Sport Features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet England new boy Ollie Watkins’ ‘proud’ Wag Ellie, who has a twin sister and sells designer clothes on app Depop

      by

      ASTON VILLA ace Ollie Watkins has been called up by England, and there’s no one happier than his stunning Wag.Girlfriend Ellie Alderson immediately took to Twitter to celebrate the news that the former Brentford hotshot was selected by Gareth Southgate for the March internationals.
      Meet Ollie Watkins stunning Wag Ellie AldersonCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      Ellie has revealed her pride about Watkins’ call-up for EnglandCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      Omg I can’t believe my eyes 🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️ I am so proud— ellie alderson (@ellsalderson) March 18, 2021

      “Omg I can’t believe my eyes,” she said in a tweet after news broke. “I am so proud.”
      The interior designer has dated Watkins since 2018, as the striker has risen to the top.
      Here’s their story.
      BY HIS SIDE
      At last season’s London Football Awards, Alderson was by her man’s side as he scooped the award for EFL Player of the Year.
      The beauty looked ready for Premier League Wag status – stunning in a black dress, alongside a suited and booted Watkins.
      Alderson, herself, is originally from Berkshire.
      She graduated from university with a diploma in interior design.
      She takes pride in her work, sharing her own Instagram page ‘Ellie Anderson Home’ which features all her home interiors designs.
      And Ellie has a twin. She often shares pictures with sister Sofia, who also looks amazing in a bikini.
      Ellie is 24-years-oldCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      Glam Ellie joined Watkins at the London Football Awards, where he won the EFL Player of the Year awardCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      Originally from Berkshire, Ellie is an interior designerCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      On Instagram Ellie has a page dedicated to her interior homes designsCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      Ellie has a twin called SofiaCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      Ellie is a perfect fit as a Premier League WagCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      The brunette beauty looks stunning in loungewear
      SHE’S THRIFTY
      Like most Wags, Ellie lives for travel and often shares her adventures on Instagram, on which she has just over 4,000 followers.
      She’s been to Paris, New York, Las Vegas and Barbados recently – often with her footballer boyfriend.
      But, despite her glam lifestyle, Ellie is thrifty.

      Just like Aston Villa defender Matt Targett’s girlfriend Jasmin Buckle, Ellie likes to flog designer clobber she no longer wears on shopping app Depop.
      From fancy dresses to jeans and sunglasses, there are bargains to be had.
      Not as much as a bargain as Watkins has turned out to be for Villa this season – scoring 12 goals in all competitions this term.
      In true Wag style, Ellie can look glam too
      Thrifty is a good word to describe EllieCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      Ellie uses shopping app Depop to sell her clothing she no longer wearsCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      Travelling is one of Ellie’s favourite things to do, and she once visited Las VegasCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      Over 4,000 fans follow Ellie on InstagramCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      Ellie stuns in a bikiniCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      England boss Gareth Southgate says he hopes Jude Bellingham will join squad More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid wonderkid Sergio Arribas is ‘like Isco’ with magic left foot set to light up the Bernabeu

      by

      WITH the spending power of Europe’s top clubs hindered by the Covid-19 pandemic, many will be looking at their academies and who to promote.Real Madrid, usually perennial big spenders, will be no different.
      Sergio Arribas could breath life into Real Madrid’s ageing midfieldCredit: Getty
      And, the answer to their playmaker woes – with Lukic Modric’s knees creaking and Eden Hazard still struggling for form – could be Sergio Arribas.
      The 19-year-old has been compared to Isco, who himself has been linked with a move away from Los Blancos.
      Blessed with a magic left-foot, the 5ft 7in central midfielder can operate as a No10 or out wide.
      Last season, Arribas played a key role in Real Madrid’s youth side winning the Uefa Youth League.
      PART OF LA FABRICA
      Madrid-native Arribas joined his boyhood club at the age of 11, after a spell at second division Leganes.
      But it wasn’t until last season that a buzz about his performances began to peak boss Zinedine Zidane’s interest.
      He led the club to a 3-2 win over Benfica in the Uefa Youth League final – a competition akin to the Champions League for U18s.
      18-year-old Arribas is a star of Real Madrid’s youth team and a regular for their reservesCredit: Getty
      Arribas trains regularly with the first teamCredit: Instagram @sergio_arribas10
      In 2019-20 Arribas led the Los Blancos youth team to a Uefa Youth League win
      Arribas finished an incredible campaign with 18 goals and 13 assists in his 34 appearances.
      An introduction to the first team beckoned.
      DEBUT
      Zidane used Arribas in a preseason friendly against Getafe – and he didn’t disappoint by netting a penalty.
      However, it is for Real Madrid’s reserve side where he has appeared most this campaign.
      In 14 appearances for the Spanish third tier side he’s managed three goals and one assist, and impressed with his team play.

      Arribas has been gradually introduced into the first team by Zinedine Zidane
      Midfielder Arribas appeared in Real Madrid’s last-16 Champions League tie against Atalanta in FebruaryCredit: Getty
      And Arribas has had a taste of first team action – mostly from the bench where he’s gathered minutes often as a late sub.
      Back in September, he made his debut against Real Sociedad – coming on for Vinicius Jr in the 91st minute.
      While his Champions League bow came in December, when he was introduced from the bench in a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach.
      WICKED LEFT-FOOT
      Those who have worked with Arribas have spoken of his low-centre of gravity and wicked left-foot.
      There have also been comparisons to another Real Madrid star.
      “He is a very precise player, you could tell he was very skilful, with that low centre of gravity that can remind you of the Isco or that type of player,” former coach Dani Poyatos told Fabrica Madrid.
      At 5ft 7in Arribas has a low centre of gravity and is blessed with a wicked left-foot
      Arribas has been compared to first team star Isco by his former coachCredit: Zuma Press

      “And on a football level, being more of a midfielder than a finisher, he showed a precision that attracted a lot of attention, without being the centre forward.
      “He understands second moves, second actions, very well. He is very intuitive, in what action or what second move there will be.”
      Zidane will be hopeful that intuition in front of goal will help his side’s cause in years to come.
      Explosive moment journalist is kicked off TV show for calling Eden Hazard ‘fat’ during Real Madrid win over Atalanta More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Ronaldo and Messi boast amazing lifestyles, with stunning homes and expensive cars but who’s living their best life?

      by

      FOOTBALL megastars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are still on top of their game and have a life to envy.The Portuguese legend, 36, recently celebrated overtaking Pele’s goals record with hat-trick against Cagliari – and now has a staggering 740 career goals to his name.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is still top of his gameCredit: PA
      Like Ronaldo, Lionel Messi is a football billionaire and has an amazing lifestyleCredit: Rex
      While the Barcelona ace, 33, equalled Xavi’s appearance record against Huesca – the 767th time he’s played for the Catalans – and for good measure he scored twice too in a 4-1 win.
      Because of their brilliance over the years, the pair have seen their bank accounts swell and boast vast fortunes.
      And according to Forbes, they are the ONLY two footballers who have become billionaires.
      So what do they spend their money on?
      HOMES
      Cristiano has lived in some amazing homes through the years – and has a come a long since his humble beginnings in Madeira.
      After making it at Old Trafford, Ronaldo splashed £3m on an incredible estate in Alderley Edge.
      Then, when he moved to Real Madrid in 2009 for £80million he bought a stunning £4.8million mansion in the exclusive La Finca neighbourhood.
      Currently he lives in Turin in two adjoining villas found on a private road guarded by security, which leads to an entrance gate.
      The villas themselves have separate entrances, and are surrounded by lush gardens and vegetation.
      The property is so high up, ‘it’s as if Turin were at the feet of CR7, a tribute of the city to the long-awaited and newly-arrived champion,’ La Gazzetta dello Sport reported at the time of purchase.
      Ronaldo’s home in Turin features two adjoining villasCredit: Instagram
      The property boasts amazing views of the city of TurinCredit: Instagram
      The property boasts plenty of space for the whole Ronaldo familyCredit: Instagram
      Ronaldo relaxes in one of the many lounge areas of the homeCredit: Refer to Caption
      Ronaldo works out in the state-of-the-art gym
      There’s a state-of-the-art gym that he and former shop assistant Georgina love to use together. And there’s also a swimming pool, which Ronaldo cools down in by doing a few laps following a strenuous session lifting weights.
      Ronaldo also has a £1.4million holiday home in the Costa del Sol, as well as a £7million home in Madeira his mum and brother live in.
      Messi’s modern £5.5million Barcelona mansion he lives in with Antonella Roccuzzo features incredible views of the Balearic Sea, and due to environmental restrictions a no-fly zone is in place over the Castelldefels property.
      Just 12 miles away from the Camp Nou, Messi’s abode also has a small football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor gym and a playground for his three children.
      Earlier this year, Messi was also said to have splashed £7.25m on a luxury apartment in the Porsche Design Tower in Miami.
      Amazingly, the building boasts three car lifts allowing residents to park their vehicle on the same floor as their suite.
      The Messis live in a stunning mansion in the exclusive suburb of CastelldefelsCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
      The home boasts a stunning and spacious loungeCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
      Messi has a room dedicated to a collection of shirts in his home
      Lionel Messi reportedly bought an apartment at the Porsche Design Tower – which boasts stunning views of the Miami coastlineCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Each suite has a lift that allows residents to park their cars on the same floor as their home
      A spacious living room and open plan kitchen can be seen in this showhome
      CARS
      Juventus forward Ronaldo is a car collector, and SunSport has estimated in the past his garage is worth £16million.
      The two standouts of his collection are his Bugatti Centodieci that cost £8.5million, and is one of only 10 in the world.
      He also owns a Bugatti Chiron worth £2.5million and a £1.7million Bugatti Veyron.
      For his 35th birthday, his gorgeous Wag Georgina Rodriguez gifted him a Mercedes G-Class Brabus, an SUV that can cost up to £600,000.
      A £260,000 Lamborghini Aventador and a Ferrari F12 TDF that would’ve set CR7 back £350,000 are also kept in pristine condition in his collection.
      Ronaldo is believed to be one of 10 people lucky enough to buy the incredible new Bugatti Centodieci, which costs £8.5m
      Cristiano Ronaldo poses outside his former Madrid home on his £1.7m Bugatti VeyronCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      The Ferrari F12 is one of Ronaldo’s favouritesCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Messi also loves luxury cars – although he isn’t in the same bracket as Ronaldo in terms of being a collector.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has a £1.5million Pagani Zonda, which is the most expensive in his collection.
      He has a penchant for Maserati, with a £100,000 GranTurismo S and a GranTurismo MC Stradale among his fleet.
      Messi has also been seen driving a Ferrari F43 Spider worth £173,000 around Barcelona.
      Before Barcelona’s deal with Audi expired, he wasn’t afraid to drive their sponsored cars too.
      Although with Barcelona’s deal with Audi ending last year, there were no more freebies from the German car giants.
      A rare Pagani Zonda worth £1.5million is the jewel of Messi’s car collectionCredit: Handout
      Messi loves Maseratis and has two different GranTurismosCredit: Xposure
      Barcelona’s sponsorship deal with Audi has expired, so Messi doesn’t get a company car anymoreCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PRIVATE JET
      Both Ronaldo and Messi enjoy a jet-set lifestyle, so it’s no wonder they have their own planes.
      In 2015, CR7 reportedly paid £20million for a a Gulfstream G200 twin-engine jet.
      Originally named the ‘Astra Galaxy’, the G200 is capable of reaching a top speed of 560mph.
      Its range is up to 3,910 miles with four passengers in tow, so it’s ideal for quick flights from Italy to hubs around Europe.
      And the G200 offers a generous seating configuration, and can fit as many as eight to 10 passengers for one flight.
      Ronaldo reportedly owns a Gulfstream G200Credit: Rex Features
      Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez often use their private jet to zoom around EuropeCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Family games are easy for the Ronaldos onboard the spacious aircraftCredit: Instagram
      Messi leases a £12million Gulfstream V jet, which he first started using in 2018.
      The plane was infamously forced to make an emergency landing in Brussels due to a technical fault last year.
      It boasts a number of incredible features, including its very own kitchen. There are two bathrooms and enough seats for 16 people.
      Messi even has the names of his family adorned on the jet, with wife Antonella, plus children Thiago, Ciro and Mateo all having their names etched on the steps.
      Lionel Messi has got a luxury plane tooCredit: Goal
      There are names on the steps and a No 10 on the tailCredit: Goal
      The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Brussels after a technical fault was reported last year
      YACHT
      In 2019, Ronaldo took to the seas to expand on his empire of amazing things.
      He added a £5.5million superyacht to his life, and why not?
      Built in the Versilia shipyards of Azimut-Benett, it boasts five luxury cabins and six stunningly decorated bathrooms.
      There’s also a modern kitchen onboard, as well as two relaxation areas, a huge lounge, and a lavish dining room.
      Juventus legend Ronaldo is the proud owner of the Azimut Grande.
      The superyacht cost around £5.5million
      It has five luxury cabins
      Ronaldo releaxes on board his yacht with Wag Georgina
      No stranger to a life at sea, Messi doesn’t own a yacht – but often holiday with pals including Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas onboard the Seven C yacht in
      Measuring nearly 92ft long, it was first built in 2003 before having a refit in 2011.
      Boasting luxury interiors throughout, the vessel sleeps ten guests in four rooms, including a master suite, a VIP stateroom and two twin cabins.
      Her sizeable deck area offers plenty of room for sunbathing and relaxing, while there’s an outdoor bar to cater for guest’s thirsts.
      Astonishingly, it costs £40,000 a week to rent.
      Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas regularly rent this stunning yacht in Formentera
      Suarez and Messi spent time on board the luxury Seven C yacht while in the Mediterranean with their WagsCredit: Splash News
      You can live like a king in the luxurious master bedroom
      No expense is spared with the luxurious interiors onboard the Seven C
      HOTELS
      With an eye on retirement, Ronaldo and Messi are both hoteliers now.
      The Argentine’s business MiM is run by brother, Rodrigo and features three hotels in Spain.
      There’s his Hotel MiM Sitges, in a coastal area of Barcelona which SunSport had the pleasure to visit, which he bought in 2017.
      Messi added an Art-Deco Ibiza resort to his portfolio the same year – with rooms costing £250-per-night.
      His reasonable MiM Mallorca costs £70-per-night, and was snapped up in 2019.
      While the most recent addition to the group is the Himalaia hotel at the Spanish ski resort Baqueira-Beret.
      Ronaldo is slowly building his hotel empire.
      Messi owns the Hotel MiM Sitges, a coastal town of Barcelona
      The same year Messi purchased Hotel Es Vive in IbizaCredit: Golders/@HotelEsVive
      The recently-renovated hotel is situated along the stunning Figueretas beachCredit: Golders/@HotelEsVive
      There are 52 rooms in Messi’s Ibiza hotel, which boasts a luxury pool, rooftop bar and burlesque roomsCredit: Golders/@HotelEsVive
      Ronaldo opened his first hotel in Funchal, Madeira in 2016Credit: Pestana CR7 Funchal
      Rooms at the Pestana CR7 Funchal can cost as little as £79-per nightCredit: Pestana CR7 Funchal
      The Pestana CR7 Funchal is located on the waterfront and boasts views of Madeira’s mountainous landscapeCredit: Pestana CR7 Funchal
      Ronaldo opened his second hotel in Portugal in the capital LisbonCredit: PestanaCR7
      Designs for Ronaldo’s Marrakech hotel show it’ll be a place for the jet set when it launches

      Through the Pestana CR7 Group, the forward already has budget places to stay in Funchal and Lisbon.
      But plans are afoot to open hotels in New York, Madrid, Paris and Marrakech.
      Where would you stay?
      Dominant Juventus beat Barcelona 3-0 as Ronaldo betters Messi by scoring twice More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd wonderkid Teden Mengi is rapid defender, given new deal at Old Trafford, and has been starring at Derby on loan

      by

      THERE’S a buzz around Manchester United’s Carrington training ground, and that’s not just because the club look like they’re heading in the right direction.A steady crop of exciting youngsters are beginning to take centre stage under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as the Norwegian promised in his mandate when he first took the job.
      Teden Mengi, 18, is the latest wonderkid tipped for big things at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Since Project Restart Mengi has trained with Man Utd’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And joining a stream of talent that includes the likes of Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams, and Tahith Chong is a centre half quicker than all of them.
      Teden Mengi, 18, found himself training with the senior squad alongside United luminaries Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard, who themselves made the leap from youth to first team last year.
      Better still, he left an impression on Solskjaer by recording the fourth fastest running speed in the whole squad.
      In January, he joined United legend Wayne Rooney at Derby County in a loan deal to gain much-needed game experience, and fans lauded his performance in a 0-0 draw against playoff hopefuls Barnsley.
      And he has been handed a new three-year contract – with a bright future predicted.
      MANCHESTER-BORN
      A late bloomer, Mengi, who has Angolan citizenship, only joined United in 2018.
      But he quickly seized his opportunity in the U16’s, and was promoted to the U18 team – playing 21 times in the 2018-19 season.
      Mengi formed an impressive partnership with Di’Shon Bernard, who made his debut against Astana last season in the Europa League.
      He was rewarded with the captaincy for the U18’s last season and helped his team march to the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup, and has enjoyed run outs with the U23’s.
      Mengi is recognised for his rapid paceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mengi is hoping to follow Brandon Williams, left, into United’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ‘TOOK HIS CHANCE’
      Eager to impress U23 boss Neil Wood, Mengi didn’t put a foot wrong when he was handed his opportunity to play at a higher level.
      Wood is adamant he can follow recent graduate, and fellow defender, Williams into the first team.
      “He came up to us quite early on in the season and, a bit like Brandon [Williams] in a sense, he came from the Under-18s and took his chance,” Wood told MEN.
      “He played really well and he kept his place in the team.
      “And when he dropped back down at the end of the (last) season to lead the Youth Cup team, he put in some excellent performances there.
      “We’ll be looking to work with him next season and he’s one we want to ‘do a Brandon’ with, push him on and the goal is to try and get him pushed up into that first team if we can.”
      A leader among boys, Mengi led Man Utd’s U18’s to the FA Youth Cup semi final as captainCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mengi’s ability has been praised by U23 boss Neil WoodCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      GREASE LIGHTNING
      United are rumoured to be after a new centre-back this summer with Kalidou Koulibaly, Valladolid star Mohammed Salisu linked and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
      But they could do far wrong by promoting from within and giving Mengi his chance, given budgets will be slashed with the coronavirus pandemic affecting the club’s finances.
      And they would have a quicker centre half in their ranks than first team stars Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
      In measurements taken of the squad’s individual workouts during football’s shutdown, Mengi is said to have clocked the fourth-fastest running speed at the entire club.
      Only Jesse Lingard, Axel Tuanzebe and first-placed Daniel James reportedly recorded a quicker pace than the teenager.
      Mengi clocked the fourth-fastest running speed at the entire club in a speed testCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Derby County currently have a loan deal with United for Mengi till the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Next season, United fans could see the best of Mengi at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mengi has appeared once for United – coming on as an 84th-minute substitute for Timothy Fosu-Mensah in a UEFA Europa League match against LASK.
      His attributes include his composure on the ball, a skill that every modern defender needs, as well as his strength.
      While he won’t be putting on a United jersey again this season, we’ll certainly see more of him next campaign.
      Man Utd want Sevilla defender and France U21 star Jules Kounde More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ronaldo and Messi boast amazing lifestyles, with stunning homes and expensive cars but who is living their best life?

      by

      FOOTBALL megastars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are still on top of their game and have a life to envy.The Portuguese legend, 36, recently celebrated overtaking Pele’s goals record with hat-trick against Cagliari – and now has a staggering 740 career goals to his name.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is still top of his gameCredit: PA
      Like Ronaldo, Lionel Messi is a football billionaire and has an amazing lifestyleCredit: Rex
      While the Barcelona ace, 33, equalled Xavi’s appearance record against Huesca – the 767th time he’s played for the Catalans – and for good measure he scored twice too in a 4-1 win.
      Because of their brilliance over the years, the pair have seen their bank accounts swell and boast vast fortunes.
      And according to Forbes, they are the ONLY two footballers who have become billionaires.
      So what do they spend their money on?
      HOMES
      Cristiano has lived in some amazing homes through the years – and has a come a long since his humble beginnings in Madeira.
      After making it at Old Trafford, Ronaldo splashed £3m on an incredible estate in Alderley Edge.
      Then, when he moved to Real Madrid in 2009 for £80million he bought a stunning £4.8million mansion in the exclusive La Finca neighbourhood.
      Currently he lives in Turin in two adjoining villas found on a private road guarded by security, which leads to an entrance gate.
      The villas themselves have separate entrances, and are surrounded by lush gardens and vegetation.
      The property is so high up, ‘it’s as if Turin were at the feet of CR7, a tribute of the city to the long-awaited and newly-arrived champion,’ La Gazzetta dello Sport reported at the time of purchase.
      Ronaldo’s home in Turin features two adjoining villasCredit: Instagram
      The property boasts amazing views of the city of TurinCredit: Instagram
      The property boasts plenty of space for the whole Ronaldo familyCredit: Instagram
      Ronaldo relaxes in one of the many lounge areas of the homeCredit: Refer to Caption
      Ronaldo works out in the state-of-the-art gym
      There’s a state-of-the-art gym that he and former shop assistant Georgina love to use together. And there’s also a swimming pool, which Ronaldo cools down in by doing a few laps following a strenuous session lifting weights.
      Ronaldo also has a £1.4million holiday home in the Costa del Sol, as well as a £7million home in Madeira his mum and brother live in.
      Messi’s modern £5.5million Barcelona mansion he lives in with Antonella Roccuzzo features incredible views of the Balearic Sea, and due to environmental restrictions a no-fly zone is in place over the Castelldefels property.
      Just 12 miles away from the Camp Nou, Messi’s abode also has a small football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor gym and a playground for his three children.
      Earlier this year, Messi was also said to have splashed £7.25m on a luxury apartment in the Porsche Design Tower in Miami.
      Amazingly, the building boasts three car lifts allowing residents to park their vehicle on the same floor as their suite.
      The Messis live in a stunning mansion in the exclusive suburb of CastelldefelsCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
      The home boasts a stunning and spacious loungeCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
      Messi has a room dedicated to a collection of shirts in his home
      Lionel Messi reportedly bought an apartment at the Porsche Design Tower – which boasts stunning views of the Miami coastlineCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Each suite has a lift that allows residents to park their cars on the same floor as their home
      A spacious living room and open plan kitchen can be seen in this showhome
      CARS
      Juventus forward Ronaldo is a car collector, and SunSport has estimated in the past his garage is worth £16million.
      The two standouts of his collection are his Bugatti Centodieci that cost £8.5million, and is one of only 10 in the world.
      He also owns a Bugatti Chiron worth £2.5million and a £1.7million Bugatti Veyron.
      For his 35th birthday, his gorgeous Wag Georgina Rodriguez gifted him a Mercedes G-Class Brabus, an SUV that can cost up to £600,000.
      A £260,000 Lamborghini Aventador and a Ferrari F12 TDF that would’ve set CR7 back £350,000 are also kept in pristine condition in his collection.
      Ronaldo is believed to be one of 10 people lucky enough to buy the incredible new Bugatti Centodieci, which costs £8.5m
      Cristiano Ronaldo poses outside his former Madrid home on his £1.7m Bugatti VeyronCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      The Ferrari F12 is one of Ronaldo’s favouritesCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Messi also loves luxury cars – although he isn’t in the same bracket as Ronaldo in terms of being a collector.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has a £1.5million Pagani Zonda, which is the most expensive in his collection.
      He has a penchant for Maserati, with a £100,000 GranTurismo S and a GranTurismo MC Stradale among his fleet.
      Messi has also been seen driving a Ferrari F43 Spider worth £173,000 around Barcelona.
      Before Barcelona’s deal with Audi expired, he wasn’t afraid to drive their sponsored cars too.
      Although with Barcelona’s deal with Audi ending last year, there were no more freebies from the German car giants.
      A rare Pagani Zonda worth £1.5million is the jewel of Messi’s car collectionCredit: Handout
      Messi loves Maseratis and has two different GranTurismosCredit: Xposure
      Barcelona’s sponsorship deal with Audi has expired, so Messi doesn’t get a company car anymoreCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PRIVATE JET
      Both Ronaldo and Messi enjoy a jet-set lifestyle, so it’s no wonder they have their own planes.
      In 2015, CR7 reportedly paid £20million for a a Gulfstream G200 twin-engine jet.
      Originally named the ‘Astra Galaxy’, the G200 is capable of reaching a top speed of 560mph.
      Its range is up to 3,910 miles with four passengers in tow, so it’s ideal for quick flights from Italy to hubs around Europe.
      And the G200 offers a generous seating configuration, and can fit as many as eight to 10 passengers for one flight.
      Ronaldo reportedly owns a Gulfstream G200Credit: Rex Features
      Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez often use their private jet to zoom around EuropeCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Family games are easy for the Ronaldos onboard the spacious aircraftCredit: Instagram
      Messi leases a £12million Gulfstream V jet, which he first started using in 2018.
      The plane was infamously forced to make an emergency landing in Brussels due to a technical fault last year.
      It boasts a number of incredible features, including its very own kitchen. There are two bathrooms and enough seats for 16 people.
      Messi even has the names of his family adorned on the jet, with wife Antonella, plus children Thiago, Ciro and Mateo all having their names etched on the steps.
      Lionel Messi has got a luxury plane tooCredit: Goal
      There are names on the steps and a No 10 on the tailCredit: Goal
      The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Brussels after a technical fault was reported last year
      YACHT
      In 2019, Ronaldo took to the seas to expand on his empire of amazing things.
      He added a £5.5million superyacht to his life, and why not?
      Built in the Versilia shipyards of Azimut-Benett, it boasts five luxury cabins and six stunningly decorated bathrooms.
      There’s also a modern kitchen onboard, as well as two relaxation areas, a huge lounge, and a lavish dining room.
      Juventus legend Ronaldo is the proud owner of the Azimut Grande.
      The superyacht cost around £5.5million
      It has five luxury cabins
      Ronaldo releaxes on board his yacht with Wag Georgina
      No stranger to a life at sea, Messi doesn’t own a yacht – but often holiday with pals including Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas onboard the Seven C yacht in
      Measuring nearly 92ft long, it was first built in 2003 before having a refit in 2011.
      Boasting luxury interiors throughout, the vessel sleeps ten guests in four rooms, including a master suite, a VIP stateroom and two twin cabins.
      Her sizeable deck area offers plenty of room for sunbathing and relaxing, while there’s an outdoor bar to cater for guest’s thirsts.
      Astonishingly, it costs £40,000 a week to rent.
      Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas regularly rent this stunning yacht in Formentera
      Suarez and Messi spent time on board the luxury Seven C yacht while in the Mediterranean with their WagsCredit: Splash News
      You can live like a king in the luxurious master bedroom
      No expense is spared with the luxurious interiors onboard the Seven C
      HOTELS
      With an eye on retirement, Ronaldo and Messi are both hoteliers now.
      The Argentine’s business MiM is run by brother, Rodrigo and features three hotels in Spain.
      There’s his Hotel MiM Sitges, in a coastal area of Barcelona which SunSport had the pleasure to visit, which he bought in 2017.
      Messi added an Art-Deco Ibiza resort to his portfolio the same year – with rooms costing £250-per-night.
      His reasonable MiM Mallorca costs £70-per-night, and was snapped up in 2019.
      While the most recent addition to the group is the Himalaia hotel at the Spanish ski resort Baqueira-Beret.
      Ronaldo is slowly building his hotel empire.
      Messi owns the Hotel MiM Sitges, a coastal town of Barcelona
      The same year Messi purchased Hotel Es Vive in IbizaCredit: Golders/@HotelEsVive
      The recently-renovated hotel is situated along the stunning Figueretas beachCredit: Golders/@HotelEsVive
      There are 52 rooms in Messi’s Ibiza hotel, which boasts a luxury pool, rooftop bar and burlesque roomsCredit: Golders/@HotelEsVive
      Ronaldo opened his first hotel in Funchal, Madeira in 2016Credit: Pestana CR7 Funchal
      Rooms at the Pestana CR7 Funchal can cost as little as £79-per nightCredit: Pestana CR7 Funchal
      The Pestana CR7 Funchal is located on the waterfront and boasts views of Madeira’s mountainous landscapeCredit: Pestana CR7 Funchal
      Ronaldo opened his second hotel in Portugal in the capital LisbonCredit: PestanaCR7
      Designs for Ronaldo’s Marrakech hotel show it’ll be a place for the jet set when it launches

      Through the Pestana CR7 Group, the forward already has budget places to stay in Funchal and Lisbon.
      But plans are afoot to open hotels in New York, Madrid, Paris and Marrakech.
      Where would you stay?
      Dominant Juventus beat Barcelona 3-0 as Ronaldo betters Messi by scoring twice More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd star Febian Brandy set up the Skouted app, the LinkedIn of football, and helps talent get spotted

      by

      SKOUTED is the revolutionary tool that could help clubs inside and outside of the Premier League find the next big thing.The free app, co-created by ex Manchester United footballer Febian Brandy in 2019, is designed to put footballers in the shop window.
      Skouted is a new app that will revolutionise how scouts work
      HOW IT WORKS
      Players can build up a profile that includes video clips of them in action and scouts will be able to search the Skouted database featuring hundreds of players that can be filtered down to position, player style and even their location.
      But it won’t be all professional… in fact, the Skouted’s founders hope they will be able to create a social media community for the football community.
      Brandy created the app with Loughborough University student and rugby player Keita Orelaja, entrepreneur Raj Sharma and CTO Harjot Singh.
      “At the moment there is a big gap between players and clubs,” Orelaja told SunSport.
      “There’s a high number of talented players that can be missed by clubs and scouts due to time or geographical location.
      “So that means a lot of players aren’t able to play at the level that their talent will allow them.
      “With Skouted we hope to bridge that gap, where players can come on the platform, create a detailed profile of themselves and can upload highlights of their playing career.
      “Our verified registered scouts, all the way from Premier League down to non-league, British universities and even American colleges will be able to search for talent through key filters.
      “Location, position, playing style, etc. A drop down list of players that match their search criteria will show.”
      With Skouted we hope to bridge that gap, where players can come on the platform, create a detailed profile of themselves and can upload highlights of their playing career.”Skouted co-founder, Keita Orelaja
      FEBIEN BRANDY’S VIEW
      Brandy is adamant that this is what the game needs at this time, citing his own personal experience in the youth set up at the Red Devils.
      “My time at Manchester United, I was there from the age of eight to about 21, so you can imagine how many players I saw come and go,” he said.
      “For me, I was quite fortunate to be there for as long as I was.
      “But I saw players there that might not have had the ability to play for Manchester United, but they could’ve gone to a club like a Bury, Blackburn or Oldham.
      “They just didn’t have the connection then to reach those teams. But if they had Skouted, all their videos will be uploaded and all the teams from Premier League to non-league would be able to see that individual’s qualities.”
      So far the interest in Skouted has reached fever pitch, with a large number of clubs confirming they will use the app.
      WHO WILL SKOUTED BENEFIT?
      Orelaja said: “We’ve got a lot of different opportunities for players on various levels – Premier League clubs, Championship clubs and non-league.
      “As you go lower down, you really start to see the value in it.
      Ex Manchester United star Febian Brandy is a co-founder of SkoutedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Hundreds of players will be at your fingertips on Skouted
      Skouted are aiming to create a football community through their app
      “League One, League Two clubs don’t necessarily have the same scouting budget that someone like Manchester City has.
      “And scouts could be traveling 45 minutes to watch one game, you’re there for 90 minutes, then you’ve got to travel another 45 minutes to get back… that’s 3 hours to see one player.
      “In that time, you could assess hundreds of players on Skouted, save them and track their progress on our app.
      “It allows lower clubs more access to a lot more talent that otherwise they may not have been able to reach because of funding.”THERE WILL BE OTHER USES FOR SKOUTED TOO
      But Skouted isn’t just for pros looking for new clubs. In fact, Orejala and Sharma believe it’ll be a hub for the football community as a whole.
      “Skouted will be used as a tool for players, not just professionals, but anyone who wants to get scouted,” Orejala continued.
      “And we’re also building a social community with a real social media aspect and feel.
      “Finding a teammate, for example… all of us here have received a text message asking us if we’re free to play 5-a-side because a mate has dropped out at the last minute.
      “One of the features of Skouted is to be able to put out a notification for a social player to play that night.
      “It allows lower clubs more access to a lot more talent that otherwise they may not have been able to reach because of funding.”Keita Orelaja
      “We really want to be a hub for social communication and interaction in football, but we also want to provide an avenue for players who are more serious to make it at a higher level.
      Sharma added: “The social element is key for us, because some users might not necessarily need or want to be scouted.
      “They could instead set up a profile to be liked or followed.
      “It could be used for entertainment purposes, best skills or goals, etc.
      “We want to make it a go-to place for everything football and we’re going to try and make a football community.”
      Brandy concluded: “I want Skouted to be accepted into the football industry.
      “I’m still an active footballer at the moment, but now I’m working with Skouted it’s hard to juggle the two.
      “I see Skouted as my longterm project, but haven’t hung up my boots just yet!”
      Skouted is available to download from the App Store and Google Play. You can also follow Skouted on Instagram.

      Keita Orelaja played rugby before he became an entrepreneur
      Raj Sharma said Skouted will also be a social media tool
      Febian Brandy hasn’t retired yet, but admitted Skouted is his longterm projectCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could turn to Amad Diallo amid striker injury crisis More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Pele’s goals record deserves more respect, he performed his best when the stakes were highest

      by

      IT was refreshing to see the mutual respect between Pele and Cristiano Ronaldo at the weekend when the Portuguese striker overtook the number of goals in official matches scored by the Brazilian.All too often the debate about the respective merits of players from different eras turns into a generational war, with defenders of one player looking to play down the achievements of the other.  
      Pele showed his respect for Cristiano Ronaldo by congratulating him after overtaking his goals tally in official matchesCredit: Reuters
      Fans are obviously free to come to their own conclusions on who might have been the greatest of all time.  
      But the giants are still the giants, whose achievements should be celebrated.
      Defenders of Pele have probably done him a disservice over the years by putting so much emphasis on the number of goals that he scored – and Pele himself has done this, swatting away the idea that Lionel Messi has outdone him by saying that the debate could only start when the little Argentine had reached the 1000 mark.
      It is not strong terrain on which to base a defence. The undoubted greatness of Pele does not lie in statistical accumulation, especially in friendlies and matches for the Brazilian military.
      Pele was so extraordinarily good because he was a machine for playing football – in technical terms, dominating all of the fundamentals of the game, in physical terms, where his preparation was light years ahead of the competition, and also in psychological terms.  
      His temperament was a perfect mix of his parents – he had strong doses of the two great motivational forces, the pride in his profession from his father, the fear of failure and its consequences from his mother.  
      Almost invariably, he grew to the occasion, and, one of the true tests of greatness, he was almost invariably at his best when the stakes were highest.  
      This is the Pele which stands in the memory – the one of the decisive stages of the World Cups of 1958 and 70, the world club final against Benfica in 1962.
      Pele holds aloft the Jules Rimet trophy after helping Brazil win the 1970 World CupCredit: Alamy
      On the biggest stage Pele always deliveredCredit: Getty
      On the other hand, critics of Pele can get it wrong when they dismiss the value of the friendlies in Pele’s CV.  
      It was a different era of the game, when friendlies were not seen as meaningless encounters which merely cluttered up the calendar.  
      Some of the most important and remembered matches have been friendlies – think, for example, of Hungary’s crushing 6-3 win over England at Wembley in 1953.
      This was a time before the game made money from TV rights. Revenue came from the box office.  

      Pele’s club, Santos, pulled out of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s Champions League, after 1965 for this very reason.  
      Back then the tournament was a financial drain. An expensive trip abroad was followed by just one game.  Santos did their sums and came to an easy conclusion.  
      It made more sense to travel around playing friendlies. That way they could pack a number of games into a single trip and make the travel worthwhile.
      These games were often taken very seriously. Pele and his magnificent supporting cast were a big draw.
      Santos legend steps up to score his 1000th goal from the penalty spotCredit: AFP
      Although there’s no definitive answer to who is the best, Pele will always be in the runningCredit: AFP
      A packed crowd came out to watch them – and the home side did not want to be humiliated in such circumstances. It would be wrong, then, to dismiss the goals Pele scored in these games as entirely without value.
      Pele did not quite hit the heights in a World Cup of Diego Maradona in 1986.
      He is not quite as influential as Alfredo Di Stefano, a giant on both sides of the Atlantic.

      He did not have his achievements at the top level as well documented as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.  
      There is no definitive way to prove who was the greatest.  
      But Pele has to be in the conversation – one which should always take place with respect between the generations. More