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      Rodri wins Ballon d’Or after stunning season with Man City and Spain as Real Madrid boycott ceremony over Vinicius snub

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      REAL MADRID boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony as Rodri beat Vinicius Jr to football’s top individual gong.The injured Manchester City star, who needed crutches to collect his award, was crowned the best player on the planet in a shock announcement on Monday night.Man City star Rodri has won this year’s Ballon d’OrCredit: ReutersThe Spaniard is officially the best player on the planetCredit: AFPThe injured ace arrived at the glittering ceremony on crutchesCredit: ReutersRodri was escorted to his trophy by host and Chelsea legend Didier DrogbaReal Madrid, who were named Team of the Year, snubbed the ceremony after Vinicius Jr finished secondCredit: GettyHarry Kane finished 10th as he won the Gerd Muller Trophy for top scorerCredit: ReutersLamine Yamal came eighth while also scooping the Kopa Trophy for best youngsterCredit: APBrazilian winger Vinicius had looked a shoe-in for his first Ballon d’Or trophy after leading Real to an incredible league and European double last season.The ace was widely predicted to become the latest Los Blancos champion of this century following Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldo Nazario and Luis Figo.However, it emerged on Monday afternoon that Man City hero and Spain Euro winner Rodri was instead being crowned football’s new king.The tearful anchorman later received his prize from legendary striker George Weah at a glittering ceremony snubbed by Real in Paris, with teammate Erling Haaland joining him in the top 10.READ MORE SPORT STORIESRodri, who ruptured his ACL earlier this season, was aided by Chelsea legend and host Didier Drogba up the steps before delivering an emotional speech.Thanking his family and teammates, Rodri noted: “It’s a very special day, for me, my family and my country. I try to improve every day, try to level up my game.”I am just trying to take care of myself. Rest, enjoy the free time with my family and come back stronger.”Vinicius came in second, with Real’s England superstar Jude Bellingham completing the top three ahead of Dani Carvajal and Haaland.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPosting after the event on X, Vinicius said: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”Elsewhere, seventh-place Lautaro Martinez was sandwiched between Kylian Mbappe and 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who also won the Kopa Trophy for best youngster.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and UkraineWhile recently retired Toni Kroos and England captain Harry Kane, also joint-winner of the Gerd Muller Trophy with Mbappe for top scorer, took ninth and tenth respectively.The result marked the first time in the last decade that the Ballon d’Or did NOT go to a Real Madrid player after they had won the Champions League.The snub to Vinicius is said to have left Florentino Perez “furious”, with Real’s president cancelling his club’s appearance at tonight’s ceremony despite them being named Team of the Year.Reports even claimed City chiefs were the ones to inform their Real counterparts of the decision.Vinicius scored six and assisted four more in just ten Champions League games as Real won their 15th European crown last term.The Brazilian even scored the second in the 2-0 final win over Borussia Dortmund.Vini Jr was also involved in 20 goals in just 26 LaLiga games last season.And Real reportedly accused organisers of showing disrespect in their decision to award the Ballon d’Or elsewhere.Jude Bellingham came third as Kylian Mbappe also finished in the top 10Credit: AlamyRodri’s Man City teammate Erling Haaland came fifthCredit: GettyPhil Foden finished one place behind Kane in 11thCredit: GettyReal also felt if there was to be another winner, the Ballon d’Or should have gone to Dani Carvajal after he added the Euros trophy to his domestic double.A statement read: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.”As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”As well as cancelling any appearance by the club and their players at Monday’s event, Real also took the axe to their in-house TV channel.It’s claimed Los Blancos had put FIVE hours aside for a Ballon d’Or special this evening.Emi Martinez was named the top goalie in world footballCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti was not present to collect his Manager of the Year awardCredit: GettyEmma Hayes was the Women’s Manager of the YearCredit: ReutersBarcelona’s Aitana Bonmati was named Women’s Player of the Year againCredit: ReutersElsewhere, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer came 25th in the final standings, one spot ahead of Arsenal’s Declan Rice.Gunners pal Bukayo Saka came 21st, with Man City ace Phil Foden finishing 11th.Aston Villa goalie Emi Martinez was once again handed the Yashin Trophy.While Carlo Ancelotti was named Men’s Manager of the Year.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, now with the USA, won the Women’s equivalent.While Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the second year running as her club were named Women’s Team of the Year.All winners of the Ballon d’Or this century2024: Rodri, Man City and Spain2023: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and Argentina2022: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid and France2021: Lionel Messi, PSG and Argentina2020: Not Awarded2019: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2018: Luka Modric, Real Madrid and Croatia2017: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2016: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2015: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2014: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2013: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2012: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2011: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2010: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2009: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2008: Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd and Portugal2007: Kaka, AC Milan and Brazil2006: Fabio Cannavaro, Real Madrid and Italy2005: Ronaldinho, Barcelona and Brazil2004: Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan and Ukraine2003: Pavel Nedved, Juventus and Czechia2002: Ronaldo Nazario, Real Madrid and Brazil2001: Michael Owen, Liverpool and England2000: Luis Figo, Real Madrid and Portugal More

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      Ballon d’Or in awkward moment as Real Madrid leave award UNCOLLECTED with boycott confirmed

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      BALLON D’OR were forced into an awkward moment as Real Madrid failed to collect their award.The Spanish giants were named Club of the Year after winning LaLiga and the Champions League.Real Madrid left their award uncollectedCredit: ReutersBut not a single club representative was present as Real Madrid boycotted the awards ceremony, with an awkward silence in the room as host Didier Drogba read out their name as winners.He added: “Congratulations to them,” before moving on swiftly.Real Madrid boycotted the show Vinicius Jr missed out on the top prize to Rodri.The winger was amongst the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or following an impressive campaign in which he scored 24 goals and registered 11 assists.But Vinicius Jr was not even in attendance to see his rival walk on stage to collect the prize, nor were any of his team-mates or coach Carlo Ancelotti, who failed to collect his Coach of the Year gong.Drogba said in response to his absence: “I’m disappointed my former coach is unable to be here to collect the award.”Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is reportedly furious Vinicius has been overlooked.The club also believe they are “not respected” – convinced that if not Vinicius Jr, then Dani Carvajal should win the award.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother Real star Jude Bellingham finished third in the voting.A Real Madrid player last won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 when Karim Benzema was named the world’s best player.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’ More

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      Real Madrid release furious 52-word statement as club boycott Ballon d’Or after Vinicius Jr snub

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      REAL MADRID have released a furious statement and confirmed they will not attend the Ballon d’Or as Vinicius Junior looks set to miss out on the top men’s prize.Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri is set to win the award ahead of Los Blancos’ star forward.Vinicius Junior looks set to be snubbed for the Ballon d’Or in favour of RodriCredit: ReutersIt has since been reported Real Madrid will not send anybody to Monday night’s ceremony in Paris.And now the Spanish champions have commented on the matter – claiming the outcome of the Ballon d’Or shows the organisation and Uefa “do not respect” Real Madrid.They also claim one interpretation of the criteria should have led to Real and Spanish full-back Dani Carvajal winning the award.They told AFP: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”The Ballon d’Or is voted for by a panel of journalists representing the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings.Vinicius, who scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists last season, is one of six Real Madrid stars who made the 30-player shortlist for the award.He is joined by Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSToni Kroos, who helped Real win the LaLiga title and Champions League last season before retiring from football, also made the shortlist.Rodri, who is the obvious candidate to win the Ballon d’Or at the expense of Vinicius, was instrumental in Man City’s fourth successive Premier League title.Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique He then helped Spain win the Euros as Luis de la Fuente’s men triumphed in Germany.Vinicius is expected to come second behind Rodri, with Bellingham third.Rodri will become only the third player since 2007 to receive the award outside of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Luka Modric won in 2018, while Karim Benzema took top spot in 2022.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Inside Kylian Mbappe’s miserable Clasico debut against teenager as he sets unwanted record not seen for eight years

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      WHEN Kylian Mbappe’s huge free transfer to Real Madrid was announced, the prospect of him lining up in all-white against Barcelona was mouth-watering for any football fan.However, the Frenchman’s El Clasico debut was an utter washout.Kylian Mbappe was flagged offside EIGHT times against BarcelonaCredit: ReutersThe forward also had two goals ruled outCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti was far from happy at full-timeCredit: GettyNot only were Los Blancos on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline at home, but Mbappe – the supposed signing of the summer – was considered one of the worst players on the pitch.Rising star Pau Cubarsi made life particularly difficult for him from the heart of Barcelona’s defence.The 17-year-old played a crucial role in the Catalan club’s hugely effective offside trap, which caught Real Madrid out 15 TIMES.Mbappe was the main victim of the set-up, having been flagged offside EIGHT TIMES.Read More in FootballNo other player in Europe’s leading leagues had been flagged as often as that in a single match since Lazio’s Ciro Immobile against Sampdoria eight years ago.The forward also had two goals ruled out after being found in an offside position.His missed opportunities prompted criticism from Carlo Ancelotti at full-time.The hugely experienced manager said: “We knew that they played with a high line, and we just couldn’t take advantage of it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTeenage defender Pau Cubarsi made life difficult for MbappeCredit: ReutersMbappe failed to impress”Sometimes he fell offside, but he had three or four chances to score and needed a better finishing touch.”Discussing the match in general, the Italian continued: “We don’t have to throw everything in the trash. We have to forget the last 30 minutes.Kylian Mbappe unveiled as Real Madrid player after historic transfer as he signs contract and poses with new shirt “It does not reflect what happened on the field. We couldn’t get ahead on the scoreboard and they took advantage.”The game, until the first goal, was very even and we had more chances.”We already lost 4-0 here to Barca and won La Liga and the Champions League. We won’t be far from last season.”Mbappe’s fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry, who played for Barcelona during his career, has spoken about the Real Madrid striker’s levels dipping since his departure from PSG.Henry said on CBS Sports: “Is he playing the best that we have seen him playing from his days at PSG? No. “He still has to learn. He needs to play better as a No.9, which is very difficult for him at the minute. He is scoring goals, but that isn’t enough at times at club’s like that (Real Madrid). “I will play the devil’s advocate: we always say it takes time for a player to adapt to a new club, but unfortunately, when you wear that jersey, they don’t give you a lot of time.”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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      Inside Madrid’s Beverly Hills where Mbappe moved into Gareth Bale’s house with £10m mansions and 17 artificial lakes

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      REAL MADRID stars of past and present live the high life in La Finca – guarded by round-the-clock security and infrared cameras. Los Blancos new boy Kylian Mbappe is the latest star to buy digs in the luxurious area known as Madrid’s Beverley Hills.Kylian Mbappe has moved into a £9m mansion formerly owned by Gareth BaleCredit: Solar PixLa Finca is an exclusive gated complex east of MadridThe community is gated and has 24-hour securityCredit: PROMORA/YOUTUBEThe properties are specially designed to accommodate for the rich and famousCredit: Netflix / I am GeorginaMbappe has moved into a lavish £9million mansion formerly owned by Gareth Bale. The development is located in the Pozuelo de Alarcon suburb to the west of the city. Former Galacticos including Zinedine Zidane, Iker Casillas, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all owned properties in the up-market area. Gated and featuring 24-hour security, La Finca is the obvious choice for the modern Madrid star seeking privacy from a watching world.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFeaturing bunker-style guard houses and checkpoints, the area is guarded by infrared cameras and a huge perimeter fence.The only way to gain access to La Finca is by an invitation from a resident.A real estate source told The Athletic: “Residents can go for a run and nobody can even get close to them.”The worst that can happen is they trip over a rabbit.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMbappe’s move from Paris to Madrid sees the 25-year-old become one of the world’s highest-paid players.And he put his first paycheck to good use, splashing out on an eight-bed mansion formerly owned by ex-Madrid winger Bale.Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe features in advert for ‘Chinese Instagram’The 8-bedroom mansion – which comes with its own golf putting green – had been on the market for two years after the Welshman moved to Los Angeles. It features a huge swimming pool and cinema room, as well as a mini football pitch and basketball court. The state-of-the-art property is typical of La Finca, which has fast become a haven for Madrid’s elite to escape city life. The only way to access the community is by invitation from a residentCredit: Promora La FincaArchitect Joaquin Torres, who designed the house, told The Athletic: “It has bright open spaces, build quality, and a lot of care with the details.”La Finca makes [footballers] feel secure – they buy luxury brand watches and cars, so obviously it’s the same in real estate.”La Finca is split into three different areas, spread across 100 sprawling hectares.The residential community is built around pine forests and includes 17 artificial lakes.How 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.Mbappe’s new pad is located in the most exclusive of the three areas, Los Lagos I.His teammate Jude Bellingham lives just down the street with mum Denise.While ex-Madrid players Toni Kroos and Eden Hazard are located just minutes away. There is an on-site David Lloyd health club, featuring facilities for swimming, rock climbing, tennis, and a stunning gym.La Finca also boasts a golf course, should the Frenchman tire of the private area available in his own garden. Former Madrid star Jese Rodriguez lived in La Finca and hit the headlines in 2014 after a fire at his property.Despite the negative headlines that accompanied the blaze, the area has only grown in popularity since – especially with those playing for Spain’s biggest club. READ MORE SUN STORIESA real estate source told The Atletic: “Athletes are good for selling sports gear, but not for selling houses.”La Finca is a paradise and we want it to remain a paradise.”Mbappe joined Madrid over the summer after his contract at PSG expiredCredit: Rex More

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      Wojciech Szczęsny spotted ‘smoking cigarette’ in Real Madrid changing rooms after Barcelona’s El Clasico win

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      WOJCIECH SZCZESNY enjoyed a victory smoke after Barcelona destroyed Real Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu. The former Arsenal goalkeeper, 34, lit one up in the away changing room after Barca secured their first El Clasico victory since March 2023. Wojciech Szczesny was spotted smoking in the Real Madrid changing roomsThe young Barca side ran riot at the Bernabeu to go six points top of LaLigaEnding Madrid’s 42-match LaLiga unbeaten run, Barcelona stars rapturously celebrated their latest triumph in the locker room.As shown in clips shared on social media, goalkeeper Szczesny did so by enjoying a quick hit in the away team dressing room.While it’s unclear whether Szczesny was puffing on a cigarette or a vape, smoke could be seen growing over his team-mates.Barca superstar and Golden Boy favourite, Lamine Yamal, 17, who scored the third goal of the evening, was stood beside the shot-stopper.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe visitors sealed their win with a second-half double from Robert Lewandowski, plus goals from Yamal and Raphinha.Szczesny came out of retirement to join Barcelona at the start of October after captain and usual keeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen suffered what is expected to be a season-ending injury.But the former Prem star revealed he has no plans to stub out his smoking habit.Speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, he said: “There are things that I don’t change in my personal life and it’s nobody’s business if I smoke.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I believe that it doesn’t affect what I do on the pitch, I work twice as hard.”The Pole, who acts as the club’s No2, is yet to debut for his new side, with Inaki Pena having started their last six games between the sticks.Behind the scenes of the Barcelona ‘bust up’ after Celtic’s heroic 2012 win If Barca continue their brilliant form, we might see Szczesny smoking on a victory cigar in May after a potential LaLiga title has been landed.The Catalans enjoy a six-point gap over rivals Madrid at the top of the table.Szczesny’s indoor smoking resulted in his Arsenal career coming to an end after Arsene Wenger was informed of his antics in 2015.He was dropped from the squad and fined £20,000 for smoking in the showers after a 2-0 defeat to Southampton at St Mary’s on News Year Day.The game marked his final Premier League appearance for the Gunners, before he was shipped out on loan to Roma.Szczesny came out of retirement to join Barca at the start of the month More

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      LaLiga ref exposed as secret Real Madrid fan by a PARROT live on TV as official desperately tries to silence pet bird

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      FORMER LaLiga referee Pajares Paz was left squirming after being exposed by his pet PARROT on live TV.And fans believe the exotic bird’s blunder confirmed Paz as a secret Real Madrid fan.Retired ref Pajares Paz begged his pet parrot to ‘shut up’ on live TVThe parrot started whistling Real Madrid’s anthemThe 75-year-old was discussing a controversial penalty decision in the closing moments of the Villarreal’s 1-1 draw with Getafe last Sunday.However, what happened during the conversation caught everyone by surprise.Paz’s parrot started singing the Hala Madrid’s anthem live on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito.The wide-eyed embarrassed ex-referee tried to calm the bird by shushing it and begging it to “shut up”.READ MORE FOOTBALLBut the mimicry kept singing, while the four hosts in the studio could barely contain their laughter, with two covering their eyes and mouths.Parrots are vocal learners, which means they are able to imitate and repeat new sounds.And while the comical moment is not total evidence that Paz is actually a Real Madrid fan, he had some explaining to do.He later dropped ex-referee Urizar Azpitarte in it, after claiming he has a parrot that says “Cabron” (b*****ds) when it hears the word “Barcelona”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were quick to assume that the parrot had exposed Paz as a Madrid supporter.One wrote: “Madrid will never beat the allegations of favouritism.”Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchA second said: “This referee, who teaches his parrot the Madrid anthem, used to whistle classics and now he acts as impartial.”Another commented: “The tokens keep falling. Shameless.”One more added: “How much do VARdrid pay the parrots? 😂😂”Paz retired as a referee at the end of the 1994/95 season.The Spanish official oversaw eight Madrid games, where the Los Blancos won seven, drew one and lost zero.Furious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!” More

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      Spanish press turn on ‘shadow of himself’ Jude Bellingham who played in the wrong position for Real loss to Barcelona

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was singled out for criticism by the Spanish press following Real Madrid’s humiliating 4-0 defeat at home to Barcelona.The England star was labelled a “shadow of his former self” after Carlo Ancelotti played him out of position during his first El Clasico beating.Jude Bellingham has been labelled a ‘shadow of his former self’ by the Spanish pressAfter the England star suffered a 4-0 thrashing by Barca at the BernabeuBellingham was played on the right and at times in a more defensive role on Saturday nightAll four of Barcelona’s goals came in the second half, with Robert Lewandowski hitting a brace, before Lamine Yamal and Raphinha added to Real Madrid’s woes.Bellingham won five of his 11 duels, completed just 13 passes, committed two fouls and spurned a big chance in his 90 minutes, as Kylian Mbappe saw TWO goals ruled out for offside.But Spanish outlet Marca believe that only one person is to blame for Bellingham’s struggles.Marca claim Real Madrid boss Ancelotti is at fault for playing Bellingham on the right, and at times in a more defensive role, against Barca. READ MORE ON BELLINGHAMJournalist Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa wrote: “Bellingham is a shadow of the player who burst onto the scene last season at the Bernabeu. “And the fault lies not with him, but with the way he is being managed.”Every day he plays in a position that is not his and the boy, although he gives his all, does not shine. “Playing close to the right flank, playing as a full-back for many minutes, is a joke in bad taste that Ancelotti must correct immediately.Most read in FootballMarca believe that Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is at fault for Bellingham’s strugglesFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The fact that a player who last year scored almost twenty goals has not scored any when we are almost in November is something that deserves serious analysis.”Bellingham, 21, was thriving in his previous free role, where he was often used as the main source of goals.Moment Jude Bellingham video chats sick child in hospital after ex-team-mate calls him out of the blueBut this season he’s found himself deeper, often playing from the right or left hand side of midfield.The change in position has accompanied a new 4-4-2 formation after Madrid signed Mbappe from PSG in the summer.NBC Sports gave Bellingham a player rating of four for his performance against Barcelona, while Sports Mole rated him a five.And Madrid fans were even harsher after Saturday’s defeat, with one writing: “Jude Bellingham is better the less you watch him.”Another said: “Bellingham has mastered the art of looking busy on a football pitch. The casuals love it, the analytics guys love it, I see through it.”A third wrote: “Bellingham is closer to a Scott McTominay than a Cole Palmer, Pedri or a Musiala.”Bellingham is still searching for his first goal of the season, after missing the first few weeks of the new term with a muscle injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis is a far cry from his debut season at the club, when he scored 23 times in all competitions and landed himself a Ballon d’Or nomination.Meanwhile, Barca shattered Madrid’s 42-game unbeaten streak and sit six points above Ancelotti’s side at the top. More