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      Barcelona wonderkid Ilaix Moriba was JUST two when Lionel Messi won his first LaLiga title, now he’s playing with him

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      IT’LL be the way out of financial ruin for Barcelona – concentrating on promoting talent from their famed La Masia academy.
      Prospects in the past have included Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.

      Ilaix Moriba was just two when Lionel Messi won his first LaLiga title, now he’s playing alongside himCredit: Instagram @ilaixmk

      Moriba grabs a photo opportunity with MessiCredit: Instagram @ilaixmk

      While Ansu Fati has shown in the past year he’s ready to take on Messi’s mantle, should the Argentine legend leave for pastures new.
      But in the last month a new talent has emerged – a powerful 6ft 1in midfielder, aged 18, who is being gradually blooded by Ronald Koeman into the first team set-up.
      In a LaLiga game against Sevilla, Spain U18 international Ilaix Moriba provided a sumptuous assist for Messi in a 2-0 win – and had Barça supporters looking forward to the future.
      Incredibly, even though they’re now team mates – when Messi picked up his first La Liga title in 2005 Moribe was just a two-year-old toddler growing up in Guinea.

      HE DESTROYED REAL MADRID
      It was in 2018, as a 15-year-old, that Barcelona’s best-kept secret began to get talked about.
      In a game against Real Madrid’s U19 side he made a mockery of players who were much more senior than him.
      The star of a 5-0 rout of Barcelona’s biggest rivals, Moriba netted an astonishing hat-trick.
      He scored a stunning goal from the halfway line straight from a kick off, a 25-yard screamer and a half-volley.

      Midfield talent Moriba has broken into Barcelona’s first team in the past monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      £86M RELEASE CLAUSE
      Knowing they have a gem on their hands, Barcelona wasted no time in securing the precious talent on a long-term contract.
      With his contract expiring in 2019, and the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Juventus circling, the Catalans tied Moriba down to a record deal reportedly worth around £1.7million-per-year.
      Barcelona also protected their investment by inserting a staggering buyout clause in his agreement.
      Should anyone want to buy him, they will have to pay a fee of £86million.

      Standing at 6ft 1in Moriba, 18, is a commanding presence on the pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moriba is renowned for his brilliant dribbling skillsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      COMPARISONS TO POGBA
      Blessed with skill and physicality, it’s been said Moriba has the assets needed to conquer the English game.
      While he’s also been compared to France World Cup winner, Paul Pogba.
      “He’s physically very strong, but he’s also a very intelligent player,” ex-Barcelona youth coach Denis Silva Puig told Bleacher Report.
      “Most people don’t appreciate this. Here he’s called the ‘Pogba of Barca’ because he’s like a young Pogba, but also he is very, very intelligent—and that is his big potential. He is a top player, no doubt.

      Moriba has been capped at U18 level for SpainCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The future of Barcelona’s midfield looks promising with the addition of the talented MoribaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “He’s a little bit, maybe modern—in the English football kind of sense. It’s good to have him at Barca.
      “The academy can’t be all about the Riqui [Puig]s or the Monchus—small players with a lot of talent.
      “Football trends change every year, every month, but Ilaix is here not because he is tall or strong, but because he is very good in every facet of the game.”

      Man City slash Lionel Messi contract offer by £170m to £430m as they look to land Barcelona superstar on free transfer More

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      Ronaldo v Messi: The Juventus superstar has scored 20-plus league goals in his past 13 seasons, but who has the most?

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      THERE’S no doubt about it, in this past decade we’ve witnessed two of the greats of football push each other to their goalscoring limits.
      On Tuesday night, Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, scored his 20th league goal of the season as Juventus defeated Spezia in Serie A.

      It’s the 12th consecutive season the Portuguese legend has managed to register 20-plus goals in a league campaign across Europe’s top five leagues.
      But how does that compare to his great rival Lionel Messi, 33, who also has managed 20-plus goals in his last 12 campaigns – and is just one away from making 13 in a row.
      SunSport takes a look at their numbers in the past years.
      2008-09
      The first time any one of these greats registered 20 goals came in Messi’s fifth season with Barcelona.

      23 goals in 31 league games saw Pep Guardiola’s team roar to the title – some nine points ahead of nearest rivals Real Madrid.
      It wasn’t enough for Messi to win The Pichichi Trophy – with Diego Forlan netting the most – an astonishing 32 goals.
      Ronaldo, in his final season as a Manchester United player managed 18 Premier League goals.

      Lionel Messi registered his first 20 league goals a season haul in the 2008-09 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      2008-09 was Cristiano Ronaldo’s last year at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      2009-10
      After his £80million transfer to Real Madrid, Ronaldo and Messi would go head-to-head for the first time.

      Having the benefit of experience playing in LaLiga, the Argentine was top goalscorer in the competition with 34 goals in 35 games.
      Ronaldo, who wasn’t even Real’s top scorer (Gonzalo Higuain managed 27), scored 26 goals in as many games. Ronaldo might’ve marginally had the better goalscoring ratio, but Messi had the numbers.

      Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in 2009 for £80m to ignite his rivalry with MessiCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      2010-11
      With Messi setting the bar, Ronaldo knew he had to record special numbers to defeat his rival in the goalscoring charts.
      Astonishingly, he bagged 40 goals in the 2010-11 season – nine more than Messi managed.
      Still, for all his efforts, Barça were champions once again.
      2011-12
      The numbers went astronomical in 2011-12, with both players reaching the peak of their powers.
      Between them they managed an incredible 96 league goals, in a season where Jose Mourinho wrestled the title off Guardiola after three years of Barcelona dominance.
      Messi hit a remarkable 50 league goals, while Ronaldo managed an equally impressive 46. Nearest to them was Radamel Falcao with 24, which was a measure of how far ahead the pair were of everyone else.

      At the peak of their powers Ronaldo and Messi managed 96 league goals between them in the 2011-12 campaignCredit: EPA
      2012-13
      Barcelona reclaimed their title in impressive fashion – by 15 points in the end.
      Messi, was of course, central to that with 46 in just 32 games and was top scorer again.
      Ronaldo was second with 34 in as many games. Although he did finish top scorer in the Champions League that season.
      2013-14
      Injuries meant both Messi and Ronaldo didn’t play as many league games as they had managed previously.
      The latter won back the Pichichi Trophy with 31 goals to Messi’s 28, but both both missed out on the LaLiga title, as Atletico Madrid were crowned champions.

      Messi and Ronaldo’s fight to be crowned the GOAT continues to rage on
      Again, it’s worth noting Ronaldo excelled in the Champions League – with 17 in a campaign that saw Real crowned European champions. It’s a record that’s not been broken.

      Ronaldo landed the Pichichi Trophy for the 2013-14 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      2014-15
      In one of the closest title races in years, Barcelona pipped Real by just two points in the end.
      But Ronaldo amassed his highest ever league goal total – scoring 48 goals in 35 matches.
      Messi’s 43 would’ve done it any other year, if the former Manchester United player wasn’t around.
      2015-16
      The top scorer mantle was passed on in 2015-16 to Luis Suarez – the first time it wasn’t Ronaldo or Messi in six seasons.
      Messi’s 26 was his lowest since 2008-09, while Ronaldo’s 35 showed he was still on top of his game.
      Again, Barcelona were champions by just one point in what was a nail-biting climax to the league season.

      For the 2015-16 Messi had to share his goals with Neymar and Luis SuarezCredit: Corbis
      2016-17
      Despite recording his lowest amount of league goals (25), Ronaldo’s Real were champions for the first time since their 2011-12 season.
      Messi, who had the presence of Suarez and Neymar around him, managed an impressive 37 goals.
      However, he would’ve been frustrated to see Ronaldo’s lifting ANOTHER Champions League trophy.
      2017-18
      Domestically, Messi proved he was king again.
      His 34 strikes helped propel the Catalans to the LaLiga trophy. Ronaldo’s 26 were an improvement from the previous season.
      However, a new challenge was around the corner.

      Messi proved he was the domestic king in 2017-18 scoring 34 times in the leagueCredit: AFP or licensors
      2018-19
      At 33, Ronaldo embarked on a new challenge and moved to Juventus in an £88million deal.
      With his rival gone, Messi still continued to deliver – scoring 36 times in La Liga.
      In his debut season in Italy, Ronaldo just passed the 20 goal threshold with 21 in 31. He finished a disappointing fourth in the Capocannoniere hunt.
      2019-20
      Ronaldo came back with a bang in 2019-20 – recording 31 goals in a campaign that delivered back-to-back league titles for his club.
      It wasn’t enough to be crowned top scorer – with Ciro Immobile managing an amazing 36 – equalling a Serie A record of most goals in a season.
      Messi ended his LaLiga campaign on 25, six less than Ronaldo, but as Pichichi Trophy winner.

      In his second season at Juventus Ronaldo scored an impressive 31 Serie A goalsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      2020-21
      This season, with still plenty of games left to play, Ronaldo leads the Serie A scoring charts with 20 goals in his 21 games.
      He beat Messi to 20 by a fraction, who has 19 in his 23 league games.

      Even though they’re perhaps past their peak, the numbers still remain positive, despite current advesity.
      Their clubs are trailing behind in their respective title races, which hasn’t helped their cause.
      But who will finish on top? Messi or Ronaldo?

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      Where England’s 2010 Under-17 European Championship winning team are now, including ex-Man Utd ace and Chelsea outcast

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      ENGLAND fans might remember 2010 as they year the Three Lions crashed out of the World Cup in the last-16 to Germany on the back of a highly contentious no-goal decision.
      But that same summer, the Young Lions were victorious at the Under-17 European Championships in Liechtenstein.

      England’s youth team fought back from a goal down to beat a Spain team featuring the likes of Paco Alcacer and Gerard Deulofeu 2-1 in the final.
      Many of the players in the squad from that day were tipped for big things in the future.
      However, despite their early promise, the starting XI have mostly flopped at senior level.
      Take a look back at the starters from that May day in 2010 and where they are now.

      JACK BUTLAND
      Heralded as a potential goalie legend, Butland started off his career at Birmingham before moving to Stoke City in a £3.5million deal.
      He made his full debut for England in a 2012 defeat to Italy – and is still to this day the youngest goalie to ever play for the Three Lions.
      In 2015, he was handed the No1 jersey by Mark Hughes when Asmir Begovic left for Chelsea.
      However, a series of injuries to a bothersome ankle hampered his progress.

      Still only 27, Butland returned to form last season to be named player of the season by supporters.
      Currently, he’s down the pecking order at Crystal Palace after moving to the Eagles in the summer.

      Jack Butland is currently No2 at Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Press Association
      BRUNO PILATOS
      Originally a promising Middlesbrough full-back, Pilatos signed for Swedish side Ytterhogdal in 2016 after failing to secure first-team football.
      He was released again in 2017, and in 2018 spent two months in Scotland with Livingston FC, according to his LinkedIn page.
      Currently Pilatos is a free agent.

      LUKE GARBUTT
      Predicted to be the heir to Leighton Baines, Garbutt was an attacking left-back in a similar mould to the Everton legend.
      But he failed to establish himself with the Toffees, and was sold to Blackpool in 2020.
      He also had several loans with Ipswich Town – and has enjoyed loan spells at Fulham, Wigan and Oxford United in the past.

      Luke Garbutt failed to make the grade at EvertonCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      NATHANIEL CHALOBAH
      When Chalobah was starring at centre half for England’s U17 team he was a promising Chelsea starlet, alongside brother Trevoh.
      In 2012 he enjoyed a loan at Watford, impressed at Middlesbrough and Reading, which saw a move to Napoli.
      Five years later, upon his return to the Blues, he was sold to Watford, where he has enjoyed some success but has suffered with injuries.

      Nathaniel Chalobah has struggled with injuries at WatfordCredit: PA:Press Association
      ANDRE WISDOM
      The central defender managed to make 22 appearances with Liverpool, often at right-back.
      But it was always going to be a big ask to break into a Reds side brimming with talent.
      He has been playing in the Championship with Derby since 2017 after impressing on loan there during the 2013-14 season.

      Andre Wisdom has been playing in the Championship with Derby since 2017Credit: JOHN CLIFTON
      CONOR COADY
      Coady failed to make the grade at Liverpool.
      However, at Wolves he has proven to be a steady Premier League player – and is captain of the side.
      In August he was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad, and has played three times for the Three Lions.

      Conor Coady is now captain at WolvesCredit: PA:Press Association
      WILL KEANE
      The Manchester United starlet played three times at Old Trafford, but was never good enough to make the grade.
      Most of his career has been spent plying his trade in the Championship with QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Preston North End, before he signed for Hull and Ipswich.
      He now plays for Wigan. He has also made himself available for the Republic of Ireland.

      Former Man Utd starlet Will Keane reps Ireland nowCredit: Rex Features
      ROSS BARKLEY
      The cream of the crop after breaking into the Everton side as a teen, Barkley showed flashes of brilliance that saw him compared to Paul Gascoigne.
      Sadly, he never managed to sustain his form with the Toffees, and a move to Stamford Bridge in 2018 for £15million was seen as a chance for him to start afresh.
      He hasn’t quite lived up to expectation at Chelsea, which is why he was shipped off to Aston Villa on loan.
      But with Dean Smith’s side, the 27-year-old is showing glimpses of the old magic.

      Ross Barkley moved to Chelsea in 2018 for £15millionCredit: Alamy Live News
      JOSH McEACHRAN
      Chelsea product McEachran was dubbed a class outfit at youth level for the Blues because of his brilliance on the ball.
      The tidy midfielder managed to play 11 times for the West Londoners, before he was sold to Brentford in 2017 for £750,000.
      In 2019, he moved to Birmingham for a free transfer. He was released at the end of the January transfer window in 2021.

      Josh McEachran played 11 times for the BluesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BENIK AFOBE
      The former Arsenal starlet was once targeted by Barcelona before committing a deal as a youngster with the Gunners.
      Following a series of loans, most successfully at Wolves when they were in the Championship, Premier League Bournemouth paid £10million for Afobe’s services.
      He failed to live up to standards of the top division, and is currently playing in Turkey for Trabzonspor – on loan from Stoke.
      He has since gone on to play for DR Congo.

      Ex-Arsenal starlet Afobe has found goals hard to come by at the top levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      CONNOR WICKHAM
      After showing promise with Ipswich in the Championship, the powerful centre forward signed for Premier League Sunderland in a deal worth £12million in 2011.
      In his four years with the Black Cats he struggled for goals – scoring just 15 times in 91 games.
      In 2015, Crystal Palace signed Wickham for £9million – but a serious knee injury put pay to his progress in South London.
      Now, he’s on a loan deal with Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.

      Connor Wickham celebrates scoring for Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Empics Sport

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      Bayern Munich shock signing Omar Richards, 23, owes career to single parent mum and had Fulham heartbreak before Reading

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      FAIRYTALES do come true.
      Last season, Omar Richards was grateful to have established himself as a first team regular at Reading.

      Omar Richards will join Bayern Munich in the summer following a pre-contract agreementCredit: Rex Features

      Now, he’s the talk of the football world since securing a sensational move to Bayern Munich.
      The 23-year-old left-back will link up with the Bundesliga champions this summer, after signing a pre-contract agreement on a four-year deal.
      It’s the pinnacle, so far, of a remarkable journey for Richards, who has been capped once at England U21 level.
      And it’s a path he’s managed to negotiate thanks to his mum, who made sure he followed his dreams.

      SOUTH LONDON-BORN
      Richards was raised in Lewisham, South London by his single parent mother, along with two brothers.
      He rarely saw his dad, in what were difficult circumstances. But football was his passion.
      The youngster played Sunday League football, before training with Fulham and then Reading.
      And it was his mother who made sure he never missed an opportunity to play the game.

      “Growing up, my mum made a lot of things happen for me,” he said.

      Richards grew up in South London and said he owes his career to his mum

      Now 23, Richards only established himself as a first team regular last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “With football, she’d be taking me up and down to training and to matches all over the country. I’m very fortunate for that.
      “I grew up with my mum, single parent, I didn’t see too much of my dad. I’m fortunate for her making a lot of things work for me.
      “I owe a lot of it to my mum.
      “If it wasn’t for her taking me to all these training sessions from such a young age, I’m not sure I would have been so driven and stayed on with football, so a lot of it is down to her.
      “Even now, she comes to the games when she can.”
      HEARTBREAK AT FULHAM
      Richards, who started out as a left-winger, established himself in the Royals first team in 2019.
      The same year he was called up to England’s U21 squad and made his debut against Slovenia in a 2-2 draw.
      But before he became a pro, he played Sunday League football for his local side.
      It was there that clubs started to take note of his ability.

      Dedicated Richards played Sunday League football before he was scouted

      Reading offered Richards a scholarship after he was released as a 16-year-oldCredit: Rex Features
      “I’m not really sure how I got into football originally, but I started to play Sunday league with my local team,” he said.
      “I didn’t really know if I was any good at it, but I just played for fun then they signed me up down there.
      “I played there for a couple of years but then that team ended up folding, so I moved on to another local team where I went on to get scouted for Charlton, Chelsea and Fulham.”
      After a successful trial with the Cottagers, he joined the West London side at 10.
      However, he was left heartbroken six years later.
      “I remember getting released by Fulham at 16, and I didn’t know where football was going for me at that time.”
      REDEMPTION AT READING
      Luckily for Richards, the late Eamonn Dolan, Reading’s former academy manager, saw his potential and invited him to earn a scholarship.
      “When I came over to Reading and got signed, that was a big moment in my career – just to keep going and keep sticking with my dream,” Richards said.
      “Eamonn put belief in me, after getting released I lost quite a bit of confidence and he was able to restore that, and he helped me get where I am today.”

      The late Eamonn Dolan, Reading’s former academy manager, recognised the potential in RichardsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Richards wasn’t always a defender and often played as a forwardCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      An enforced switch before a youth game saw Richards play left-back and he’s been there ever sinceCredit: Rex Features

      And it was an enforced switch ahead of a youth game by academy coach David Dodds that Richards discovered his skills would be best set as an attacking left-back.
      “Before I was more of an attacking player, I used to be a number 10 or a winger – I liked the way David Silva used to play, I always looked at that,” Richards said.
      “I was a first-year scholar and the scholars didn’t have a left-back, David Dodds put me there for one game and it kind of worked – so I’ve been there ever since!”

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      Lionel Messi scored his first goal for Argentina 15 years ago, will he FINALLY win the World Cup in Qatar in 2022?

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      MONDAY was the fifteenth anniversary of Lionel Messi’s first goal for Argentina.
      It was on March 1st 2006, in the early stages of a friendly against Croatia being played in Switzerland, that Messi cut across the defence – in what was soon to be characteristic fashion – before planting a left footed shot into the far corner.

      Lionel Messi, scoring against Serbia in the 2006 World Cup, has 71 goals for his countryCredit: Reuters

      Heartbreak against Germany in the 2014 final was the closest Messi got to winning the World CupCredit: AFP – Getty

      There is an eruption of joy on the Argentina bench. They know they have something special on the hands, and they are well aware that this is going to be the first goal of many.
      But, of course, they have no way of knowing how many.
      In fact, there have been 70 more goals for his country, and there is still time for the total to rise.
      He is by some distance Argentina’s top scorer, with 17 more than second place Gabriel Batistuta, and more than twice the total achieved by Diego Maradona.

      But Maradona has the big prize. The heights he reached in the 1986 World Cup, arguably not seen before or since in the competition, carried Argentina to the trophy.
      Messi is still waiting – and at the age of 33, his time in the waiting room is limited.
      Back in March 2006 he could already point to the previous year’s triumph in the Under-20 World Cup. And two years later he added an Olympic gold medal.  But there is no senior World Cup.
      There is not even a Copa America, a tournament Messi has disputed five times and been on the beaten side in three finals. The big one, though, is the World Cup.

      Trophies at international level, including the Copa America, have eluded MessiCredit: Getty – Pool

      Messi will have the opportunity to finally win the World Cup in 2022Credit: AFP – Getty
      The best chance may well have come later in that year of 2006. It was when Argentina had their most solid team in recent years. And this time, it is impossible to blame Messi.
      He was left kicking his heels on the bench in the quarter final against hosts Germany. He should surely have been introduced when Argentina were protecting a lead.
      Instead he could only watch from the sidelines as his team lost a penalty shoot out.
      Four years later he was on the field. But could do nothing as Argentina lost at the same stage to the same opponents – but this time by the margin of 4-0.
      By this time the team had clear defensive problems. But Maradona, now coaching, got carried away and selected an ultra-attacking line up which always looked like too much of a gamble.
      The 2014 campaign ended in the final, with Argentina once more going down to Germany, this time by a single goal near the end of extra time. 
      Messi did what he could to carry the side. Come the end of the competition he cut a very tired figure, rationing himself to brief bursts.  It was nearly enough, but not quite.
      Russia 2018 was an entirely predictable disaster. They lacked the defensive pace and goalkeeping quality to play the type of high pressure attacking game favoured by coach Jorge Sampaoli, and could have crashed out before losing to France in the second round.
      Without Messi’s brilliance they would not have made it to Russia. He missed a number of the qualifying rounds, and they struggled desperately without him.

      Messi celebrates his last goal in open play for Argentina at the 2018 World CupCredit: Reuters

      At 33, Messi’s time is coming to an endCredit: EPA

      Messi would cement his legacy as Argentina’s greatest if he wins the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Their place was still in doubt going into the final round, when they needed to win away to Ecuador at the altitude of Quito – a task made even harder when they conceded right at the start. Messi scored an extraordinary hat trick to dig them out of trouble.
      That was in October 2017. Since then, the numbers tell a worrying tale. In the subsequent three and a half years, Messi has only scored one goal from open play in a competitive match – a memorable strike against Nigeria in the last World Cup.

      There have been penalties in the Copa America and in 2022 World Cup qualification. But no more of those trademark bursts across the defence finished off with the shot caressed inside the post.
      Does he still have it in him?  There is one more crack at the World Cup coming his way in Qatar at the end of next year.
      Can he rise to the occasion, and produce the scenes of joy on the Argentina bench that were seen for the first time on March 1st 2006?

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      Inside Mike Tyson’s extravagant 52-room mansion he sold to 50 Cent for £3.3million with two pools, nightclub and studio

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      WHEN Mike Tyson was declared bankrupt in 2003, he was forced to sell up.
      With reported debts of £17million, his prized home in Connecticut was one of his first possessions to be sacrificed.

      Mike Tyson’s former home in ConnecticutCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      In 2003, Tyson was forced to sell the property for £3.3m after declaring bankruptcyCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      And it would’ve been a bitter pill for the 54-year-old to swallow, looking at the mega mansion.
      Boasting 52 rooms, including 21 bedrooms, as well as its own nightclub the property is as lavish as Tyson has ever owned.
      But it was needs must for the heavyweight boxing legend and in came rapper 50 Cent who bought it from him for £3.3m the same year it was revealed he blew his fortune.
      PROPERTY DEETS
      When the In da Club singer bought the house from Tyson, it set a record for the most expensive home ever sold in the area of Farmington – and it’s easy to see why.

      Along with those 21 bedrooms we mentioned earlier, the 50,000-square-foot abode has a 25 bathrooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, an indoor court, multiple game rooms, a green-screen room, and a recording studio.
      And the opulence doesn’t end there.
      Entering the property through a stately front gate, you’re greeted by a lion statue.
      Walking into the home on the marble floor, a duelling wood-panelled staircase leads you to another level of the property.

      As can be seen, the decor is as lavish as it gets throughout the property.

      At the entrance of the property you’re faced with opulent gates and a statue of a lionCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Two staircases lead you to the first floorCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The ground floor features marble floorsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The master bedroom offers incredible views of the gardensCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      A steel staircase in the master bedroom leads to another floorCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The walk-in closets are glass frontedCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Astonishingly, there are 25 bathroomsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      This bathroom features a huge bathtub overlooking the gardensCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The bathroom has a glass showerCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The reception room features a Weber grand pianoCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The property also boasts its own nightclubCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      The master bedroom has a scenic view of the garden landscape.
      From there, you have your own steel staircase that leads to another floor that features a massive walk-in closet with glass doors, so you can see your designer wardrobe.
      One of the many en-suites has a huge bathtub that overlooks the gardens, and it also features a glass door shower.
      THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
      The home is fit for someone who loves having friends round.
      There are outdoor and indoor basketball courts that complete the recreational feel to the property.
      There’s a room with pool tables, and another games room with poker and roulette tables – meaning you’ll never have to go to Las Vegas again.
      Next to the outdoor basketball court is a pond that has an elaborate water feature spouting out and a guesthouse.
      However, this property does have a chequered history in sales.

      50 Cent had the outdoor basketball court personalised with his group’s name onCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      A second basketball court can be found indoorsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The indoor swimming pool is one of two at the homeCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The outdoor pool features its own grottoCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      It’s the perfect spot to top up your tanCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The kitchen has enough space for the most avid chefCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      One games room features pool tablesCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Another games room has poker and roulette tablesCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
      TOO EXPENSIVE
      Over the years, the property has dropped in value rapidly – mostly because of its running costs that 50 cent complained cost him around £50,000-per-month.
      In fact, it was on the market for 12 years – starting at £14million before it was finally sold last year for just £2.3million – an 84 per cent price drop.
      “It’s just oversized for the market,” estate agent Jonathan Miller told Realtor.com.
      “When you have a property that is well outside the norm, it takes a lot longer to sell.”
      In the end, it was reportedly snapped up by US businessman Casey Askar, who owns several fast-food businesses.
      Another of Mike Tyson’s amazing homes, complete with cages for his tigers, was left abandoned before it was converted into a church.

      A cinema room adds to the lavish offerings this property hasCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      The property also has a pond next to the basketball courtCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      There’s a guest house overlooking the pondCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      A water feature spouts into the pondCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Over the years the property has struggled to sell and was on the market for 12 yearsCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

      Eventually it sold last year for just £2.3m – decreasing 83 per cent in valueCredit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate

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      in Soccer

      Inside Eden Hazard’s amazing futuristic £10m mansion with six bedrooms and a pool he bought from a Spanish pop star

      by

      EDEN HAZARD’s stop start career at Real Madrid continues.
      It appeared he had settled, bagging his first Champions League goal for the club against Inter Milan at the tail-end of last.

      Eden Hazard paid £10m for this plus home in the reputable La Finca neighbourhood of MadridCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      Plenty of Real Madrid stars choose to live in the areaCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      Eden Hazard, pictured with his family, has struggled with life at Real MadridCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Belgium star, 30, has struggled with his weight and fitness, but will be hopeful he can justify the £88million outlay the La Liga Giants paid for him back in 2019.
      And he lives in a home fitting for a Galactico – a £10million futuristic mansion in the plush La Finca neighbourhood, where his team mates live. 
      STATE-OF-THE-ART
      Designed by Spanish architect Joaquin Torres, the property is distinctive for its black stone and state-of-the-art furnishings.
      It boasts six bedrooms and 10 bathrooms for Hazard’s family – wife Natacha and their sons Yannis, Leo and Samy.

      The ex-Chelsea playmaker has a pool, as well as a gym – meaning the mansion is quarantine-ready.
      And the amenities don’t end there. There’s a spa, should the family wish to wind down and a tennis court.
      The family can also snuggle down together for movie night in their home cinema room.
      BACK TO THE FUTURE
      Meanwhile, the entire house is automated with blackout blinds and other top-of-the-line gadgets able to be set and run by computer for optimal comfort.

      Some of the walls are even made with giant crystals that give an impressive contrast to the stone without allowing any light to get through.

      Some of the walls are made of crystal which does not allow any light throughCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      What footballer’s mansion would be complete without a pool?Credit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      The whole house is kitted out with automated gadgetsCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
      PREVIOUS OWNER
      Hazard bought the home from famous Spanish singer, 17-time Grammy winner Alejandro Sanz.
      However, it hasn’t brought him the luck he would’ve hoped for – appearing just 27 times in all competitions for the club since his arrival, and testing positive for the coronavirus earlier this month.

      There are TEN bathrooms to choose from in the stylish homeCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      A cinema room big enough for the whole family to relax inCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

      Six bedrooms mean Hazard will have plenty of space for his Chelsea palsCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection

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      in Soccer

      The best 25 Barcelona youth players from La Masia academy, including Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Mauro Icardi

      by

      IN 1979, Barcelona decided they wanted a steady stream of homegrown talents to one day blossom in their first team.
      They launched their now famed La Masia (Catalan for ‘The Farmhouse’), a state-of-the-art academy designed to train youngsters the Barça way, and has since produced a slew of top-class footballers.

      Lionel Messi (in the mask), Cesc Fabregas (back row, second right) and Gerard Pique (back row, third left) are Barcelona youth productsCredit: PA:Press Association

      They were schooled at Barcelona’s famous La Masia AcademyCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun

      Many have gone on to become legends at the club, while others have slipped away and grown at pastures new.
      Here are their best 25 best academy trainees.
      25. ALEX GRIMALDO
      The Spanish left-back is one of the most sought-after defenders in world football at the moment.
      Currently starring at Benfica, he has been linked with a move to Tottenham.

      Barcelona let him go for £1.5million in 2015, without playing a game in the first team.
      Originally, he was plucked from Valence in 2008 – spending four years with the Catalans until he was sold.

      Alex Grimaldo has made his name at BenficaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      24. DANI OLMO
      Olmo is the most recent promising youngster that left Spain for a new challenge.
      The Spanish 21-year-old midfielder, who moved in January 2020 to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, arrived at La Masia aged just nine.

      But in a surprising move, Olmo decided to leave Barça when he turned 16 and signed for Dinamo Zagreb.
      Barcelona were rumoured to be looking at bringing him back to Catalonia before he moved to Germany.
      He has since starred in the Bundesliga and is a regular in the Spain squad.

      Dani Olmo gambled with his career leaving Barcelona aged 16 for Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      23. NAYIM
      Arsenal fans won’t want to be reminded of Nayim’s most famous moment in his career.
      But before he was lobbing David Seaman from the halfway line, he was a young hopeful at La Masia.
      He joined Barcelona aged 12 – leaving his hometown Cueta.
      But his chances were limited in a team that was managed by Terry Venables.
      He later joined the former Three Lions boss at Spurs.

      Former La Masia product Nayim scored the winner the Cup Winners’ Cup final against ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      22. LUIS GARCIA
      The former Liverpool midfielder had two spells with Barcelona.
      First as a 12-year-old youth player, where he starred in their reserve team.
      But having failed to break into the first team, he was sold to Atletico Madrid in 2002.
      However, after impressing with Atletico, Barcelona exercised a clause in Garcia’s contract to buy him back a season later.
      Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez moved for the playmaker in 2004 – having had him at Tenerife on loan in 2000-01.

      Luis Garcia had two spells at Barcelona but never made the gradeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      21. ANDRE ONANA
      Another surprise, in-demand Ajax keeper Andre Onana had a spell at Barcelona from 2010-15.
      He joined the club after starting out at the Samuel Eto’o Academy, but failed to make the grade there.
      Five years ago he signed for the Dutch giants, and has since become their No1.
      He is currently suspended for 12 months for a doping violation.

      In-demand Andre Onana had five years at La Masia before moving to AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      20. ALBERT FERRER
      It was right-back Ferrer’s dream to play for Barcelona – having grown up in the city.
      And he appeared in 221 La Liga games during nine seasons with his boyhood club, after he was signed as a 13-year-old.
      In 1998 he moved to Premier League with Chelsea in a £2.2m deal, where he retired aged 33.

      Albert Ferrer was a local lad who got to represent his boyhood clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      19. PEPE REINA
      The son of former Barcelona goalkeeper Miguel Reina, Pepe was always destined to follow in his father’s footsteps.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, and from 1999 he was playing for their reserve side in the third tier of the Spanish football pyramid.
      Reina was never more than an understudy at the Camp Nou, and was told he could leave in 2002.

      Pepe Reina was surplus to requirements to Barcelona in 2002 after being an understudy for yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      18. GUILLERMO AMOR
      Benidorm-born Amor became one of Barcelona’s most important players under Cruyff in the 1990s.
      He joined La Masia in 1980 – winning five league titles and a European Cup.
      With Barcelona in his blood, it is unsurprising he is now responsible for the club’s youth system.

      Former youth product Amor now manages Barcelona’s youth set-upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      17. HECTOR BELLERIN
      The Arsenal full-back might speak like a cockney, but he’s Barcelona through and through.
      Bellerin was also eight when he joined the club – but after eight years at La Masia he moved to the Gunners.
      Now vice-captain of the Premier League giants, Bellerin has been linked with a move back to Spain.
      Could he follow in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas before him and return to the club where it all began?

      Hector Bellerin left Barcelona for Arsenal and has played against his old side several timesCredit: PA:Press Association
      16. SERGI
      The marauding Spanish left-back joined Barcelona in 1988, and went on to become a club legend – appearing 382 times and winning three league titles.
      He was handed his Barça debut by Cruyff in a heated Champions League match away at Galatasaray
      From then on, he became a mainstay before he was sold to Atletico Madrid. He hadn’t lost that nastiness that made him a tricky player to play against either – earning 33 yellow cards in his three seasons there.

      Sergi won three La Liga titles after coming through La MasiaCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      15. THIAGO MOTTA
      Barcelona never really saw the best of Motta.
      Like Pedro, he was signed late – aged 17 from local side Clube Atlético Juventus – and was assigned to the B side.
      He made his debut in 2001, but his time at Barcelona was robbed from him by a serious knee injury.
      Eventually, he found himself at Inter Milan, where Jose Mourinho got the best out of him – winning the Champions League in 2010.

      Thiago Motta never fulfilled his potential at BarçaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      14. IVAN DE LA PENA
      The hype around De La Pena, nicknamed “Little Buddha”, was immense when he was a teen.
      The child prodigy joined La Masia in 1991 from Racing Santander and initially looked to have a big future at the club.
      But fallouts with Cruyff and Van Gaal, who were frustrated with his work-rate, saw his progress curtailed and he had more success with city rivals Espanyol.

      De La Pena had fallouts with Johan Cruyff and Louis Van GaalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      13. ADAMA TRAORE
      Last season, Wolves winger Traore has finally shown the potential Barcelona youth managers believed he had.
      He joined the Spanish champions aged just eight, making his debut aged 17, but failed to break into the first team under managers Gerard Martino and Luis Enrique.
      The speedy winger then moved to England, and had an ill-fated spell at Aston Villa before rediscovering his potential at Middlesbrough.

      Adama Traore moved to England to get first team footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      12. MIKEL ARTETA
      The Arsenal manager is best known for his time in the Premier League playing for both the Gunners and Everton.
      But before he made it in England, Arteta dreamt of becoming pro in San Sebastian playing football on the beaches with childhood friend Xabi Alonso.
      He joined Barcelona aged 15, but struggled to break into the first team – joining PSG on loan before starring at Glasgow Rangers and returning to play for Real Sociedad with Alonso.

      Mikel Arteta struggled to break into the Barcelona first team
      11. VICTOR VALDES
      Valdes is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history – having played 535 games and winning 21 major titles, including La Liga six times and three Champions League’s.
      But it looked like his time at the club had come to an end in 1995 when his family moved to Tenerife.
      However, Barça re-signed him and quickly progressed through the youth teams – making his debut aged 20.

      Victor Valdes left La Masia academy only to return three years laterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      10. PEDRO
      The ex-Chelsea winger was a late-comer when it came to joining La Masia.
      Pedro arrived from Canary Islands team CD San Isidro aged 17 in 2004.
      But soon, he became a key member of the first team once he was promoted by Pep Guardiola.
      In the 2018-19 season Pedro became the first player to score in six different club competitions during a single season and in the same year.

      Pedro was a late-comer to La Masia, joining aged 17Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      9. MAURO ICARDI
      Argentina striker Icardi had a spell at La Masia from 2008-11, after rejecting overtures from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool.
      But the goal poacher failed to show his class in Spain and was shipped out on loan to Sampdoria in 2011, which became a permanent move six months later for just £400,000.
      He has since become one of the most sought-after strikers in European football, boasting a remarkable goalscoring record.
      Icardi always stood by his decision to leave Barça, because it ultimately benefitted his career.

      Super poacher Mauro Icardi failed to impress at La MasiaCredit: FC Barcelona
      8. GERARD PIQUE
      Another one that got away, but returned to become a hero.
      Pique played in the same youth teams as Messi and Fabregas from 1997, although he was deployed as a defensive midfielder in his early years.
      Manchester United snapped him up in 2004 on a pro-contract, without having to pay a fee.
      In 2008, he returned to Catalonia for a fee of £5million and has gone on to play 531 times for the club, as well as bag a celebrity wife in Shakira.

      Pique returned to Barcelona after a spell at Man Utd and bagged a celebrity missus in ShakiraCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      7. SERGIO BUSQUETS
      One-club man Busquets has become one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.
      At youth level though he bounced around a few teams playing for the likes of Badia, Barbera Andalucia, Lleida, and Jàbac Terrassa, before settling at Barcelona in 2005,
      Guardiola promoted Busquets to his first team in 2008, but it’s his former international manager Vincente Del Bosque who provided this accurate quote about his abilities.
      He said: “If you watch the whole game, you won’t see Busquets – but watch Busquets, and you will see the whole game.”

      Sergio Busquets has established himself as the best defensive midfielder of his generationCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      6. CESC FABREGAS
      Fabregas trained at La Masia for six years before making the bold move to Arsenal in 2003, believing his chances would be limited at the Nou Camp.
      With the Gunners he soon established himself into one of the Europe’s most promising players – replacing Patrick Vieira in the heart of their midfield, before eventually being named captain.
      In 2011 he returned to Barcelona for £35m, and in three seasons played 96 times for them before moving to Chelsea for £30m in 2014.
      Cesc won the World Cup and the Euros twice, and has been capped 110 times by Spain.

      Fabregas returned to Barcelona after making his name at ArsenalCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      5. PEP GUARDIOLA
      Johan Cruyff called him one of the best midfielders of his generation, and it’s hard to argue with that seeing he was a major influence in playing style of the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.
      Guardiola joined La Masia at 13, and within six years the deep-lying playmaker made his debut against Cadiz.
      In 1998 Louis van Gaal made him captain, but in 2001 he left for Serie A side Brescia after years of injury problems with a troublesome calf.

      Pep Guardiola became Barcelona captain after making it through their youth ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      4. CARLES PUYOL
      Arguably the most un-Barcelona-like player.
      But Puyol became a cult hero as an inspirational captain with his uncompromising style of defending.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, playing as a defensive midfielder before converting to full-back and then centre-half.
      But Puyol almost left the club three years later when Barça accepted an offer from Malaga after deeming him surplus to requirements.
      However, seeing Xavi getting a chance in the first team encouraged Puyol to stay, and the rest is history.

      Puyol became a cult figure at Barcelona but nearly left the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      3. ANDRES INIESTA
      Plucked from Albacete at the age of 12, Iniesta never looked back.
      He steadily climbed up the youth ranks, making his debut aged 18 in 2002.
      Iniesta would go on to become the most decorated Spanish footballer in history – winning 35 trophies, including nine LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
      Famously, he helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup – scoring the winner against Holland.

      Iniesta joined La Masia as a 12-year-oldCredit: Rex Features
      2. XAVI
      The greatest playmaker of his generation, and the embodiment of their tiki-taka passing style, Xavi joined La Masia at 10.
      At that age though it wasn’t Michael Laudrup he idolised, but in fact British-based stars like John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne, and Matt Le Tissier.
      “I’ve been lucky enough to be brought up on the Barcelona ethos,” he once revealed.
      “Which has taught me the value of being part of a team. ‘Today for you, tomorrow for me.’ Those qualities are essential for life in general.”

      Xavi idolised Paul Gascoigne, Matt Le Tissier and John Barnes growing upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. LIONEL MESSI
      Without doubt the best youngster to come from Barcelona’s youth set-up, and the best to ever play for the club.
      Messi joined the LaLiga giants in 2001 from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, who he had trained with since the age of six.
      Realising they had such a prodigious talent on their hands, Barcelona agreed to pay for his treatment after he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.
      However, this season might be his last – with Manchester City desperate to bring Messi to the Premier League.

      Messi graduated from La Masia to become Barcelona’s greatest ever playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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