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      When STEVENAGE and Burger King took over FIFA 20, they sold out of club shirts and became most used team on Twitch

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      IN the summer of 2019, Burger King made the astonishing move to sponsor lowly League Two club Stevenage FC.Within one year, by utilising a video game, they helped make the club one of the most marketable teams in football.
      Stevenage FC have become one of the most well marketed teams in the worldCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Burger King began sponsoring Stevenage in 2019 Credit: Rex Features
      The fast-food giants cleverly tapped into the FIFA 20 world, offering free Whoppers and chips in return for gamers completing in-game challenges, while playing as the The Boro.
      That helped real-life Stevenage sell out all their club shirts, become the most played FIFA 20 team on live streaming platform Twitch, and earned exposure around the world.
      MARKETING GENIUS
      When Burger King paid Stevenage a reported £50,000 to sponsor the club, they knew exactly what they were doing.
      Marcelo Pascoa, their global head of grand marketing, revealed the group were passionate “not only for the big teams, but also for the smaller ones that are poised for something big”.
      And how that has transpired.
      They partnered with the creatives at DAVID The Agency and came up with ways of drawing attention to the Hertfordshire side, who draw around 2,700 fans to their Lamex Stadium.
      A plan was hatched to use FIFA 20, where virtual Stevenage players could unlock special Burger King deals by completing challenges and uploading the video to Twitter.

      The fast food chain used FIFA 20 to promote awareness of the club

      Gamers could unlock special meal deals by sharing completed challenges on Twitter
      Challenges included ‘A Nutmeg for Nuggets’ and ‘Impossible for Impossible Whopper’, as the gamers (wearing official Stevenage jerseys) happily shared their clips online in return for food and free delivery.
      THE KNOCK-ON EFFECT
      With free grub on offer, it’s no surprise the global campaign that was launched across the USA, China, Mexico, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Russia, Sweden and Spain was a big success.
      And it launched little Stevenage FC into the stratosphere.
      Incredibly, over 25,000 goals were shared by gamers online, while the campaign lasted for a week.
      They became the most used team in Career Mode and on Twitch, with players adding the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mo Salah to their virtual club.
      But, here’s the clincher, and one which drew a windfall for Stevenage.
      For the first time in the club’s history, they sold out all of their shirts – priced at £42.99 a pop.

      For the first time in Stevenage’s history they sold out their shirtsCredit: Rex Features

      Back in May, Burger King’s deal with Stevenage expired with the fast food chain’s job done.
      “When we signed the agreement two years ago we knew it would be big for the Club however, we did not expect the level of its impact across the globe to be as big as it has been,” Tunbridge revealed.
      “To turn the Club from a small team in the real world to the biggest online is a phenomenal achievement by all those involved, and one which now makes us an attractive Club to work with on a commercial level”.
      Boris Johnson reveals new restrictions on sporting events More

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      Inside Emmanuel Adebayor’s amazing car collection, from a £360,000 Rolls-Royce to a brilliant £18,000 Can-Am Spyder

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      EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR’S car collection quite simply leaves all others biting the dust.And it is his customised Rolls-Royce Phantom that steals the show, not least because of its price tag.
      Emmanuel Adebayor has an – as expected – outrageous car collection
      Adebayor showed off his motors on Instagram to motivate his fans
      The former Arsenal star, now 37, showed off his luxury motors on Instagram to “motivate” his fans to be the best they can be.
      That came after he explained why he is refusing to donate to Togo’s coronavirus crisis.
      The most impressive motor in his fleet is his one-of-a-kind Roller that starts at an eye-popping £360,000 – with an orange paint job and matching interior.
      And there is the personalised number plate – 0004 SEA – a reference to his shirt number and initials, Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor.
      No wonder that alongside one image of him at the wheel of the car he wrote: “Love my lifestyle.”
      Adebayor, who last played for Paraguayan club Olimpia, boasts an amazing array of cars which he keeps safely under cover at a custom-built hangar at his huge home in Accra, Ghana.
      Adebayor’s amazing Phantom is truly one of a kindCredit: Instagram / @e_adebayor
      The interior matches the orange outside of the flash motorCredit: Instagram / @e_adebayor
      SPYDER MAN
      One photo shows Adebayor apparently fast asleep with his cavalcade stretched out behind him as far as the eye could see.
      The Roller took pride of place in that photo but it is his £18,000 Can-Am Spyder trike which is probably his weirdest vehicle.
      The futuristic three-wheeler boasts 115hp and electronic cruise control.
      It looks ideal for a quick trip down to the shops.
      The Istanbul star catches 40 winks by a long line of his carsCredit: Instagram / @e_adebayor
      Adebayor poses proudly on his £18,000 Can-Am Spyder trikeCredit: Instagram / @e_adebayor

      ROUND THE BENZ
      But for that, Adebayor uses his souped-up Mercedes-Benz people carrier.
      The motor features leather La-Z-Boy seating, curtains on the windows, an arm rest between the back two chairs and stands for his phone and iPad.
      Smiling happily inside for one photo, Adebayor captioned the snap: “On my way to town for some quick shopping.”
      Should he fancy something different then the Togo star can whip out his Mercedes-Benz G65 SUV, which starts from around £170,000.

      Adebayor jumps in his people carrier for a quick trip to the shopsCredit: Instagram / @e_adebayor

      With a handcrafted AMG 6.0L V12 and 621hp, the impressive all-terrain beast packs a serious punch.
      But Adebayor is more than willing to share his cars and his cash.GENEROUS ADEBAYOR
      It was reported that in 2012 the former Real Madrid striker gave away a Range Rover – said to be worth six figures – to his close mate and comedian Funny Face.
      This year for his birthday, Adebayor told his pal that he could have pretty much whatever he wanted.
      Emmanuel Adebayor arrives to a hero’s welcome as he joins Olimpia in Paraguay
      The striker with his Mercedes-Benz G65 SUVCredit: Instagram / @e_adebayor
      Adebayor gets a kick out of showing off his array of automobilesCredit: Instagram / @e_adebayor
      Comedian Funny Face poses with the Range Rover Adebayor gave himCredit: Instagram
      The Copa del Rey winner put up this photo of a fleet of motors at his homeCredit: Instagram / @e_adebayor
      Adebayor wrote in a gushing Instagram post: “I would like you to go to the nearest Access Bank in Accra, there is a blank cheque waiting.
      “It’s for you to write any amount on it.
      “Please remember we promised not to finish each other’s money, so be reasonable.”

      A FINE COLLECTION
      So keen is Adebayor on cars that he even has traffic jams at his home!
      He uploaded a photo to his Instagram showing a line of cars at his house.
      And, though it cannot be confirmed if they were all his, he owns so many motors he might consider installing some traffic lights.
      The former Premier League star loves going off-road in his buggiesCredit: Instagram / @e_adebayor
      The all-terrain quad bike is a change from his usual mode of luxury travelCredit: Instagram / @e_adebayor
      Adebayor karate kicks opponent in head and gets sent off as goal drought at new club Olimpia goes on More

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      Barcelona and Real Madrid pull off big-money transfers like this with Aguero signed and Mbappe and Haaland linked

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      FROM scouting to stadium unveiling, it takes Real Madrid and Barcelona just seven steps to seal the deal.The two giants of world football, known for spending the big bucks, have worked out the perfect formula in courting their top targets.
      Erling Haaland has been linked with Real Madrid and BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      And although finances may be tight after the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the LaLiga sides are already planning for next season.
      We are by no means suggesting any tapping up is going on by either club, for that would be against Fifa rules.
      But Real and Barca know the main men they want, with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe linked with moves and Sergio Aguero already swapping the Etihad for Camp Nou.
      This is how they start that process.
      STEP 1: Identifying Target
      This is the hard part, taking a global scouting network, hours of player identification, notes and analysis.
      The player must fit a position of need, play with a certain style and, ideally, fit in with the club philosophy.
      But once the two Spanish giants have honed in on their targets, it’s very difficult to resist the lure of the Camp Nou or the Bernabeu.
      Lionel Messi’s Argentina team mate Sergio Aguero has signed for BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Kylian Mbappe is said to be a target for both Real Madrid and BarcelonaCredit: AP
      In recent years, they have been rarely frustrated once the scouts have done their homework and found their target.
      STEP 2: Line up legends
      The next part of the chase is all about making the player feel wanted, like the move would be the greatest thing to happen in his career.
      Take Philippe Coutinho’s move to Barca in 2018, as an example.
      Was there a former team-mate in the current Barca squad that can tell the player how good it is at the Nou Camp? Yep, Luis Suarez.
      And over at Madrid, there have been attempts to lure the top talent to the club in the past.
      Cristiano Ronaldo sent Marcus Rashford a signed shirt from Real MadridCredit: Instagram @marcusrashford
      Before Ronaldo’s move to Juventus, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner tried to lure the Man United youngsterCredit: AFP or licensors
      While still at the Bernabeu, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo signed a Real Madrid jersey and sent it to Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.
      “Keep up the good work,” he wrote. “And come do it here,” was the suggestion.
      STEP 3: Get in his ear
      Now comes the real graft.
      Does the current crop have a former team-mate or countryman capable of working the charm, telling the target how good life is in Spain, how lush the grass is on this side of the fence?
      Madrid had just that man when it came to bringing Hazard to the club.
      “It would be nice of course,” agent Thibaut Courtois told VTM Niews while discussing his former team-mate and fellow Belgian’s chances of moving to Madrid before he swapped Stamford Bridge for the Bernabeu.
      “Eden is a top player and also my buddy, so if he came here it would be fun, but he has to make his choices.”
      The seed had been planted. Next summer, the two would play together.
      Real Madrid had their very own agent in Thibaut Courtois to help bring in Eden HazardCredit: AFP or licensors
      STEP 4: Offensively low first bid
      This is when fantasy becomes reality.
      It is easy to palm away gossip and rumour but a proper bid sends a message to the player that their new-found dream is possible.
      Barca’s first offer for Coutinho was £72million and they knew there was no chance of bagging the brilliant Brazilian at that price.
      But it was all part of a scheme to ensure Coutinho was thinking about the move in the coming days, weeks and months.
      Best case scenario is the player gets so tempted a transfer request is submitted before the next available window.
      STEP 5: Awkward photo opportunity
      Arsenal fans will know all about this one.
      If you’re a Barcelona player you HAVE to carry a spare shirt with you all the time.
      Especially during World Cup celebration parades.
      ESPECIALLY if the player is not set to join in the immediate future.
      We saw it with Cesc Fabregas back in 2010, a year before his move to the Camp Nou, when Carles Puyol was seen forcing a Barca jersey over the Arsenal man’s head.

      Spanish team-mates put a Barcelona jersey on Cesc Fabregas while still playing for ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      STEP 6: Catalan press (and sponsors) on board
      For Barca, it’s all about AS and Sport, while Marca are key for Madrid.
      These papers have long been the go-to place for news about the two clubs.
      And if they want a story out there, it tends to end up with the local papers first.
      Check their websites right now and see how many stories there are about Real and Barça targets.
      It might be about how much money they earn, how long the contract will be, what role they can expect to play, or how the dressing room is looking forward to welcoming him.
      STEP 7: Inevitable unveiling
      Look away now fans of Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool, for the end is inevitable.
      This is the bit where Real and Barca get their man.
      We’ve seen it with Fabregas and Coutinho.
      It may take longer than anticipated but like the rich kids of Instagram, these guys always get what they want.
      Will Haaland swap the yellow and black of Dortmund for the white of Los Blancos?Credit: Getty More

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      Man Utd signing Raphael Varane met Wag Camille Tytgat when they were at high-school, and she is a qualified lawyer

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      THERE’s no bigger supporter in the Varane household than his wife Camille Tytgat.The French defender, 28, has agreed a deal to join Manchester United after a fee was agreed between the Red Devils and Real Madrid.
      French Wag Camille Tytgat is the wife of new Man Utd signing Raphael VaraneCredit: AFP
      Happy couple Varane and Tygat are high-school sweethearts
      Joining him on this new chapter will be his beautiful partner, who is regularly seen cheering her man on when he plays for France.
      Blonde Camille, also 28, was Raphael’s high-school sweetheart.
      A trained lawyer, she is the mother of their two children, Ruben and Anais.
      HIGH-SCHOOL ROMANCE
      Varane and Camille’s romance reportedly began in around 2010, when they were still at high school.
      They grew up in Lille together, before he embarked on his football career that began with Lens.
      Their love stood the test of time, and they married in 2015 in front of the town hall of the seaside town Le Touquet.
      The ceremony was an intimate affair with only family and close friends invited to the nuptials.
      And they have continued to keep things discreet about their special day, sharing just one image of it online – with both dressed in white.
      Blonde beauty Camille grew up in Lille with VaraneCredit: Rex Features
      Varane and Camille’s romance dates back to 2010Credit: Getty
      The pair tied the knot in the seaside town Le Touquet
      Camille prefers to keep a low profileCredit: Getty
      LAW & ORDER
      Not one to rest on her laurels, Camille isn’t your typical Wag.
      In fact, she made sure she finished a degree in law before settling down as footballer’s wife.
      It’s not known if Camille practices law, though, as she prefers to keep her personal life private.
      Occasionally, she gives glimpses of her lifestyle on lavish trips abroad and their family life.
      Supportive Camille is a qualified lawyerCredit: Getty
      Camille often shares glimpses of their lavish lifestyle on social mediaCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      It’s a yacht life for Varane and Camille
      Both Varane and Camille love to travel
      MOTHER-OF-TWO
      Perhaps what’s most crucial to Camille at the moment is being a mother.
      She has two children with Varane, a son called Ruben, 4, and a girl called Anais, who was born in October last year.
      And often, she shares experiences with them on Insta – from beach days to wearing matching outfits.
      Judging by how the family supports their famous dad, it won’t be long before they appear at Old Trafford next season.
      And fully expect Camille and the kids to be sporting United jerseys with his name on the back.

      Camille is often seen in the stands cheering her beau onCredit: AFP or licensors
      The Varane family with son Ruben and daughter Anais
      Varane and his Wag Camille are heading for Manchester

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer says Raphael Varane is a ‘proven winner’ More

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      Meet Swansea City’s stunning presenter Gabriella Jukes, who was Miss Wales in 2019 and is an advocate for female rights

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      IF ever there was a reason to head to Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium, Gabriella Jukes might just be it.The beautiful model, 24, has been named as the presenter for SwansTV and will be delivering match-day coverage for the Championship club.
      Gabriella Jukes is the new face of Swans TVCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellajukes/?hl=en
      Stunning Jukes is a former Miss Wales 2019Credit: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellajukes/?hl=en
      Back in 2019, the new signing from Port Talbot was crowned Miss Wales.
      The Scarlett Johansson lookalike is also an advocate for women’s rights and is an ambassador for Thrive Women’s Aid.
      MODEL WOMAN
      It was only two years ago that Jukes beat 33 other hopefuls across Wales to secure the coveted ‘Miss Wales’ title.
      In 2017, she was a contestant on Britain’s Next Top Model and made it through to the final 14.
      However, this time in the Miss Wales contest she was victorious. “Nothing is impossible if you work hard to achieve your dreams,” she said on accepting the crown.
      She wowed the judges in categories including patriotic Welshwear, a red dress catwalk and traditional evening wear parade.
      That was before a one-on-one interview with the judges to talk about things close to her heart, which includes charity work.
      The win allowed her to represent Wales at the prestigious Miss World competition along with 110 other young women from all around the globe.
      After winning Miss Wales, Jukes got the opportunity to compete in Miss WorldCredit: Miss World
      Jukes walks the catwalk at Miss WorldCredit: PA
      NINTCHDBPICT000667753745Credit: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellajukes/?hl=en
      Jukes shows off her beauty and bikini bodCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellajukes/?hl=en
      EMPOWERING WOMEN
      What matters most to Jukes is making sure women feel empowered to realise their full potential.
      “I am someone who is full of determination and takes every opportunity that comes my way,” she says.
      “If I can and help empower other young women to believe in themselves and reach their full potential, then that would be incredible. I want to show people that.”
      The beautiful blonde also represents Thrive Women’s Aid, an organisation that helps raise awareness and aids women who have been affected by domestic violence.
      Jukes believes in female empowermentCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellajukes/?hl=en
      As an ambassador for Thrive Women’s Aid, Jukes hopes to raise awareness for women who have been affected by domestic violenceCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellajukes/?hl=en
      Jukes is keen to offer her services to charityCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellajukes/?hl=en
      SPORTY SPICE
      Jukes’ credentials in sport are for all to see. She does karate, has played netball and loves athletics.
      She also hosts a weekly podcast called She Has A Goal In Mind, that celebrates women in sport with the idea to encourage more females to participate.
      After graduating from Cardiff University with a masters in sports broadcasting, Jukes is still keen to further herself.
      Not only is she fluent in Welsh, she also completed a course in a sign language.
      Next season, Swans fans will certainly be in good hands with Gabriella.
      Jukes is a sports fan and has a masters in sports broadcasting from Cardiff UniversityCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellajukes/?hl=en
      Swans fans will be in good hands with JukesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellajukes/?hl=en

      Swansea unveil new kit featuring special new club badge for 2021-22 season More

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      Inside Italian restaurant Babbo, owned by Arsenal star Willian and Chelsea legend David Luiz, in swanky Mayfair

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      TALK about a fish out of water.Although us Essex boys like to think we know glamour, a night at Faces or Sugar Hut isn’t quite the same as heading to a restaurant owned by two Premier League stars in Mayfair.
      Brazilian stars Willian and David Luiz own Babbo restaurant in Mayfair
      But here we are, heading to Babbo, the eatery owned by Arsenal star Willian and Chelsea legend David Luiz – who for some reason have an Italian, not Brazilian, restaurant.
      Footballers and famous faces had been flocking to the restaurant since it opened in April 2018, with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo and Niall Horan all stopping by.
      Standing outside Green Park station watching Ferraris and chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces cruise past, I wonder if it’s as obvious as I think it is that I don’t fit in.
      Winding our way down Piccadilly searching for Babbo things go from bad to worse as a bus splashes us with muddy rainwater.
      Big names like Neymar and Gabriel Jesus hit up Babbo for some first-rate foodCredit: Instagram
      Rio Ferdinand can’t resist the Italian food when he is in LondonCredit: Instagram
      But me and my partner press on, finally seeing our destination up ahead.
      On another street lined with supercars that cost as much as my house, one looks out of place as we approach.
      A classic white Fiat 500 has been spray-painted a vivid yellow, blue and green with two fists bumping – an interesting look for sure.
      It also begs the question how much the pair pay in parking if this car is parked outside 24/7.
      A lamb dish at Babbo similar to what Sun man Tom hadCredit: Instagram
      The interior decor at Babbo was an acquired taste

      We head inside – well we try at least.
      After 30 seconds trying to push open a glass door we realise there’s actually a button to make it slide open.
      That kind of technology hasn’t yet reached my part of the world.
      Inside and the decor is exactly as you’d expect from two millionaire footballers – definitely expensive and definitely a little bit tacky.
      Two giant murals plaster the walls, while there are neon lights under the bar and even a DJ booth which starts cranking up the volume at around 8pm.
      We were led to our table by a host who could have been a model to be waited on by a waitress who could have been a model.
      Ready to order and for some reason my dulcet wide boy tones were lost in translation with the nice Italian lady asking me for my food.
      First up we shared some arancini topped with shaved truffle, looking like little curls from David Luiz’s head.
      The only truffles I’d previously tasted were the Galaxy variety out of a Celebrations box, but I knew the black stuff was worth more than its weight in gold – and it was delicious.
      Niall Horan of One Direction fame pops in for a bite to eatCredit: Instagram

      For our second course we shared some veal tagliatelli, which turned out to be some of the best pasta I’ve ever tasted, the pasta slightly hard and the meat cooked to perfection in a beautiful oily sauce.
      For my main it was a rack of lamb and it goes without saying that I like my meat well done.
      The waitress insisted I should have it medium rare so we settled on medium.
      If the thing had hopped up and run off my plate I wouldn’t have been surprised – I don’t think it had ever been in a kitchen.
      My partner had sea bass with a lemongrass sauce which, she says, was excellent.

      The lamb was good but not really to my palate – I really do prefer well done.
      It was served with foie gras, another highfalutin dish that does nothing for me.
      For desert I went traditionally Italian with the tiramisu.
      Only it wasn’t traditional, the chefs at Babbo instead going for a riff on a classic.
      I believe the term is ‘deconstructed’ but the tiramisu was coffee ice-cream, marscapone and crumble, with a chocolate ball.
      The waitress then brought over a cup of espresso – pouring it on my desert to melt the chocolate and bring the flavours together.

      The tiramisu was excellent, although the double shot so late at night had me buzzing more than the last time I hit Mayfair hotspot Mahiki.
      It then came to the part of the night I’d been dreading all along: the bill.
      A restaurant owned by two footballers and situated in Mayfair was never going to be cheap and so it proved.
      It came in at £180 – and neither of us were even on the sauce, having two mocktails each.
      I almost fell out of my chair in a panic, praying that this would get past the finance lot who deal with expenses.
      The food and service was both excellent although at this price it would have to be for a very special occasion. More