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      in Motorsport

      Inside the abandoned £540m F1 circuit planned for the Vietnamese GP before it was axed when mayor was sentenced to jail

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      VIETNAM planned to host their very first Grand Prix back in 2020.The £540million Hanoi motor race circuit was set to welcome the paddock as Formula 1 expanded its reach to new territories across the globe.
      Vietnam was due to host its first F1 GP in 2020Credit: AFP
      The coronavirus pandemic led to the inaugural edition being postponedCredit: AFP
      It has not returned to the F1 calendar since 2020Credit: AFP
      Cyclists now use the Hanoi circuitCredit: AFP
      It has been abandoned as no F1 race appears on the horizonCredit: AFP
      Motorcyclists have also been seen driving through the gates of the fenced off circuitCredit: AFP
      Vietnam signed a 10-year deal with F1 back in 2018 – an agreement which cost around £54million and was to be funded by private conglomerate, VinGroup.
      But the inaugural edition of the Vietnam GP ended up being axed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      Since then, it has not appeared on the F1 calendar.
      In 2021, it was dropped from the schedule after city mayor Nguyen Duc Chung – a major supporter of the race – was arrested.
      READ MORE IN F1
      He would later be sentenced to ten years in prison for corruption charges.
      State media then claimed last year that authorities had dismissed any hope of Vietnam staging a race there until at least 2029.
      However, the authorities refused to confirm this to external media outlets.
      F1 released the 2023 calendar last month, with Vietnam once again missing out.
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      And images of the track – which features a 1.5km straight and street-style third sector – show that the spectator stands have been taken away.
      The 3.5 mile circuit, which is surrounded by grass and weeds, is partly fenced off to the public.
      However, some cyclists and motorcyclists have been seen going through the gates, spilling over from the busy roads in the city.
      And another part of the circuit has been opened up for the Vietnamese people to use as public roads.
      It is not yet known if, when or what the circuit will be used for in the future.
      One side of the circuit has been opened up for day-to-day useCredit: AFP
      It is a sad sight to see the track abandoned two years after its first GP was scheduled to take placeCredit: AFP
      It is unlikely a Grand Prix will take place here before the end of the decadeCredit: AFP
      F1 fans in Vietnam have been left disappointed by the failure to stage a Grand PrixCredit: AFP More

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      in Boxing

      Footballers who swapped the beautiful game for fighting, like Rio Ferdinand, Marcin Wasilewski, Wayne Bridge and more

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      FOOTBALLERS are always encouraged to think about what career path they will take when they hang up their boots.Some choose to go into coaching, others invest in property… and some decide to knock lumps out of one another.
      Marcin Wasilewski is set to begin a career in cage fightingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Former Leicester defender Marcin Wasilewski has become the latest ex-pro to swap shin pads for mouth guards.
      The Pole, 42, retired from football in November 2020 and is set to enter the world of cage fighting.
      A bout with ex-Bolton and Hearts defender Blazej Augustyn is even being lined up.
      Here, SunSport details the fighting careers of five other footballers who have turned to the ring.
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      Rio Ferdinand
      England legend Ferdinand’s football career brought several glittering moments but his boxing days were over before they really started.
      Sponsored by a betting company to step into the ring in September 2017, the former defender was jarringly denied a licence.
      The British Boxing Board of Control deemed it ‘not beneficial’ to allow Ferdinand his second career.
      Most read in Boxing
      And the Manchester United hero quickly called time on his boxing comeback.
      He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I am hanging up my gloves.
      “To not be given the chance to demonstrate my ability to the BBBofC through the standard assessment afforded to others is hard to take.”
      Fast forward to October 2020 and Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn revealed his desire to stage an Old Trafford showdown between Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney.
      Rio Ferdinand won a shedload of trophies as a footballerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The ex-defender was unsuccessful in his attempt at a boxing careerCredit: OnEdition
      Katie Taylor
      Arguably the world’s top female boxer, Taylor is also a former Republic of Ireland international footballer.
      The ex-winger starred for Peamount United in the late 2000s yet missed her side’s FAI Women’s Cup final in 2009 to be crowned Europe’s best amateur fighter.
      Taylor won 11 caps for her country, scoring twice, before choosing to focus on boxing a decade ago.
      Former team-mate Marie Curtin would later tell the Mirror that Taylor ‘would have excelled to the highest level’ had she stayed in football.
      Curtin added: “There were no barriers. Her mindset is so strong and you need leaders like that on your team to win.”
      And Taylor fondly remembers her playing days, even recalling a crunching tackle that was posted on Twitter a couple of years ago.
      I remember it well Derek, it was intentional haha! Thanks for sharing!!— Katie Taylor (@KatieTaylor) January 5, 2018

      Katie Taylor played a number of times for the Republic of Ireland women’s teamCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      Wayne Bridge
      Hardly the most aggressive left-back of his day, ex-Chelsea man Bridge showed the fire in his belly with a stint in boxing two years ago.
      A Sport Relief clash with Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews saw the defender take on a man nine years his junior.
      The three-round affair started tightly before Bridge unleashed a barrage of blows.
      Matthews hit the deck twice and yet made it to the final bell, at which Bridge won on points.
      The former England international, who has also appeared on I’m A Celeb, retired from football aged 33 in 2014.
      His boxing career ended with that one charity fight and he is now said to refer to himself as a ‘stay-at-home dad’ for the two kids he shares with wife Frankie.
      Wayne Bridge retired from football aged 33 due to an injury nightmareCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He agreed to a charity contest for BBC Sport ReliefCredit: BBC
      Leon McKenzie
      A star forward for the likes of Norwich, Peterborough and Coventry on the pitch, McKenzie would later forge a decent super-middleweight career.
      Having hung up his boots in January 2013, he pulled on the gloves just six months later.
      A debut win over John Mason at Bethnal Green’s historic York Hall set him on a string of nine fights without defeat.
      An English title fight with Jahmaine Smyle saw McKenzie suffer a first defeat before he rounded off an 11-fight career with a nine-round loss to Cello Renda.
      The ex-striker also joined forces with former England cricketer Steve Harmison for a talkSPORT podcast on sports stars’ post-retirement plans.
      He said: “For a while I was trying to hold on to ‘former professional boxer and footballer’. That was my identity. I’ve accepted my position now.”
      Leon McKenzie helped Norwich win promotion to the Premier League in 2004Credit: PA:Press Association
      The 42-year-old put together an impressive 11-fight boxing careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Curtis Woodhouse
      Few footballers have made the switch to boxing as convincingly as Woodhouse.
      Birmingham paid £1million to sign the midfielder from Sheffield United in 2001 before spells with Peterborough, Hull and more.
      Disenchanted with the game, he quit aged 26 to spark a long career in the ring.
      An assault conviction halted Woodhouse’s rise but he soon began teaming both of his sports.
      Read More on The Sun
      Over 31 fights, he claimed 24 wins and went 12 rounds with Frankie Gavin for the WBO Intercontinental welterweight belt in 2011.
      The Driffield Destroyer won English and British level titles before retiring in 2017, and can now be found managing non-league Gainsborough Trinity.
      Birmingham once paid a seven-figure fee to sign Curtis WoodhouseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The midfielder teamed a non-league career with a number of boxing boutsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Woodhouse lost six stone in weight when returning from a spell away from the ring
      Katie Taylor vows to fight on until women are given equal pay with male fighters ahead of world title defence More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Brazil World Cup star and serial trophy winner looks unrecognisable with new hairstyle and goatee beard

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      A former Brazil and Chelsea star looks unrecognisable with a new hairstyle and trendy goatee beard.But can you guess who it is?
      This Chelsea legend looks unrecognisable with a new hairstyle and goatee beardCredit: Instagram @chelseafc
      This former Stamford Bridge favourite used to run the show from midfield each week.
      Making an instant impact in London, he spent five-and-a-half years with Chelsea.
      And he also won an impressive 52 caps for Brazil, featuring at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
      He played in all seven games at their home tournament eight years ago – which they were knocked out of in the semi-finals after an astonishing 7-1 defeat to Germany.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

      Guessed who it is yet?
      Yes, it is Blues icon and former Brazilian midfield ace Ramires.
      He spent his time at Chelsea with a smooth, shaved head and no facial hair.
      But Ramires revealed a new look ahead of the club’s FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool earlier this year.
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      Ramires won multiple trophies at Chelsea during a five-and-a-half year spellCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ramires joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2010 for £18million, having just won a Portuguese league and cup double.
      And he went on to score 34 goals in 251 games as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder.
      He won a Premier League title, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League during his Stamford Bridge spell.
      But he was shown the door in January 2016 when he joined the Chinese Super League revolution with Jiangsu Suning for £25m.
      Ramires played 71 times for the Far East side before returning to Brazil with Palmeiras.
      Making 43 appearances, he won the 2020 Treble before departing soon after.
      Ramires was then without a club and eventually retired. More

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      in Soccer

      France’s World Cup Wags ahead of England clash include high-school sweetheart, qualified lawyer and tattoo parlour owner

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      SHOUTING ‘Allez Les Bleus’ to the top of the lungs will be France’s Wags, when they face England in the World Cup quarter-final.Didier Deschamps took his side to the top of Group D – with the French seeing off Poland in the last 16.
      France’s Wags include stunning Alicia AyliesCredit: Getty
      Former Miss France Aylies is the girlfriend of Kylian Mbappe
      And joining the stars of the national team at the Al Bayt Stadium when they take on the Three Lions for a place in the final four will be their stunning wives and partners.
      From a qualified lawyer to a tattoo parlour, these women will be getting behind their men.
      Alicia Aylies
      Beautiful 23-year-old Alicia is the long-term girlfriend PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.
      They reportedly began dating in 2018, and she was spotted in the stands cheering the forward on at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Alicia is a model, who won Miss France.
      As a couple, Mbappe and the beauty prefer to keep their romance private.

      Camille Tytgat
      Raphael Varane’s wife Camille is a law graduate from Lille.
      She married the Man Utd defender in 2015, although the pair were high-school sweethearts.
      Most read in Football
      The pair have two children together, a boy called Ruben and a girl named Anais.
      Camille, 28, is also a World Cup veteran, having watched her other half in Russia four years ago.
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      Raphael Varane’s wife Camille Tytgat was spotted at the 2018 World Cup in RussiaCredit: AFP
      Qualified lawyer Tytgat is the mother of two children, Ruben and Anais
      Zoe Cristofoli
      Tattoo lover Cristofoli, 26, is the girlfriend of AC Milan star Theo Hernandez.
      She and the defender share a son called TJ.
      The stunner has a love of ink, with her body a canvas for it.
      While she also runs her own parlour Ink Studio Lagrange in Turin.
      Zoe Cristofoli runs her own tattoo parlour in TurinCredit: Instagram @zoe_cristofoli
      Cristofoli dates Theo Hernandez
      Erika Choperena
      Erika, 31, is a child psychologist and wife of Antoine Griezmann.
      The pair were together for six years, before they finally married in an amazing ceremony at the 11th Century Palacio de Galiana in Toledo, Spain in 2017.
      She also runs her own clothing label for kids called Duzama.
      They have three children together, Amaro, Mia, and Alba.
      Erika Choperena runs her own kids’ fashion label
      Antoine Griezmann with wife Erika
      Marine Lloris
      Another children’s fashion designer, Marine owns the clothing label, Manege en Sucre.
      She boasts customers including Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria – who shop for their kids with the luxury brand.
      The 36-year-old has been married to Tottenham shot-stopper Hugo Lloris since 2012.
      The elegant brunette is also a mother of two daughters, Anna-Rose, Giuliana and Leandro.
      Marine Lloris also has a clothing label that’s worn by the kids of Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria
      Hugo Lloris has been married to Marine since 2012
      Mae Guendouzi
      22-year-old Mae is the wife of former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi.
      They went public in 2019 when he played for the Gunners, and have been inseparable ever since.
      Read More on The Sun
      Last year they welcomed baby girl Mayleen into their lives.
      They live in Marseille, where Matteo is now making a name for himself.
      22-year-old Mae Guendouzi is another glam French WagCredit: Instagram @rfskmae
      Mae with husband Matteo Guendouzi More

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      in Boxing

      Artur Beterbiev claims Canelo Alvarez’s weakness is punch power and says he has blueprint to beat P4P star

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      ARTUR BETERBIEV reckons he has the beating of pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez.Undisputed super-middleweight king Canelo is back in the crosshairs of the Russian following his return to the light-heavyweight division.
      Canelo Alvarez is closing in on a return to the light-heavyweight divisionCredit: GETTY
      And unified 175lb champ Artur Beterbiev has set his sights on a showdown with the pound-for-pound kingCredit: REX
      Canelo conceded both height and reach to Dmitry Bivol after stepping up to 175lbs back in May.
      And the Mexican paid the price, losing for just the second time in his career.
      Speaking before Alvarez’s shock defeat, Beterbiev told SunSport: “I disagree with your assessment that he is pretty much unbeatable.  
      “It is not true. He lost to [Floyd] Mayweather, he had equal fights verses GGG [Gennady Golovkin].
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      “With that said, Canelo is undoubtedly a good fighter, he has the technique, he works nicely on the ring, and he has a good punch.
      “Of course, I will do my best to beat him, because he is not unbeatable.
      “His loss to Mayweather and equal fights vs. GGG is proof of that.
      “I don’t consider myself worse than Mayweather or GGG as a fighter.
      Most read in SPORT
      “So the result of our fight will show who is the best between the two of us.”
      Beterbiev reckons a dust-up with the Guadalajara gladiator would be a box-office smash.
      He said: “I am sure that would be a mega-fight. It will be one of the huge events over the last years.”
      Canelo’s ferocity was on full display in consecutive stoppage victories over Anvi Yildirim, Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant.
      He recently got back to winning ways, dispatching Gennady Golovkin in their trilogy match.
      But Beterbiev doesn’t have the slightest concern about the punching power possessed by the four-weight world champion.
      Canelo’s ferocious punch power doesn’t intimidate Beterbiev at allCredit: GETTY
      He said: “I think his technical side outweighs his physical force.
      “His asset in the boxing is his thinking, he is a smart fighter.
      “As for his punch power, I think there are fighters in our division who are stronger than him, who hit harder.
      “I don’t follow up closely other fighters, but Canelo seems to be training hard and he gets what he wants.
      “As for how I am going to beat him, I don’t want to reveal it to anyone.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Generally speaking, I would be following the same guidelines I used in my previous fights.
      “I will do my best to be fully prepared for this fight and stay 100% focused on it.” More

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      in Boxing

      Eddie Hall floored YouTube star Nile Wilson after he volunteers to take punch from former World’s Strongest Man

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      EDDIE HALL decked Nile Wilson in devastating fashion after the YouTuber volunteered to take a punch from the former World’s Strongest Man.Hall made his boxing debut earlier this year against strongman rival Hafthor Bjornsson.
      Eddie Hall decked YouTuber Nile WilsonCredit: Instagram
      Nile Wilson volunteered to take a punch from the former World’s Strongest ManCredit: Instagram
      And Wilson – a retired Olympic gymnast – was on hand to feel the full force of the Brit’s power.
      Hall, who stands 6ft 3in and 25 STONE, completely dwarfed the 5ft 6in, 9st 4lb, ex-athlete.
      Wilson attempted a punch of his own but it has no effect whatsoever on the super-heavyweight.
      Hall, 34, said: “The thing is, mate, I train – with my training, I’ll hang on a bar and my training partner will smash me in the gut.
      READ MORE ON BOXING
      “Obviously, as you can see, I’ve also got a massive wall of thick muscle there.”
      Later on, Hall lands a single jab to Wilson, who is wearing a body belt – but it still sent him flying in the brilliant 2021 clip.
      Wilson, 26, said: “My brain hit the back of my head.”
      Hall then joked: “I think I might have actually knocked him out…”
      Most read in Boxing
      But Wilson rather unconvincing replied: “I’m alright, yeah.”
      Hall and ‘Thor’ Bjornsson squared off in a fight billed the ‘heaviest boxing match in history’.
      Game of Thrones star Bjornsson, 33, dominated the contest and ran out a clear winner.
      Both giants have dramatically transformed their bodies as they swap weight lifting for tireless punching.
      Bjornsson saw off Irish cruiserweight Steven Ward before taking on Hall
      Hall changed his look for the start of Movember by going completely clean shavenCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      Where Lionel Messi’s 15 wonderkids picked out to be future superstars are now, including Mason Mount

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      IN 2020, Lionel Messi picked out 15 young stars to watch – but where are they now?The PSG superstar, 35, named his favourite wonderkids for a Topps ‘Lionel Messi Designed Set’ card pack.
      We look at how the 15 youngsters Messi picked out as ones to watch have fared in the year that followedCredit: Reuters
      Messi selected a hatful of young English talent among his crop – with no fewer than FOUR Three Lions stars making the grade.
      But the 15 youngsters have endured very different years since Messi’s announcement.
      Take a look at where they are now, one year on…
      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
      Alexander-Arnold has struggled a bit for consistency since his epic riseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Read more in football
      MESSI got a first-hand view of the Liverpool right-back’s talent in the 2018-19 Champions League.
      Alexander-Arnold, 24, was in blistering form as the Reds thumped Barcelona 4-0 in the second-leg of their semi-final clash – and even took the corner leading to Divock Origi’s winning goal to send them to the final.
      Still Liverpool’s No1 right-back, Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism over his defensive ability in the last few seasons.
      But with key Liverpool players, it’s little wonder consistency has been hard to come by.
      Most read in Football
      HOUSSEM AOUAR
      Houssem Aouar excelled for Lyon in his first full seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
      LINKED with a move to Arsenal, Aouar has captained Lyon and already won cap for France.
      Technically superb, the versatile midfielder, 24, was expected to complete a big-money move to another of Europe’s giants in 2021.
      However, a loss of form and questions about his temperament emerged.
      Most recently, Nottingham Forest reportedly tried to bring him to the Premier League.
      FRENKIE DE JONG
      Frenkie De Jong is still waiting to find his top form at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A former team-mate of Messi, the Argentine knows all about De Jong.
      The Dutchman, 25, moved from Ajax following their run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final.
      While De Jong is yet to replicate his top form at the Nou Camp – time is certainly on his side.
      Man Utd thought so, anyway, and were desperate to sign him in the summer. However, he snubbed their offer – preferring to stay at Camp Nou.
      MOUSSA DEMBELE
      Moussa Dembele moved to Atletico Madrid on loan in 2021Credit: Alamy Live News
      THE French striker, 26, joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Lyon with a view to a permanent move back in 2021.
      But, he failed to impress Diego Simeone – and was soon back to France.
      The ex-Fulham and Celtic forward was rated one of Europe’s most-sought-after stars after a sensational three-year spell in France.
      Dembele has scored 69 times in 159 matches in all competitions for Lyon.
      JOAO FELIX
      Joao Felix is slowly starting to find his feet at Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
      ANOTHER Atleti forward, Diego Simeone added Felix to his squad for a record £113million in 2019.
      But the 23-year-old has failed to live up to the hype expected of him.
      A poor return of 33 goals in 129 games and has meant Simeone is ready to cut his losses.
      Man Utd are one of the clubs that have been linked with the fallen wonderkid.
      PHIL FODEN
      Phil Foden has been in exceptional form for Man CityCredit: AFP
      THE Manchester City star, 22, is making a name for himself across Europe.
      As well as Messi, Foden has garnered praise from the likes of Arsene Wenger.
      Under Pep Guardiola, Foden has flourished and become a full international.
      The clamour for him to be England’s main man at the World Cup was too much for Gareth Southgate to resist – and he inspired the Three Lions to a 3-0 win over Wales.
      KAI HAVERTZ
      Kai Havertz has struggled mightily since his £70m move to Chelsea last summerCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      AFTER Messi’s comments, Havertz teased clubs across Europe by showing off his unquestionable talent at Bayer Leverkusen.
      After Chelsea opted to splash £70m on the midfielder/forward, Havertz, 23, was expected to take the next step.
      The German star has blown hot and cold for the Blues, showing glimpses of his talent – but never on a consistent level.
      LUKA JOVIC
      Luka Jovic tried to rekindle his form back at Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: EPA
      SIGNED by Real Madrid from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019, Jovic’s career has really stalled.
      The Serbian, 24, scored just twice in 21 LaLiga games before being shipped back on loan to Frankfurt last year.
      Jovic scored twice off the bench in his first game back in the Bundesliga – but didn’t exactly pull up trees.
      Los Blancos cut their losses in the summer – flogging him to Fiorentina where he has seven goals in all competitions this season.
      JOSHUA KIMMICH
      Joshua Kimmich continues to prove he is one of the best players in the worldCredit: AFP
      HARDLY a wonderkid at the time of Messi’s revelation – Kimmich was already 25.
      The German feels like he’s been around for a decade already and is easily one of the best players on the planet.
      The versatile star can play in midfield or at right-back and has already won 74 international caps, while helping Bayern Munich to a famous Treble last season.
      Kimmich was part of the Bayern team who trounced Messi’s Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-final, even getting on the scoresheet.
      KYLIAN MBAPPE
      Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best striker on the planet at presentCredit: AFP or licensors
      QUITE possibly the best striker on the planet right now, Mbappe has scored a sensational 190 goals in 237 league games for Paris Saint-Germain.
      The 2018 World Cup winner, 22, was set to move to Real Madrid last summer, but snubbed the LaLiga giants for a bumper £300million contract with the French club.
      Now he is his country’s greatest light at the World Cup in Qatar.
      EDER MILITAO
      Eder Militao is yet to earn himself a regular spot in the Real Madrid XICredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HAVING moved to Real Madrid from Porto in the summer of 2019, huge things were expected of the Brazilian, who was handed a SIX-YEAR contract.
      Militao, 24, has shown flashes of talent after breaking into the first team last campaign.
      But Militao can’t dislodge Thiago Silva and Marquinhos in the Brazilian national team.
      MASON MOUNT
      Mason Mount has been in superb form for a struggling Chelsea this seasonCredit: Tom Jenkins/ The Guardian
      A FUTURE Chelsea – and possibly even England – captain, Mount has been superb for the Blues.
      Mount, 23, bizarrely seems to split fans – but has shown grit, determination and extraordinary talent in a struggling Chelsea team.
      The midfielder has gone from strength-to-strength since Messi comments.
      It’s expected Mount will go on to forge an incredible partnership with the likes of Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Phil Foden for England in what’s increasingly looking like another ‘Golden Generation’.
      BENJAMIN PAVARD
      Benjamin Pavard is a key member of Bayern Munich’s rampant squadCredit: EPA
      MESSI was never going to leave the Bayern Munich man out of his list.
      After all, Pavard, 26, scored the goal of the tournament as France knocked Argentina out of the 2018 World Cup at the last-16 stage with a sensational strike in a 4-3 win.
      The versatile defender is now a regular in the Bayern XI, playing 140 Bundesliga games since joining from Stuttgart in 2019.
      CHRISTIAN PULISIC
      Christian Pulisic needs to fully recover from his injuries to show his true talentCredit: PA
      DESPITE struggling with injuries, Pulisic has shown fans – and Messi – just what he can do.
      Chelsea always seem to look more dangerous with the American, 24, in the team.
      Pulisic has also led the USA’s charge in Qatar.
      JADON SANCHO
      Sancho starred at Borussia Dortmund, but has struggled since moving to Man UtdCredit: EPA
      OF all the players on Messi’s list, Sancho has arguably been the most disappointment.
      The Man Utd star, 20, was the subject of the longest-running transfer saga ever, seemingly in 2021.
      Read More on The Sun
      Sancho eventually joined in a deal worth a staggering £73million.
      But he has been a big disappointment at Old Trafford – which culminated in being dropped from Southgate’s World Cup squad. More

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      in Soccer

      Brazil icon Ronaldo would be ‘most expensive player ever’ at £383m, while Maradona could cost £305m in today’s market

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      A COMPUTER has worked out how much the biggest transfers in history would cost in today’s prices and has named Ronaldo Nazario as the most expensive player of all time.Taking into account a wide variety of factors, most crucially Neymar’s mind boggling £196million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain three years ago, the original Ronaldo’s move from Barcelona to Inter Milan is valued at £383m if it happened in 2021.
      What the eight biggest transfer in history would cost in 2021 prices
      Two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo was the best striker in the world when he signed for InterCredit: AFP
      Maradona achieved legendary status at Stadio San PaoloCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Coming in behind the Brazil striker’s 1997 switch is Diego Maradona’s signing for Napoli in 1984 – which would be worth £305m today.
      Italian market analysts PlayRatings came up with an algorithm to determine modern day transfer fees for top players of bygone eras.
      The first thing they took into account was how reasonable each fee was at the time, with Ronaldo’s £27million deal considered a bargain.
      Performance data such as goals scored and age are also thrown into the mix before the key multiplier: dubbed the ‘Neymarizer’.
      This is a tool that ups the adjusted price by roughly 220 per cent, the theory being that Neymar was only really worth around £84m before leaving for £186m.
      In just one year at Barcelona, Ronaldo had smashed 47 goals in 49 games to earn him the Ballon d’Or and a world-record transfer.
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      Likewise, Maradona was a superstar before he arrived amid much fanfare in Italy, going on to win a World Cup and two Serie A titles during his time with Napoli.
      PlayRatings have even hypothesised that his market value at the end of the Scudetto-winning 1986/87 season topped £390m.
      Focused on Serie A’s biggest deals, the Neymarizer reckons both Christian Vieri and Michel Platini would today clock in at £296m.
      In 1999, striker Vieri signed for Inter from Lazio with Juventus snapping up Saint-Etienne star Platini back in 1982.
      Unsurprisingly, Marco van Basten also features with the Dutch star costing £291m if he completed his 1987 move to AC Milan from Ajax now.
      The list is completed with Gabriel Batistuta’s 2000 signing for Roma actually worth £249m were it to happen in 2021.
      Neymar still holds the world record transfer feeCredit: Alamy Live News
      And Gonzalo Higuain’s controversial £85m switch from Napoli to Juventus in 2016, a year before Neymar’s market changing transfer, comes in at a mega £234m today.
      Using the same idea, we have calculated what Alan Shearer’s world record £15m move from Blackburn to Newcastle may be worth today – approximately £182m.
      Higuain kicks coach and advertising boards after losing temper during Juventus training More