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      Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois slams Ballon d’Or chiefs after best keeper award win as Iker Casillas slates decision

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      REAL Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois has taken a dig at the Ballon d’Or organisers after being voted last season’s finest shot-stopper but missing out on a place on the best player podium.The 30-year-old was awarded the Yashin Trophy for his feats between the sticks but only ended up in seventh place for the main prize which went to his teammate Karim Benzema.
      Courtois won the Yashin Trophy at the awards ceremony on Monday nightCredit: Getty
      Casillas feels Courtois should have been in the top three for the Ballon d’OrCredit: AFP
      Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas criticised his omission from the top three in a Twitter rant after Monday night’s ceremony, describing him as the “world’s best keeper”.
      He added: “What I’m not happy about is that he was not included in the final podium for the Ballon d’Or.
      “I still don’t understand what those who choose this award base themselves on.”
      Courtois then went a step further in an interview after the Paris ceremony by describing the Yashin Trophy as “invented” and insisting he believed it was “impossible” a keeper would ever win the coveted prize again.
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      The ex-Chelsea goalie posted a photo of him with the trophy on Instagram alongside Benzema and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and wrote: “Very honoured to win this.
      “I would like to share this moment with all of you and to thank you for your unconditional support and love.”
      But in a post-ceremony TV interview, the Belgian international was asked about the chances of a keeper winning the Ballon d’Or again.
      To which he replied: “The truth is that I think it’s impossible. Karim deserved what happened today and we all agree about that.
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      “But after a season in which I was the goalkeeper and you win the league and your team wins the Champions League final thanks to your saves and you only end up seventh is significant.
      “At the end of the day the votes don’t go the goalkeepers’ way which is something you can understand.
      “I think there was no defender in the top ten.”
      Courtois, who controversially claimed he didn’t get “enough respect” in England after being voted man of the match in the Champions League final, went on to say: “At least they’ve invented this trophy for the best goalkeeper because every year a goalkeeper is more important in his team.
      “You have to make the saves and stay like a book behind the goal-line. Let’s hope that one day we’ll do it and we’ll continue to fight for it.”
      Courtois’ stunning Israeli model girlfriend Mishel Gerzig, who attended the awards ceremony with her partner, was also quick to congratulate him.
      She posted a photo of him accepting the Yashin Trophy and wrote in an Instagram message alongside it: “Can’t have enough words to tell how proud I am of you. You deserve it my life. Congratulations.”
      The pretty blonde finished her message with a heart emoticon.
      The only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or is Lev Yashin – who the Yashin Trophy is named after – but he claimed the honour way back in 1963.
      The legendary shot-stopper played for Dynamo Moscow from 1950 to 1970, as well as internationally for the Soviet Union.
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      Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer came the closest to repeating Yashin’s feat in 2014 when he finished in third position.
      The Yashin Trophy was established in 2019 when it was won by Liverpool’s Allison Becker. More

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      Meet Karim Benzema’s stunning girlfriend Jordan Ozuna the top model who used to work as Las Vegas Hooters waitress

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      KARIM BENZEMA scores some beauties on the pitch – now it looks like he has scored with a beauty off it.The Real Madrid skipper is reportedly dating American model Jordan Ozuna.
      American Jordan Ozuna is signed up with several high-profile modelling agenciesCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      The beautiful 32-year-old used to be a waitress in Las VegasCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      She regularly posts images of herself in stunning locations on InstagramCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Benzema and Ozuna shared this shot of them having fun in a video call on social mediaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Real Madrid ace Benzema is the favourite to win the 2022 Ballon d’Or
      She used to work as a Hooters waitress in Las Vegas but is now signed to several US-based modelling agencies.
      The pretty 32-year-old old has used her enviable figure to help promote State Management, Caroline Gleason Management, Tricia Brink Management, and The Salt Agency.
      France striker Benzema has built a reputation for keeping his private life private but now looks loved up enough to drop his guard a bit.
      And the attractive couple have now started sharing a few public insights into their burgeoning relationship.
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      The first hint came in late May when Benzema was leading Los Blancos to a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final at the Stade de France.
      Ozuna was in Paris at the same time, prompting speculation she was there to support her footballing superstar beau.
      The theory was given more credibility in early August when Onzuna posted images on Instagram of the pair hugging.
      Then a second photo showing part of a video call between them emerged in which they are clearly have fun together.
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      They both follow each other on Insta and have publicly shared heart emojis during exchanges.
      Benzema is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or tonight and will lead the line for the French when they defend their world crown in Qatar this winter. More

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      Watch Antonio Rudiger wildly dance alone in Real Madrid dressing room after El Clasico win over Barcelona

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER celebrated Real Madrid’s El Clasico win in style on Sunday night.Los Blancos earned the bragging rights while also going top of LaLiga with victory over Barcelona in Spain’s biggest clash.

      Rudiger had teammates in hysterics as he danced and celebrated after El Clasico
      The centre-back helped his Madrid teammates beat Barcelona 3-1 at the BernabeuCredit: Rex
      The Germany international still has a nasty eye injury from the Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonestkCredit: Rex
      And Rudiger, 29, had his teammates laughing as he danced the night away.
      The ex-Chelsea defender threw shapes alone as the rest of the squad clapped.
      The dressing room was in a jubilant mood as stars like Vinicius Jr cheered him on.
      Centre-back Rudiger was only sporting a pair of shorts and a plaster over his eye after suffering a horror gash and 20 STITCHES last week.
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      He was spotted on the bench with a bloodshot eye and entered the game wearing a mask.
      The big German used to entertain his pals at Stamford Bridge with the same brilliant dance moves.
      Now the tradition continues at the Bernabeu, where he seems to be just as popular with the rest of the side.
      Goals from Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo sealed a 3-1 win over the Catalans on Sunday.
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      Barca’s only strike came late on through sub Ferran Torres.
      And the result means unbeaten Real are now league leaders as Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
      Both teams named strong line-ups, with superstar strikers Robert Lewandowski and Benzema both starting.
      But it was the latter who made an immediate impact when he opened the scoring for Real in the 12th minute.
      Benzema pounced after Marc-Andre ter Stegen spilled Vinicius Jr’s shot, firing it into the back of the net.
      Real then doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break when Valverde struck from 20 yards out.
      Barcelona were left stunned as boss Xavi Hernandez made wholesale changes throughout the second half.
      And it looked to have paid off when Torres pulled one back with seven minutes to go.
      Ansu Fati narrowly missed the chance to level, but Barca’s hopes ended when Real won a 91st minute penalty which was put away by Rodrygo.
      The result will be hard to take for Barcelona, who had over twice as many shots as Real and 57 per cent of the ball.
      The Catalans are already on the brink of exit in the Champions League.
      And their next run of games sees them face Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao, Bayern Munich and Valencia.
      Read More on The Sun
      As for Real, the defending champs have already booked their place in the last 16 of Europe.
      They have a kinder run of fixtures coming up, playing Elche and struggling Sevilla before a continental tie at RB Leipzig. More

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      Xavi the WORST Barcelona manager to ever take charge of 50 games as El Clasico defeat puts him below Koeman and Martino

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      XAVI is officially the WORST Barcelona manager since records began following his side’s defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday.The Catalan giants were soundly beaten 3-1 in El Clasico as they were knocked off the top of the LaLiga table by Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
      Xavi watched his Barca side lose to rivals Real Madrid on SundayCredit: Getty
      Xavi has the worst record of any Barcelona boss after 50 games since records began
      It means that, according to stats from Pedro Martin, since Xavi took over in November 2021 he has won 28, drawn 11 and lost 11 of his 50 matches.
      That adds up to 95 points – the lowest total of any Barcelona boss since the statistics were first collected in 2003.
      He has accumulated one point fewer than the next worst 50-match tenure carried out by Frank Rijkaard.
      After taking over in 2003, he started with a record of 28 wins, 12 draws and 10 defeats.
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      But he remained in charge for five years, winning two LaLiga titles, the Champions League and two Spanish Super Cups.
      Ronald Koeman sits just above Rijkaard with 106 points after 50 games.
      The ex-Everton boss lasted just 14 months, winning only the Copa del Rey during his time in Catalunya.
      Next on the list comes Tito Vilanova who only spent 12 months at Barca but won an impressive 36 of 50 matches – claiming the league title in his only campaign in charge.
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      One point ahead of Vilanova is Gerardo Martino.
      The Argentine only spent 10 months as manager of the European giants, but he won 37 of 50 games – albeit while only winning the Spanish Super Cup.
      Two points ahead of him is Ernesto Valverde with 119 points.
      He lost fewer matches than any other coach, with just three defeats from his opening 50.
      And he won two two LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup during his two-and-a-half year spell at the club.
      Legendary Barca coach Pep Guardiola also accumulated 119 points during his opening 50 games, with a record of 37 wins, eight draws and five defeats.
      He would go on to enjoy a huge amount of success, lifting 14 trophies including three LaLiga titles, two Copa del Reys and two Champions Leagues.
      But top of the tree comes current Spain coach Luis Enrique.
      Read More on The Sun
      The 52-year-old claimed an astonishing 42 victories from his first 50 matches, drawing three and losing five.
      And it saw him accumulate a mammoth 129 points in that time – 10 more than any other Barca coach over the past two decades. More

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      Real Madrid flop Eden Hazard has played ZERO El Clasico minutes – missing every Barcelona game since Chelsea transfer

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      EDEN HAZARD has not played a single minute in El Clasico, despite being a Real Madrid player for three years. Madrid signed Hazard from Chelsea in 2019 in a huge £88.5million deal.
      Eden Hazard has been a shadow of the player he was at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Hazard looks set for another spell on the benchCredit: Rex
      However, since then Hazard has been blighted by poor form and persistent injuries.
      And following the weekend’s El Clasico, it has been revealed that Hazard has not featured in a single one since his transfer.
      Eight renditions of the infamous fixture have been and gone since Hazard’s arrival, and he has not featured for even a single minute out of the 720 minutes available from them.
      Indeed, there was hope once again that Hazard could finally find some form this season.
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      But a poor performance against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League saw Hazard hooked after 57 minutes and now looks set to keep him on the bench.
      The performance also saw the club’s ruthless fanbase boo off the former Chelsea talisman.
      Despite Hazard voicing his frustration over his lack of game time, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti hit back.
      He said: “Eden hasn’t had to speak to me because he knows the situation, that there’s a lot of competition. I think his situation is quite clear.”
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      The 31-year-old finds himself behind the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo in the pecking order.
      And both were involved as Los Blancos cruised to a 3-1 victory against Barcelona.
      While only one team achieved success on the pitch, both are set to see player accolades head their way after the results for the Ballon d’Or were supposedly leaked. More

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      Ballon d’Or 2022 winner ‘LEAKED just hours before glitzy ceremony’ with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi missing out

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      KARIM BENZEMA has been named the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, according to leaks in Spain.The Frenchman, 34, was in the form of his life last season – inspiring Real Madrid to LaLiga and Champions League glory.
      Karim Benzema is set to be named the 2022 Ballon d’Or winnerCredit: AFP
      Benzema was the top scorer in both competitions, bagging 27 in Spain and 15 in Europe.
      His remarkable achievement marks just the second time the Ballon d’Or has been won by a player not named Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi since Kaka’s triumph in 2007.
      Spanish paper Marca claim that Benzema has beaten off competition from Sadio Mane, Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe to win the prestigious award.
      Barcelona striker Lewandowski can feel particularly aggrieved to miss out – having seen the award cancelled in 2020 when he was primed to win it.
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      Speaking to Vamos ahead of this year’s bash, he said: “The Ballon d’Or is likely to be won by Benzema… if they don’t cancel it.”
      Last year’s gong was won by Messi, after the Argentine’s Copa America triumph.
      Benzema becomes the eighth Real Madrid player in history to win the award.
      He follows in the footsteps of Cristiano, Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Alfredi Di Stefano, Raymond Kopa and current team-mate Luka Modric.
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      Benzema’s Madrid pal Thibaut Courtois is set to be named winner of the Yashin Trophy.
      The award is given each year to the world’s best goalkeeper.
      Like Benzema, Courtois, 30, played an integral role in Madrid’s Champions League triumph last season.
      There is also set to be a Barcelona success story, with one of their most promising youngsters to be awarded the Kopa Trophy for best young player.
      Midfielder Gavi will scoop the gong, having starred for Barca and Spain aged just 18.
      Benzema and Thibaut Courtois are set to scoop awards this eveningCredit: The Times
      Gavi, 18, will also receive recognitionCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong slams ‘lies’ about Barcelona wages and explains why salary ‘looks bigger’

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      BARCELONA midfielder Frenkie de Jong has hit back at critics who claim he is refusing a wage cut.The 25-year-old Dutchman agreed a £400,000-a-week salary when he joined the Catalan giants back in 2019.
      De Jong has hit back at those accusing him of refusing a wage reductionCredit: AP
      He then penned a lucrative two-year extension during ex-president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s spell in charge of the club.
      But Barcelona’s crippling financial crisis resulted in De Jong being forced to take a wage reduction in each of his first three seasons.
      It means they are now required to pay those deferred wages to the player on top of his existing salary.
      As a result, De Jong, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer, will earn £16.8million net this season, followed by up to £21m in the following campaign – figures which include £17m worth of deferred payments.
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      And the midfielder has now set the records straight on the controversy surrounding his salary packet.
      Speaking to TV NOS, via Mundo Deportivo, De Jong said: “There have been many lies and falsehoods spread about my salary.
      “In each of the first three years I played here, I cut my salary. Eventually the money comes back, and it comes on top of my normal salary, so it looks bigger.
      “I think a lot of people don’t understand this, but the figures the media are spreading are false.”
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      Barcelona wanted to sell De Jong in the summer to alleviate their economic strain and enable them to register their host of new signings.
      But the former Ajax man made it clear his desire to stay at the Nou Camp, despite strong interest from Man Utd and Chelsea.
      And he recently revealed he felt during the transfer window that the club were trying to force him out the door.
      Last week, De Jong told Ziggo Sport: “I was calm. I decided in May that I wanted to stay. My opinion has never changed during this entire period.
      “I stayed calm. But then you know the pressure would start to come.
      “Yes, from the newspapers, from the president, exactly. From everywhere actually. But I wanted to stay at Barca so it never baffled me.”
      De Jong has started four of Barca’s eight LaLiga matches so far this season – including their 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday.
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      But it has been reported that he remains “disgusted” by his role in Xavi’s side, with competition rife alongside the likes of Sergio Busquets, Gavi, and Pedri.
      And that discontent in Spain could finally see him depart in the coming months. More

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      Real Madrid 3 Barcelona 1: Late Rodrygo penalty seals dramatic win after Karim Benzema opener in El Clasico stunner

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      REAL MADRID earned the bragging rights while also going top of LaLiga with victory over Barcelona in El Clasico.Goals from Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo sealed a 3-1 win over the Catalans on Sunday.
      Karim Benzema was on target as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3-1Credit: Getty
      Robert Lewandowski fired a blank as he tasted defeat in his first El ClasicoCredit: Getty
      Barca’s only goal came late on through sub Ferran Torres.
      And the result means unbeaten Real are now top of the table as Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the league campaign.
      Both teams named strong line-ups, with superstar strikers Robert Lewandowski and Benzema both starting.
      But it was the latter who made an immediate impact when he opened the scoring for Real in the 12th minute.
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      Benzema pounced after Marc-Andre ter Stegen spilled Vinicius Jr’s shot, firing it into the back of the net.
      Real then doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break when Valverde struck from 20 yards out.
      Barcelona were left stunned as boss Xavi Hernandez made wholesale changes throughout the second half.
      And it looked to have paid off when Torres pulled one back with seven minutes to go.
      Federico Valverde netted Real’s second to put them in control by half timeCredit: Getty
      Ferran Torres pulled one back for Barcelona with seven minutes leftCredit: AP
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      Rodrygo netted a 91st minute penalty to wrap up Real’s winCredit: Reuters
      The result saw Real move top of the table as Barca suffered their first league defeatCredit: Reuters
      Ansu Fati narrowly missed the chance to level, but Barca’s hopes ended when Real won a 91st minute penalty which was put away by Rodrygo.
      The result will be hard to take for Barcelona, who had over twice as many shots as Real and 57 per cent of the ball.
      The Catalans are already on the brink of exit in the Champions League.
      And their next run of games sees them face Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao, Bayern Munich and Valencia.
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      As for Real, the defending champs have already booked their place in the last 16 of Europe.
      They have a kinder run of fixtures coming up, playing Elche and struggling Sevilla before a continental tie at RB Leipzig. More