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    LaLiga star brutally hooked at the break vs Real Madrid after asking for Kylian Mbappe’s shirt at HALF-TIME

    DEPORTIVO ALAVES star Abdel Abqar was substituted at half-time after asking Kylian Mbappe for his shirt.The underdogs went in at the break 2-0 down to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.Kylian Mbappe gave his shirt to an opposition player at the end of the first halfMbappe, 25, scored five minutes before half-time to take his Real tally to seven goals from nine appearances.As he walked off the pitch at the end of the first half, the Frenchman was asked by his shirt by Moroccan international Abqar.Madrid’s star summer arrival duly obliged, taking his shirt off on the spot and giving it to his opponent.Abqar, 25, got his wish – but did not emerge for the second half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith his gesture having been spotted by fans watching on at home, it was speculated that Abqar may have been hooked as a disciplinary measure.But after the game, Alaves coach Luis Garcia denied that this was the case.Asked about the incident, he said: “I don’t know what he did.”I wanted to change something because I wanted to work on something, a little tactical thing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t know if he asked for the jersey, I have no idea.”He came out because I wanted to replace him and that’s it.”Shane Lowry visits Santiago Bernabeu to watch Kylian Mbappe and co for Real Madrid Abqar was replaced by Jon Guridi for the start of the second half.But the switch didn’t have an immediate positive effect, with Rodrygo making it 3-0 in the 48th minute.Alaves did eventually come back into the game, however, with goals by Carlos Benavidez and Kike Garcia giving Carlo Ancelotti’s men a late scare.The Italian boss had been forced to substitute Mbappe with 10 minutes remaining, after the Frenchman felt an issue in his thigh.Mbappe is set to be out for at least three weeks, and faces a battle to be fit in time for his first El Clasico on October 26.Mbappe, 25, was forced off with an injury late onCredit: AFP More

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    Watch Mbappe and Bellingham combine in ‘insane, world-class combo’ for goal in Real Madrid’s win over Alaves

    KYLIAN MBAPPE and Jude Bellingham left fans drooling as they linked up for an “insane, world-class combo” in Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Alaves.Carlo Ancelotti’s men secured a narrow victory at the Bernabeu last night to go six points behind Barcelona — who still have a game in hand.Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe linked up for an amazing Real Madrid goalCredit: AlamyThe duo have already established a fine partnership as Real narrowly beat Alaves 3-2Credit: GettyLuca Vazquez and Rodygo were both on the score sheet as Alaves netted two late strikes to leave Real sweating in the final moments.But undoubtedly the star goal of the game occurred in the 40th minute when Mbappe slammed home his seven effort of the season.The Frenchman only arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer and already looks settled in his new home.But his effort was so good that it left Real fans gobsmacked as he linked up with star midfielder Bellingham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCollecting the ball from deep, Mbappe whizzed past an opponent before cheekily flicking a pass to Bellingham.The England ace pivoted round to face goal as Mbappe broke through the defence with a darting run.And Bellingham found the striker with pinpoint accuracy in a lightning-quick move.Mbappe took the ball under control with ease before slashing sideways into Alaves’ box.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut there would be no mercy for the visitors as he sliced a spicy shot past their goalie and into the side of the goal.It saw Los Blancos fans leap to their feet in amazement as they celebrated another Mbappe strike.’It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeAnd fans at home were as equally impressed.One said: “An insane, world-class combo.”Another declared: “Top quality.”One noted: “It’s looking good.”Another added: “Want to see more of these.”Bellingham and Mbappe’s link-up comes after Real chiefs put them on the same pay level.Mbappe arrived on a record £12.6million annual pay package, putting him well clear of Real’s other earners.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Florentino Perez feared it could cause friction among his other top stars.So Bellingham and Vinicius Jr are now both earning the same annual £12.6m wage too — the highest any player in Real’s history has pocketed.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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    Fans left stunned that Real Madrid star Endrick escaped red card after kneeing opponent in the groin

    FANS are up in arms after Real Madrid star Endrick escaped a red card after appearing to knee an opponent in the worst place possible.The wonderkid has made a big impact since arriving in the summer.Endrick escaped a red card after a coming together with an Alaves defenderCredit: https://x.com/patrifactorFans believe he should have been sent offCredit: https://x.com/patrifactorHe became the youngest Real Madrid player to score in the Champions League with a rocket on his debut against Stuttgart.Days later he won a controversial penalty in the last minute against Espanyol, falling in the corner of the box despite most of the contact being made before he entered the area.Now fans have been left stunned once again after Endrick avoided a red card as Real beat Alaves.Carlo Ancelotti’s side were cruising 3-0 at the time of the incident and on the attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEndrick began to make a run into the box anticipating a cross and then had a coming together with Alaves defender Santiago Mourino.The Brazilian appeared to kick out his left leg to make contact with Mourino’s groin, and he was yellow-carded for the action.But fans believe he should have been sent off with one saying: “That should’ve been a straight red, not just a yellow.”Another added: “Clearly a violent act.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Kylian Mbappe’s incredible seven-year body transformation propelled skinny teen into world’s best playerBy Etienne FermieKYLIAN MBAPPE has entered his physical prime as he has FINALLY rubber-stamped his free transfer move to Real Madrid.The 25-year-old has grown from a boy to a man in Ligue 1, first with Monaco and then with current side Paris Saint-Germain.Mbappe debuted for Monaco as a skinny 16-year-old in 2015.He even featured as a scrawny youngster against Tottenham at the old White Hart Lane that year, before fans realised what an icon he would become.The following season, Mbappe really rose to superstardom as Monaco reached the Champions League semi-finals.In a throwback snap shared earlier this week, an 18-year-old Mbappe could be seen chatting to a reporter after grabbing a Champions League brace against Borussia Dortmund in April 2017.Read more on Mbappe’s incredible rise on and off the field.And a third wrote: “I watched it and was shocked, that’s a straight red.”Alaves manager Garcia Plaza fumed over the decision after the match, with his side pulling back two goals in a 3-2 defeat.’It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeHe said: “It’s a clear red, nobody can say it wasn’t. If the referee didn’t see it, that’s what the VAR is for. “Maybe they got more yellows than they should have, but for Endrick, it’s a red.”Real Madrid will reportedly speak to Endrick about his behaviour to avoid a repeat of the incident in the future. More

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    Former Arsenal star ‘ready to end retirement just FOUR WEEKS after quitting game with shock transfer’

    A FORMER Arsenal star could be tempted out of retirement just four weeks after hanging up his boots.The ex-Gunners favourite, who left the Emirates in 2017, confirmed his emotional decision in a statement last month.A former Arsenal star is being considered for a high-profile moveCredit: Action Images – ReutersHaving played at the highest level, he admitted that he’d lost the hunger for the game, despite still being physically able at 34.In his statement, he wrote: “I’ve made friends for life, created unforgettable memories and met people who have made an incredible impact on my life. Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football…”But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses. Today, though my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore.”I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family – my amazing wife Marina and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust weeks after making his decision, however, Wojciech Szczesny may be tempted to return.According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona chiefs are mulling over a shock move for the Polish goalkeeper.The Catalan giants are looking to bring in a new stopper, after No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty knee injury against Villarreal last weekend.Ter Stegen, 32, underwent successful knee surgery on Monday, and is expected to be ruled out for at least seven months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWojciech Szczesny confirmed his retirement last monthCredit: GettyMarc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty injury at the weekendCredit: RexIn the short-term, La Masia graduate Inaki Pena, 25, will take the gloves.But Barca chiefs want to recruit a more experienced option.What happened to Highbury?Szczesny made 35 appearances in Serie A for Juventus last season.Barca bosses hope that the allure of playing for another huge club could tempt him out of retirement.Another factor could be talismanic Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.The forward, 36, has a long-standing relationship with Szczesny, having played with him for his national team for many years.In fact, the duo took to the field together as recently as the summer, when both featured at Euro 2024 in Germany.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Barca have approached Szczesny’s representatives CAA Stellar.Should Barca fail to sign Szczesny, they could look to former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.The Costa Rican, 37, is a free agent having left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.He rejected advances from Brazil and Saudi Arabia over the summer, and has remained fit by training at Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa.Navas made six appearances in total for PSG last season, including four in Ligue 1, as he backed up first choice Gianluigi Donnarumma.The 6ft 1in stopper was most recently a first choice during the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, which he spent on loan at Nottingham Forest.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite his history with Real Madrid, it’s claimed that Navas would have no qualms about joining Barcelona.He is represented by agent Jorge Mendes, who has close ties with the Catalan club.Keylor Navas left Paris Saint-Germain in the summerCredit: Getty More

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    Football legend’s son retires aged 29 due to ‘BOREDOM’ after 16 months unemployed

    A FOOTBALL legend’s son has retired from football at the age of 29 due to BOREDOM.The former midfielder started his youth career with Italian giants Juventus in 2000.This former Real Madrid ace has retired aged just 29Credit: AFP or licensorsAnd he ended up securing a move to Real Madrid four years later.The ace made his pro debut for Real’s C team in 2014.After working his way through the ranks, he then made his first senior appearance in 2016.However, it ended up being his one and only game for Los Blancos.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he then tumbled down the leagues with the likes of Alaves, Swiss side Lausanne-Sport and second-tier Almeria.His final appearances came in Spain’s third tier with Fuenlabrada in 2023.But after failing to land a new club for last season, he has finally called it a day.The player is none other than Enzo Zidane.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd he is the oldest son of footy legend Zinedine Zidane.Enzo’s dad is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the beautiful game.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersEnzo Zidane’s dad is none other than football legend ZinedineCredit: GettyHe gave Enzo his one and only senior Real Madrid appearanceCredit: GettyAnd it was he who gave the midfielder his one and only senior Real appearance, which saw Enzo score with his first touch of the ball in a 5-1 Cup win against Ebro.Zidane Snr has three other sons, all of whom play professionally.Midfielder Theo is at Cordoba, goalie Luca plays for Granada and defender Elyaz is at Real Betis.But Enzo has hung up his boots after becoming “bored” with football, reports AS.And he is now looking forward to spending more time with his wife and three kids.Enzo previously admitted feeling huge pressure due to having a famous father in Zinedine.Can you name the famous fathers?He said: “I’ve had it since I was little, and it’s always going to be that way.“It’s not going to change, but I try to remove myself from it and focus on being the best possible Enzo.“People compare you, criticise you, want more from you, and say you are there because you are somebody’s son.“Others will be criticised for other things but I try not to think about it. The most important thing is that my family are proud of me. I just think about growing up as Enzo and nothing else.“I was 22 years old at Madrid. After going through the academy and learning from the first team, my goal was to try other things and grow as a footballer.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Madrid are the best team in the world and it is very difficult to find a space there, but the life of a player is like that.“I wanted to leave to experience good moments elsewhere and have the same dream.” More

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    Ballon d’Or winner ‘already knows he is getting award’ with plans to celebrate achievement ‘already in place’

    VINICIUS JUNIOR already knows he is being crowned this year’s Ballon d’Or winner, according to reports in Spain.The Real Madrid and Brazil star, enjoyed a sensational 2023/24 season as he scored 24 goals and assisted 11 en route to LaLiga and Champions League glory.Vinicius Junior looks set to win the Ballon d’Or next monthCredit: AlamyHe would become the fourth Real Madrid player to collect the award in the last even yearsCredit: AFPManchester City’s Rodri and Vinicius’ Real Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham have been mooted as potential winners of the Ballon d’Or.But according to Marca, Vinicius has been informed he will collect the prize at the ceremony on October 28.And it is understood there are plans to dedicate Madrid’s Nike store to Vinicius with an image of him on display and a gold theme throughout the shop.If triumphant, the Brazilian would become the fourth different Real Madrid player to win the award in the last seven years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe would join an elite club that also includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.Lionel Messi is the only non-Real Madrid player in the last 15 years to have won the Ballon d’Or – having collected it on a record EIGHT occasions between 2009 and 2023.Including the now retired Toni Kroos, who hung up his boots as a Real Madrid player at the end of last season, Vinicius is one of six Los Blancos stars on the 30-player shortlist for the men’s award.Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger and Fede Valverde were also recognised after securing the club’s 15th European crown.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Ballon d’Or nominees for this year’s awardJournalists from Fifa’s top 100-ranked member nations vote to determine the winner.Vinicius spoke last month about the Brazilian legends that have inspired him to win the Ballon d’Or.Humiliating moment Ballon d’Or favourite Vinicius Jr is sat down by teen in futsal leaving Real Madrid star on his bum He told ESPN: “I have Kaka as an example, I have Ronaldo [Nazario] who won the award twice, I have Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, a lot of Brazilian players who have won the Ballon d’Or.”But without a doubt, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are the ones I’m closest with, who tell me every day that I have to win the Ballon d’Or.”I was with Ronaldo just now when I was in Ibiza and trained at his house and he told me: ‘Train here a few more days, so you are closer to the Ballon d’Or.'”They are players who did incredible things and to be able to compete for the Ballon d’Or and to win an award that they won, that would be something really incredible.” More

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    Barcelona to wear never-before-seen kit for next Clasico with logo of world famous band plastered on the front

    BARCELONA will wear a special shirt for the El Clasico next month.Hansi Flick’s side have made a sensational start to the domestic season, winning all six of their LaLiga games and scoring 22 goals in the process.SunSport has mocked up what Barcelona’s Coldplay shirt could look like for El ClasicoColdplay played four shows in Barcelona last yearCredit: GettyTheir brilliant run has opened up a four-point advantage to second-place Real Madrid at the top of the table.It means they are likely to go into the Clasico at the Bernabeu on October 27 with a lead in the title race.And, according to Sport, the high-stakes match will see Barcelona wear a limited edition kit with British rock band Coldplay’s logo on it.This is in keeping with the deal the Catalan giants have with Spotify – the name sponsor of the Camp Nou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have previously worn shirts promoting the likes of The Rolling Stones, Shakira and Drake.Now it is set to be Coldplay’s turn as they prepare to release their new album “Moon Music” on October 4.The logo that will go on the shirt has yet to be revealed, but SunSport has mocked up a picture of what it could look like.Coldplay, who played four concerts in Barcelona last year, have an affiliation with the football club that goes back to Pep Guardiola’s time as manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBarcelona have worn Drake’s OVO owl on their shirtCredit: GettyThey also donned The Rolling Stones’ tongue logoCredit: GettyDuring that hugely successful period, the band’s song “Viva la Vida” became a song regularly played in the Nou Camp following Barcelona’s various triumphs.Speaking about their connection to the club in an interview last year, Coldplay guitarist Jonny Buckland said: “I did know about Barca and I remember reading about it at the time and thinking ‘how cool’.Watch moment Barcelona boss Hansi Flick gives 16-year-old substitute serious death stare after cheeky act “They were the best team on the planet at that time and they played football from another galaxy and it’s interesting because this song [Viva la Vida] really took shape in Barcelona.”We love playing it, especially here where it was born and where it has such a special meaning.””Viva la Vida” was also played after Barcelona’s final game before they left the Nou Camp as renovations began on the stadium.They are hoping to move back in before the end of the year.In the meantime, they have been playing their games at the Olympic Stadium. More

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    Watch moment Barcelona boss Hansi Flick gives 16-year-old substitute serious death stare after cheeky act

    THIS is the hilarious moment Barcelona boss Hansi Flick gave 16-year-old Toni Fernandez a death stare.It came after the teenage substitute was caught red-handed before Barca thrashed Villarreal 5-1 in LaLiga.Hansi Flick gave a 16-year-old substitute serious death stare after a cheeky actToni Fernandez first tried to pass the buck before smiling with his managerFernandez was called up to the first-team after Dani Olmo’s injuryFormer Leeds man Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski notched a brace each, with 21-year-old Pablo Torre finishing things off. The win leaves Flick’s side top of LaLiga with six wins from six.However, another talking point from Barca’s away triumph occurred in the technical area.After the young Fernandez was on the receiving end of a fierce death stare from his manager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt came after the 16-year-old star was caught climbing the substitute chairs on the bench to avoid going the long way round.In so doing, he accidentally left boot marks in the blue away bench – including on Flick’s own seat.Walking out slightly after and catching the end of his mischievous act, Flick eyeballed Fernandez as he came round.The teenager was caught off guard, first looking down to see the mark he’d left before shaking his head refusing to accept responsibility, with a cheeky grin. Most read in FootballBarcelona boss Hansi Flick gives 16-year-old substitute serious death stare after cheeky act,Barcelona boss Hansi Flick gives 16-year-old substitute serious death stare after cheeky act,FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis team-mates erupted in giggles as Flick pointed at Fernandez to ask him if he was the culprit. The German manager then wiped his seat before asking Fernandez to lift his boot up for him to inspect.Rodri lands in Barcelona for further medical tests after Man City star suffers ‘suspected cruciate ligament tear’The first scary-turned-heartwarming encounter comes as Flick called Fernandez and a host of other teenagers up to the first team.And one of those laughing on the bench was Toni’s own 16-year-old cousin Guille Fernandez.The pair, who signed new deals this summer, were unused subs on Sunday.Flick has not been shy about looking at La Masia for options to replace his injured stars as Dani Olmo is out for month with a hamstring issue.He called up the cousins, and academy standouts, for Thursday’s 2-1 defeat in Monaco.It came a week after Toni scored a stunning goal for Barcelona’s youth side against Athletic Bilbao. More