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      in Soccer

      Shakira’s ex Gerard Pique looks miserable at NBA game after strawberry jam ‘cheating’ bombshell

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      GERARD Pique was pictured looking glum at an NBA game in Paris as he wallows in the bitterness of his split from Shakira. The sportsman sported a sullen pout as he pondered while watching the action-packed game on Thursday.
      The footie ace looked miserable and distracted from the NBA game on ThursdayCredit: Reuters
      Pique appeared tense as he chatted with a pal at the star-studded gameCredit: Getty
      His pop star ex reportedly rumbled his affair thanks to a jar of strawberry jamCredit: AFP
      Pique appeared to be preoccupied with his thoughts as he joined a string of celebs to see the Detroit Pistons take on the Chicago Bulls.
      The former Barcelona defender tried to blend in with the star-studded crowd by donning a beige Nike hoodie.
      He was pictured looking withdrawn despite the electric atmosphere as the NBA returned to Europe for the first time in three years.
      Pique appeared to frown while chatting to a male pal in the stands.
      READ MORE ON GERARD PIQUE
      The 35-year-old gazed into the distance instead of being engrossed by the drama on the court.
      He was joined by A-listers such as Pharrell Williams, Lakers legend Magic Johnson and supermodel Naomi Campbell.
      French Formula 1 drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon also had front-row seats for the pivotal game.
      But the famous faces didn’t distract Pique from his vitriolic breakup with Colombian pop star Shakira.
      Most read in Football
      The pair would regularly take their two sons, Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7, to basketball games before their dramatic split.
      Pique had also been spotted looking miserable as he lit up a cigar to puff his cares away in a Paris cafe on Tuesday.
      The couple split last summer as the Spain World Cup winner ditched her for Clara Chia Marti, 23.
      The footie star has come under fire after it was reported she rumbled his alleged affair thanks to a jar of strawberry jam.
      Rumours have swirled that Shakira first smelt a rat after taking a look in her fridge at their five-storey mansion.
      The songstress is said to have returned home from a period of travelling to find a jar of her strawberry jam had been eaten.
      It’s been claimed that Pique follows a strict diet and would not have tucked into the jam – and neither would her children.
      The She Wolf singer is then said to have come to the conclusion that someone else – more specifically another woman – had been in her home, and her fridge.
      She reportedly recruited a private investigator to snoop on Pique in a bid to confirm her suspicions.
      The detective is said to have spotted the Spaniard frequenting the nightclub where his now girlfriend Clara worked.
      According to Spanish TV show El Gordo y la Flaca, the detectives even obtained photos of the pair getting cosy.
      But Shakira was forced to pay an agency to keep the damning photos private after the PI firm flogged them to paparazzi.
      She also reportedly noticed Clara lurking behind Pique during a Zoom interview at their family home in August 2021.
      OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE
      It was ten months before the pair announced their separation after their 12-year romance.
      The breakup provided the inspiration for Shakira’s explosive new track, which slammed Pique with a string of brutal barbs.
      She channeled her emotions into her music and released a new song titled Out of Your League, brimming with thinly veiled references to her ex.
      The 45-year-old pulled no punches and brazenly took aim at the loved-up pair, comparing the relationship to swapping “a Ferrari for a [Renault] Twingo”. 
      Pique seemed to laugh off the reference – by turning up to work in the budget motor with an amused look on his face.
      It was even claimed that he was taunting the mother of his two children with the reg plate – 2511 MDJ.
      Reports suggest the numbers are in fact the specific date, November 25, that he left the family home in Barcelona.
      The pair have become embroiled in a public spat following speculation that he was unfaithful to the singer.
      In another twist Shakira put a terrifying life-size witch doll on her balcony, facing her mother-in-law’s house in the same street.
      Neighbours reported she also blasted out the new song on repeat so Gerard’s mum, Montserrat Bernabéu, could hear.
      The singer is now reportedly building a wall between the two properties to try and distance herself from her in-laws.
      She is said to have been furious to discover Pique’s parents actively supported his new romance with Clara.
      Read More on The Sun
      The explosive split comes over a decade after they met on the set of the video for Shakira’s 2010 World Cup anthem, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).
      Shakira and Gerard Pique have been engaged in a bitter spat since their splitCredit: AFP
      Pique looked unimpressed despite being surrounded by stars at the eventCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The former Barcelona defender donned a beige hoodie to blend in with the crowdCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson was desperate to fight Michael Jordan at dinner party, revealed boxing star’s former manager

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      MIKE TYSON once threatened to beat up Michael Jordan over their romantic history with the same woman, the boxer’s former manager has claimed.The former Baddest Man on the Planet, 56,  made his boxing comeback against Roy Jones Jr in 2020.
      Mike Tyson (right) was arguably at his peak when sidling up to Michael Jordan (left)
      But before that comeback, Rory Holloway has revealed what happened when Tyson and he attended a birthday dinner for Chicago Bears star Richard Dent in 1988.
      Plenty of famous faces were at the December bash, including Jordan, boxing promoter Don King and Bears coach Mike Ditka.
      Tyson was in his pomp with an undefeated record and unified title to his name –  it was a point in his life when he was also known for decadent and lavish partying.
      But it was Jordan’s history with Robin Givens, Tyson’s ex-wife who the NBA legend had previously dated, that brought about the tension.
      Holloway wrote in his book chronicling the boxer’s career, via BoxingScene: “Mike Tyson’s sitting there with his drink of choice, a Long Island Tea, and when he drinks his real feelings come out.
      “I’m telling the server to water his drinks down because I see where this is going.
      Jordan, it’s obvious he just wants to get up and run. He wants no part of this.
      “Mike stares across the table at Michael Jordan. He says, ‘Hey man, you think I’m stupid? I know you f***** with my b****’.
      “Jordan looks like he just seen a ghost. ‘I know you messed with her,’ Mike says, ‘You can tell me’.
      “Jordan, it’s obvious he just wants to get up and run. He wants no part of this. Mike turns to Ditka. ‘Man, you think somebody scared of you, all that racist s*** you been talking?’.
      “He says to Dent, ‘Y’all scared of this damn white man, Richard? He ain’t nobody. You gonna let him talk that way?’.
      MOST READ IN BOXING

      “It was a circus, for real, that night. Don King trying to change the subject. Me and John trying to hold Mike down.
      “Mike telling everyone he’s going to bust Jordan’s ass. Jordan’s dressed sharp as always and he can’t get out of there fast enough.”
      Differing reports of the night have been bandied around over the years and Jordan, recently subject to the hit ESPN series focusing on his departure from Chicago, is said to have declined to ever comment on his run-in with the boxing champ.
      Footage recently emerged of Iron Mike let his temper boil over after coming face to face with his former promoter Don King.
      Tyson accused the promoter of stealing millions of dollars he had earned from boxing and decided to sue him for $100million.
      The case was settled for $14m but there was no love lost between the two.
      ESPN’s documentary ‘The Last Dance’ charts the untold story of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls More

    • 88 Shares149 Views

      in Athletics

      How many kids does Tristan Thompson have?

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      TRISTAN Thompson’s successful pro-basketball career has not stopped him from starting his own team of kids.Due to the NBA star’s co-parenting relationships with Khloe Kardashian and Maralee Nichols, people are curious to know about Tristan’s total number of kids.
      Tristan Thompson’s romances and children make him the subject of many headlinesCredit: Refer to Caption
      How many children does Tristan Thompson have?
      Prince
      From 2014 to 2016, Tristan Thompson was in a relationship with Jordan Craig.
      On December 12, 2016, Jordan and Tristan welcomed their first child together, a son named Prince.
      Months before Prince Thompson’s birth, the Cleveland Cavaliers player and Khloe Kardashian confirmed that they began dating in October of that year.
      True
      On December 20, 2017, Khloe revealed she was expecting her first child with Tristan.
      Read More on Tristan Thompson
      That Wednesday, the reality star shared on Instagram: “My greatest dream realized! We are having a baby!
      “I had been waiting and wondering but God had a plan all along. He knew what He was doing. I simply had to trust in Him and be patient.”
      On April 12, 2018, the then-couple’s daughter True Thompson was born.
      While True is Khloe’s first child, she is the basketball star’s second.
      most read on tristan thompson
      Theo
      On December 1, 2021, Maralee Nichols gave birth to Tristan’s third child, a son named Theo Thompson.
      Through court documents, the two shared that they had a fling at some point around Tristan’s birthday in March of that year.
      On January 3, 2022, the Boston Celtics player told his Instagram followers: “Today, paternity test results reveal that I fathered a child with Maralee Nichols.
      “I take full responsibility for my actions. Now that paternity has been established I look forward to amicably raising our son.
      Tristan has three sons and one daughter, he shares two kids with KhloeCredit: Instagram
      “I sincerely apologize to everyone I’ve hurt or disappointed throughout this ordeal both publicly and privately.”
      Regarding Theo’s birth and the coinciding timeline of his on-and-off relationship with Khloe, the athlete added: “Khloe, you don’t deserve this. You don’t deserve the heartache and humiliation I have caused you.
      “You don’t deserve the way I have done you over the years. My actions certainly have not lined up with the way I view you.
      “I have the utmost respect and love for you. Regardless of what you may think. Again, I am so incredibly sorry.”
      Khloe’s first son
      On July 13, 2022, it was announced that Tristan and Khloe are expecting their second child together.
      The pair conceived the child in November 2021, a month before the revelation of his fling with Maralee that resulted in Theo’s birth in December.
      The co-parents disclosed to their fans on Twitter: “We can confirm True will have a sibling who was conceived in November.
      “Khloe is incredibly grateful to the extraordinary surrogate for such a beautiful blessing.
      “We’d like to ask for your kindness and privacy so that Khloe can focus on her family.”
      On Friday, August 5, Tristan and Khloe welcomed their first son together.
      Although Khloe’s son is her second child overall, the occasion officially made Tristan a four-time father. More

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      in Soccer

      World’s best-paid young athletes revealed with Kylian Mbappe just fourth and Jake Paul breaking into top seven

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      BEING a young sports star can be a lucrative business in 2022. Across a range of different sports, athletes are making extraordinary amounts of money even though they are still at a fairly early stage of their career.
      Kylian Mbappe signed a big money deal with PSG earlier this yearCredit: Reuters
      Whether they are at the top of their field in tennis, basketball or motorsports, athletes 26 years old and under are raking in the cash from a young age.
      Here are the best paid stars between May 2021 and May 2022 of sports stars aged 26 or under, according to Forbes.
      1. Josh Allen
      Allen signed a huge six year contract last year with the Buffalo BillsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The NFL ace Josh Allen might not be the most-well known name to those who don’t follow American sports.
      But the Buffalo Bills quarterback, who signed a six-year contract extension last year, was the highest-paid young athlete in the world in the past year.
      Allen makes $63million – or £55m – in on-field earnings after putting pen to paper on his new deal.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      His breakout season came in 2020 when he led the Bills to their first division title and playoff victory since 1995, and he hasn’t looked back since.
      Off-field earnings for the 26-year-old amount to around £3.5m thanks to his sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike and Pepsi.
      2. Naomi Osaka
      Naomi Osaka has found particular success in Australia and the US OpenCredit: Getty
      Naomi Osaka continues to be one of the major names in women’s tennis and her value is reflected on paper too.
      The 24-year-old rakes in close to £52m in total earnings after years of battling at the top of the sport.
      Unlike Allen however, the vast majority of the Japanese star’s earnings come from her off-the-field endorsements.
      The tennis ace has more than 20 corporate partners, including Nike, Mastercard and Louis Vuitton which helps her to bring in £50.7m. In contrast, the actual tennis only brings in a little over £1m.
      Osaka came to prominence in 2018 when she beat Serena Williams in the US Open Final before winning the Australian Open twice and securing another victory at Flushing Meadows.
      3. Max Verstappen
      Max Verstappen has dominated the field in this season’s Formula 1 ChampionshipCredit: Getty
      Responsible for the most dramatic moment in Formula 1 history when he won the title last year, Max Verstappen has gone from strength to strength.
      The Dutchman looks set to win another F1 title this year – and that can only help his bank account.
      A mix of stars from different sports make up the list of the highest-paid athletes 26 or under
      Most read in Football
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      The 24-year-old makes £40m from his sport and another £1.7m in endorsements.
      The Red Bull driver was the youngest driver in the sport’s history when he made he debut at 17, before winning his first race at 18.
      4. Kylian Mbappe
      Few sports stars around are making more money than Kylian Mbappe, PSG’s jewel in the crownCredit: AFP
      It’s a good time to be a young football player called Kylian Mbappe.
      The PSG star stunned the footballing world earlier this year when he snubbed Real Madrid and instead signed an eye-watering deal to keep him in France.
      The 23-year-old now makes around £24.5m in on-field earnings and around £13m in endorsement deals, with agreements with EA Sports and Nike keeping Mbappe’s accountants busy.
      The Frenchman is hoping to lead his country to another World Cup in Qatar later this year, before landing PSG their first ever Champions League next year.
      5. Marshon Lattimore
      Marshon Lattimore signed a huge contract extension in 2021 as New Orleans Saints looked to cling on to one of their biggest assetsCredit: AP
      New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore arrived on the scene in 2017 and has found his wallet has continued to grow and grow.
      The NFL star’s growing importance to his team saw him land a huge 2021 contract extension worth around £85.5m.
      Last year he landed his fourth Pro Bowl selection in five NFL seasons, underlining his huge reputation.
      The overwhelming majority of his £36m earnings come from his efforts on the field of play.
      6. Devin Booker
      Pictured with Kendall Jenner earlier this month, Booker is continuing to carve a name for himself in the NBACredit: Getty
      The sole NBA player on this list is Devin Booker who is making some decent cash while at the Phoenix Suns.
      The 25-year-old was part of the team who helped the Suns reach their first NBA Finals since 1993 after they also won the Western Conference division.
      The shooting guard makes around £28m from basketball and takes home £7m from brand deals with the likes of Nike and Corona Beer.
      7. Jake Paul
      Like him or loathe him, Paul’s boxing career is largely thriving so farCredit: Getty
      The famous Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has just made this list as his well-known antics have helped the 25-year-old pull in the cash.
      The Problem Child has a bout against UFC star Anderson Silva next month as he continues to make his name as a serious boxer.
      His turn to sport has seen him bring in £26.2m from his fighting alone while he still made around £7m in cash out of the ring. More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘Become legendary’ – Lewis Hamilton hangs out with NBA icon LeBron James after demanding Monaco GP talks with FIA

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      LEWIS HAMILTON put his latest Formula One misery aside by hanging out with basketball icon LeBron James.The Mercedes driver, 37, was left fuming after the Monaco Grand Prix and demanded talks with the FIA to clear up the shambles at the start of Sunday’s race.
      Lebron James and Lewis Hamilton caught up on Monday following the Monaco GPCredit: Instagram / @kingjames
      The pair both took to Instagram with similar snaps overlooking the MedCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      But his mood improved on Monday as he caught up with Los Angeles Lakers legend James, one of the world’s top-paid athletes.
      It appeared Hamilton stuck around in Monte Carlo following the weekend action, with LeBron over from the States to watch the Champions League final in Paris on Saturday.
      They both posted pictures together on Instagram on Monday evening with the pair standing side by side and James’ arm around his pal’s shoulder.
      The fashionista Brit rocked a black-and-white floral pattern outfit while the NBA star opted for a black jumper with red stripes and black trousers in the Principality.
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      Hamilton referenced LeBron’s nickname and wrote: “King of kings, great seeing you brother.”
      Four-time NBA champ and MVP James, also 37, added: “BECOME LEGENDARY!! Good seeing you brother!!”
      Their posts have already been liked by a combined 2.5million fans.
      Although some joked that Hamilton must have been standing on a box considering the lack of height difference between the 5ft 8ins seven-time F1 champ and the 6ft 9ins James in the pics.
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      Despite the clouds over the Mediterranean, it appeared a bright and warm day in Monaco on Monday – a stark contrast from 24 hours earlier.
      The race directors sent the drivers out for a delayed formation lap in the rain before red flagging the start and ordering the cars back to the paddock as the weather worsened.
      And proceedings finally got underway an hour late – despite the rain virtually stopping way before that.
      Seven-time world champion Hamilton – and other drivers – could not understand why they were forced to wait so long and wants answers from the bungling Formula One organisers at the next drivers’ briefing.
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      The Brit, who finished eighth, said: “You think they didn’t do a good job? I was not saying it was a mistake.
      “I don’t know the reason for them not sending us out at the get-go — but we are Formula 1 drivers so (the weather) is not a good enough reason.
      “That is what I was saying. I was like ‘let’s go’ when it was just drizzling a little bit at the beginning.
      “We will talk about it in the drivers’ briefing but we should have started the race.”
      Hamilton finished eighth in the wet of Monte Carlo and was unhappy with FIA race directorsCredit: Splash More

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      in Boxing

      Top ten highest-paid athletes of 2022 released by Forbes with Lionel Messi still top despite struggles at PSG

      by

      LIONEL MESSI is the highest-paid sports star in the world for 2022 – and now earns as much as Cristiano Ronaldo off the pitch.The legendary Argentine has endured a tough first season at Paris Saint-Germain following his shock Barcelona exit.
      Neymar and Lionel Messi both feature in the top four for highest-paid athletes in 2022Credit: AFP

      But he has continued to rake the cash in from his new club and his various sponsors.
      And that sees him return to the top of the Forbes rankings for 2022 after doing so in 2019.
      However, last year’s top dog, Conor McGregor, does not even make the top ten this time around – with the majority of his £148million earnings coming from selling his Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand.
      Other notable absentees this time around include F1 pair Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, Naomi Osaka, Tiger Woods, Tyson Fury and Kylian Mbappe.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BISH BASH DOSH .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Fury leading McGregor in sport rich list for 2022 with Canelo top fighter
      So who are the world’s top-earning athletes right now?
      10. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Basketball – £66m
      The ‘Greek Freak’, 27, has pretty much an even split of on-court and off-court earnings and is the youngest member of this exclusive club – in fact he is the only one still in his 20s.
      Giannis Antetokounmpo completes the top ten and is the youngest of the groupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time MVP boasts the biggest contract in NBA history and has plenty of sponsors including WhatsApp and Google as well as an NFT platform and Disney+ biopic on the way.
      9. Tom Brady – NFL – £69m
      Brady’s short-lived retirement means the iconic quarterback will be back on the pitch for Tampa Bay Buccaneers later this year.
      Tom Brady already earns big before his mega-deal with Fox Sports startsCredit: Getty
      Not that the 44-year-old needs the extra cash, with £43m of his money coming from various ventures including NFTs, production companies and a clothing label – plus he has a £307m deal as a Fox Sports commentator when he does retire.
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      8. Canelo Alvarez – Boxing – £74m
      He may have just lost his second career fight with a shock defeat to Dmitry Bivol, but one look at his bank balance will soon boost the Mexican, 31, and top-paid boxer in the world.
      Canelo Alvarez is the only combat sportsperson in the top ten and has the highest percentage of on-field earningsCredit: Reuters
      A whopping 95 per cent of his earnings came from inside the ring thanks to two PPV fights earning as least £33m each – the Bivol fight was not included in the current list – supplemented by his taco restaurant and Hennessy deal.
      7. Roger Federer – Tennis – £74m
      For a 40-year-old man who won just nine tennis matches since February 2020 – none since last summer – and is currently in rehab from another knee surgery, Federer is doing alright for himself.
      Federer has not won a tennis match since July 2021 but is the No1 for sponsorshipsCredit: Getty
      The Swiss maestro is world sport’s No1 brand ambassador with £73.5m of his £74m coming from sponsors such as Uniqlo, Rolex and Swiss shoe brand On.
      6. Kevin Durant – Basketball – £76m
      The Brooklyn Nets hero, 33, brings in the majority of his cash from commercial deals and a business empire, with £23m alone for wearing Nike trainers.
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      A whole host of business ventures help Kevin Durant earn the big bucksCredit: AP
      Other sources of incoming include Coinbase, Weepmaps, Boardroom, Thirty Five Ventures, an NFT platform and a digital fitness startup.
      5. Steph Curry – Basketball – £76m
      No NBA player earned more this season on the court than Curry – and that £38m figure is only going up after he signed a whopping new contract to see him pocket nearly £50m by 2025-26.
      As one of the most marketable NBA players, Steph Curry has huge incoming on and off the courtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Away from Golden State, the 34-year-old has an FTX endorsement which includes an equity stake and NFTs in three metaverses – although he pledged to donate the earnings – as well as a production company Unanimous Media.

      Neymar, 30, is on around £600,000 a week as his basic wage at PSG, delivering just 12 goals in all competitions this term and only a Ligue 1 winners medal to show.
      Neymar is one of the top-paid footballers in the world before considering his dealsCredit: AFP
      But Forbes have him down as earning another £500,000 per week on average from various bonuses and signing-on fees – plus £20m from endorsements such as Puma, Red Bull, Netflix and his recent launch of an electric car in Germany alongside Alica Schmidt.

      Time for the big hitters and no surprise to see Ronaldo’s name right among them with his mammoth Manchester United wages and various extra bonuses.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is forced to settle behind Lionel Messi once againCredit: Getty
      Just shy of half of the 37-year-old’s £94m came from off-field payments including mega bucks from Nike, Herbalife and Clear shampoo while the Portuguese icon rakes it in from the likes of ZujuGP as the most-followed person on Instagram.
      2. LeBron James – Basketball – £99m
      James’ basketball accolades speak for themselves with the LA Lakers great continuing to be paid huge wages in the NBA.
      LeBron James is the top-paid athlete in all of American sportsCredit: Getty
      But two-thirds of his 2022 comes from elsewhere including featuring in Space Jam, his The Shop talk show, selling his stake in a production company and various endorsements including with Crypto.com – together they made James, 37, the tenth athlete to pass the 12-month $100m landmark.
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      Top of the pile is Messi, 34, who bags an eye-watering £1.2m per WEEK simply by being a PSG player once bonus fees are added to his monster wages – although apparently that £61m is £18m less than his annual wage during his last year at Barcelona.
      The £16m deal with Socios, together with being on the payroll of adidas, Budweiser, PepsiCo and Hard Rock International means the Ballon d’Or winner made the same amount off the field (£45m) as Ronaldo for the first time since 2013.
      PSG money pagnet Messi is crowned king once again – just as he was in 2019Credit: Getty More

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      Chelsea’s £4.25bn takeover more than DOUBLES record for most expensive in sport history and dwarfs Man Utd fee by £3bn

      by

      CHELSEA’S proposed £4.25billion takeover is set to more than DOUBLE the record for the most expensive in sporting history – and it dwarfs the fee paid for rivals Manchester United.Todd Boehly’s consortium have signed a deal to purchase the club after Roman Abramovich decided to sell up.
      Todd Boehly is leading a consortium that looks set to buy Chelsea for a record £4bnCredit: Getty

      Chelsea confirmed £2.5bn will be deposited into a frozen UK bank account with the intention to donate it all to charitable causes.
      The remaining £1.75bn is for investment into the club including developments of Stamford Bridge and the women’s team.
      Boehly was pictured outside the ground on Friday night with fellow members of his group including ex-chancellor George Osborne.
      However, the mega-deal is not over the line just yet and needs to go through due processes with the Government and the Premier League but is expected to be completed by May 31.
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      We take a look at the ten most-expensive takeovers in world sport, based on today’s US Dollars to British Sterling exchange rate…

      US couple Jimmy and Dee Haslam bought the Ohio-based NFL team in 2012 for £754m.
      It’s claimed they have already helped double the value of the franchise in their decade spell at the club.
      Despite that, the business couple have been unable to deliver a first NFL championship since 1964.
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      9. Toronto Maple Leafs – Ice Hockey – £760m
      Rogers Communications and BCE Inc – Canada’s largest telecoms companies – bought a 75 per cent share of the NHL franchise in 2012.
      The two companies had worked together at the 2010 Winter Olympics – held in Vancouver, Canada – and teamed up again to buy the ice hockey giants.
      The Maple Leafs have won 13 Stanley Cups – the second-most in NHL history – but haven’t clinched the title since 1967.
      =7. Seattle Mariners – Baseball – £920m
      US businessman John Stanton led a 17-strong consortium to take majority control in 2016 – having first bought into the team in 1992.
      The group have added over £150m to the value of the team already after partnering with streaming service DirecTV.
      However, the team have never clinched the MLB title – only ever qualifying for the playoffs four times in their 45-year history.
      =7. Miami Marlins – Baseball – £920m
      MLB legend Derek Jeter grabbed the headlines after throwing his hat into the ring to buy the Florida-based franchise.
      But the New York Yankees icon had some powerful backers, with billionaire Bruce S. Sherman helping finance the deal worth just shy of £1bn.
      Jeter is claimed to have fronted roughly £16m for the deal, with Sherman’s input into the hundreds of millions.
      But the Marlins are still waiting to break their near 20-year title drought, having last won a championship in 2003.

      Terry Pegula and wife Kim purchased the NFL side in 2014 – and kept the team in Buffalo, despite rumours of a relocation.
      Terry made his money in natural gas and real estate before expanding his empire into sports and entertainment.
      And the couple splashed over £1bn on the American Football side – helping break their 17-year playoff drought in 2017 and helping them make the post-season all but one season since then.
      The Glazer family, pictured with club legend Sir Bobby Charlton, spent £1.15bn on Man Utd in 2005Credit: Getty

      The oldest entry on the list, the Glazer family’s investment in United in 2005 make it the only non-US sports team to crack the top ten most-expensive takeovers in sport.
      At the time of the deal, the Glazers spent £790m on the club – which converted into today’s money equates to £1.15bn.
      United had been privately run for nearly a century before the family’s takeover, with fans famously unhappy with their current owners for lumbering the team with a mountain of debt.
      The Glazers enjoyed early success with five Premier League titles during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.
      But their relationship with supporters has soured further amid the club’s worst run since they were last relegated 48 years ago.
      United haven’t won a trophy in five years and have failed to launch a title bid since Fergie’s farewell season in 2012-13.
      =3. LA Dodgers – Baseball – £1.53bn
      Guggenheim Baseball Management paid a staggering $2bn to buy the Los Angeles side in 2012 – with NBA legend Magic Johnson part of the consortium.
      Incoming Chelsea owner Boehly was also involved and has a 20 per cent ownership.
      Since the takeover a decade ago, the Dodgers have reached the World Series three times – winning once, in 2020.
      =3. LA Clippers – Basketball – £1.53bn
      Another Los Angeles sporting giant high on the list, Microsoft co-founder Steve Ballmer bought the NBA side in 2014.
      It was the most-expensive takeover in basketball history at the time, famously replacing Donald Sterling who was forced to sell having been caught making racist remarks about the team.
      Ballmer is regularly found passionately cheering the Clippers on court-side – and has helped the team rise out of their LA rivals, the Lakers’, shadow.
      The Clippers have still never won the NBA title, but did reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time ever in 2021, only to fall short against losing NBA finalists, the Phoenix Suns.
      2. Houston Rockets – Basketball – £1.68bn
      Another NBA side on the list, American businessman Tilman Fertitta tried to buy the Texas-based franchise in 1993 only to miss out – and finally fulfil his dream in 2017.
      Still a record buy for an NBA team, Fertitta spent £1.68bn on the Rockets.
      The team have twice reached the Western Conference Semi-Finals since the takeover and one made it to the Conference Finals.
      But last season, the Rockets were the worst team in the entire NBA with just 17 wins from their 72 matches.

      The most-expensive takeover ever – for now – is the purchase of the Carolina Panthers in 2018.
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      Hedge fund billionaire David Tepper splashed £1.76bn on the team – but is yet to deliver a Super Bowl crown.
      In fact, the Panthers haven’t even made the playoffs since the takeover… More

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      in Boxing

      Watch Jake Paul KO mascot with brutal punch in front of shocked fans hours after watching brother Logan at Wrestlemania

      by

      JAKE PAUL shocked Houston Rockets fans on Sunday night by knocking out their mascot, Clutch.The Problem Child was sat courtside for their NBA match against the Minnesota Timberwolves, when Clutch came over to him.
      Clutch playfully confronted Jake Paul courtsideCredit: Instagram / @jakepaul
      The Problem Child unleashed a vicious right handCredit: Instagram / @jakepaul
      Clutch was left sprawled on the courtCredit: Instagram / @jakepaul
      The Rockets’ mascot, who was wearing giant boxing gloves, playfully offered Paul a fight – with the YouTube boxer getting up and lining him up.
      Fans were left stunned when he unleashed a right hand at Clutch, who was sent tumbling to the floor.
      The KO was met by gasps, with no fans cheering the violent act against the cuddly looking bear.
      Clutch was reportedly left laying on the court for some time, before eventually being carried away.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}POKED OUT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Paul wore £4MILLION Pokemon card around neck for WWE debut at WrestleMania
      It was not immediately clear if the incident was staged.
      The Rockets went on to lose a high-scoring clash 139-132 against the play-in bound Timberwolves.
      Paul found himself in Texas having watched his brother Logan in action at Wrestlemania 38 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Saturday night.
      The elder Paul brother, who wore a £4million Pokemon card around his neck, teamed up with The Miz to defeat Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio – impressing fans with his display.
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      Paul was then “betrayed” by The Miz, who went on to attack him.
      Of the “betrayal”, Paul said after the event: “I think it’s equivalent to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock.
      “I’m still processing why The Miz betrayed me. To be honest with you, if I had to guess, he’s probably jealous. I was doing flips, I went off the top rope, I was doing cool s***.
      “Put quite simply, he’s not capable of doing that s***. He’s older, he’s a little thicker. I’m young, I’m spry.
      “He just doesn’t have it like me and I think he got jealous and decided to turn on me.
      “F*** you, Miz. F*** you so hard.” More