More stories

  • in

    Footballer scores winning goal before being arrested and hauled off pitch by cops

    A SEMI-PRO footballer scored a winning goal — before being arrested and hauled off by cops.Striker Jordan Evans, 31, came on as a sub for Baglan Dragons when they were 3-1 down.Striker Jordan Evans was arrested on the pitch after coming and scoring a goal – he was later released without chargeCredit: facebook.comThe 31-year-old footballer is escorted off the pitch by two copsCredit: TwitterTwo police officers are seen walking across the pitchCredit: TwitterHe then laid on a goal before putting them 4-3 up over Cwmbran Celtic in Saturday’s JD Cymru South League clash.But with five minutes left, fans were stunned when two cops marched on and escorted him out of the ground in Port Talbot, South Wales.He was arrested on suspicion of theft but released without charge four hours later.Evans later joked it was sparked by his team’s “criminal performance” in the first half.READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIESBemused fans applauded the semi-pro striker off and chanted his name as he was led away, while others captured the moment on camera and posted it on social media.Nick Simmo tweeted: “Not many footballers can claim a goal, assists and an arrest in one match!”Jac added: “Just a casual game in the Welsh leagues. A lad gets subbed on, scores a goal and gets an assist. Then gets arrested in the 85th minute.Only in south wales.”Most read in FootballHowever, one supporter blasted the police, saying: “The establishment could have waited ten minutes to not bring this to everyone’s door!”Watch ‘best sending off you’ll ever see’ as forward sees red for lashing out over piggy-in-the middle ‘s***housery’ More

  • in

    Former Premier League and Brazil star breaks down uncontrollably in tears as he announces retirement aged 36

    FORMER Premier League star Paulinho broke down in tears as he announced his retirement from football.The Brazilian starred for Tottenham between 2013 and 2015 and played over 50 times for his national side.Paulinho has announced his retirement from footballCredit: Getty – ContributorHe was emotional in his announcement videoCredit: Instagram @paulinhop8He left Spurs in 2015 to join Chinese side Guangzhou FCCredit: AFPHe landed a shock move to Barcelona in 2017Credit: REUTERSPaulinho, 36, has now hung up his boots for the last time with an emotional video on social media.He captioned the post: “Thank you football.”Speaking in the video, in which he struggles to talk, he said: “I was privileged to have been a multi-champion and to have won important things, as well as playing in two World Cups and playing for Barcelona.”I left a great legacy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”In my last game with Corinthians, with 45,000 Corinthians fans, I felt it would be my last game.”There would be no better way to say goodbye.”The midfielder has been swamped with tributes from fans and his former team-mates.One shared: “Congrats bro, an example of a player without a doubt!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “Thanks for everything brother! You’re a monster. Football. Thank you.”A third commented: “Congratulations on the beautiful career, your career is written and will never be erased.”Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyPaulinho’s career by numbersHere is a look at Paulinho’s career statistics…Club career:Pao de Acucar, 2006-2010Games: 39Goals: 7Assists: 0Vilnius (Loan), 2006-2007Games: 38Goals: 5Assists: 0LKS Lodz (Loan), 2007-2008Games: 17Goals: 0Assists: 0Bragantino (Loan), 2009-2010Games: 46Goals: 14Assists: 0Corinthians, 2010-2013 and 2022-2024Games: 212Goals: 40Assists: 17Tottenham, 2013-2015Games: 67Goals: 10Assists: 7Guangzhou FC, 2015-2017 and 2018-2021Games: 176Goals: 75Assists: 29Barcelona, 2017-2018Games: 49Goals: 9Assists: 3Al-Ahli, 2021Games: 4Goals: 2Assists: 0International career:Brazil, 2011-2018Games: 56Goals: 13Assists: 9He scored 13 goals for Brazil during his careerCredit: ReutersA fourth said: “Congratulations on a wonderful career! Let’s fly even higher, you deserve it!”Another added: “His legacy is immense.”Paulinho joined Tottenham as part of the club’s attempts to replace Gareth Bale after the Welshman joined Real Madrid.The Brazilian failed to show his best form in North London and left the club for the Chinese side Guangzhou FC after two seasons.However, in 2017, he made a shock return to European football as he signed for Barcelona in a £33million deal.During his time in Spain, he won the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey in 2018.He then returned to Guangzhou on an initial loan deal, which was then made permanent for £35m in 2019.He left the club yet again in 2021 after he was released from his contract due to the Covid-19 pandemic.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, he returned to Brazilian side Corinthians, where he made his name, in 2022.But after two years with the club, he has called time on his career.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Lionel Messi’s glam Wag Antonela loving new season as ‘soccer mom’ and is joined on sidelines by special guest

    LIONEL MESSI’S wife Antonela Roccuzzo took social media by storm as she kicked off a new season as a “soccer mom”.Antonela, 36, took her son Thiago for training and posted a series of selfies with her child on Instagram.Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo took her son Thiago to training for a new season as a ‘soccer mom’Antonela was joined by an unexpected guest while sitting on the touchlineAntonela was joined by a lizard while watching her son in actionAntonela will also be supporting Messi during another season with Inter MiamiCredit: AFPMessi’s childhood sweetheart took a seat by the touchline and was joined by an unexpected visitor while watching her son in action.And that was none other than a cute lizard that just happened to be passing by.Antonela posted: “New season of soccer mom starts.”Fans went wild as the photos attracted almost 1.5million likes from her 40.2m followers.Read More on FootballOne fan commented: “The most beautiful.”Another posted: “Goddess.”A third wrote: “What a beautiful family. We love you eternally.”This fan said: “The queen.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd that one gushed: “You are the most beautiful in the whole world.”Messi, 37, is currently sidelined with an injury and watched his team Inter Miami in action from the stands alongside Antonela two weeks ago during a home match against Cincinnati at the Chase Stadium.Work out which global sporting icon lives in this waterside padBut it was the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s partner that stole the headlines as she noticed the Apple TV cameramen were keeping a close eye on her and blew a kiss directly down the lens. More

  • in

    Meet the glamorous Finland Wags including interior designer and influencer who will cheer on their men against England

    MANAGER Markku Tapio Kanerva will need his Finland team to be on top form to beat England.The two nations go face to face at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday in the Nations League.Kirsikka is married to a Premier League cult heroCredit: Instagram / kirsikkapukkiJanni Lod lives with hubby Robin in the USCredit: Instagram / jannilodTuomas Ollila’s girlfriend Isa is an influencerCredit: Instagram / isaemiliaaThe Three Lions have a near-perfect record against the Scandinavian side, having won nine out of 11 matches, drawing the other two.The last time the two nations clashed was in March 2001, with England winning the World Cup qualifier 2-1.Aki Riihilahti had put Finland ahead before Michael Owen and David Beckham scored to win the game.The visitors will be expecting plenty of travelling fans to come and show their support.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMeanwhile, the players will be cheered on by their stunning Wags.SunSport takes a look at Finland’s players’ partners that could make history should they beat Lee Carsley’s men.Henriikka KemppainenHenriikka Kemppainen is the partner of Finland international Robert Ivanov.She got engaged to the Eintracht Braunschweig star back in June.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShe enjoys a glam lifestyle and recently jetted off to the French Riviera with Ivanov for a holiday during the off-season.Henriikka Kemppainen is one of the Finland star’s WagsCredit: Instagram / henriikkaiidaShe is engaged to Robert IvanovCredit: Instagram / henriikkaiidaIida TenhoIida Tenho is married to Finland defender Miro Tenho, who plays for Djurgården in Sweden, having tied the knot in July this year.Meet model Marta Marchena, the Prem’s newest Wag who joined on deadline day, loves exotic trips and shares bikini picsShe works at the Lumene Group, which provides sustainable beauty products.Iida is the company’s global lead for content and social media. Iida Tenho will also be cheering on the Fins against EnglandCredit: Instagram / iidatenhoShe is married to Miro TenhoCredit: Instagram / iidatenhoShe works at the Lumene GroupCredit: Instagram / iidatenhoIsa EmiliaIsa Emilia is the girlfriend of Paris FC ace Tuomas Ollila.She is a digital creator and influencer with 1.8k followers on Instagram and 2.6k on TikTok.The blonde stunner often shares make-up tips and snaps of her trips.She has recently visited the glamorous cities of Paris, Barcelona and Helsinki.Isa Emilia is a digital creatorCredit: Instagram / isaemiliaaShe is dating Tuomas OllilaCredit: Instagram / isaemiliaaLinda MelissaLinda Melissa is the partner of Finland midfielder Kaan KairinenLinda is a fashion stylist and often shares pictures of her stunning outfits on social media.She is based in Prague as Kairinen currently plays for Czech outfit Sparta Prague.Kaan Kairinen is dating Linda MelissaCredit: Instagram / lindammmelissaLinda is a fashion stylistCredit: Instagram / lindammmelissaJanni LodJanni Lod is the wife of Finland’s Robin Lod.The couple have two children together, Louisa and Leon, and live in the US with Lod starring for MLS side Minnesota United.She used to work as a marketing coordinator at an IT company.Janni Lod used to work in ITCredit: Instagram / jannilodShe is married to Robin LodCredit: Instagram / jannilodKirsikka PukkiKirsikka Pukki is married to Premier League cult hero Teemu Pukki.She is well known to English football fans due to the striker’s time with Norwich City.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe stunning brunette works as an interior designer and has her own company, Pukki Interiors Design Studio.Like Lod, Pukki, 34, is currently playing his football for Minnesota in the MLS.Kirsikka will be cheering on FinlandCredit: Instagram / kirsikkapukkiShe is married to Teemu PukkiCredit: Instagram / kirsikkapukkiShe works as an interior designerCredit: Instagram / kirsikkapukkiLee Carsley’s first senior England squad More

  • in

    Georgina Rodriguez dazzles on front cover of Forbes magazine as Cristiano Ronaldo Wag’s amazing rise to top continues

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’S partner Georgina Rodriguez has made it to a special front cover.Georgina, 30, burst onto the scene in 2016 when she started dating Ronaldo, 39, and quickly became the most followed WAG on social media with 62.6million fans on Instagram alone.Cristiano Ronaldo’s WAG Georgina Rodriguez posed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30Georgina is the most followed WAG on social mediaCredit: Instagram / georginagioGeorgina and Ronaldo have been dating since 2016Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9r-X6SNFff/?hl=en-gb&img_index=1Georgina shares a series of glam snaps on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9r-X6SNFff/?hl=en-gb&img_index=1Georgina has also launched a series of ad campaignsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9r-X6SNFff/?hl=en-gb&img_index=1The couple met at a Gucci store, where she was a sales assistant during a time when she was living in a cramped, shared house and made £250 per week.But the model quickly built a £9million net worth and that ultimately led her to the cover of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 edition.Georgina posed in a brown figure-hugging top with a pair of black tights.The publication’s special issue celebrates 30 notable people under 30 years old in various industries.Read More on FootballGeorgina’s wealth is bumped up by the Netflix documentary I Am Georgina, as well as ad campaigns for Prada, Gucci and Chanel.The Argentine’s social media accounts keep growing as she shares pics from a series of glam photoshoots.She also posts regular content from her everyday life with Ronaldo and their family.The pair have two children together and formed a family with CR7’s three kids born to two surrogate mothers.Most read in FootballShe also shares snaps from various high-profile events she attends, such as the recent Venice Film Festival.Georgina wowed on the red carpet as she posed in an eye-catching white dress.Cristiano Ronaldo squeezes Georgina Rodriguez’s bum on holidayMeanwhile, Ronaldo continues to compete despite his advanced age as the captain of Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.Inside the glamorous world of Georgina Rodriguez…Georgina lives a life to be enviedCredit: InstagramThe stunning partner of Ronaldo offers insights into her world using her social channelsCredit: instagram @georginagioShe has over 50 million followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe met Ronaldo whilst working as a shop girl at DiorCredit: The Mega AgencyShe is now the mother to his five children, two of which Georgina is the maternal motherCredit: EPAGeorgina now resides in Saudi Arabia follower her partner’s move to the countryCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagramGeorgina loves luxury holidays and can often be seen on mega yachtsCredit: Instagram @georginagioBoats are a big love of hersCredit: Refer to CaptionShe travels almost exclusively by private jetCredit: Georgina RodríguezThe Argentine beauty is a regularly at the Venice film festival where she can be seen turning headsCredit: GettyGeorgina is loved by fashion magazines for her sense of styleCredit: AlamyShe models for a range of companiesCredit: georginagio/InstagramRodríguez has modelled for PrettyLittleThing lingerieCredit: InstagramGeorgina’s love of travel is something she regularly shares on her social channels, including this trip to IbizaCredit: Instagram, @georginagio More

  • in

    Man Utd legend Juan Mata, 36, makes shock return to football after eight months unemployed

    JUAN MATA has made a shock return to football after EIGHT MONTHS of unemployment.The former Manchester United and Spain star has been twiddling his thumbs since the expiration of his contract with Vissel Kobe in January.Juan Mata has been unemployed since leaving Vissel Kobe in JanuaryCredit: TWITTER@JUANMATABut the former Manchester United man has found a new home with Western Sydney WarriorsCredit: PABut the winger has found a new home… Down Under.Mata, 36, has joined Aussie side Western Sydney Warriors, although the details of his contract have yet to be revealed.The A-League side have yet to officially announce the arrival of the Spaniard, although they have teased an imminent announcement on their social media pages.The Warriors will be the SEVENTH professional club of Mata’s illustrious career.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSMata started his career off at Real Madrid Castilla in the Spanish second division before joining Valencia in 2007.He spent four seasons at the Mestalla before a big-money move to Chelsea, where won the FA Cup, Europa and Champions League.Mata would leave Stamford Bridge in January 2014 to join Manchester United.In EIGHT-AND-A-HALF seasons at Old Trafford, Mata won the FA and Carabao Cups with the Red Devils as well as the Europa League before leaving for Turkish Galatasaray on a one-year deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd he continued his streak of winning trophies at every club he’s ever been at as he helped guide the Lions to the 2022/23 Sup Lig title.Mata left the Turkish big boys last July but was scooped up by Vissel Kobe the following September.Juan Mata says goodbye to Man Utd fans as he leaves the club after eight years He made a solitary appearance for the J-League outfit but was awarded a winners’ medal for the 2023/24 season, continuing his incredible trophy streak.After leaving the Japanese champions, he wrote on social media: “Thank you very much to all my team-mates and all the people who are part of Vissel Kobe for these unique months with you.”It has been an incredibly interesting experience that ended in the best possible way, making history, winning the league for the first time for our club.”I’m really happy to have been part of your family at such an important moment that will be remembered forever! I wish you all the very best for the future!”Of course, thank you very much to our fans, you are my most special memory of these months, and I will keep your love and respect with me forever.”Incredible people, incredible culture. I’ve learned so much from you.”I’m looking forward to continuing enjoying football somewhere else, and hopefully to keep winning trophies, let the streak continue!” More

  • in

    Watch moment Cristiano Ronaldo mimics Lionel Messi’s ill-tempered rant as he cashes in on YouTube success

    THIS is the hilarious moment Cristiano Ronaldo went viral after mimicking Lionel Messi.Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo, 39, launched a brand new YouTube channel last month.Cristiano Ronaldo copied a famous quote from Lionel MessiCredit: YouTubeMessi went viral during the World Cup after an outburst during an interviewCredit: tyc SportsIn doing so, the serial record breaker became the fastest YouTuber to reach one million subscribers on the platform.And in one viral clip, the football icon appeared to borrow some inspiration from one of the few stars of the beautiful game who can be called his equal. While appearing opposite partner Georgina Rodriguez – who he appeared to suggest he had married after calling her his “wife” – the pair were seen giggling before the Portuguese said: “Que Miras bobo.”This sentence translates to “What are you looking at, fool?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, while it may have been seen as Ronaldo simply speaking in Georgina’s native Argentina’s language of Spanish, it is actually a direct quote from Messi.Messi uttered the words during the 2022 World Cup following Argentina’s quarter-final clash against the Netherlands. The now 37-year-old had been left furious with the behaviour of the Dutch, with the ill-tempered clash resulting in 17 yellow cards.Following the game – which the South American nation had only won after a penalty shootout – he aimed a verbal blast at former Man Utd striker Wout Weghorst in the tunnel.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn one of the most memorable clips from the tournament, Messi caught the eye of Weghorst during a post-match interview before shouting: “What are you looking at, fool?”It was a stunning contrast to the usually very demure persona of the former Barcelona ace. BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo launches lucrative side hustle as Man Utd legend says ‘it has been on my mind for a long time’Weghorst insisted he had only wanted to show Messi “respect” and said the incident was overblown.He jokingly added in an interview with De Telegraaf: “I wanted to show my respect for Messi after the game, but he didn’t want it.”I think he was still angry with me. Oh well, I see it as a great compliment that he knows my name now. Then at least I did something right.”Al-Nassr ace Ronaldo copied Messi’s line for his YouTube video, which has now reached almost 60 million subscribers. More

  • in

    Watch awkward moment Ivan Toney is forced to listen to bizarre new chant as he’s mobbed by fans after £40m Saudi move

    IVAN TONEY has endured a bit of an awkward start to life in Saudi Arabia.It came as the new Al-Ahli signing was mobbed by fans at an unveiling.Ivan Toney completed a £40m transfer to Al-Ahli on deadline dayCredit: GettyHe was presented in front of fans at a club shopCredit: tiktokBut he cast an awkward figure as fans chant a song in his nameCredit: tiktokToney, 28, completed a £40million transfer to the Saudi Arabian side from Brentford on deadline day.He signed a two-year contract to seal the switch, and is said to be earning more than £400,000 a week – a figure that rises to nearly £500,000 with bonuses.And as he arrived in the Middle East after completing his blockbuster move, he was serenaded by fans of the Jeddah-based club who turned out to greet their new forward.However, a video shared on social media showed Toney cutting a hilariously awkward figure as he was revealed to fans at a club shop.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLToney is seen conversing with what appears to be a member of staff who asks him to turn around where the crowd was waiting.The six-cap England international duly obliged before the individual kick-started a chant in his name.Fans can be heard singing “Ivan Toney, Toney, Ivan Toney, Toney” while banging on a table can be heard from the crowd.Toney can be seen smiling as the fans sing his name, while also nodding his head and banging his fist on the table when trying to match the rhythm of the song.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe video ends with Toney hugging the man who started the chant, but fans could not help but poke fun at Toney’s awkward look throughout.One user said: “Dood has no idea what he’s bopping his head to.”XI amazing players worth £78m available for freeA second said: “Tears man. He looks so lost.”A third added: “This is too funny.”Another said: “How has Toney kept that together. He truly is ice.”Toney missed the cut for Lee Carsley’s inaugural England squad to face the Republic of Ireland and Finland. His first game for Al-Ahli could see him come up against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on September 13.Toney’s new team-mates include a host of former Premier League stars and familiar names in European football.Among the are Gabri Veiga, Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, Roger Ibanez and Merih Demiral.Toney is reportedly earning £400k a week at the clubCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.saToney’s debut could come against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-NassrCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.saToney has six England capsCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.sa More