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      Lionel Messi scored his first goal for Argentina 15 years ago, will he FINALLY win the World Cup in Qatar in 2022?

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      MONDAY was the fifteenth anniversary of Lionel Messi’s first goal for Argentina.
      It was on March 1st 2006, in the early stages of a friendly against Croatia being played in Switzerland, that Messi cut across the defence – in what was soon to be characteristic fashion – before planting a left footed shot into the far corner.

      Lionel Messi, scoring against Serbia in the 2006 World Cup, has 71 goals for his countryCredit: Reuters

      Heartbreak against Germany in the 2014 final was the closest Messi got to winning the World CupCredit: AFP – Getty

      There is an eruption of joy on the Argentina bench. They know they have something special on the hands, and they are well aware that this is going to be the first goal of many.
      But, of course, they have no way of knowing how many.
      In fact, there have been 70 more goals for his country, and there is still time for the total to rise.
      He is by some distance Argentina’s top scorer, with 17 more than second place Gabriel Batistuta, and more than twice the total achieved by Diego Maradona.

      But Maradona has the big prize. The heights he reached in the 1986 World Cup, arguably not seen before or since in the competition, carried Argentina to the trophy.
      Messi is still waiting – and at the age of 33, his time in the waiting room is limited.
      Back in March 2006 he could already point to the previous year’s triumph in the Under-20 World Cup. And two years later he added an Olympic gold medal.  But there is no senior World Cup.
      There is not even a Copa America, a tournament Messi has disputed five times and been on the beaten side in three finals. The big one, though, is the World Cup.

      Trophies at international level, including the Copa America, have eluded MessiCredit: Getty – Pool

      Messi will have the opportunity to finally win the World Cup in 2022Credit: AFP – Getty
      The best chance may well have come later in that year of 2006. It was when Argentina had their most solid team in recent years. And this time, it is impossible to blame Messi.
      He was left kicking his heels on the bench in the quarter final against hosts Germany. He should surely have been introduced when Argentina were protecting a lead.
      Instead he could only watch from the sidelines as his team lost a penalty shoot out.
      Four years later he was on the field. But could do nothing as Argentina lost at the same stage to the same opponents – but this time by the margin of 4-0.
      By this time the team had clear defensive problems. But Maradona, now coaching, got carried away and selected an ultra-attacking line up which always looked like too much of a gamble.
      The 2014 campaign ended in the final, with Argentina once more going down to Germany, this time by a single goal near the end of extra time. 
      Messi did what he could to carry the side. Come the end of the competition he cut a very tired figure, rationing himself to brief bursts.  It was nearly enough, but not quite.
      Russia 2018 was an entirely predictable disaster. They lacked the defensive pace and goalkeeping quality to play the type of high pressure attacking game favoured by coach Jorge Sampaoli, and could have crashed out before losing to France in the second round.
      Without Messi’s brilliance they would not have made it to Russia. He missed a number of the qualifying rounds, and they struggled desperately without him.

      Messi celebrates his last goal in open play for Argentina at the 2018 World CupCredit: Reuters

      At 33, Messi’s time is coming to an endCredit: EPA

      Messi would cement his legacy as Argentina’s greatest if he wins the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Their place was still in doubt going into the final round, when they needed to win away to Ecuador at the altitude of Quito – a task made even harder when they conceded right at the start. Messi scored an extraordinary hat trick to dig them out of trouble.
      That was in October 2017. Since then, the numbers tell a worrying tale. In the subsequent three and a half years, Messi has only scored one goal from open play in a competitive match – a memorable strike against Nigeria in the last World Cup.

      There have been penalties in the Copa America and in 2022 World Cup qualification. But no more of those trademark bursts across the defence finished off with the shot caressed inside the post.
      Does he still have it in him?  There is one more crack at the World Cup coming his way in Qatar at the end of next year.
      Can he rise to the occasion, and produce the scenes of joy on the Argentina bench that were seen for the first time on March 1st 2006?

      Man City slash Lionel Messi contract offer by £170m to £430m as they look to land Barcelona superstar on free transfer More

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      Liverpool legend Daniel Agger became a tattoo artist and invested in sewers, after his career ended prematurely

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      DANIEL AGGER’S retirement is much like his playing career – mixing dirty work and artistry.
      Following his premature retirement in 2016, at the age of 31, the former Liverpool hard-man decided to put money into his passion and necessity: tattoos and poop.

      Former Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is a qualified tattoo artist

      The Danish defender trained to be a tattoo artist and is now part of one of the biggest parlours across the world, called Tattoodo.
      But for Agger that was not it, as he had more money to invest in s***.
      Now 36, Agger launched a company in 2013 called KloAgger, putting £450,000 into a company that manages sewage systems in Denmark.
      So how did they come up with the name? KloAgger translates to ‘Agger toilet’.

      Danish defender Agger has also invested in a sewage companyCredit: Kloagger

      He runs it alongside his brother Marco and a friendCredit: Kloagger

      The name KloAgger translates directly to ‘Toilet Agger’Credit: Kloagger

      Agger’s sewage company is only based in his homeland of DenmarkCredit: Kloagger

      Agger leaves the daily running of the company to his brotherCredit: Kloagger
      Agger is regularly involved with the firm but his younger brother Marco and their friend Rune Rasmussen oversee it day-to-day.
      Inked-up Agger is more interested in the tats.
      He started and finished his career at Danish club Brondby, and it was as a 15-year-old youth player that he got his first work done.
      “I was about 15 and on a school trip to Paris,” Agger said in an interview on Tattoodo’s website.

      The 35-year-old is more into his tattoosCredit: Twitter @danielagger

      Agger got his first tattoo while a 15-year-old boy on a school tripCredit: Action Images

      The former Liverpool centre-back has a vikings graveyard across his backCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Agger signed for Liverpool in 2006, brought in by Rafael BenitezCredit: AFP – Getty

      He won the Community Shield and League Cup during his 12 years at the clubCredit: PA:Press Association
      “It wasn’t something I’d thought about before. Me and a friend went into the shop and said that’s what we’re going to have and we got it. I still have it today.”
      But it’s been added to dramatically, with almost every inch of his body containing a tattoo.
      There’s the viking graveyard across his back, the love hearts on his calves, Latin proverbs all over his body and the names of his family members etched in.
      “I see it as one piece,” Agger, a qualified tattooist, said. “When I speak to people I talk about my tattoo as one piece but obviously every tattoo has a story, some better than others.”

      Agger sees his tattoos as just one big art workCredit: Instagram @danielagger22

      The Dane is a qualified tattoo artist and invested in a big parlour called TattoodoCredit: Instagram @danielagger22

      Agger left Liverpool for Brondby in 2014Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      One of the more recent is the ‘YNWA’ stamped onto his knuckles – the well-known Liverpool acronym for Anfield’s anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone.
      “Timing was quite good,” Agger said. “[There were] a lot of rumours sending me to another club for a lot of money but I knew I was staying.
      “Somehow I wanted to show that to the footballing world and this was a way I wanted to show it.”
      Agger did eventually leave Liverpool in 2014 and spent two years at Brondby before ending his career earlier than expected.
      Back problems throughout his career saw Agger relying on painkillers to see him through, but he believes they were his downfall.

      Agger got YNWA printed onto his knuckles during speculation over his future at LiverpoolCredit: Instagram @danielagger22

      Agger wanted to show that he did not plan to leave Anfield

      He was part of a strong Liverpool side alongside Steven GerrardCredit: Instagram @danielagger22

      Agger retired in 2016 at the age of 31 which he believes was due to painkillersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      “I have taken too many anti-inflammatories in my career,” he told Jyllands-Posten.
      “I know that full well, and it sucks, but I did stop it [in the end]. I am not gaining anything personally from saying this but I can only hope that other athletes do.
      “It could be that others take a pill or two less.”

      Agger: England have a strong squad More

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      Inside Eden Hazard’s amazing futuristic £10m mansion with six bedrooms and a pool he bought from a Spanish pop star

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      EDEN HAZARD’s stop start career at Real Madrid continues.
      It appeared he had settled, bagging his first Champions League goal for the club against Inter Milan at the tail-end of last.

      Eden Hazard paid £10m for this plus home in the reputable La Finca neighbourhood of MadridCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      Plenty of Real Madrid stars choose to live in the areaCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      Eden Hazard, pictured with his family, has struggled with life at Real MadridCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Belgium star, 30, has struggled with his weight and fitness, but will be hopeful he can justify the £88million outlay the La Liga Giants paid for him back in 2019.
      And he lives in a home fitting for a Galactico – a £10million futuristic mansion in the plush La Finca neighbourhood, where his team mates live. 
      STATE-OF-THE-ART
      Designed by Spanish architect Joaquin Torres, the property is distinctive for its black stone and state-of-the-art furnishings.
      It boasts six bedrooms and 10 bathrooms for Hazard’s family – wife Natacha and their sons Yannis, Leo and Samy.

      The ex-Chelsea playmaker has a pool, as well as a gym – meaning the mansion is quarantine-ready.
      And the amenities don’t end there. There’s a spa, should the family wish to wind down and a tennis court.
      The family can also snuggle down together for movie night in their home cinema room.
      BACK TO THE FUTURE
      Meanwhile, the entire house is automated with blackout blinds and other top-of-the-line gadgets able to be set and run by computer for optimal comfort.

      Some of the walls are even made with giant crystals that give an impressive contrast to the stone without allowing any light to get through.

      Some of the walls are made of crystal which does not allow any light throughCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      What footballer’s mansion would be complete without a pool?Credit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      The whole house is kitted out with automated gadgetsCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
      PREVIOUS OWNER
      Hazard bought the home from famous Spanish singer, 17-time Grammy winner Alejandro Sanz.
      However, it hasn’t brought him the luck he would’ve hoped for – appearing just 27 times in all competitions for the club since his arrival, and testing positive for the coronavirus earlier this month.

      There are TEN bathrooms to choose from in the stylish homeCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      A cinema room big enough for the whole family to relax inCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      Six bedrooms mean Hazard will have plenty of space for his Chelsea palsCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      Eden Hazard appears on TV cooking show as burger Belgian makes lockdown mashed potatoes More

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      The best 25 Barcelona youth players from La Masia academy, including Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Mauro Icardi

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      IN 1979, Barcelona decided they wanted a steady stream of homegrown talents to one day blossom in their first team.
      They launched their now famed La Masia (Catalan for ‘The Farmhouse’), a state-of-the-art academy designed to train youngsters the Barça way, and has since produced a slew of top-class footballers.

      Lionel Messi (in the mask), Cesc Fabregas (back row, second right) and Gerard Pique (back row, third left) are Barcelona youth productsCredit: PA:Press Association

      They were schooled at Barcelona’s famous La Masia AcademyCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun

      Many have gone on to become legends at the club, while others have slipped away and grown at pastures new.
      Here are their best 25 best academy trainees.
      25. ALEX GRIMALDO
      The Spanish left-back is one of the most sought-after defenders in world football at the moment.
      Currently starring at Benfica, he has been linked with a move to Tottenham.

      Barcelona let him go for £1.5million in 2015, without playing a game in the first team.
      Originally, he was plucked from Valence in 2008 – spending four years with the Catalans until he was sold.

      Alex Grimaldo has made his name at BenficaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      24. DANI OLMO
      Olmo is the most recent promising youngster that left Spain for a new challenge.
      The Spanish 21-year-old midfielder, who moved in January 2020 to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, arrived at La Masia aged just nine.

      But in a surprising move, Olmo decided to leave Barça when he turned 16 and signed for Dinamo Zagreb.
      Barcelona were rumoured to be looking at bringing him back to Catalonia before he moved to Germany.
      He has since starred in the Bundesliga and is a regular in the Spain squad.

      Dani Olmo gambled with his career leaving Barcelona aged 16 for Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      23. NAYIM
      Arsenal fans won’t want to be reminded of Nayim’s most famous moment in his career.
      But before he was lobbing David Seaman from the halfway line, he was a young hopeful at La Masia.
      He joined Barcelona aged 12 – leaving his hometown Cueta.
      But his chances were limited in a team that was managed by Terry Venables.
      He later joined the former Three Lions boss at Spurs.

      Former La Masia product Nayim scored the winner the Cup Winners’ Cup final against ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      22. LUIS GARCIA
      The former Liverpool midfielder had two spells with Barcelona.
      First as a 12-year-old youth player, where he starred in their reserve team.
      But having failed to break into the first team, he was sold to Atletico Madrid in 2002.
      However, after impressing with Atletico, Barcelona exercised a clause in Garcia’s contract to buy him back a season later.
      Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez moved for the playmaker in 2004 – having had him at Tenerife on loan in 2000-01.

      Luis Garcia had two spells at Barcelona but never made the gradeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      21. ANDRE ONANA
      Another surprise, in-demand Ajax keeper Andre Onana had a spell at Barcelona from 2010-15.
      He joined the club after starting out at the Samuel Eto’o Academy, but failed to make the grade there.
      Five years ago he signed for the Dutch giants, and has since become their No1.
      He is currently suspended for 12 months for a doping violation.

      In-demand Andre Onana had five years at La Masia before moving to AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      20. ALBERT FERRER
      It was right-back Ferrer’s dream to play for Barcelona – having grown up in the city.
      And he appeared in 221 La Liga games during nine seasons with his boyhood club, after he was signed as a 13-year-old.
      In 1998 he moved to Premier League with Chelsea in a £2.2m deal, where he retired aged 33.

      Albert Ferrer was a local lad who got to represent his boyhood clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      19. PEPE REINA
      The son of former Barcelona goalkeeper Miguel Reina, Pepe was always destined to follow in his father’s footsteps.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, and from 1999 he was playing for their reserve side in the third tier of the Spanish football pyramid.
      Reina was never more than an understudy at the Camp Nou, and was told he could leave in 2002.

      Pepe Reina was surplus to requirements to Barcelona in 2002 after being an understudy for yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      18. GUILLERMO AMOR
      Benidorm-born Amor became one of Barcelona’s most important players under Cruyff in the 1990s.
      He joined La Masia in 1980 – winning five league titles and a European Cup.
      With Barcelona in his blood, it is unsurprising he is now responsible for the club’s youth system.

      Former youth product Amor now manages Barcelona’s youth set-upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      17. HECTOR BELLERIN
      The Arsenal full-back might speak like a cockney, but he’s Barcelona through and through.
      Bellerin was also eight when he joined the club – but after eight years at La Masia he moved to the Gunners.
      Now vice-captain of the Premier League giants, Bellerin has been linked with a move back to Spain.
      Could he follow in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas before him and return to the club where it all began?

      Hector Bellerin left Barcelona for Arsenal and has played against his old side several timesCredit: PA:Press Association
      16. SERGI
      The marauding Spanish left-back joined Barcelona in 1988, and went on to become a club legend – appearing 382 times and winning three league titles.
      He was handed his Barça debut by Cruyff in a heated Champions League match away at Galatasaray
      From then on, he became a mainstay before he was sold to Atletico Madrid. He hadn’t lost that nastiness that made him a tricky player to play against either – earning 33 yellow cards in his three seasons there.

      Sergi won three La Liga titles after coming through La MasiaCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      15. THIAGO MOTTA
      Barcelona never really saw the best of Motta.
      Like Pedro, he was signed late – aged 17 from local side Clube Atlético Juventus – and was assigned to the B side.
      He made his debut in 2001, but his time at Barcelona was robbed from him by a serious knee injury.
      Eventually, he found himself at Inter Milan, where Jose Mourinho got the best out of him – winning the Champions League in 2010.

      Thiago Motta never fulfilled his potential at BarçaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      14. IVAN DE LA PENA
      The hype around De La Pena, nicknamed “Little Buddha”, was immense when he was a teen.
      The child prodigy joined La Masia in 1991 from Racing Santander and initially looked to have a big future at the club.
      But fallouts with Cruyff and Van Gaal, who were frustrated with his work-rate, saw his progress curtailed and he had more success with city rivals Espanyol.

      De La Pena had fallouts with Johan Cruyff and Louis Van GaalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      13. ADAMA TRAORE
      Last season, Wolves winger Traore has finally shown the potential Barcelona youth managers believed he had.
      He joined the Spanish champions aged just eight, making his debut aged 17, but failed to break into the first team under managers Gerard Martino and Luis Enrique.
      The speedy winger then moved to England, and had an ill-fated spell at Aston Villa before rediscovering his potential at Middlesbrough.

      Adama Traore moved to England to get first team footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      12. MIKEL ARTETA
      The Arsenal manager is best known for his time in the Premier League playing for both the Gunners and Everton.
      But before he made it in England, Arteta dreamt of becoming pro in San Sebastian playing football on the beaches with childhood friend Xabi Alonso.
      He joined Barcelona aged 15, but struggled to break into the first team – joining PSG on loan before starring at Glasgow Rangers and returning to play for Real Sociedad with Alonso.

      Mikel Arteta struggled to break into the Barcelona first team
      11. VICTOR VALDES
      Valdes is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history – having played 535 games and winning 21 major titles, including La Liga six times and three Champions League’s.
      But it looked like his time at the club had come to an end in 1995 when his family moved to Tenerife.
      However, Barça re-signed him and quickly progressed through the youth teams – making his debut aged 20.

      Victor Valdes left La Masia academy only to return three years laterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      10. PEDRO
      The ex-Chelsea winger was a late-comer when it came to joining La Masia.
      Pedro arrived from Canary Islands team CD San Isidro aged 17 in 2004.
      But soon, he became a key member of the first team once he was promoted by Pep Guardiola.
      In the 2018-19 season Pedro became the first player to score in six different club competitions during a single season and in the same year.

      Pedro was a late-comer to La Masia, joining aged 17Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      9. MAURO ICARDI
      Argentina striker Icardi had a spell at La Masia from 2008-11, after rejecting overtures from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool.
      But the goal poacher failed to show his class in Spain and was shipped out on loan to Sampdoria in 2011, which became a permanent move six months later for just £400,000.
      He has since become one of the most sought-after strikers in European football, boasting a remarkable goalscoring record.
      Icardi always stood by his decision to leave Barça, because it ultimately benefitted his career.

      Super poacher Mauro Icardi failed to impress at La MasiaCredit: FC Barcelona
      8. GERARD PIQUE
      Another one that got away, but returned to become a hero.
      Pique played in the same youth teams as Messi and Fabregas from 1997, although he was deployed as a defensive midfielder in his early years.
      Manchester United snapped him up in 2004 on a pro-contract, without having to pay a fee.
      In 2008, he returned to Catalonia for a fee of £5million and has gone on to play 531 times for the club, as well as bag a celebrity wife in Shakira.

      Pique returned to Barcelona after a spell at Man Utd and bagged a celebrity missus in ShakiraCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      7. SERGIO BUSQUETS
      One-club man Busquets has become one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.
      At youth level though he bounced around a few teams playing for the likes of Badia, Barbera Andalucia, Lleida, and Jàbac Terrassa, before settling at Barcelona in 2005,
      Guardiola promoted Busquets to his first team in 2008, but it’s his former international manager Vincente Del Bosque who provided this accurate quote about his abilities.
      He said: “If you watch the whole game, you won’t see Busquets – but watch Busquets, and you will see the whole game.”

      Sergio Busquets has established himself as the best defensive midfielder of his generationCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      6. CESC FABREGAS
      Fabregas trained at La Masia for six years before making the bold move to Arsenal in 2003, believing his chances would be limited at the Nou Camp.
      With the Gunners he soon established himself into one of the Europe’s most promising players – replacing Patrick Vieira in the heart of their midfield, before eventually being named captain.
      In 2011 he returned to Barcelona for £35m, and in three seasons played 96 times for them before moving to Chelsea for £30m in 2014.
      Cesc won the World Cup and the Euros twice, and has been capped 110 times by Spain.

      Fabregas returned to Barcelona after making his name at ArsenalCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      5. PEP GUARDIOLA
      Johan Cruyff called him one of the best midfielders of his generation, and it’s hard to argue with that seeing he was a major influence in playing style of the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.
      Guardiola joined La Masia at 13, and within six years the deep-lying playmaker made his debut against Cadiz.
      In 1998 Louis van Gaal made him captain, but in 2001 he left for Serie A side Brescia after years of injury problems with a troublesome calf.

      Pep Guardiola became Barcelona captain after making it through their youth ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      4. CARLES PUYOL
      Arguably the most un-Barcelona-like player.
      But Puyol became a cult hero as an inspirational captain with his uncompromising style of defending.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, playing as a defensive midfielder before converting to full-back and then centre-half.
      But Puyol almost left the club three years later when Barça accepted an offer from Malaga after deeming him surplus to requirements.
      However, seeing Xavi getting a chance in the first team encouraged Puyol to stay, and the rest is history.

      Puyol became a cult figure at Barcelona but nearly left the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      3. ANDRES INIESTA
      Plucked from Albacete at the age of 12, Iniesta never looked back.
      He steadily climbed up the youth ranks, making his debut aged 18 in 2002.
      Iniesta would go on to become the most decorated Spanish footballer in history – winning 35 trophies, including nine LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
      Famously, he helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup – scoring the winner against Holland.

      Iniesta joined La Masia as a 12-year-oldCredit: Rex Features
      2. XAVI
      The greatest playmaker of his generation, and the embodiment of their tiki-taka passing style, Xavi joined La Masia at 10.
      At that age though it wasn’t Michael Laudrup he idolised, but in fact British-based stars like John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne, and Matt Le Tissier.
      “I’ve been lucky enough to be brought up on the Barcelona ethos,” he once revealed.
      “Which has taught me the value of being part of a team. ‘Today for you, tomorrow for me.’ Those qualities are essential for life in general.”

      Xavi idolised Paul Gascoigne, Matt Le Tissier and John Barnes growing upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. LIONEL MESSI
      Without doubt the best youngster to come from Barcelona’s youth set-up, and the best to ever play for the club.
      Messi joined the LaLiga giants in 2001 from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, who he had trained with since the age of six.
      Realising they had such a prodigious talent on their hands, Barcelona agreed to pay for his treatment after he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.
      However, this season might be his last – with Manchester City desperate to bring Messi to the Premier League.

      Messi graduated from La Masia to become Barcelona’s greatest ever playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      ‘Lionel Messi can leave Barcelona for free at the end of the season’ says ESPN’s Sid Lowe More

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      Top 10 richest Wags, including Georgina Rodriguez, Wanda Icardi, Victoria Beckham and Perrie Edwards but who’s on top?

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      THESE Wags are doing it for themselves.
      Forget their other (sometimes) more famous other halves, these incredible women have made their own money.

      Whether it’s from being a famous pop star, presenter or even an author, they’ve earned a mint as their footballing partners have grafted on the pitch.
      But who is the richest Wag today? Let SunSport tell you all.
      1. VICTORIA BECKHAM, £360M
      One half of the ‘Posh and Becks’ money-making brand, Victoria was famously one of the world conquering Spice Girls.
      And even though they’re back together, Victoria, now 46, still refuses to tour with Geri Halliwell and Co.

      Instead, she’s focused on her self-named fashion label – that is reportedly in financial trouble after the Covid-19 crisis.
      In 2019, it was revealed the label reported widening losses of £15.9million.

      Victoria Beckham is wealthy outside the Beckham brandCredit: Instagram

      Beckham is the wealthiest Wag in the worldCredit: Instagram
      2. SHAKIRA, £220M
      The Colombian singer’s Hips Don’t Lie, and neither does her bank account.
      Worth a whopping £220million, her net worth absolutely crushes her partner Gerard Pique’s £30million wealth.

      Back in January, Shakira, 44, sold the rights to her music for a tidy sum.
      Having sold 80 million records worldwide, she is the biggest selling female Latin artist in history.

      Shakira recently sold the rights to her musicCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Her £220m fortune dwarfs partner Gerard Pique’s £30m
      3. COLEEN ROONEY, £14M
      As her husband Wayne Rooney’s career thrived on the pitch, Coleen made a pretty penny off it with some shrewd moves.
      She wrote celebrity fashion columns for celeb magazines OK! and Closer, fronted a George at ASDA campaign, sold an exercise DVD and even became a children’s author, among other things.
      In recent months, however, she was embroiled in a dispute and dubbed ‘Wagatha Christie’ in a row with Rebekah Vardy over leaked Instagram messages.
      Rooney, 34, was ordered to pay £23,000 in court costs back in November.

      Coleen Rooney has amassed a £14m wealth through the yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Rooney wrote columns for celeb gossip magazines and is an author of children’s booksCredit: The Mega Agency
      4. GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ, £7M
      Spanish beauty Georgina, 27, is, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner.
      Thanks to her Instagram page that has 24 million followers, she’s the most marketable Wag around today.
      The brunette has a deal with Italian swimwear company Yamamay, and recently showed off her curves in their new collection.
      She has appeared in photoshoots with magazines, including Nova Gente, Lux, VIP, Women’s Health, and LOVE, and now has her own fashion brand called OM by G.

      With her stunning looks, Georgina Rodriguez has appeared in various magazine photoshootsCredit: Instagram @instylespain

      Rodriguez is brand ambassador for Italian swimwear company YamamayCredit: The Mega Agency
      5. PERRIE EDWARDS, £6M
      Pop star Perrie, 27, rose to fame on the X Factor in 2011 through the group Little Mix.
      They split with Simon Cowell’s Syco label in 2018 because they wanted more independence with the music they were making.
      Perrie’s bandmate Jesy Nelson sensationally quit the band last year due to mental health issues, which could harm their future earnings as a threesome moving forward.
      But Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s other half is still worth a cool £6million.

      Perrie Edwards has made a £6m fortune since starring on X Factor in 2011Credit: Rex Features

      Edwards is in the band Little Mix and dates Alex Oxlade-ChamberlainCredit: Instagram
      6. CHRISTINE LAMPARD, £5M
      Christine was making her own dough well before she got together with former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.
      The presenter, 42, hosted The One Show for three years from 2007, Dancing on Ice with Phillip Schofield from 2012-14, as well as This Morning from 2013-16.
      It’s also worth noting Christine also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing all the way back in 2008.
      She’s now a regular on ITV’s Loose Women.

      Glam Christine Lampard presents a variety of shows, including Loose WomenCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun

      Her other half is former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard
      7. ORIANA SABATINI, £4M
      Oriana, who dates Juventus superstar Paulo Dybala, is Argentina’s answer to Katy Perry.
      A singer in South America, she famously kissed a girl in a saucy promo for a pop single.
      And in January, she revealed that she is bisexual – but plans on marrying Dybala in the future.
      Oriana, 24, is the niece of former tennis beauty Gabriela Sabatini.

      Oriana Sabatini is Argentina’s answer to Katy Perry

      Sabatini recently revealed she was bisexual
      8. WANDA ICARDI, £3M
      TV personality, model, football agent… there’s plenty of strings to Wanda’s bow.
      The gorgeous Argie, 34, regularly shares sexy photos to her 7.4 million followers on Instagram.
      When her husband – PSG star Mauro Icardi – Wanda was queen of Italian TV.
      Now, she’s selling her own cosmetics range.

      Gorgeous Wanda Icardi leaves little to the imagination in a saucy Instagram postCredit: Instagram wanda_icardi

      Wanda is a TV personality and has a cosmetics brandCredit: Instagram wanda_icardi
      9. ABBEY CLANCY, £2.5M
      Peter Crouch’s wife Abbey, 35, appeared alongside her hubby in the latest Paddy Power TV ad.
      Otherwise, the model has appeared in campaigns for Triumph motorbikes, Umbro and walked the catwalk for Giles Deacon in his spring collection.
      Clancy also hosted Britain’s Next Top Model, the show she was discovered on, for 12 seasons until 2017.
      She has earned herself a respectable £2.5million.

      Abbey Clancy has a £2.5m fortune from her modelling and TV workCredit: Instagram

      Peter Crouch and Clancy share a snap to their followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      10. HELEN FLANAGAN, £2M
      Rosie Webster in Coronation Street, blonde bombshell Flanagan, 30, appeared on the ITV soap for 2000-12 – returning in 2017 until going on maternity leave in 2018.

      The actress, currently pregnant with her third child, has been in a relationship with Scott Sinclair since 2009.
      However, she recently told The Sun exclusively that she won’t be having any more children after suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum.
      With Sinclair recently signing for Preston North End, Flanagan is close to the Corrie set again. Don’t rule out a third return.

      Coronation Street beauty Helen Flanagan closes out the top 10Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Flanagan poses for an underwear shoot for Pour MoiCredit: The Mega Agency

      In a relationship with Scott Sinclair, Flanagan is expecting their third childCredit: Instagram

      Watch naked Georgina Rodriguez give camera cheeky wink in backstage clip of Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend’s photo shoot More

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      Roman Abramovich’s yachts, from Chelsea owner’s new £430m Solaris to the £1BILLION Eclipse

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      ROMAN ABRAMOVICH certainly doesn’t do things in halves.
      The Chelsea owner, worth a cool £10bn, is overseeing the development of his latest toy, Solaris – a superyacht that promises to be the most powerful yacht in the world.

      Roman Abramovich’s new yacht Solaris is currently in developmentCredit: Carl Groll/TheYachtPhoto.com

      The Russian, 54, must love travelling by sea – because he has had a private navy of yachts – with SunSport believing Solaris to be his EIGHTH over the years.
      SOLARIS
      The latest yacht is nearing completion and has cost £430million to build.
      A 460ft beast of the sea, it features eight decks, as well as a helicopter pad.
      The yacht is being built at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.

      The shed it is being constructed in is larger than Buckingham Palace.
      Solaris will have 48 cabins, accommodating up to 36 passengers, and a crew of 60.
      It’ll boast two advanced engines to be the most powerful yacht in the world.

      Solaris, costing £460m, will have 48 cabins and can accommodate 36 passengersCredit: Carl Groll/TheYachtPhoto.com
      ECLIPSE
      Roman’s current superyacht, the Eclipse – with all the work that’s been done to it – is said to now be worth £1billion.

      Built in 2010, it was completely rebuilt in 2015 to cater for the high-spec needs of a multi-billionaire.
      Incredibly, the 553ft Eclipse has its own missile defence system – should it come under attack.
      There are 24 guest cabins, two swimming pools, hot tubs, a sauna, and even a nightclub.
      It also boasts a cinema, conference room, children’s playroom, hair salon, and a mini-submarine that can dive to 50m. Yes, that’s right. It’s a yacht that boasts its own submarine.

      The colossal Eclipse sails into New York harbourCredit: Alamy

      The 553-feet long Eclipse boasts its own missile defence systemCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Eclipse has 24 guest cabins, two swimming pools, hot tubs, a sauna and a nightclubCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Eclipse is believed to be worth £1billionCredit: Alamy
      LE GRAND BLEU
      Worth £135million, Le Grand Bleu was once Roman’s pride and joy.
      Twenty guests can stay in luxury onboard, and enjoy it’s many amenities.
      Astonishingly, as is the theme with these yachts, there are more boats on board.
      As well as a 73-foot sailboat, guests can also enjoy taking a 68-foot powerboat for a spin. And there are two more boats in its internal garage on top of that.
      It is now owned by Abramovich’s friend Eugene Schvidler.

      Le Grand Bleu, worth £135m, is now owned by Eugene SchvidlerCredit: Alamy Live News
      SUSSURRO
      Currently available to buy for £16million, the Sussurro is now over 20 years old.
      It was built by Feadship, measures over 163 feet long and boasts six luxury cabins that can house 12 guests.
      Rarely used, it has been reported that the Sussorro was given to Roman’s ex-wife Irina Malandina, as part of a divorce settlement.
      With 15,000 combined horsepower, it is capable of reaching speeds of 46 knots.

      Sussorro can reach speeds of up to 46 knotsCredit: Alamy

      Sussorro was reportedly given to Abramovich’s ex-wife Irina as part of a divorce settlementCredit: Alamy
      ECSTASEA
      Valued at around £110million, the Ecstasea is still one of the fastest superyachts around – boasting 43,000 horsepower and measuring 282-feet.
      Abramovich was the original owner from 2004, before it was sold to Pakistani businessman Alshair Fiyaz in 2009.
      There’s room for 14 guests, can be staffed by a crew of 25, and can be reached by helicopter, which can park on one of two helipads.
      The Ecstasea suffered damage in 2019 when it clipped the Simpson Bay Bridge in the Caribbean island of St Maarten.

      Roman Abramovich was the original owner of the Ecstasea in 2004Credit: Rex Features

      Worth £110m, Ecstasea is now owned by Pakistani businessman Alshair FiyazCredit: Rex Features
      PELORUS
      So that’s what £270million gets you.
      Built in 2003, the 377-foot long Pelorus was briefly owned by a Saudi Arabian businessman before Abramovich got his hands on it in 2004.
      A year later, he lent it to Chelsea legends John Terry and Frank Lampard for two weeks as a bonus for helping the club win Roman’s first Premier League as owner.
      Then in 2007 he allowed Terry and his wife Toni to enjoy their honeymoon on board.
      However, it was also reportedly handed to Irina in the divorce settlement, who sold it to American film exec David Geffen in 2011.

      Abramovich got his hands on the Pelorus in 2004Credit: Alamy

      Chelsea owner Abramovich on board the cherished vesselCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The boat boasts a speedboatCredit: Alamy

      LUNA
      Currently the second largest expedition yacht in the world, the Luna was delivered to Roman in 2010.
      It boats 10 VIP cabins, that are 100 square metres each, as well as a 20-metre outdoor pool.
      Like the Eclipse, it also has an anti-missile system, as well as bulletproof windows.
      In 2014, it was sold to Azerbaijani billionaire Farkhad Akhmedov for £210 million.

      Luna was delivered to Roman in 2010Credit: Rex Features

      It boasts 10 VIP cabins and an outdoor poolCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Ex-Chelsea kid Bright Arrey-Mbi, 17, signed for Bayern Munich with Musiala, and has already debuted in Champions League

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      IT often takes players time to settle at their new clubs – especially overseas.
      But luckily for Bayern Munich, the two wonderkids they signed from Chelsea in 2019 as 16-year-old’s have hit the ground running.

      Bright Arrey-Mbi, 17, has impressed coaches at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Arrey-Mbi was originally part of Chelsea’s famed academy before moving to Germany in 2019Credit: Instagram @brightakwo5

      Jamal Musiala has exploded onto the scene with the Bavarians – already scoring three times for last season’s Champions League winners and declaring his international allegiance to Germany, after a tug-of-war with England.
      But German-born Bright Arrey-Mbi, who arrived with Musiala, hasn’t gone under the radar – impressing his coaches as he’s risen through the ranks.
      Nicknamed ‘The Beast’, the 17-year-old centre back has already appeared in Bayern’s star-studded first team – playing in a Champions League game against Atletico Madrid.
      And he had established stars of the Bundesliga giants purring when he first arrived at the club.

      SEAL OF APPROVAL
      Last season Bayern flew to Qatar for a mid-season training camp, with Arrey-Mbi in tow.
      He was the youngest player in the group, but you wouldn’t have thought it.
      The 6ft 1in defender, who briefly trained with Norwich City before moving to Chelsea, acquitted himself brilliantly in front of boss Hansi Flick, as well as his new first-team team-mates.

      ‘The Beast’, as Arrey-Mbi, is nicknamed closes down Corentin Tolisso during a first team training sessionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Joshua Kimmich noticed Arrey-Mbi’s calmness on the ball during a training sessionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Arrey-Mbi poses with Robert Lewandowski and the Champions League trophyCredit: Instagram @brightakwo5
      “Bright is already a beast,” German international Joshua Kimmich revealed.

      “You can tell that he uses every muscle on his body. It surprised me in training that he’s not shy at all.
      “He really goes into challenges and has a certain calmness on the ball.”
      While David Alaba added: “His athleticism and his understanding of the game are already very far ahead.”
      IMPRESSIVE START
      Arrey-Mbi was handed his opportunity to train in Doha because of his performances at Under-19 level.
      He led the youth side to the top of the table before the season was cancelled after the coronavirus pandemic.
      In his first 14 starts, Bayern’s U19 team kept six clean sheets, while Arrey-Mbi also proved to be a threat at the other end contributing two goals.

      His athleticism is one of 6ft 1in Arrey-Mbi’s strengthsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Since signing for Bayern Munich, Arrey-Mbi has risen through the ranksCredit: Instagram @brightakwo5
      The youngster also starred in the Uefa Youth League – with Arrey-Mbi ensuring his side kept four clean sheets from their six unbeaten group games.
      Ahead of the 2020-21 season, he was promoted to the reserve squad and invited to train with the first team, where he proved he was ready for his chance.
      DREAM DEBUT
      With Bayern Munich already qualified as group winners, the pressure was off for the trip to Atletico Madrid.
      So Flick rested a lot of his top stars to give the stars of tomorrow their opportunity.
      Arrey-Mbi got a start – playing against Portuguese sensation Joao Felix. And even though the forward scored, Arrey-Mbi impressed as the Germans drew 1-1 in Spain.
      Bayern’s Spanish star Javi Martinez was full of praise for both Arrey-Mbi and Musiala – calling them the future of the club.

      Arrey-Mbi has been capped by Germany at U17 levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Already, Arrey-Mbi has been tipped to be one of the future stars of Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “They were born in 2003 – that’s almost when I started to play in the first division,” he said, via Uefa.com.
      “But Bayern is a club that builds from the bottom with the youth players. The future is bright. When young players train with us, they play very well.
      “They are the future of the club.”

      Bayern Munich and Arminia Bielefeld draw in Bunderliga game after shock point in Bavarian snowstorm More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Will Amis, 17, who sells vintage boots for up to £8,000 and has Declan Rice and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as clients

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      ENTREPRENEUR Will Amis, 17, has got the world’s leading footballers reminiscing about the boot-iful game – and buying vintage boots for up to £8,000 a pair.
      Will, from Eltham, South-East London, became obsessed by Adidas Predator Power Swerves when he played football as a teenager.

      Will Amis, 17, has amassed a collection of vintage boots and sells them to Premier League stars

      Will’s company Classix Collection now has over 700 pairs of boots, with the most expensive selling for £8,000

      He then amassed an astonishing collection and set up an Instagram account showing off his classic cleats.
      In December, 2018 Will launched Classix Collection, believing there was a market for selling on his boots… and he wasn’t wrong.
      Premier League stars including Declan Rice, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Jesse Lingard, Reece James and John Terry are just some of his satisfied customers.
      Will told SunSport: “My dad gave me a pair of his old Predator Precision boots that he found in the wardrobe and I loved playing in them.

      “Then for my birthday I got a pair of Power Swerves, then I got another pair, and another pair. I just loved them.
      “A year later, my dad and I started collecting boots, like Accelerators.
      “After that we started an Instagram page and just posted about boots we collected at the time.
      “In 2018 we turned it into Classix Collection and we now sell boots all over the world to professional footballers.”

      The boots usually start at £100, with some going for £8,000, and business is booming for Will who revealed the most sought after – and most priceless.
      “The most popular at the moment are the Nike Mercurial Superfly IV. Online we sell them for £200,” he said.

      West Ham star Declan Rice, showing off his Adidas Predator 1994 boots, is one of Will’s many customers

      Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles wears Nike CTR360 Maestri III in training – they cost £230Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The most expensive boot Classix Collection sells are the Nike Mercurial 98s that cost £8,000 new and boxed
      “Our most expensive are the Nike Mercurial 98, or known as the R9’s, which I have new and boxed for £8,000.”
      The latter were too pricey for former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, who first put out a story on Instagram asking if anyone had the original Nike HyperVenom in a 9.5 – as well as the Nike Mercurial 98 – to DM him.
      “He then scrolled through my page and found that I had both of them,” Will revealed.
      “But he didn’t want to pay for the R9’s because at £8,000 they were too expensive!”
      Will gets his boots from disused stock from sports shops all over the world, as well as from other collectors.
      “We got 22 pairs of the Adidas Predator 94s from a store that was closing down in Turkey, for example,” he explained.
      “But they’re coming from all over – they might have some come from other collectors or other boot sellers that put them up at the wrong price, so I’ll buy them before anyone else can.”
      In general, footballers have to wear the boot from the manufacturer they are contracted to, otherwise they’re fined.

      Will revealed he gets his boots from sports shops which are closing down, as well as other collectors around the world

      Maitland-Niles wore another pair of Nike CTR360 Maestri III boots supplied by Classix Collection on international duty for EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Rice, trying his boots on, is said to be a collector of football footwear himself
      That means Will’s boots are more commonly used by his customers during training.
      However, Maitland-Niles wore a pair of Nike CTR360 Maestri III – that set him back £230 – on England duty against Iceland last year.
      Will added: “A lot of players do have that kind of deal, but the fine is pennies for them. And some feel it’s better of playing in the boot they feel comfortable in and paying the fine.
      “Most of the players will wear them for training. Declan Rice does at West Ham.
      “I’ve seen Maitland-Niles wear his during a match once. It depends on what they feel like doing.”
      Will’s biggest month came last January – when he sold an astonishing 200 pairs of boots.
      And most footballers are buying two to three pairs at a time.

      Players including Saido Berahino are buying two to three pairs of boots a time

      Will revealed Classix Collection sold around 200 pairs of boots last January alone

      “I know that Declan (Rice) has a massive collection himself – somewhere between 20-30 boots,” Will divulged.
      “But a lot of footballers don’t want to spend big money on boots. A lot want them for free, which I find really funny.
      “A lot of boot sellers will give players boots for nothing in return for a shout out online, but at the end of the day I’m running a business and want to make as much money as I can.”
      Follow Classix Collection on their Instagram page here. More