanga, 19, scored his first senior Man Utd goal against WolvesCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      Elanga celebrates his late equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      He was tipped to leave the club for a loan move in the Championship in the January transfer window, however boss Ralf Rangnick wanted him to stay.
      That faith has been justified following his goals at Leeds and Atletico in the past week.
      United fans already knew about his prowess from last season.
      The flying youngster scored his first senior goal for the Red Devils with a bullet header against Wolves on the final day of the campaign.
      Football is something that is very much in his blood.
      His dad Joseph Elanga was a professional footballer, who earned 17 caps for Cameroon and was called up to the 1998 World Cup squad.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Elanga made his senior debut against LeicesterCredit: AP
      Elanga has four goals in eight games for the Under-23s this seasonCredit: Getty
      Anthony was previously handed the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, which has been won by first-teamers Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood in the past.
      While back in March, Elanga was rewarded for his rapid progress with a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
      KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
      Anthony’s father Joseph could say he taught him everything he knew.
      But the elder Elanga, now 42, wasn’t a forward like his son. He was a defender, who made a career for himself in Europe – in countries including Greece, Sweden and Denmark, before retiring in 2012.
      Anthony Elanga is the latest promising talent coming through the Man Utd ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      19-year-old forward and Swedish youth star Elanga won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year awardCredit: Sportsfile
      His best years were with Malmo from 2000-2005, who he won the Swedish championship with in 2004. He would join the club for one season again in 2010 and win a second league title.
      Joseph was a member of the Cameroon 1998 World Cup squad, but didn’t play a game.
      During his career, however, he did manage to gain 17 caps for his country.
      Joseph Elanga played in Europe for clubs including Malmo and Brondby (pictured here)Credit: Getty
      Elanga Sr played 17 times for Cameroon and was picked for their 1998 World Cup squadCredit: Alamy
      A THREAT UPFRONT
      United’s youth sides are blessed with promising forwards, with the likes of Shola Shoretire, Charlie McNeill and Dillon Hoogewerf all showing they have a bright future in the game.
      Like them, Elanga has the ability to play out wide or though the middle as a No9.
      Predominantly right-footed, he uses his pace and skill to beat his man, often cutting in before unleashing a shot on goal.
      His solo runs are reminiscent of a young Ryan Giggs, who could take three or four players out of a game in one swashbuckling gallop.

      Elanga has been with the Red Devils since the U12s, joining the academy from Sunday League side Hattersley FC.
      In 2019-20, after a prolific season with the U18 side with who he scored seven times in nine games, he was the recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award
      In March Elanga signed a long-term deal with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      Elanga has an eye for goal and was previously named Utd academy player of the yearCredit: Getty
      Predominantly right-footed, Elanga likes to drift to the left and cut in towards goalCredit: Getty
      HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE
      Elanga – who scored two goals in five matches for Sweden’s U17s – had excited Solskjaer in training before his first-team debut.
      “He’s got an X factor, some attributes, it’s not like a gift, but he’s got the acceleration, pace, speed, that’s a given for wingers and he’s got qualities I like,” the Norwegian explained.
      “He’s a goalscoring winger, he’s confident, he likes to beat men, right foot, left foot, he’s got a great attitude.”

      Humble Elanga understands he has to work hard to achieve regular first team footballCredit: Instagram anthonyelanga
      Elanga can see a pathway to the United first team after seeing the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood flourishCredit: Getty
      Elanga is equally as positive for his future, and knows what he has to do to impress his boss.
      Back in November he told PA, “You look at the likes of Mason and Rashy, there is a pathway there.
      “It just shows you that if you’re willing to put the work into it and continue to work hard day in, day out in training there’s a pathway for you there.”
      HEROES IN THE GAME
      In an interview with The Athletic last year, Elanga revealed who he models his game on.
      “Thierry Henry was my idol and I tried to match my game with his,” he said.
      “He was quick. He could play anywhere across the front three – striker, left wing, right wing – and that’s how I want to replicate my game.”
      Solskjaer said Elanga has an X-Factor about him and a promising futureCredit: Getty
      Elanga idolises Thierry Henry and tries to copy his hero’s gameCredit: Getty
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville caught a glimpse of Elanga in full flight, when he co-commentated on United Under-21s 6-0 win over Salford City in the EFL Trophy last year.
      He said the youngster was a “nightmare to play against” and called his goal “Thierry Henry-esque.”
      If he’s half the player Henry was, United have got themselves a real talent.
      Solskjaer says Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford in doubt for Granada match More