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      in Boxing

      Inside the weird world of Mike Tyson from smoking toad venom, blowing $300million and staring death in the face

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      MIKE TYSON’S world has included smoking psychedelics, running a cannabis empire and perhaps most surprisingly of all, now boxing again.The heavyweight icon is on the verge of returning to the ring 15 years after retiring on his stool. Mike Tyson runs a cannabis empire after his retirement from boxingCredit: Refer to CaptionTyson recouped his wealth through cannabisCredit: Social Media – Refer to SourceNow he is back in boxing once moreCredit: GettyTyson faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on November 15 in Texas in a controversial clash slammed by many for the 30-year age gap.The youngest heavyweight champion of all time, aged just 20 when he won the belt, did have an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr in 2020. That was just a year after he first smoked TOAD VENOM in a bid to treat his substance addiction.The practise involves venom being extracted from the glands of the Sonoran Desert toad, dried into a crystalline substance and smoked in a pipe.READ MORE IN BOXINGEffects range from easing depression and post-traumatic stress disorder to panic, dysphoria and the complete loss of one’s sense of self.Tyson’s first toad venom smoking ceremony lasted 20 minutes and left him fearing for his life.Gerardo Sandoval, a pioneer for the practise, told The Times: “At the beginning he thought he was actually dying. He was demanding that I make it stop. “He launched himself towards me. He tried to give me a punch, then the toad fully grabbed him and he fell. It gave him a knockout. Most read in BoxingWhat is toad venom? By Jude EphsonToad venom is an extremely powerful natural psychedelic that is secreted in the glands of Colorado River toads. These toads are also referred to as the Sonoran Desert toad.In the 1980s, people used to lick these Colorado River toads to experience a hallucinogenic effect from the toad’s venom, which contained 5-MEO-DMT.Subsequently, people have now moved on from licking toads for their venom to smoking toad venom, in order to experience the widely-acclaimed psychedelic or hallucinogenic effect associated with the toad venom.The effects of this powerful venom begin within 30 seconds of ingestion and take full effect within 5 minutes.After this period, the user gets physically incapacitated for about 30 minutes.The effects of the fast-acting psychedelic substance take place within five minutes after ingestion.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“What Mike went through was almost like a rebirth. He stoppedtaking antipsychotic and sleeping pills because he wasn’t sad or angryany more. “He started to lose weight, he changed his diet, he shiftedinto a healthier mode of living.”Mike Tyson looks ripped at 58 as former heavyweight champ shows off impressive physique before Jake Paul fightTyson has now smoked the toad over 50 times since his frightening first experience.Iron Mike has also made fortunes from a cannabis empire of his own.There was once a time he filed for bankruptcy having blown through $300MILLION (£230m) during his prizefighting career. But he recouped his wealth in retirement as a pop culture icon, featuring in films like comedy classic The Hangover. He then ventured into the marijuana business and his company’s chief executive claimed they did nine figures in revenue last year.And his wealth is set to rocket up another $40m (£30m) when he shares the ring with 10-1 Paul over eight two-minute rounds. They were initially due to fight on July 20 but Tyson was forced to pull out after suffering a stomach ulcer flare up during a flight.Tyson is boxing’s youngest heavyweight world championCredit: GettyHe blew through $300m in his boxing careerCredit: GettyTyson spent three years in prisonCredit: HandoutIt was also just two years ago that the reformed Baddest Man on The Planet was pictured leaving Miami airport in a wheelchair due to sciatica. But Tyson has been passed medically fit to resume training, which he does six days a week in Las Vegas. He has three fledgling professional heavyweight sparring partners living in a shared house with coach Rafael Cordeiro.Billy White, a childhood friend who was also trained by D’Amato, recently reunited with Tyson.And White said: “Cus always taught us that age was nothing but a number, and Mike has looked 25 years old in that ring.”Tyson – who spent three years in prison from 1992 for a rape conviction – is happily married to third wife Lakiha Spicer. And she is described as as the mastermind behind Tyson’s business ventures, also helping run his current training camp. READ MORE SUN STORIESFlorida-based coach White, who witnessed Tyson’s rise, fall and reincarnation, compared him to a phoenix.White said: “He rises from the ashes, no matter what. There is noobstacle he can’t overcome.”Lakiha Spicer and Mike Tyson pictured togetherCredit: SplashTyson and Jake Paul are set to fight on November 15Credit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      How one journalist got sacked from voting for the Ballon d’Or after his picks showed he’d lost all credibility

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      ARGENTINE journalist Enrique Wolff lost his right to vote for the Ballon d’Or winner after his picks showed “he’d lost all credibility.”Wolff, 75, was removed after voting for FOUR of his compatriots in the top five of the 2023 Ballon d’Or, which was won by Lionel Messi.The voter for Argentina was removed after last year’s Ballon d’OrEnrique Wolff was accused of losing ‘all credibility’Credit: wolffquique instagramFrance Football will hand the Ballon d’Or to the world’s best player in a glittering awards ceremony in Paris on Monday.The coveted award is decided by 100 journalists, one from each of Fifa’s 100 top-ranked member nations (top 50 for the women’s award).Each journalist makes their top 10 pick from the 30-player shortlist and there are different point values for each.The Ballon d’Or is for the previous season and should go to the best player during that specific period, not the journalists’ favourite.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut guidance carries only so much weight.Ballon d’Or organiser and commander-in-chief, Vincent Garcia told The Times: “I am not a dictator. They vote with their heart.”Some prefer attackers or midfielders, this team or that team. The important thing is to be credible. Not everyone passes that test either.”He then went on to explain where Argentine journalist Wolff went wrong.Most read in FootballInter Miami and Argentina’s Lionel Messi won a record eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGarcia said: “Last year the voter for Argentina was removed after he selected four players from Argentina — Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Emiliano Martinez — in his top five spots.”There were four Argentina players available on the shortlist and he picked all of them.Karim Benzema shows off incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Ronaldo snub as he’s tipped for career change”My opinion was he had lost objectivity. We changed the journalist and he no longer votes.”The only non-Argentine player included by Wolff was Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the Qatar World Cup final.Messi’s coronation last October was the first time in 15 years that the Ballon d’Or hasn’t gone to a player from Real Madrid or Barcelona.And Madrid winger Vinicius Jr is the clear frontrunner to win the award for the first time on Monday.Garcia also wanted to clear up accusations about LaLiga favouritism and the supposed unfair power of Madrid president Florentino Perez.He added: “If there was a ‘Perez Effect’, what would it be? Would I be in touch with him? I never spoke to him ever in my life so far. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It would somehow mean he manages to have some influence over us, which is not the case.­­”In the men’s category, six England players – captain Harry Kane, midfielders Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Declan Rice, and forwards Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer – have been nominated.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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      in Soccer

      Invincible says don’t judge Kai Havertz on goals as Dennis Bergkamp-like ace becoming ‘major part of Arsenal history’

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      BELIEVE it or not, there ARE similarities between Kai Havertz and Dennis Bergkamp.Arsenal legend and three-time Prem winner Bergkamp was heavily criticised upon signing for the club on June 21, 1995 – taking seven league games to score his first goal.Kai Havertz has become a vital member of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal starting XICredit: GettyDennis Bergkamp was heavily criticised before becoming a club legendCredit: GettyHavertz – a £65m buy from Chelsea on June 28, 2023 – was considered by some a waste of money after he took 10 games in all competitions to open his account in North London.Their positions too. Bergkamp was never considered a conventional goal-getting No.9, while Havertz has so far under Mikel Arteta been used as a central striker, No.10 and marauding midfielder.And importantly, for all of the flair and beauty, aggression and physicality, their influence on their respective Arsenal teams is undeniable, regardless of goals.Deemed one of the club’s and Prem’s all-time greats, Dutch master Bergkamp never scored more than 16 goals in a single league season for the Gunners.read more arsenalAs an integral, world class cog in Arsene Wenger’s Invincible side of 2003/04, he scored just four Prem goals, alongside seven assists for the likes of Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.On the hunt for a first league title since then, Havertz notched 13 Prem goals and seven assists in his debut season as Arteta’s men finished two points behind champions Manchester City.Havertz already has four goals and one assist in eight games this term after a fine start solely as a No.9, while his influence on those around him grows by the week.And ahead of a blockbuster title clash against Liverpool, Jeremie Aliadiere – a member of the Invincibles and ex-teammate of Bergkamp – told SunSport: “I don’t rely on [Havertz] scoring goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The team shares goals from everywhere, and as long as you keep winning games, that’s all that matters. Do you always need an Erling Haaland scoring 20 to 30 goals a season?“You can share it around and still win a Premier League title. I would never judge Havertz on a minimum number of goals because he brings so much more than that to the team.”Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?More often than not right now, when Havertz gets a chance, he takes it – recently on a run of scoring in seven successive home games – while continuing to drive others forward with a cuteness and technical brilliance under pressure.The German international’s 6ft 4in frame sees him dominate duels in the air, his work rate off the ball is relentless and he has recently revealed he has started to “enjoy” physical battles.Bergkamp – occasionally nicknamed ‘Dirty Den’ during his 11-year Arsenal stint – also had a mean streak to him that paved the way for others to grab the headlines.Frenchman Aliadiere – who made 51 appearances for the club between 2001 and 2007 – continued: “I see [the similarities]. Dennis could play anywhere.Jeremie Aliadiere (bottom left) won the title with Arsenal in 2004Credit: Getty“He was a magician, the best footballing brain I have ever seen. He saw things and could read the game quicker than anybody and saw things no one else could. He was the ‘Iceman’.“You would try to copy him in training and it was impossible. He was on a different level, feeding the likes of Henry, Pires, Freddie Ljungberg. He was the conductor, the chief.“I must say, I was not convinced of Havertz initially as a No.9, maybe not sharp or quick enough, but like Dennis, he is not a typical player.“A big lad who holds the ball well and his intelligence and selflessness to get Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard involved.“When you start to feel important in the team, not wondering if you’re going to start, suddenly the confidence grows and he is playing like he has never played before.“He’s slowly becoming a major part of Arsenal’s history and hopefully it is a winning season.”All that is missing is the “aura” that comes from lifting titles and being recognised as one of the world’s best – something a 16-year-old Aliadiere experienced first-hand with Bergkamp.Speaking on behalf of William Hill Vegas, Aliadiere explained: “As a young boy joining the club, the first six months being in the first team, [Bergkamp] never spoke to me. He barely said hello in the morning.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I thought: ‘Oh god, he doesn’t like me’. It made me even more anxious and scared in training, but after that he suddenly completely changed. He accepted me.“He wanted to see if I was good enough to be around him. He had such an aura around him. You couldn’t get his friendship just like that. You had to earn it.” More

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      in Boxing

      Adilson ‘Maguila’ Rodrigues dead at 66: Boxing world title contender who fought Evander Holyfield and Foreman dies

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      BRAZILIAN boxing legend Adilson “Maguila” Rodrigues has died aged 66.The former heavyweight contender passed away in Sao Paulo after suffering from multiple health complications. Adilson Rodrigues, left, during his fight with George ForemanCredit: GettyRodrigues passed away aged 66Credit: TwitterIn 85 fights, Rodrigues won 77, lost seven, drew once and scored 61 career knockouts. He held various Brazilian and South American titles, facing some of boxing’s best during his time. In 1989, he was beaten by American great Evander Holyfield and George Foreman a year later, losing both in round two. But Rodrigues also beat former cruiserweight world champion and now Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson in 1995. READ MORE IN BOXINGHis last fight came in 2000, losing to countryman Daniel Frank. After retiring – 13 years later – Rodrigues was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a neurodegenerative disease that affects many former fighters after years of head trauma. Symptoms include memory loss and confusion, which intensifies over time. Most read in BoxingWhat is CTE?By Jennifer Roback and Penelope MinCTE refers to a brain degeneration caused by frequent head traumas.Other elements may play a role, including genetics, but exact factors are yet to be discovered, as reported by the Boston University CTE Center.CTE is only diagnosed through an autopsy of the brain and is known to be a rather rare disease.It is most commonly found in athletes, including football players and boxers.Some symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and progressive dementia.These signs can begin to appear after years or even decades after the last brain trauma.In 2018, with his family’s consent, Rodrigues decided to donate his brain to scientific research after his death. It will allow researchers at the University of Sao Paulo to study the impact of repeated trauma on the brain.Rodrigues spent his last days at the Anjos de Deus Therapeutic Center in Itu receiving specialised care. Netflix unveil official promotional trailer for Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 2 More

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      Karren Brady: Football isn’t broken and Keir Starmer’s plan to fix it will create many more problems than it solves

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      TO change, and to change for the better, are two different things.And the Government’s plan to change football is more likely to create many more problems than it solves.Keir Starmer’s Government will introduce the Football Governance Bill this weekCredit: GettySunSport columnist, and West Ham vice chairman, Karren Brady thinks the bill will only cause more problemsCredit: PAI remain wholly unconvinced about the role of regulators, both in and out of football.Just look at some of our leading industries and the way regulators have worked. Or not.Water is the obvious one as our beaches and rivers have been transformed into a toxic dumping ground while the companies rake in millions in wages, bonuses and shareholder dividends — almost always of little or no benefit to the UK.And don’t get me started on the trains. We have the most expensive railway network in the Western world, and best-paid train drivers, yet actually getting trains to run on time has been well-nigh impossible.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSo, please, when politicians preach about how the Football Governance Bill introduced in the House of Lords this week will make everything rosy in football’s garden, don’t believe the hype.There is no need for another layer of administration and regulation. And I’ll tell you why…The Premier League has been one of this country’s major success stories of the past three decades.It has taken a game which was crumbling and collapsing around our feet to the best and most-watched football league in the world. It is the global Big One.Most read in FootballThere are critics who say the Premier League just looks after the hotshots, the Manchester Uniteds and Arsenals. Rubbish.In the last three years the Premier League has given a world-leading £1.6billion to the EFL, National Leagues, grass-roots football and the women’s game. Nowhere else in the world can even get close to matching that.Jose Mourinho makes cheeky dig at the referee after being sent off against old club Manchester UnitedThe PL give nearly £8m on average to every EFL Championship club, £1.4m to each League One club and £900,000 to each League Two club.Politicians tell you the regulator will make clubs more fan-friendly but it is already being done.The Premier League instigated a Fan Engagement Standard, meaning there has to be a Fan Advisory Board at every single club.An away ticket price cap was introduced years ago, which ensures supporters pay a maximum of £30 when they travel.At the rate we’re going you’ll get about half a bathtub for that from our regulated water companies.What happened to Bury and others like them was terribly sad but you cannot blame the Premier League for their financial mess.Karren BradyI’ll give you some other numbers. The Premier League annually hands over £4.2bn in tax to the Treasury and directly employs 90,000 people, a third of whom are in the North West, an area which sadly has pockets of high deprivation.A total of 51 clubs have reached the Premier League, which surely underlines the fact that the financial distributions do broadly work.And while going into administration is a worrying time for fans, the likes of Crystal Palace, Luton, Bournemouth, Southampton and Leeds all reset and got to the Premier League — with three of them still in it.What happened to Bury and others like them was terribly sad but you cannot blame the Premier League for their financial mess.I’ve heard it said, mainly by ill-informed politicians, that parachute payments are fundamentally wrong. Not so. They allow clubs to remain financially sustainable should they suffer relegation from the top flight.The regulator will have to consider INCREASING parachute payments as that is the only way established relegated clubs can be more sustainable.There are critics who say the Premier League just looks after the hotshots, the Manchester Uniteds and Arsenals. Rubbish.Karren BradyThey give clubs the security to be able to invest in competitive squads, sign players and coaches on multi-year contracts and invest in world-class stadia and fan experience, with the knowledge that there will be some financial protection in the event of relegation.When you are relegated you still have to pay all the staff, including the players, and have all the same overheads, so if you don’t have the parachute payment you are effectively bust.The numbers are what makes the Premier League the world’s leading domestic club competition.Over 15million fans go to games every year and internationally OUR Premier League is watched annually by 1.5bn supporters from 189 countries.In every sense of the word it is a success, with not a regulator in sight.The Bill will change the way football operates, impacting supporters and clubs.READ MORE SUN STORIESA regulator that delivers stronger oversight of fan engagement and club heritage — and prevents breakaway leagues — is welcome.But one that significantly impacts the competitive balance of the league is not. More

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      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham is Britain’s most eligible bachelor with England hunk more desirable than a Princess and Lord

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM is amongst the frontrunners to win the Ballon d’Or next week but he is impressing just as much off the pitch.The Real Madrid star won the Champions League and LaLiga in his debut season with the club, before reaching the Euro 2024 final with England.Jude Bellingham has been ranked the most eligible British bachelorCredit: GettyHe caught the eye before the tournament event started however by appearing in an advert for Adidas.Bellingham, 21, also became the face of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS as he modelled boxers while showing off his football skills.They have helped make Bellingham an international star and he has now been ranked as one of the most desirable singletons in Britain.A top ten list of British bachelors and bachelorettes has been compiled by Tatler, with multiple sports people included.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL10. Lord Albert Caspian DalmenyCaspian, 19, is the son of Earl Harry Primrose, a British aristocrat and the Chairman of Sotheby’s.The heir apparent is set to jet off to South Africa soon to work in animal conservation.9. Rosie WrightingAt just 27-years-old Rosie is the youngest female MP in Parliament.She studied fashion at the University of Westminster and became the chair of the Westminster North constituency before gaining her seat in Kettering for Labour in July.Most read in FootballRosie Wrighting is the youngest female MP in ParliamentCredit: X/ rosie_wrightingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS8. Olivia DeanOlivia may not actually be single as rumours have linked her to pop star Harry Styles.The 25-year-old is an award-winning singer with appearances at Glastonbury and hits including ‘Dive’ and ‘The Hardest Part’.Olivia Dean is an award-winning artistCredit: GettyShe was rumoured to be dating Harry StylesCredit: INSTAGRAM @oliviadeanoMoment Jude Bellingham video chats sick child in hospital after ex-team-mate calls him out of the blue7. Tade OjoraAn Old Etonian, Ojora represented Team GB at the Olympics this year, competing in the 110-metre hurdles.When he is not on track the 25-year-old can be seen at Givenchy events and travelling around the Mediterranean.Tade Ojara competed in the Olympics for Team GBCredit: Getty6. Lady Alexandra RussellAlexandra, 23, is the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford and works as an interior design assistant for 1990s It girl Emma Benyon.5. Orlando GettyA recent Business and Spanish graduate from Edinburgh University, oil heir Orland is a big face in the London social scene.He can often be spotted at Raffles as well as Club Malasana in Madrid.4. Frankie GoldsmithPart of the Goldsmith clan, his uncle is former Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith, who once ran for Mayor of London and now sits in the House of Lords.Young Frankie, 19, plans to study engineering at university and is reportedly a ferocious fast bowler.3. Princess Theodora von LiechtensteinTheodora, 19, is an environmentalist, equestrian, and member of the Princely family of Liechtenstein.Now a student at Cambridge University, Theodora has been giving back from an early age having set up Green Teen Team Foundation, a conservationist non-profit, at the age of nine.Princess Theodora, right, set up a non-profit at the age of nineCredit: Getty2. Jude BellinghamBellingham, 21, was rumoured to be dating model Laura Celia Valk but neither party confirmed things were official.The midfielder lives with his mum in Madrid and he is yet to find time or space for a relationship as he is a key member of Carlo Ancelotti’s team.READ MORE SUN STORIESJude Bellingham is a hit on and off the pitchCredit: Getty1. Lyla Elichaoff and Esme BertelsenTrinny and Susannah’s daughters Lyla, 21, and Esme, 23 and like ther famous mothers they also have an eye for fashion.Esme makes digital art, has an eye for vintage clothes and loves boxing, while Lyla has inherited Trinny’s entrepreneurial spirit by all accounts.Lyla and Esme are Britain’s most eligible pairCredit: Luc BraquetThey are following in the footsteps of their famous mothersCredit: Luc Braquet More

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      Meet Ibrahim Rabbaj, 15-year-old English Chelsea wonderkid compared to Messi with 52 goals and 60 assists in 40 games

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      CHELSEA have splashed the cash on wonderkids over the last few transfer windows – but their biggest star could already be at the club.Meet 15-year-old Ibrahim Rabbaj, whose diminutive dribbles and wand of a left foot have him compared to Lionel Messi.Ibrahim Rabbaj is England and Chelsea’s future starCredit: Instagram @ibz_cfcThe youngster has been tearing up youth-team football with his unstoppable dribbling and clinical left footCredit: GettyRabbaj with ex-Chelsea star and fellow Moroccan Hakim ZiyechCredit: @ibz_cfcThe youngster has scored a sensational 52 goals in 40 games.Add a whopping 60 assists to those stats and it is clear to see why he has been called up to the England Under-16s squad, with him also eligible for Morroco.PLAYING STYLEAlready there have been numerous comparisons to Messi. Not just the hair either which is cut into that distinctive bob-style like Leo.Being mentioned in the same breath as arguably the greatest player of all time piles on the pressure of expectation and prompts opponents to kick lumps out of you.READ MORE ON BOY WONDERSHe is diminutive and operates in the middle or outside on the right. Rabbaj loves creating, passing, making things happen and scoring. He is excellent at one on ones and his preferred job is to cut in from the right side, onto his left foot and find the opposite bottom corner of the net. Dare we say it, but a bit like Cole Palmer and former Chelsea great Arjen Robben.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite being on the small side, Ibrahim uses his body strength well playing for Chelsea and England Under-16s. He has been in every international camp for the past year.RISE TO THE TOPOne of six kids in his family and raised in Ashford, Kent, he was picked up by Charlton aged seven and went to pre-academy. Their South London neighbours, Crystal Palace then swooped for him and he was there until aged around 12.A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkidsHe came to the attention of Chelsea during Covid but was still signed by The Blues because they felt a duty to give the young lad a sense of belonging, even though with the pandemic in full swing, there was not even any training to be done.His dad is Moroccan and he could play for them but so far has represented England. Ironically, even scoring one of his best goals to date against his ancestral homeland.Rabbaj is at Chelsea full-time now, including for his schooling and lives with eight other boys with a host family. GCSEs beckon next summer.EXPERTS’ VIEWHe has played for Chelsea U17s in pre-season during mixed age group games. A ‘classic no.10’, it will be interesting to see as he gets older how he handles the age gap. Those closest to the player want to see him let loose through the middle of the pitch in order to drive at opponents and recreate the days of old when players of smaller stature could use their mobility and technical ability to great advantage against bigger opponents.The people around Ibrahim want to see him operate like Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi, or Yossi Benayoun, who may be more familiar to Premier League fans.He has been compared to Lionel MessiCredit: Instagram @ibz_cfcWHAT’S NEXT?Crunch time approaches when he should be offered at least a scholarship by Chelsea but in football who knows? The club lost winger Rio Ngumoha to Liverpool recently, who slipped through the net, so Chelsea’s youth coaches need to stay on their toes.Retained youth players get two years with a scholarship. The best are offered a year ‘pro’ on top of that. Which would mean Rabbaj would effectively become a professional footballer at 17.READ MORE SUN STORIESSometimes clubs even offer just one year scholarship and two years of a pro contract. Rabbaj is exciting to watch and considered by those who watch him regularly as a hugely exciting talent.He is eligible for England and MorroccoCredit: Instagram @ibz_cfc More

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      Panathinaikos 1 Chelsea 4: Joao Felix gives Enzo Maresca selection headache with double as Blues go top of table

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      ON this evidence Enzo Maresca should win his first Chelsea trophy at a canter this season.His Blues strolled past Panathinaikos without much need to engage their brains, let alone work up a sweat.Chelsea run riot in AthensCredit: RexThe biggest resistance offered in Athens was a crafty supporter armed with a green laser pen – trying but failing to put off the Chelsea players.Given how much of a stroll some of these games should be, they offer a chance for those in need of a confidence boost.Two of those did just that, Joao Felix scoring twice having struggled for minutes since his before and Mykhailo Mudryk netting one and setting up two.Mudryk, desperately needing a statement performance, skied an early chance and looked to be heading for another frustrating night.READ MORE IN footballBut soon he started to make things happen.The Ukrainian, whose potential is undoubted but rarely looks like being fulfilled, was causing constant trouble down the left and teed up the opener.After Felix flicked on a header into his path, Mudryk raced forward and picked his moment to slide the ball back to his Portuguese teammate, allowing him a first time finish past Bartlomiej Drągowski.He could have had another assist minutes later too, squaring well for Enzo Fernandez to strike – though it was just tipped over.Most read in FootballJoao Felix opened the scoringCredit: ReutersFelix started the rout in GreeceCredit: GettyMykhailo Mudryk got himself a much needed goalCredit: APMudryk has another positive performance in EuropeCredit: APCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter a couple of early scares – including Filip Jorgensen needing to save from Tin Jedvaj’s second minute header – Chelsea were in full control.They may have had a rough couple of years but they are clearly too good for Europe’s third tier competition.Roberto Mancini brutally sacked from job as highest-paid manager in the world just days after clashing with fansThat was made more than clear inside ten second half minutes as Chelsea bagged another three.First Mudryk added to his first assist with a maiden goal of the season, heading in at the far post from Pedro Neto’s cross.He then set Felix up for his second of the night, taking advantage of the hosts’ failure to clear a Neto cross, laying the ball back before the shot deflected in off Serbian Nemanja Maksimovic.Within moments of putting the game beyond doubt, Felix won a penalty – his cross striking the hand of Daniel Mancini. Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender strugglesCHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…Filip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.Benoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.Renato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.Joao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then.The winger was denied the chance to wrap up his hat-trick as Christopher Nkunku converted from the spot, despite having to deal with a laser pen constantly in his eye.From there Chelsea slowed, a number of changes and chances for youngsters: Tyrique George, Marc Guiu and Cesare Casadei.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith Chelsea’s guard down a touch, the hosts grabbed a consolation.Sub Georgios Vagiannidis found space down the right and crossed for former Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri to tap in at the far post.Christopher Nkunku scored from the spotCredit: GettyHe pulled off his trademark celebrationCredit: Getty More