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      Footage of Ronaldinho’s son, 19, at Barcelona emerges and fans are baffled to spot his position

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      RONALDINHO’S son has left fans baffled with his new position. Joao Mendes, 19, joined Barcelona last year, initially on a trial.Ronaldinho’s son is starring in the Barcelona Under-19s teamCredit: tiktokThe left-footer has converted from an attackerCredit: tiktokHe struggled to impress but club president Joan Laporta ensured an extension.And the youngster eventually signed officially for his dad’s former team in March 2023.Mendes initially started out as an attacker – scoring and creating goals like his famous World Cup-winning father.However, after struggling for minutes, new footage of him in action for Barcelona Under-19s revealed he is starring in a very different position… as a left-back. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe compilation video shows No5 Mendes putting in some strong tackles, marauding down the left wing, displaying some neat footwork, linking up with team-mates and even taking a throw-in.And the clips – shared on TikTok – sparked a flurry of comments reacting to the son of one of the most skilful, flair footballers ever seen being deployed in defence, in a “reverse of Bukayo Saka” who switched from full-back to winger at Arsenal. One said: “They made bro a LB.”Another wrote: “I respect the kid a lot tho. He’s Ronaldinho’s son and he’s not bitter about being moved to left-back, you can tell he’s really trying to.”Most read in FootballA third added: “Born to play RW forced to play LB.”A fourth commented: “If he can’t cook as a winger he can stop them.”Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseA fifth responded: “Imagine that you are the son of Ronaldinho and you also get blessed being left footed and at the end of the day you end playing as a left-back that’s crazy.”And a final user replied: “This shows how a position changing can change everything.”Mendes – born in 2005 in the year his dad won the Ballon d’Or – struggled to make an impact after joining Barcelona.He made his debut in a friendly against Manchester United youth team but then had to wait months for his next run-out in the Mediterranean International Cup.The left-footed youngster’s contract at Barcelona expires at the end of the season and it is unclear if he will be offered a new deal. Mendes joined his dad’s old club in 2023Credit: FC Barcelona via Instagram More

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      Jude Bellingham breaks yet another LaLiga record in sensational debut season at Real Madrid

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM continues to shine on his debut season for Real Madrid.The 20-year-old joined Los Blancos in a £115million transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer and has since broken record after record.Jude Bellingham reached another milestone at the weekendCredit: GettyThe midfielder impressed against Athletic BilbaoBellingham matched three records set by Cristiano Ronaldo within his first two months at the Santiago Bernabeu.And by November the midfielder had scored more goals than any other Real Madrid player in their first 15 games for the club.Bellingham hit another milestone at the weekend, becoming the first La Liga player to reach double figures in both goals and assists this season across all competitions.The England star provided an assist for Rodrygo as Real Madrid clinched a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat means he now has 20 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.Bellingham is joint-top of the La Liga top scorers table alongside Osasuna star Ante Budimir and Girona’s Artem Dovbyk.Real Madrid currently have a commanding lead at the top of the La Liga table with 75 points.Barcelona sit in second, eight points adrift.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellingham has been outstanding this seasonThe England star has been at the heart of Real Madrid’s midfieldSpeaking after the match against Athletic Bilbao, manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “We’re focused on the fact that we have an advantage in the league, on taking advantage of it and on trying to win every game that’s left. Starting with the next game against Mallorca.”We can’t do any calculations because the league is still open, but we have an advantage. We now have to play good football and try to win every game.”Touching moment as England star Bellingham gives his tracksuit top to mascot in wheelchair as it rains at WembleyDiscussing Bellingham’s form, he continued: “Everyone has to be at their best level to beat [Manchester] City. Bellingham has played very well for the national team and that work today will help him in the coming games.” More

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      Real Madrid reserves score controversial winner as TWO BALLS end up in the back of the net – did you spot how?

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      REAL MADRID’S reserve team were allowed to score a controversial winner – despite TWO BALLS ending up in the net.It saw them triumph over Atletico Baleares to win the game 1-0 in the Spanish third division.Nico Paz whipped a free kick inCredit: XA second ball was thrown onto the pitch as Villapalos made contact with itCredit: XTwo balls were in the net by the time the first had crossed the lineCredit: XThe incident took place after Real Madrid Castilla midfielder Nico Paz whipped the ball in from a free-kick, and the ball was deflected by Baleares midfielder Alberto Villapalos into his own net.But just as Villapalos made contact with the match ball, a second one was thrown by a fan directly at him.And with Villapalos outstretched and helpless, the second ball bounced directly off him and into his own net too.That led to the Baleares players to appeal for the goal to be disallowed given that there were two balls on the pitch at the same time.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis would usually lead to the game being stopped.Given the match ball was virtually already in the net when the second ball made contact with Villapalos, the referee used common sense and allowed the goal to stand.Marca asked Spanish refereeing expert Alfonso Pérez Burrull to explain the decision.The ex-ref said: “You have to award a goal. Unless it interferes, you have to consider the goal valid. You don’t have to give value to the trick from the stands.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMadrid fans on X were quick to see the funny side of the incident.One fan posted: “It should count as two goals haha.”Jude Bellingham stunned after journalist asks if he ‘wants to go home with her’ A second fan wrote: “It doesn’t influence the play, so it’s well granted, but what s****y football we have in Spain.”A third wrote: “A joke… if the ball lands half a second before the goal doesn’t count and the brainless [fans] achieve their goal.” More

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      Getafe manager says Man Utd will decide Mason Greenwood’s future and club are ‘happy’ with on-loan striker

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      GETAFE are “happy” with Mason Greenwood – but his future will be decided by Manchester United.The 22-year-old is currently on a season-long loan at the Spanish club from the Red Devils.Mason Greenwood’s future will be decided by Man UtdCredit: GettyGetafe boss Jose Bordalas says he is ‘happy’ with GreenwoodCredit: GettyGreenwood has impressed for Getafe, scoring eight goals in 27 games in all competitions.And the club appear open to keeping him but know the situation is out of their hands.Manager Jose Bordalas said: “In the end his club decides and also the boy’s intentions regarding his future count. “But I can say we are happy with his behaviour and his performance.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDReports have suggested that United could demand £40million for Greenwood.Getafe are unable to afford such a hefty fee and instead want to extent his loan stay beyond the summer.But SunSport understands that Man Utd are not willing to loan Greenwood out again and would prefer to cash-in or keep him.European giants like Barcelona and Juventus are potentially interested in signing him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMeanwhile, a controversial return to Man Utd remains on the table as some of his team-mates are open to his comeback.New chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently refused to close the door on Greenwood, saying: “We will make a decision. I don’t know if he could still have a future.Star Mason Greenwood believes returning to Manchester United could solve his parents’ marriage problems“All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.“Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?“There is no decision that’s been made. He’s on loan obviously but he’s not the only one. “We’ve got one or two footballers that we have to deal with and we have to make a decision on – so we will do that. “The process will be – understand the facts not the hype and then try and come to a fair decision on the basis of values – which is basically whether he is a good guy or not. “Could he play sincerely for Manchester United well and would we be comfortable with it and the fans be comfortable with it?“I can talk about the principle. The principle is the important one because we will have other issues going forwards. “You are dealing with young people who have not always been brought up in the best circumstances, who have a lot of money and don’t always have the guidance they should have. READ MORE SUN STORIES“What we need to do when we have issues like that is to understand the real effects, not the hype.“Then we need to make a fair decision in the light of the club’s values. That’s what we need to do and that’s how we will deal with it. More

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      Zinedine Zidane tipped for Man Utd manager job by former team-mate with Erik ten Hag under pressure at Old Trafford

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has been tipped to become Manchester United manager by his former team-mate.The Frenchman has been out of work since his second spell in charge of Real Madrid ended in 2021.Zinedine Zidane is open to joining a Premier League side, claims his former team-mateCredit: SplashZidane and Julio Baptista played together during the legend’s final year at Real MadridCredit: GettyErik ten Hag is under pressure at Man UtdCredit: AFPZidane has been linked with a return to management and Julio Baptista believes he would be open to joining Man Utd.He exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I think he will be a Premier League manager someday. “He is an incredible coach, with amazing experience having won the Champions League, so I can see that happening. “I can see him going to Manchester United.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmid pressure on Erik ten Hag, reports suggest he will not be sacked at the end of the season.However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is already in the process of identifying a new gaffer should he choose to axe the Dutchman or let him go when his contract expires at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.It has also been reported that new CEO Omar Berrada and incoming director of football Dan Ashworth will have the final say on Ten Hag’s future.They will also be in charge of identifying his replacement.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERGraham Potter and Gareth Southgate are some of the names on their radar.Zidane and Baptista were team-mates during the legendary midfielder’s final year at Real Madrid in 2006. Zinedine Zidane ‘will only return to management for three jobs’ as Bayern Munich hunt new boss Baptista, who also used to play for Arsenal, added: “Zidane was the best player I have ever played with. Playing with him and sharing a dressing room with him was very special. “He is one the best in the world. In training sessions, he would do crazy things and he is a very good person. “I see him often and we like to reminisce about our time together at Real Madrid. “My best memory with him was actually his last game at Real Madrid against Villarreal. We drew 3-3 and I scored two goals. “I was so glad to have played well and score to give him good memories of his last game.” More

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      Shameless rapist Dani Alves hosts all-night party at his £4.5m mansion just HOURS after prison release on €1m bail

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      DISGRACED rapist Dani Alves celebrated his first hours of freedom with an all-night party at his £4.5million mansion.The former Barcelona star was released after serving just four weeks of his rape conviction as he paid his €1million (£850,000) bail.Dani Alves walked out of prison after serving four weeks of his sentenceThe footballer is said to have thrown a big party at his luxurious mansion in EspluguesCredit: InstagramThe Barcelona ace partied until 5 in the morning in a celebration of his dad’s birthdayCredit: Instagram/danialvesThe Brazilian was convicted of raping a woman at a nightclub in December 2022 and was handed a four-and-a-half-year sentence.But after winning his fight to appeal his sentence from home Alves, 40, was pictured walking out of Brians 2 Prison on Monday alongside his lawyer Ines Guardiola.And after craving burgers for dinner following his release, the ex-Barca star pulled an all-nighter with his friends and family until 5 in the morning, according to Spanish reports.Alves is reported to have celebrated his dad’s recent birthday in a lavish party at his villa in Esplugues de Llobregat which he still owns with his ex-wife Joana Sanz.READ MORE IN DANI ALVESFriends and family of the footballer celebrated Domingos Alves Da Silva’s birthday at a dinner party in Barcelona before heading to Alves’s pad to continue, reports the Spanish TV program This is Life.And on Wednesday Alves was visited by two men who declined to respond to journalists’ questions or confirm whether they were the footballer’s friends, according to La Razon.The ex-Barcelona ace was pictured stone-faced as he walked through his mansion’s front door on Monday.In the evening, a housekeeper appeared at the door to receive the hamburgers Alves ordered for dinner.Most read in FootballA bouquet of flowers was delivered to the property soon after Alves returned, fuelling rumours it was a gift for his Tenerife-born ex-wife whose whereabouts remain a mystery.Sanz is yet to update her Instagram after deactivating it last week and then mysteriously reactivating it over the weekend before Alves’ release on bail.Apart from his €1million bail bond, Alves has to appear in court every Friday.He also had to hand in his Spanish and Brazilian passports so he could not flee Spain.In February, Alves, who played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, was convicted of raping a woman, 23, at a Barcelona nightclub.He received a sentence of four and a half years – far less than the nine years public prosecutors demanded and the 12 years Alves’ accuser wanted if he was convicted.Alves took the stand on the final day of his three-day trial maintaining his innocence and insisting the sex he had with his accuser was consensual.The victim accused Alves of forcing her to have sex in a private bathroom of the nightclub despite begging him to let her go.Alves’ lawyers had argued the victim had been “glued” to the player while dancing at the nightclub, saying there was “sexual tension” between them.But the court said in its 61-page decision that this did not mean “that she consented to anything that might have subsequently happened”.The footballer struggled to raise funds for his bail bond as his accounts in Brazil were blocked amid an ongoing conflict with his ex-wife.Ester Garcia, the lawyer of Alves’ rape victim, attacked the decision to grant him bail last Wednesday.She fumed on RAC1 radio: “I’m very surprised and totally outraged… because it’s like this is justice for the rich.”Garcia added: “It is scandalous that they can free a person who they know can get hold of a million euros in a heartbeat.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe added: “I am very dissatisfied with this court decision. “We will lodge an appeal because we believe it is not in accordance with the law.”Alves was able to walk out of prison after he paid his €1million (£850,000) bailThe footballer had burgers delivered at his home after he was released from prisonCredit: Telecinco More

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      Luis Diaz’s dad reveals they ‘haven’t lost hope’ of LaLiga transfer amid Real Madrid links

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      THE FATHER of Luis Diaz has revealed he has not given up hope of a transfer to Spain.SunSport exclusively linked Diaz, 27, with a shock transfer to LaLiga in February.Luis Diaz has ‘not lost hope’ of sealing a transfer to LaLigaCredit: AFPAnd now the Liverpool star’s father, Mane Diaz, has revealed the Colombian winger is still very much considering a move to Spain as giants such as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid lurk.Speaking to Cadena Ser, Diaz Sr. said: “There was never anything serious with Real Madrid or Atlético.”Liverpool were always more determined and concrete to sign Luis. “We haven’t lost our hope yet…READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Luis is playing well and Spanish clubs are always active in the market.”Diaz Sr. was taken hostage at gunpoint alongside his wife on Saturday, October 28, at a petrol station in Colombia.Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued within hours, with Diaz Sr. eventually being released in November after 12 days of being held captive.Diaz joined the Reds from Porto in January 2022 and his contract runs until 2027. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has scored 22 goals and added 13 assists in 86 appearances. This includes 11 goals and five assists this season. Klopp ‘yelled and screamed at’ reporter in off-air bust-up that left people ‘scared’ after storming out of TV interviewDespite being knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United before the international break, Jurgen Klopp’s side remain in the hunt for three trophies this season.They are level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal and are also eyeing silverware in the Europa League.The Reds have already picked up the Carabao Cup in Klopp’s swansong campaign at Anfield.Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi have both been linked with taking over the manager’s job when the German leaves at the end of the season.Although ex-player Glen Johnson believes the club should appoint England boss Gareth Southgate. More

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      Iconic stadium unrecognisable amid £1.3BILLION transformation as pics spark fears it won’t be ready on time

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      THE iconic Nou Camp remains completely unrecognisable as work continues on its £1.3BILLION renovation.But the latest images have sparked growing restlessness that it will not be ready for it’s planned December unveiling. The Nou Camp looks unrecognisable in its current state – and far from readyCredit: FC Barcelona via YouTube / SportsRenderIt is undergoing a £1billion pound renovationCredit: FC Barcelona via YouTube / SportsRenderNew images have stirred fears that it won’t be ready for December 2024Credit: FC Barcelona via YouTube / SportsRenderBarcelona’s home will host the largest stadium roof in EuropeCredit: FC BarcelonaBarcelona want the stadium ‘to become an architectural benchmark for the city and the world’Credit: FC BarcelonaThe world-famous arena saw work begin in June after last season’s LaLiga title victory.The third tier of the stadium was demolished as the project began to deliver a modernised 105,000 capacity stadium.It was initially anticipated that the work will be completed in time for the start of the 2025/26 season.But last month, Barcelona updated the city’s Technical Architecture Association on its ahead-of-schedule progress.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPresident Joan Laporta told Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo that the club is on track to host a match in the Nou Camp before Christmas this year.It was hoped that the first phase of construction work would be completed in November to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the club.The fixture would reportedly see the stadium operate with a 60 per cent capacity, with the first and second tiers of the stadium open.However, new images released have provoked fear among fans who wish to return to their beloved ground this year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLatest pictures have shown work has continued on the remaining two tiers in the venue.All the seats have been ripped up while it sits surrounded by rubble and cranes.The footage left some supporters absolutely gutted, with one tweeting in response: “This is actually a very sad sight to see.”Another tweeted: “Hate to see it like this, it won’t be ready for a while.”Premier League club’s incredible new stand boasts ultra VIP experience with rooftop bar and POOLThe ground will not feature a 360-degree electronic board, as explained by club vice-president and spokeswoman Elena Fort.It will, however, see escalators and a roof added alongside a stadium rename in line with the club’s £237m sponsorship deal with Spotify.The Catalan giants have been playing home matches at the city’s 54,000 capacity Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.The new Camp Nou will have the largest capacity in Spain and Europe, and the second largest football stadium in the world.The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, located in Pyongyang, North Korea, is the largest stadium in the world with a staggering capacity of 114,000.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarca, who have had well documented financial problems in recent years, are set to earn an extra £25m a year when the revamp is completed.Images were released by the club last month of the final design of the stadium, which Barcelona have claimed will become an “an architectural benchmark for the city and for the world”.Barcelona have shared computer generated footage of inside the Nou CampCredit: FC BarcelonaThe stadium’s capacity will increase to 105,000 when Barcelona’s iconic home is complete – and renamedCredit: FC BarcelonaIt will retain its current shapeCredit: FC Barcelona More