Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Luis Enrique was rejected by Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea and snubbed three other clubs including SWANSEA

      by

      LUIS ENRIQUE has yet to manage in England – but there’s been no shortage of opportunity.The Spaniard, 55, guided Paris Saint-Germain to a maiden Champions League triumph on Saturday night.Luis Enrique led PSG to a first ever Champions League triumphCredit: GettyThe Spaniard has previously claimed he would like to manage in EnglandCredit: GettyThree big Prem clubs passed up on the chance to hire him in 2023Credit: GettyEnrique’s exciting young side tore Inter Milan to pieces at Munich’s Allianz Arena. The Serie A giants were no match for the French champions, who ran out emphatic 5-0 winners. It was Enrique’s second Champions League winners medal, after guiding Barcelona to the crown a decade ago.And some Prem clubs may be wondering what could have been after passing up on the Spaniard. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEnrique publicly expressed his desire to work in England in 2023, admitting: “I have a special attraction – I would like to go to England to work.”I follow English football a lot, more than Spanish football. “In the Spanish league, I do follow the biggest teams and little else  – but it’s very difficult for it to happen.”Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham all shortlisted Enrique after he left his role with Spain in 2023.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut all three decided against hiring the 55-year-old. Tottenham were the most serious contenders, prior to opting for Ange Postecoglou.Mikel Arteta does a Benitez as he rants about xG and tells Luis Enrique ‘look at the stats’ after bold Arsenal claimIt is believed chairman Daniel Levy backed off over a concern that Enrique’s spiky temperament made him too similar to former boss Antonio Conte.Three other clubs in the EFL have also moved for Enrique and offered him a managerial role.Swansea, Leeds and Aston Villa all wanted the former Spain international to join, per the BBC’s Guillem Balague. And even Arsenal were given a tip-off about Enrique – by ex-chief Unai Emery.But the Gunners decided to go another way, with fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta still in charge at the Emirates. The one that got away By DAVE KIDDTHERE was one pressing question to ask in the wake of the greatest demolition job in the 70-year history of European Cup finals.What of Luis Enrique’s ‘Tottenham dream’?After Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain side handed out a 5-0 hiding to Inter Milan in Munich’s Allianz Arena on Saturday, the Spaniard confirmed himself as one of the great managers of the modern eraIt wasn’t just that Enrique had secured the Champions League with a second club — ten years after he masterminded Barcelona’s victory over Juventus.It was the manner in which he had constructed this young, vibrant, united PSG side in the wake of the French club’s ‘bling, bling’ era of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.Enrique, 55, was strongly linked with vacancies at Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester United in 2023, after leaving his job as Spain’s national team manager.Before Tottenham appointed Ange Postecoglou, Enrique was a serious contender, yet there is a belief that chairman Daniel Levy backed off over a concern that his spiky temperament made him too similar to Antonio Conte.Charismatic, tactically astute and an inspirational man-manager, Enrique speaks good English and is a devotee of Premier League football.Yet it’s fair to say, after his crowning glory in Bavaria, that Enrique will not be turning up on our shores any time soon.Should Spurs ditch Postecoglou this week, Enrique certainly won’t be in the running. After all, he is openly talking of conquering the world with the perennial champions of France.PSG will face Spurs in the European Super Cup in the Italian city of Udine in August — as one of the greatest winners of the Champions League take on possibly the worst winners of the Europa League in what promises to be an epic mismatch.Enrique’s PSG contract runs until 2027, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi would like to extend it, while this team are young enough and good enough to be a dominant force in European football for years to come.Saturday was an emotionally-charged night for Enrique, whose bond with PSG supporters was strengthened by their unfurling of a vast tifo showing a picture of him and his late daughter Xana, who tragically died from bone cancer aged just nine in 2019.His team’s brilliant performance had been the most complete by any side in a Champions League final since Guardiola’s Barca defeated Manchester United 3-1 in a Wembley masterclass in 2011.PSG were the youngest team in the competition, Simone Inzaghi’s Inter the oldest — and the match turned into the comprehensive street mugging of a frail, elderly victim.That five-goal winning margin eclipsed the 7-3 victory of Ferenc Puskas and Alfredo Di Stefano’s Real Madrid against Eintracht Frankfurt in 1960 — a match played so long ago that Sir Alex Ferguson watched it at Hampden Park as an awestruck teenager.Enrique, known as The Architect in the French capital, has plotted plenty of English doom this year. PSG defeated Manchester City in the group phase, followed by knockout victories over  Liverpool on penalties, Aston Villa and Arsenal.After semi-final success against Mikel Arteta’s  Gunners, Enrique mocked the supposed low standing of France’s domestic league.“The league of farmers, no?” he smiled, “We are the league of farmers.”There has been nothing even faintly agricultural about PSG’s  football and Enrique is determined to stick around to harvest more silverware.While the world’s finest players rarely operate in England at their peak, our top-flight has played host to every other modern managerial great.Three more men have led two different clubs to the Champions League crown in the 21st Century — Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola — and all have plied their trade in England, along with other A-listers like Jurgen Klopp and Conte.Instead, Enrique headed to Paris, where, despite billions of Qatari oil money having been lavished on the project, the Champions League remained elusive.Enrique’s re-imagining of PSG as a young side without Galacticos but with plenty of team spirit has turned out a triumph, although another shedload of cash has been spent.This season’s signings of  Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, Joao Neves and Willian Pacho — all stars of the final — cost the Qataris almost £200million.Doue was the two-goal hero, Enrique substituting him when he looked on course to become the first player in 56 years to score a hat-trick in a European Cup final.And when Kvaratskhelia sprinted back more than half the length of the pitch to win possession, with ten minutes to go, having just fired PSG into a 4-0 lead, Enrique’s PSG makeover felt complete.It is impossible to have imagined Mbappe, Messi or Neymar doing anything similar.And so for Enrique, the idea of managing Spurs — or any other  Premier League club — is just going to have to wait.Enrique has thrived since returning to club management with PSG in 2023. He had previously spent five years as Spain’s national manager. Enrique has won back-to-back Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles in France.Known as The Architect in the French capital, he has helped bring about plenty of English doom over the course of the last year. PSG defeated Manchester City in the group phase, followed by knockout victories over Liverpool on penalties, Aston Villa and Arsenal.And he is now a hero among PSG supporters after delivering a first Champions League trophy. Fans unveiled a tifo at the Allianz Arena of Enrique’s daughter Xana, who died in 2019 aged nine from bone cancer.Visibly moved, Enrique said: “It’s lovely from the fans, and for my family.Read More on The Sun”But I don’t need to win a Champions League to remember my daughter. “She’s always present, with us. I feel it when we lose, too, it crystallises all the positives we lived.” More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea Champions League winner Salomon Kalou reveals surprising new business after retirement from football

      by

      EX-CHELSEA forward Salomon Kalou, 39, has stunned fans by revealing his new venture – running a chocolate business.The former Ivory Coast international, best known for helping the Blues lift the Champions League in 2012, has traded boots for sweet treats.Salomon Kalou (right) spent seven seasons at ChelseaCredit: GettyHe was part of a Chelsea side that conquered Europe for the first timeCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Ivorian has always had a thing for unusual hairstylesCredit: INSTAGRAMHis brand is called Oume, named after his birthplace in the Ivory Coast with Kalou keen to emphasise the importance of his homeland in the chocolate world.He told The Telegraph in an interview: “My uncle had a cocoa farm, and I grew up around the farm.”We went to school and at the weekend we would be helping him.”Growing up, I don’t remember eating chocolate and didn’t know what it was.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS “It was expensive more of a privilege for people who can afford to buy it.”People don’t know that what they produce on their farms is used for chocolate. “But we (Ivory Coast) contribute a big percentage of the world’s production. We also have great footballers.”The surprise career move has raised a few eyebrows among fans who remember the pacy winger’s dazzling runs down the Stamford Bridge flanks – not cocoa beans and hand-tempered truffles.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKKalou, who also enjoyed spells at Lille, Hertha Berlin and Botafogo, says he hopes to one day see his chocolate in some of the UK’s most prestigious shops.From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finalsHe added: “One day I’d like to see Oume in Waitrose, Selfridges, or Harrods. That would be a proud moment.”It is a tough market with the price of cocoa increasing due to extreme weather and under-investment.”The Ivorian started and won the Champions League final with Chelsea in 2012, making a total of 254 appearances for the Blues. More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford spotted with mystery woman as Man Utd star enjoys well-earned holiday in St Tropez

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD has been spotted soaking up the sun as he ponders a potentially career-defining summer.The out-of-favour Manchester United forward hit the beach with a mystery blonde in St Tropez over the weekend.Marcus Rashford was spotted with a mystery blonde on a trip to the French RivieraCredit: BackGridThe Man Utd forward joined friends in St Tropez over the weekendCredit: BackGridThe party headed out into the bay for a relaxing boat rideCredit: BackGridRashford rocked a striking Louis Vuitton outfitCredit: BackGridThe 27-year-old hit the high seas on a jet skiCredit: BackGridRashford, 27, joined a group of pals for a hard-earned post-season break. The England forward looked relaxed as the mercury climbed above 30C on the French Riviera. Rashford turned heads with a striking Louis Vuitton outfit as the friends relaxed on a luxury boat.The 27-year-old has been single since breaking up with Love Islander Grace Jackson just before Christmas. READ MORE ON MAN UTDRashford later hit the waves on a jet ski, fresh from recapturing his appetite for football after a nightmare slump at Old Trafford.The Red Devils academy graduate was sent out on loan to Aston Villa by Ruben Amorim in January. His relationship with Amorim broke down after Rashford admitted he wanted a “new challenge” away from the North West.Rashford proved a big hit after his move down the M6, scoring four goals in 17 games before a hamstring injury cut his season short.Most read in FootballBut the striker’s future remains uncertain heading into the off-season.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSunSport revealed last month that Rashford is desperate to play Champions League football next term.Neither United or Villa are able to offer that.Aston Villa star Marcus Rashford hits the race track as he works out on holiday in St Tropez But he looks to be keeping in tip-top shape, even during his sun-drenched holiday.Rashford enjoyed a topless workout session at an athletics track in France over the weekend.The forward looked lean and fast as he went through some sprints, captioning a video on Instagram: “The work don’t stop! Let’s go.”Rashford could yet hold out for a dream move to Barcelona.He first spoke with the Catalan giants in January after expressing a desire for a “new challenge”. His wages proved a stumbling block in getting a loan deal across the line.But Rashford’s representatives have since met with the LaLiga champions over a permanent deal. A return to Villa also seems off the cards after they slipped into the Europa League spots on the final day of the season.Rashford and his pals enjoyed enjoyed the French RivieraCredit: BackGridRashford’s destination for next season is yet to be confirmedCredit: BackGridUnai Emery’s side had the option to buy Rashford for £40m after his loan.Writing on Instagram, Rashford said: “It is a special club and I appreciated the way Villa fans embraced me with open arms.”It is a huge disappointment not to have made the Champions League which everyone worked so hard all season for but I know this club and team will come back stronger.”Read More on The SunAmorim appears to have already brought in Rashford’s replacement, with Matheus Cunha arriving in a £62.5m deal on Sunday.Cunha has reportedly taken Rashford’s No10 shirt at the Theatre of Dreams.Rashford has been staying in shape while on holidayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/marcusrashford/?hl=en More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea begin huge transfer firesale with FOURTEEN players up for sale including Madueke, Nkunku and forgotten £45m flop

      by

      CHELSEA are preparing for a huge summer of sales with up to FOURTEEN players facing the axe. The Blues finished in the top four – to qualify for the Champions League – while topping off the campaign by lifting the Conference League trophy. Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix look set to leave Chelsea for goodCredit: GettyDespite the ultimately successful campaign, Enzo Maresca is braced to start next season with a new-look squad of fresh faces.Liam Delap is set to sign for £30million from Ipswich while wingers Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho are linked with a move to West London. But according to The Guardian, Chelsea are also looking to offload a hoard of unwanted stars in their squad.With a winger likely to arrive this summer, Noni Madueke – who scored 11 last season – is said to be on the market.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChristopher Nkunku and Joao Felix – who spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan – are other attackers up for sale.Nkunku arrived from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52.7million in 2023 and scored 14 goals last season – but only three in the league. He had underwhelming stints up front while also failing to find form out wide or in an attacking midfield role. Bayern Munich inquired about the Frenchman in January while Manchester United have also been linked in the past. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFelix first joined Chelsea in 2023 on loan before later joining Barcelona only to move back to the Blues in a permanent £45m deal. But by February, he had fallen out of favour with Maresca and joined AC Milan on loan managing just three goals in 21 games. Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunionA move back to Benfica – where Felix first made his name – or Flamengo in Brazil are potential options for the forward. Goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic could also be sold if the right bid comes in.Petrovic signed in 2023 but spent last season on loan at Strasbourg while Sanchez has spent two seasons at Chelsea after joining from Brighton for £30m. Maresca has continued to back Sanchez despite shaky form – but recent reports say the Spaniard’s future is up in the air. Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi are all due back from their respective loans but remain out of favour in defence.Meanwhile Wesley Fofana – signed for £70m from Leicester in 2022 – is also said to be at risk amid his injury struggles. Trevoh Chalobah was loaned out to Crystal Palace last summer after Chelsea failed to move him on permanently. Chalobah was later recalled in January and despite finishing the season in fine form, he could still be at risk of leaving.Noni Madueke and Trevoh Chalobah, pictured with Jadon Sancho, could be sold by ChelseaCredit: GettyGoalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic could also be soldCredit: GettyKiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu are midfielders with uncertain futures.Dewsbury-Hall arrived from Leicester for £30m last summer but has been reduced to mainly cup action in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.Chukwuemeka ended the campaign on loan at Borussia Dortmund while Ugochukwu is due to return after Southampton’s relegation. Read More on The SunAnd Raheem Sterling – who has two years left on his £325,000-a-week contract – has no future at Chelsea after a disappointing Arsenal loan spell.Sterling was frozen out by Maresca at the start of the season and scored just once for the Gunners – in the League Cup. Renato Veiga and Ben Chilwell look set to be soldCredit: GettyAxel Disasi was loaned out to Aston VillaCredit: RexWesley Fofana has struggled with injury issuesCredit: GettyKiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s Chelsea future is at riskCredit: RexCarney Chukwuemeka was loaned out to Borussia DortmundCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLesley Ugochukwu and Raheem Sterling both ended their seasons on loanCredit: PA More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ten Hag ‘interested in TWO Liverpool stars’ and could ask for one to be included in British record Wirtz transfer deal

      by

      LIVERPOOL’S blockbuster pursuit of Florian Wirtz continues to move at a pace – and could see two Reds stars heading to Germany.The Reds are on the verge of shattering the £115million British transfer record that Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo for the Bayer Leverkusen star.Florian Wirtz has stated his intention to join LiverpoolErik ten Hag has had a busy start to his Leverkusen tenureCredit: GettyJarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott are the two players targeted in a potential swap dealLeverkusen, who last week appointed Erik ten Hag to succeed Xabi Alonso, want £126million for the versatile attacker but it is believed that a compromise can be reached.Negotiations with Leverkusen have seen a bid of £109million tabled but the German giants are looking at adding a few players in for a swap deal. Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott could be suggested as makeweights, according to Mail Sport.Although both players are highly regarded at Liverpool, they struggled for game time this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLElliott only started two league games and Quansah only made four Premier League starts.Both players are expected to attract a lot of interest this summer.Elliott is similar to Wirtz and can operate across the frontline, while Quansah could replace Jonathan Tah, who joined Bayern Munich on a free.Wirtz, 22, has expressed his desire to move to Anfield and Reds sporting director Richard Hughes has offered a deal that includes readily attainable performance-related add-ons.Most read in FootballUnder Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool have never gone above the £100million mark.Darwin Nunez’s £85million move from Benfica in 2022 represents their most expensive buy.Frimpong jets into UK with Leverkusen star to complete £30m Liverpool moveLiverpool are also looking to beef up their full-back department with the arrival of Wirtz’s teammate Jeremie Frimpong. Bouremouth left-back Milos Kerkez has also been heavily linked in recent weeks.Ten Hag meanwhile is close to completing his first signing with a raid on another former Prem rival. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham hangs out with Hollywood icon Will Smith as he enjoys time off in Ibiza with brother Jobe and pals

      by

      JUDE BELLINGHAM made the most of his time off in Ibiza and even partied with Hollywood icon Will Smith.The 21-year-old took some time out after finishing the 2024-25 season with Real Madrid last month.Bellingham even met Hollywood icon Will SmithCredit: https://www.instagram.com/judebellingham/Jude Bellingham enjoyed a holiday to Ibiza with his brother, Jobe, and some friendsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/judebellingham/The England star enjoyed a boat tripCredit: https://www.instagram.com/judebellingham/He posed for some Instagram pictures on a boatCredit: https://www.instagram.com/judebellingham/He swapped the Bernabeu for the Balearic Island to enjoy a holiday with some close friends and family – and had his bum grabbed while he was there.The England international was spotted at a beach club with his younger brother, Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, and some pals at the start of the break.He then posted some other photos from the rest of the holiday on social media.The Bellingham brothers enjoyed a boat trip, paddleboarding and a few nightclub appearances while in Ibiza.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey even partied with Fresh Prince of Bel Air and King Richard star Smith one night.Real Madrid ace Bellingham posed for a picture with the Academy Award winner and a friend.After his short holiday, the midfielder returned to international duty with the England squad.He and his Three Lions team-mates travelled to Barcelona early on Sunday to watch the Spanish Grand Prix.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBellingham posed for a picture in the Mercedes garage next to George Russell’s car before walking the grid with the rest of the squad.Following the Spanish GP, England stars have stayed in Catalonia for a training camp.England squad plays the Traitors They face Andorra at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday before hosting Senegal on Tuesday.Bellingham will then travel to the USA for the Club World Cup, which is due to kick off on June 15.The group partied at Ushuaia in IbizaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/judebellingham/Bellingham later joined the rest of his England team-mates at the Spanish Grand PrixCredit: PABellingham with England pals including Cole Palmer and Conor GallagherCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ballon d’Or 2025: PSG star favourite for award as French giants dominate top 10 and just one Premier League ace in mix

      by

      THE 2024-25 season is in the books – and it’s fair to say it didn’t quite follow the script.And now the Ballon d’Or is set to follow suit.PSG’s Champions League win sees a hatful of their stars go into the running for a Ballon d’Or titleCredit: AFPLiverpool won the Premier League after a sensational season, but do any Reds make it into our top ten?Credit: GettyIf someone told you Liverpool would win the Premier League in their “rebuild” year under Arne Slot, few would have believed you.And then there’s Paris Saint-Germain finally winning the Champions League AFTER getting rid of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.Tottenham booked a Champions League spot by winning the Europa League – ending their 17-year trophy drought – despite finishing 17th in the Prem with a barely-believable 38 points.Crystal Palace won their first-ever trophy, while Newcastle ended their 70-year wait for a major crown with Carabao Cup glory.READ MORE SPORT STORIESSo it only seems right that there will be a new Ballon d’Or winner in 2025.The Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly has completely crumbled in the last year or so, with Rodri clinching the 2024 award.But with the Spaniard out for much of the season injured and playing for a wildly sub-par Manchester City, he’s completely out of the running.So 2025 will see a first win for one of SunSport’s top ten.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSpoiler alert, PSG stars feature heavily, with just one Premier League star making the list…10. Pedri – BarcelonaThe Nou Camp giants had a season to remember and appear to be well on their way to getting back to their best after a few difficult seasons, particularly in the Champions League.No longer THE wonderkid in the Barca team, Pedri, 22, has lost that title to 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who many consider to be the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne.I can win the Ballon D’or says Brighton’s Carlos BalebaBut the midfielder has quietly gone about his business, racking up four goals and five assists in 37 LaLiga games en route to the title, missing just one match.He also played in all 14 Champions League matches – culminating in the epic 7-6 aggregate loss to Inter Milan, arguably the greatest-ever two-legged Champions League tie.Pedri has been quietly superb in the Barcelona midfieldCredit: Shutterstock Editorial9. Kylian Mbappe – Real MadridA season of frustration for the French superstar.Mbappe, 26, quit PSG to end their ‘Galacticos’ era once and for all… with his old side immediately going on to win the one trophy that had always evaded them: the Champions League.Los Blancos finished second in LaLiga behind old rivals Barcelona, while losing both the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana finals.They made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, before losing to Arsenal. On a personal level, Mbappe recovered from a slow start to show signs of his best form, scoring 43 goals across all competitions, including a hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Man City.Mbappe endured a tough season trophy-wise, but was in red-hot form in front of goalCredit: EPA8. Lautaro Martinez – Inter MilanA real ‘nearly’ season for Inter Milan, it was a difficult one for fans – and the club itself – to process.On the one hand, they exceeded expectations. But, on the other, they were so close, yet so far – second in Serie A, runners up in the Champions League and Supercoppa Italiana and semi-finalists in the Coppa Italia.Captain Martinez, 27, was the club’s top scorer with 22 goals in all competitions – crucially including nine strikes in his 14 Champions League appearances, a huge factor in their fairytale run to the final.Lautaro Martinez was the ultimate leader for Inter Milan in their impressive seasonCredit: Reuters7. Gianluigi Donnarumma – PSGThe first entrant to our top 10 from the Paris giants and Champions League winners is the man between the sticks.The 6ft 5in Italian giant, 26, played in all 15 Champions League matches.And his heroic performances between the sticks were a key cog in the long-suffering club finally ending their European Cup drought – particularly in the semi-final win over Arsenal.After years of solid performances, the former AC Milan stopper appears to be finally living up to his potential as one of the best on the planet and arguably the best European goalkeepers.Gianluigi Donnarumma was a giant between the sticks for PSGCredit: AP6. Desire Doue – PSGA relative unknown among casual fans before this season, Doue has been an absolute revelation.The young winger, 19, played in 16 Champions League matches this season, scoring five times – including TWO in the final to kill off the game.Inevitably, talk has quickly moved to a “new Messi-Ronaldo” rivalry between Doue and Yamal.It might be a bit early for that, but both are certainly in the hunt for this season’s Ballon d’Or after scintillating seasons.Desire Doue has been a revelation on the PSG wing this seasonCredit: Reuters5. Khvicha KvaratskheliaWhat a year for the Georgian star…The 24-year-old was part of the Napoli squad who won the Serie A title until January, when he moved to a PSG side who won the Ligue 1, Champions League, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions quadruple.Domestic trophies are no new thing for PSG and 2024-25 will forever be remembered as the season they won their first-ever Champions League.Kvaratskhelia played a vital role in that, playing in nine Champions League matches since January alone, contributing to five goals en route to glory, including his strike in the final.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia enjoyed a superb season… at both Napoli and then PSGCredit: Shutterstock Editorial4. Raphinha – BarcelonaAt one stage, the former Leeds man looked like he was going to shatter Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League record.Despite falling short, the Brazilian winger, 28, contributed to 21 GOALS in just 14 Champions League games.Raphinha was also involved in 27 goals in 36 LaLiga games as Barcelona won the title.It was some season for the winger, who was the top favourite for the Ballon d’Or not long ago.Raphinha enjoyed easily the best season of his careerCredit: Shutterstock Editorial3. Mo Salah – LiverpoolA truly sensational season for the Egyptian superstar.Salah, 32, was on track to obliterate the Premier League scoring record, before his hot streak cooled late on.Despite that, the winger contributed to 47 Premier League goals as Liverpool won their record-levelling 20th top-flight crown.He won the Golden Boot with 29 goals – meaning he’s now won it a joint-record FOUR times.Salah also contributed to seven goals in nine Champions League games, as the Reds won the first-ever 32-team group stage and reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions, PSG.Mo Salah enjoyed one of his best LIverpool seasons en route to the title and celebrated by signing a new contractCredit: PA2. Lamine Yamal – BarcelonaWe’ve heard the term “Messi regen” before… with Ansu Fati.And while that perhaps hasn’t quite panned out, it’s impossible to think Yamal isn’t destined for superstardom.Aged just 17, Yamal was involved in 22 LaLiga goals in 35 outings as Barcelona won the title, with a further eight involvements in the Champions League.He’s the youngest player to reach 100 competitive games for Barcelona and at this rate he could shatter a whole array of records before his career is done.Brazil legend Ronaldo currently holds the record for youngest-ever Ballon d’Or winner, aged 21 in 1997.Before that, George Best was the youngest at the age of 29.If Yamal does win it this year, he’ll set a record that will likely never be broken.Either way, you certainly wouldn’t bet against him breaking the record in the next few seasons…Fans reckon Lamine Yamal is destined to be the second coming of Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters1. Ousmane Dembele – PSGIn Mbappe’s absence, PSG were always going to rely on his fellow Frenchman to step up and be the attacking leader.And while the addition of Kvaratskhelia and emergence of Doue has been a massive boost, Dembele is unquestionably the No1 threat in Luis Enrique’s team.Read More on The SunDembele was involved in 14 goals in 15 Champions League games en route to an historic title, while he scored 21 times in 29 Ligue 1 matches, with a further six assists.In all, the forward scored 33 goals in his side’s quadruple campaign – and puts him in pole position for the Ballon d’Or… for now.Ousmane Dembele stepped up as leader of the PSG attack in some style after Mbappe’s exitCredit: Reuters More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker reunites with brother Wayne amid 17-year feud as pair neck bottle of booze at his son’s Ibiza wedding

      by

      GARY LINEKER appeared to put his feud with brother Wayne to one side as they partied at a family wedding in Ibiza.The Linekers celebrated in style as the former Match of the Day host’s son Harry got married.Gary Lineker knocked back booze at his son’s weddingCredit: InstagramThe former Match of the Day host celebrated by waving a napkin in the airCredit: InstagramWayne later got his turn, tilting his head back and catching the drink in his mouthCredit: InstagramGary looked dapper in a suit alongside his boysCredit: InstagramHarry, 31, tied the knot with partner Bella in a luxurious ceremony on the Spanish island over the weekend.And several videos posted on social media show both Gary, 64, and Wayne, 63, enjoying themselves.The former England striker looked dapper in a smart white shirt and glasses.But he risked getting drenched in one clip as a bottle of booze was poured directly into his mouth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis younger brother Wayne made the short trip to the ceremony from his O Beach party hotspot and was dressed to impress in a stylish suit.The entrepreneur and club owner joined in the fun, stepping up next to tilt his head back and catch the drink in his mouth.Spirits were high, literally, as all the family celebrated together in the Ibiza sun. It comes after a 17-year feud between the Lineker brothers. Most read in FootballGary’s son Harry tied the knot to his partner BellaWayne and Gary had fell out in 2008The two are believed to have fallen out while Gary was with his second wife Danielle Bux.They travelled to Ibiza to visit Wayne but the trip broke their close relationship, which saw an end to their weekly phone calls.He told The Sun in 2015: “In my opinion, Danielle cost me my relationship with my brother. Sadly Gary is no longer a part of my life.”They came to Ibiza in August 2008 and it was really awkward. I didn’t spark with Danielle and our relationship was cold.”Wayne was Gary’s best man at his first wedding to Michelle Cockayne in 1986.But the club owner did not attend as the ex-BBC host tied to knot with Danielle because his invite did not extend to his girlfriend at the time Ana Tanaka.Opening up on the brother’s relationship in a recent interview with The Mail, Wayne said: “It’s not so good to be honest, we don’t really speak very often. I’ll always be his number one fan.”The Linekers boozy ceremony came as The Sun exclusively revealed that BBC chiefs delivered a final snub to Gary just before his final Match of the Day show.They decided to axe his last interview with Liverpool hero Mo Salah without warning.Read More on The SunThe Beeb feared Lineker — involved in an online row over an antisemitic post — would say something controversial about Gaza.He stepped out of the hotseat following a 26-year stint as presenter just over a week ago.Wayne Lineker hosts celebs and footballers at his O Beach Club in IbizaCredit: Instagram @waynelinekerHe has been seen partying with the likes of Jack Grealish and Jude BellinghamCredit: Instagram More