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      in Soccer

      The 22 reasons we love Cristiano Ronaldo.. from donating millions to charity to avoiding tattoos so he can give blood

      by

      DURING the coronavirus pandemic few have stepped up to the plate like Cristiano Ronaldo.
      The Juventus forward, who earns £500,000-a-week wages at the Italian club and has sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike, Armani, KFC, Herbalife, as well as his own range of CR7 clothes, shoes and underwear, has put his money where his mouth is and aided those in need.

      Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s richest athlete – and he is also one of the most generousCredit: AFP or licensors

      His years of success at Real Madrid and now at Juventus have made the Portuguese one of the most divisive athletes in the world.
      Adored by fans for his ridiculous skill and achievement, Ronaldo also has an army of critics who hate his petulant behaviour and obsession with appearance and brand.
      But while many deride Ronaldo for his antics on the pitch, few know of his charity work off of it.
      Here’s why Ronaldo has one of the biggest hearts in all of sport.

      CORONAVIRUS PAYCUT
      With an estimated wealth of around £500million, you could argue that it wouldn’t hurt Ronaldo to take a pay cut during these uncertain times for football clubs.
      But not all footballers are in agreement with that idea.
      However, Ronaldo led the way with a wage cut for March, April, May, and June while the world waited to see what the initial outbreak of the coronavirus would do to the footballing world.
      That’s said to have cost Ronaldo £3.8m personally.

      Ronaldo led the way by taking a pay cut during the coronavirus pandemicCredit: Refer to Caption
      GENEROUS DONATION
      According to various reports, Ronaldo teamed up with his agent Jorge Mendes back in March to donate £1m to hospitals in Portugal to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
      Hospitals in Porto and Lisbon were recipients of the generous donation – receiving beds and ventilators to cope with the high-number of patients suffering with Covid-19.
      Daniel Ferro, president of Lisbon’s Santa Maria Hospital, revealed the selfless act.
      “We were contacted by Jorge Mendes, who volunteered with Cristiano Ronaldo to finance two intensive care units for critical patients suffering from Covid-19,” Ferro said.
      “There are fans, monitors, infusion pumps, beds … all the equipment that constitutes an intensive care unit equipped to provide care to a Covid-19 patient.”

      Teaming up with his agent Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo donated £1m to Portuguese hospitals for beds and ventilatorsCredit: Instagram
      BONUS PAY
      Ronaldo’s international team-mate Bernardo Silva let the cat out of the bag for this one.
      According to the Manchester City star, CR7 asked the Portugal squad to donate 50 per cent of their qualification bonus for Euro 2020 to help combat the coronavirus pandemic.
      “So we qualified to the 2020 Euros, which now is in 2021,” Silva said.
      “And he gave us the idea let’s donate part of our bonus, so I think our national team, our players will donate 50 per cent of our qualifying bonus.”

      Bernardo Silva revealed Ronaldo asked the Portugal squad to donate 50 per cent of their qualifying bonus for Euro 2020Credit: Getty – Contributor
      HIS EUROPEAN GOLDEN BOOT
      In 2011, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the European Golden Boot after scoring 40 goals under Jose Mourinho, although Los Blancos could only finish second in La Liga and crashed out in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
      Rather than keep the award in his already packed trophy room – Ronaldo opted to sell it for charity.
      The boot went for auction and raised a stunning £1.2m.
      The funds went towards building a number of schools in war-torn Gaza.

      Cristiano Ronaldo sold his European Golden Boot at a charity auction – raising £1.2million to build schools in GazaCredit: EPA
      THE BALLON D’OR
      Ronaldo repeated the trick of selling off one of his trophies in 2017, this time his 2013 Ballon d’Or trophy at a charity auction in London.
      The gala dinner, to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation – which grants wishes to children with life-threatening conditions – was a roaring success.
      Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or made a massive £530,000 for the organisation too.

      The Real Madrid star also sold off his 2013 Ballon d’Or in October, raising another £530,000 for the Make-A-Wish FoundationCredit: EPA
      AN AMBASSADOR
      Ronaldo continues to use his global platform as a force for good.
      He is an ambassador for three major charities, Save the Children, Unicef and World Vision, and has spoken up for countless more.
      At his 2014 Ballon d’Or speech, Ronaldo made a point of mentioning a group of children he had met with leukemia.
      He has continued to speak out in those roles.

      The Portuguese is a vocal ambassador for a number of different charities, including Save the Children and UnicefCredit: Wenn
      In 2016, he recorded a message to the children affected by the Syrian conflict, calling them “true heroes” and stating “I am with you”.
      He also made a secret donation which he asked Save the Children not to reveal.
      Ronaldo’s Ice Bucket Challenge video – the viral sensation that raised hundreds of millions of pounds in 2014 – was seen by more than a hundred million people across his social media platforms.
      WIN BONUSES
      Ronaldo has also been very generous with giving up money earned from his exceptional performances on the pitch.
      In 2013 he was named in the Uefa Team of the Year – earning a €100,000 (£89,000) bonus from the European governing body.
      But rather than cash the cheque, he donated it to the Red Cross.
      A year later the Portuguese star led Real Madrid to La Decima, their tenth Champions League victory, and picked up a £450,000 bonus from Los Blancos.
      But Ronaldo again decided against cashing the money, instead sharing it among the three charities he is an ambassador for, Unicef, World Vision and Save the Children.

      Ronaldo has donated a number of individual bonuses to charity – including this €100,000 cheque to the Red CrossCredit: UEFA
      GIVES BLOOD
      The 32-year-old, compared to a growing number of his peers, is remarkably tattoo-free.
      It’s all for a reason – Ronaldo regularly donates blood and has been involved in numerous campaigns to encourage others to do the same.
      People with tattoos can donate blood, but are not able to do so immediately after getting new ink to reduce the risk of infection.

      Ronaldo is a frequent giver of blood and has advocated for others to do the same

      The Portuguese does not have any tattoos so he can donate blood more frequently
      He said in 2015: “We can all make a difference by donating blood.
      “Each donation can benefit up to three people in emergency situations and for long-term medical treatments… That’s why I am enthusiastic… to the importance of blood donation and to encourage people around the world to become lifelong blood donors and help save lives.”
      Ronaldo also donates bone marrow after a former team-mate revealed his struggles.
      Carlos Martins had a son who needed bone marrow and Ronaldo has been a donor since.
      He said donating bone marrow is ‘something a lot of people think is a difficult thing to do but it’s nothing more than drawing blood and doesn’t hurt.’
      MULTI-MILLION POUND RELIEF
      Ronaldo again donated a huge amount of money in 2015, to the relief efforts for the Nepalese earthquake in April 2015.
      The deadly natural disaster killed 9,000 people, injured 22,000 more and caused untold amounts of damage to the country.
      Ronaldo is reported to have given £5MILLION to Save the Children’s disaster relief fund – although those reports have remained unverified and were denied by the charity.
      He likely did make a donation, although the amount remains a mystery.

      Ronaldo is reported to have donated £5MILLION to the Nepal Earthquake relief fund after 9,000 people were killed in April 2015Credit: EPA
      HELPING A CANCER CENTRE
      Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, survived breast cancer in 2007.
      The former Manchester United man decided to thank the care centre in Portugal that treated his mum – adding £120,000 to their coffers.

      Ronaldo’s mother Dolores beat breast cancer in 2007, with the forward giving £120,000 to the Portuguese care centre that treated herCredit: EPA
      INVITATION TO AN ORPHAN
      In Lebanese capital Beirut, Real Madrid fan Haidar was orphaned when both of his parents were killed by a suicide bomber.
      A local reporter got in touch with the Spanish giants and eventually the boy was invited to the club.
      It lead to a heart-rending video of Ronaldo cuddling the youngster as he burst into tears of sheer delight to meet his hero.
      [embedded content]
      HELPING A YOUNG FAN
      Ronaldo was alerted to the story of  Nuhuzet Guillen, a nine-year-old with terminal cancer in 2009.
      After hearing about the fan, Ronaldo decided to send a driver to bring the family to the hotel where the Real Madrid team were staying.
      After emerging from the lift, he is reported to have joked to the youngster: “Don’t you want to say anything?”
      He dedicated a goal to Nuhuzet, inviting him to watch the match in his private box at the Bernabeu, and after the game gave him his match shirt.

      Ronaldo paid the medical bill at an expensive private medical centre for terminally ill Nuhuzet GuillenCredit: Twitter @Ronaldo
      After speaking with his father, Ronaldo learned there was not much that could be done, although there was experimental treatment available in the US, which the star paid for.
      When Nuhuzet’s condition worsened, Ronaldo offered to pay for all of his medication, costing hundreds of thousands, and treatment at a private medical centre.
      Ronaldo paid that for more than a year, until the boy sadly passed away in March 2013.
      GENEROUS WITH HIS TIME
      Ronaldo is often targeted by pitch invaders for selfies and pictures.
      But rather than avoid the fans, CR7 knows he is an icon to these people and instead often stops for pictures.
      On numerous occasions he has stopped fans from being dealt with by heavy-handed security.
      Ronaldo also loves to interact with supporters inside stadiums, often staying to throw his shirt into the crowd, sign autographs and take pictures.

      Ronaldo is often seen taking time to speak and chat with fans and also protect pitch invaders from heavy-handed stewardsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      [embedded content]
      HELPING ANOTHER YOUNG FAN
      In 2014, the mother of another young fan, ten-month-old Erik Ortiz Cruz, asked Ronaldo to donate a shirt to the boy, who has cortical dysplasia.
      The brain abnormality causes up to 30 seizures a day.
      After hearing the full story Ronaldo paid £55,000 for initial brain surgery and pledged to cover the cost of any follow-up treatment – although none has so far been needed.
      He also helped raise extra money for Erik by donating a signed kit to sell at auction.

      Ronaldo paid £55,000 for surgery to help ten-month old Erik Ortiz Cruz beat a brain condition
      BROKEN ARM
      During a pre-season friendly at Bournemouth, Ronaldo blasted one of his trademark free-kicks into the crowd at the Vitality Stadium.
      Unfortunately for 11-year-old Charlie Silverwood, the shot broke the boy’s arm.
      Club president Florentino Perez called Charlie, while Ronaldo gave him a signed Real Madrid shirt.
      During a Champions League clash he also hit a shot into the crowd that made a young boy cry.
      He leapt into the stand to give the youngster his training top.

      Ronaldo appears in Save the Children video for World Refugee Day
      BEST FRIEND EVER
      Super-agent Jorge Mendes named Ronaldo as his best man when he married Sandra in 2015.
      And Ronaldo decided to reward his Portuguese friend handsomely, buying him a whole Greek Island as a wedding present.
      The island is said to have cost almost £40MILLION.
      INVITATION FOR RICKSEN
      Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen was suddenly diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2013.
      The former Netherlands international was wheelchair-bound and relied on his wife and carers to look after him until his death in September 2019.
      After his condition became well-known, Ronaldo contacted the Scottish title winner on social media to invite Ricksen and his family to a match at the Bernabeu.
      Ronaldo also presented a shirt to the former right-back after a Champions League win over Legia Warsaw in October 2016.

      Ronaldo invited former Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen, who has motor neurone disease, and his family to a Real Madrid gameCredit: @RicksenVeronika

      Cristiano Ronaldo meets Rangers hero Fernando Ricksen and gives him a shirt

      Cristiano’s big donations

      Selling his 2011 European Golden boot – £1.2milion
      Selling his 2013 Ballon d’or – £530,000
      Donating to the Nepalese earthquake – £5million* (reported)
      Uefa Team of the Year bonus – £100,000
      Champions League 2014 win bonus – £450,000
      Portugese cancer centre – £120,000
      Helping Erik Oritz Cruz – £55,000

      SUPER TEAM-MATE
      After La Decima, Real Madrid’s players not only got that win bonus from the club, but also a special gift from Ronaldo.
      The player of the tournament decided to reward his team-mates with personalised watches from luxury watch brand Bvlgari.
      Each watch was personalised and said to have cost him £5,000 each.

      After winning La Decima, Ronaldo presented all of his team-mates with a personalised Bvlgari watch, costing around £5,000 eachCredit: @aarbeloa17
      BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING
      Ronaldo’s father, Denis was an alcoholic who battled with his addiction for years before his death in 2005.
      Older brother Hugo Aveiro was heading down that same path, addicted to alcohol and drugs.
      But as Ronaldo’s fame grew he decided to intervene – promising to dedicate La Decima to his older brother if he kicked his destructive habits.
      He did and then came on to the pitch to share an emotional embrace with Ronaldo after full-time.
      Hugo, who is ten years older than Cristiano, has since been pictured alongside Ronaldo at numerous events, including the 2016 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
      Ronaldo is also godfather to Hugo’s son, while the Juventus and Portugal star decided to put his older brother in charge of the Ronaldo Museum in Madeira.
      So next time someone mentions how much they hate Ronaldo’s preening on the field, just remember how much he helps out off it.

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s older brother Hugo (right) battled alcohol and drug addiction but now runs the CR7 Museum in MadeiraCredit: Getty Images

      PATIENCE OF A SAINT

      Humble Cristiano Ronaldo happily waited 40 minutes for a table in a restaurant and is a ‘decent boy’, reveals chefCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      Humble Ronaldo showed he is just like the rest of us when he went out for a pre-Christmas dinner with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez and son Cristiano Jr in December 2018.
      Turin chef Davide Fiore offered the exclusive party a spot at 9.30pm – only for the Ronaldo clan to rock up 90 minutes early and have to wait FOURTY minutes for a table.
      But the forward didn’t throw his toys out of the pram like some critics might’ve expected, instead waiting patiently with no sign of arrogance and Fiore described him as a ‘decent boy’.
      A GREAT TIPPER
      Ronaldo is a massive fan of the luxury Costa Navarino resort in southern Greece and has stayed there multiple times.
      The area comprises several sites, with two five-star hotels, as well as luxury private residences, conference facilities, spas and golf courses.It is not clear exactly where Ronaldo was staying – the owners enforced a media blackout to allow Ronaldo and his family some privacy – but he clearly loved it.
      After week long stays in 2018 and 2019, Ronaldo left a massive tip for the staff who had looked after him, paying £20,000 on top of his bill to be shared among ten staff on both occasions.
      NEVER FORGETS A KIND GESTURE
      Ronaldo recently revealed he was given free burgers by three women when he used to beg for food as a child.
      After a massive appeal, one of the women has been found – after Ron claimed he would knock on the door of a McDonald’s next to Sporting Lisbon’s stadium.
      After days of searching, Paula Leca came forward to say she was one of the three women – calling Ronaldo ‘timid’.
      And Ronaldo has offered to take generous Paula out for dinner either in Turin or Lisbon as a token of his gratitude.

      Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to track down a lady called Edna who used to give him free burgers as a kid when he had no money and was impoverished More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s greatest European wins, from beating Bayern Munich in the last minute to George Best’s demolition of Benfica

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      FORGET defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir.
      Over the years, Manchester United have enjoyed more favourable nights in Europe.

      Manchester United have enjoyed many a glorious a night in EuropeCredit: Alamy

      The Red Devils have won the European Cup/Champions League three times, as well as the Europa League, European Cup Winners’ Cup, Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, FIFA Club World Cup – notching some famous victories along the way.
      So if you’re feeling glum United fans, you need not worry.
      Let SunSport take you down memory lane for Manchester United’s greatest European victories.
      MAN UTD 2-1 BAYERN MUNICH, 1999
      They came into the game as underdogs, severely hindered by the absence of midfield hardman Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, who were suspended.

      And for large periods of the game they were outplayed, and in truth were lucky to be only 1-0 down going into the final moments of the 1999 Champions League final.
      The Germans appeared victorious, substituting legend Lothar Matthaus, who received a hero’s welcome as he was clapped off the pitch in the last minute.
      But as the game went into injury time, a scramble in the box was only half-cleared. Ryan Giggs mishit a shot outside the box that fell to Teddy Sheringham, who scuffed the ball home.
      Then, just seconds later and with United sniffing blood, they won a corner which was whipped in by Beckham, headed down by Sheringham for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to stick out a foot and knock the ball into the roof of the net.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates United’s winner against Bayern MunichCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      United remarkably scored twice in injury time to clinch victoryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MAN UTD 2-1 BARCELONA, 1991
      Being underdogs in European finals has always suited United.
      In 1999, they faced Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona – featuring Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup and Julio Salinas in their star-studded line-up in the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup final.
      However, that all-star Barça side didn’t scare United one bit.
      After a drab first half, United took the lead in the second after a Steve Bruce header was tapped over the line by Mark Hughes.
      The Welshman spectacularly added his second of the night with 16 minutes to go, rounding goalie Carles Busquets and finishing from a tight angle from outside the box with a ferocious shot.
      A late free kick from Koeman failed to stir a comeback, and it was United’s night to celebrate.

      Mark Hughes races past Carles Busquets to fire the ball into an empty netCredit: PA:Press Association

      Mike Phelan, Bryan Robson and Lee Sharpe celebrate United’s famous victoryCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      PSG 1-3 MAN UTD, 2019
      When United lost the first leg of their last 16 tie in the Champions League to the French champions in 2019 2-0, few gave them a prayer to comeback.
      History was against them, no team had EVER lost a tie 2-0 at home and won an away leg to go through to the next round of the competition.
      However, two first half goals from Romelu Lukaku put United in dreamland.
      Then, a controversial VAR decision for handball gave Marcus Rashford the opportunity to score from the penalty spot, which he did with aplomb.
      It’s still, probably, United’s best performance under boss Solskjaer.

      Marcus Rashford celebrates sealing victory from the penalty spot against PSG in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      JUVENTUS 2-3 MAN UTD, 1999
      United don’t do things the easy way.
      On their way to winning the 1999 Champions League, they faced off against Italian giants Juventus in the semi final, who boasted Zinedine Zidane and “That lad must have been born offside” Filippo Inzaghi.
      After scraping a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, United found themselves 2-0 down after 11 minutes in Turin and were heading out.
      But Roy Keane saw things differently, leaping above Zidane to head home from a corner and give United a lifeline.
      Then came the Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole show, with the latter crossing for the former Aston Villa man to head home an equaliser.
      Cole sealed the sensational comeback, after tapping in from a tight angle when team mate Yorke was brought down after rounding the keeper.

      Roy Keane led by example to help United fight back from 2-0 down to beat Juventus in Turin in 1999Credit: Allsport

      Nicky Butt, Teddy Sheringham, David Beckham and David May celebrate United’s epic comeback in the dressing room after the gameCredit: Manchester United FC
      BENFICA 1-4 MAN UTD, 1968
      The stage was Wembley Stadium, a fitting arena for United’s first ever European triumph.
      And it was their favourite son George Best who stole the show, scoring a wonder goal to set his side on their way to victory in the ’68 European Cup final.
      The game headed into extra time, when a late Jaime Graça levelled Bobby Charlton’s earlier strike.
      Like he was famous for, Best went on a mazy run three minutes into the first period of extended time.
      Faced with goalie José Henrique, he threw him with a dummy before rolling the ball into the empty net.
      United added twice more to end with a comfortable 4-1 win.

      George Best skips past José Henrique to slot the ball into the empty net in the 1968 European Cup finalCredit: Hulton Picture Company

      United’s 1968 triumph was their first European Cup winCredit: Action Images
      MAN UTD 1-0 BARCELONA, 2008
      On their way to winning the 2008 Champions League, United were handed a tough tie against Barcelona in the semi-final.
      The first leg finished 0-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty, so it might’ve looked like they’d blown a good opportunity.
      But when Paul Scholes ferociously rifled a shot past Victor Valdes from 25-yards in the 14th minute, they began to believe another final was their destiny.
      And despite the efforts of a young Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry, and Samuel Eto’o – Barcelona were kept at bay by a brilliant defensive performance from Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown.
      Wild scenes followed the final whistle with the Theatre of Dreams rocking from the crowd’s cheers.

      A Paul Scholes rocket from 25-yards saw off Barcelona in 2008Credit: PA:Press Association

      Scholes’ goal put United into the 2008 Champions League finalCredit: AP:Associated Press
      MAN UTD 7-1 ROMA, 2007
      It goes without saying, but before this moment Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United had enjoyed so many glorious nights in Europe.
      But Fergie would later say that this was his side’s best ever performance under him in European competition.
      You might have forgotten, but United were 2-1 down going into the second leg of this quarter final match.

      And this was a Roma side full of talent – with Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti their talisman.
      But they were powerless as United raced to a 4-0 win before half time with goals from Michael Carrick, Alan Smith, Wayne Rooney, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Ronaldo added a fifth, Carrick then got his second, before Patrice Evra got himself on the scoresheet to record an 8-3 aggregate win.

      Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice in United’s 7-1 demolition of Roma in 2007Credit: Reuters

      Sir Alex Ferguson called the 7-1 win over Roma the greatest European performance under his managementCredit: Action Images

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer refuses to comment on future after ‘unforgivable’ defending in Istanbul humbling More

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      in Boxing

      Conor McGregor’s career earnings from £2.5million-a-fight in UFC, £80m from Mayweather bout and £750m whiskey business

      by

      WITH Conor McGregor deciding to come out of retirement for the third time in four years, it’s clear to see it’s not for the money.
      Since debuting in the UFC in 2013, the Irish star – who is set to fight Dustin Poirier in January – has transcended the sport and has become one of the richest fighters in the world along the way.

      Conor Mcgregor is the highest paid UFC fighter of all timeCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      But not only does McGregor rake in the cash through competing, his sponsorship deals and business ventures go a long way in making up his estimated Forbes net worth of £80MILLION.
      From becoming the highest paid UFC fighter of all time, a historic crossover fight with Floyd Mayweather and a £750m whiskey business – here is how McGregor earned his cash.
      UFC CHEQUES
      When the UFC sold for $4.4bn in 2016, McGregor credited his exploits as the driving force behind the deal – and he might be right.
      The Irishman did not headline a pay-per-view until his sixth bout, but still landed around £400,000 through fight night purses and bonuses.

      After back-to-back featherweight titles wins against Chad Mendes and then Jose Aldo in 2015, McGregor pocketed £400,000 for each fight.
      In his following bout, losing Nate Diaz in 2016, he received his first million dollar pay cheque, but tripled his money after winning the rematch.
      After beating Eddie Alvarez to become the UFC’s first two-weight champion, McGregor pocketed £2.4m following his purse and performance bonus.

      McGregor became the UFC’s first ever two-weight championCredit: Getty
      His next two fights, against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Donald Cerrone, he was paid £2.3m, but took home an extra £40,000 for knocking out ‘Cowboy’ at UFC 246.

      It takes McGregor’s total earnings from UFC purses and fight night bonuses to around £12m – but his actual profits are much higher.
      A large part of his money earned through UFC fights comes in PPV bonuses.
      For his loss against Nurmagomedov in 2018, McGregor revealed he made £40m, with reports suggesting he received the same for beating Cerrone.
      But his crossover boxing match against Mayweather dwarfs anything he made in the octagon, with The Notorious said to have earned £80million on his ring debut.

      McGregor is said to have earned £80m on his ring debutCredit: Getty – Contributor
      WHISKEY BUSINESS
      In 2018, McGregor unleashed Proper No. Twelve into the crowded whiskey market, and that raked in £750m in its first year.
      Before tapping out to Nurmagomedov at UFC 229, he became a one-stop promotional tool for Proper No. 12, every press conference saw him clutching a bottle gleefully.
      When it finally came to launching the drink on a dry run at the end of 2018, it completely sold out.
      In fact at one point it became so popular that Tesco Ireland customers were only allowed to buy two bottles at a time.
      And the showman’s penchant as a salesman must’ve paid off when he revealed the official figures in its first year of business.
      Taking to Instagram, McGregor wrote: “Over $1b generated in Whiskey sales in my first year! Like it or not, there is a new King in town! Proper Whiskey, liquid sunshine!”
      The whiskey is such a hit in America the company sold six months’ worth of stock in its first 10 days of trading.
      It eventually sold 2.4m bottles in the first six months of trading.
      McGregor predicts it will overtake Ireland’s biggest distillery Jameson – which has been in business for 250 years.

      McGregor raises a glass of his Proper No 12 whiskey in a press conferenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HE’S IN FASHION
      Known for his sharp suits and tongue, McGregor, who once called David Beckham his fashion icon, has always enjoyed splashing his cash on fashion.
      Before he boxed Mayweather in 2017, the Irishman was seen in various suits designed by David August Heil – a man responsible for ensuring the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Will Smith, and Robert Downey Jr are red carpet-ready.
      At one fitting the pair decided that they should collaborate together.
      After a delay, the ‘Drop 1 Look Book’ collection saw the release of limited edition t-shirts, hoodies and caps.
      Incredibly, the clobber – costing roughly between £40-£120 – sold out in just a day.
      Heil told The Irish Sun: “Our audience is seriously committed and loyal.
      “We sold out of a couple of styles within the first 24 hours of launching the site and we didn’t really promote it other than our immediate followers and Conor’s fanbase.”
      August McGregor later introduced tailored suits to their range, as well as winter jackets as his empire continues to grow.
      It has been estimated that the clothing line brings in a staggering £50m in profits per year.

      McGregor created the August McGregor fashion line with David August HeilCredit: August McGregor

      SPONSORSHIPS AND THE DIGITAL AGE
      In 2018, upon a signing a multi-million pound six-fight deal with the UFC, McGregor renewed a contract with Monster Energy drinks worth somewhere in the region of £750,000-per-year.
      Brand McGregor also appealed to Reebok, who made him one of their most high-profile athletes and offered him around £4m per year.
      And digitally, McGregor knows what’s up when it comes to selling himself.
      He has investments in tech products like The MacTalk App, which allows fans to download McGregor soundbites for £1.09 a pop, as well as his own website, TheMacLife.com – a MMA media outlet and news website dedicated to the man, who can’t help but generate money with his name.

      Conor McGregor’s shows his best KO’s and UFC moments as he releases epic compilation video ahead of Dustin Poirier fight More

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      in Soccer

      Man City star Bernardo Silva’s Wag Ines is a stunning model who Netflix and chilled with the midfielder during lockdown

      by

      LOCKDOWN was kind to Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.
      As the country gears up towards ANOTHER lockdown this week (thankfully the football isn’t affected), Silva, 26, will have fond memories of the first.

      Bernardo Silva’s incredible Wag is Ines Degener Tomaz

      The pair cemented their romance during lockdown back in April

      Stunning Tomaz is a models and loves showing off her bikini body on Instagram

      It was when he cemented his romance with stunning model Ines Degener Tomaz, 22.
      The pair snuggled down together in Portugal, when the coronavirus pandemic initially changed our way of living, in a huge countryside home – just an hour away from the capital.
      There, they ‘Netflix and chilled’ with pals until restrictions were lifted.
      So who is the beauty that’s stole Bernardo’s heart?

      LISBON LIONESS
      Gorgeous Tomaz is believed to be from Lisbon, where Silva was also born and raised.
      Unsurprisingly, with her natural good looks she’s a model and regularly shows off her amazing body in several bikini shots on Instagram.
      The confident blonde has also amassed around 54,000 followers on the social media network, who follow her on her travels.
      In terms of work, she’s a fan of promoting green brands that promote respect and care for the environment.

      Most recently, Silva and Tomaz enjoyed a romantic break away in Formentera, one of the Balearic Islands of Spain.

      Tomaz is believed to be from Lisbon

      The 22-year-old has over 54,000 followers on Instagram

      Silva took Tomaz to Formentera for a needed break and hired a yacht

      The loved-up couple take to surfing in the sea

      Tomaz always thinks of the environment and prefers to represent green brands
      They lived the high-life, hiring a yacht during their lavish holiday as their love blossomed.
      But it was earlier this year when things really started hotting up.
      NETFLIX AND CHILL
      Back in April, Silva took to Instagram to share how he was spending his time in quarantine.
      He shared a snap sat next to Tomaz with a group of pals telling his fans what he had been doing.
      “Hey guys, it’s been over a month that we’re all locked down in our homes so I have decided to show you a little bit of what our quarantine looks like,” he wrote.
      “This is the group of friends with whom I’m spending my quarantine since the beginning.

      Tomaz spent her lockdown in quarantine with Silva and friends

      Tomaz shows off the charms that attracted Silva

      Tomaz loves to live life in the fast lane

      “I’ve been watching Netflix, plenty of sports during the day, playing the piano and learning how to cook better.
      “It is a good opportunity. My friends are very good cooks, so they have been teaching me a lot of things. It is time to try and enjoy ourselves at home and that is what I have been trying to do.”
      With company like Tomaz, it’s no doubt he did.

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      Liverpool youngster Rhys Williams starred in Champions League, broke his nose on loan, and is ready to replace Van Dijk

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      FOR the hour he played, Rhys Williams looked like he belonged in Liverpool’s defence.
      The 19-year-old centre half produced an assured display as the Reds comfortably defeated FC Midtjylland 2-0 in the Champions League.

      Rhys Williams is set for an extended run in the Liverpool team after injuries to Fabinho and Virgil Van DijkCredit: Getty – Pool

      His coming-of-age performance led to first team stars Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson all congratulating the youngster, while manager Jurgen Klopp was equally impressed.
      The emergence of Williams only happened because Fabinho had to be substituted with a hamstring injury.
      And with the Brazilian set for a spell out the side, alongside longterm casualty Virgil van Dijk, Williams will now see this as his chance to become a regular.
      A TOUGH SIX WEEKS
      His elegance on the ball has always been evident at youth level.

      But, even though he stands at 6ft 5in tall, there were question marks about whether or not he was tough enough.
      Last season Williams was sent on loan to National League North outfit Kidderminster Harriers, where he was given a brutal introduction to first team football.
      It was either sink or swim for the England U21 international, and it looked like he was ready to drown after his first month with the Harriers.
      In fact Kidderminster boss Russ Penn, who was assistant manager when Williams was at the club, revealed the Preston-born teen had a “dodgy six weeks” to start off with.

      “He conceded a couple of soft goals, he was getting bullied, he was always on the floor,” Penn told the Daily Mail.

      Williams played an hour against FC Midtjylland and impressed Jurgen Klopp and his team matesCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Preston-born Williams has played for England U21’sCredit: Rex Features

      AAt 6ft 5in, Williams is a giant of a centre halfCredit: Rex Features
      “He found it hard to get up to speed. It is so much different to U23 football.
      “After the first three games we were thinking ‘do we take him out and give him a breather or hope he learns from his mistakes’. We left him in and he did.”
      GAME CHANGER
      An away day at Darlington was Williams’ rude awakening to lower league football.
      Harriers lost 1-0 – with the defender roughed up in the build-up to the winning goal with a smash to the face.
      Williams was knocked out in the exchange and suffered a broken nose.
      But rather than have sympathy for him, his team-mates laughed on the coach journey back home and told him it was part and parcel of the National League.
      It was just what Williams needed. He knew he had to be more aggressive, which was proven when he was dismissed against Brackley for a ‘needless, reckless challenge’, according to Kidderminster’s website.

      Williams was toughened up after a spell at Kidderminster HarriersCredit: PA:Press Association

      A broken nose in a game against Darlington tested Williams’ resolveCredit: Rex Features

      Next up for Williams is West Ham, with the defender set to appear for the Reds this weekendCredit: AP:Associated Press
      MAKING OF THE MAN
      All in all, Willams mustered 42 appearances for Kidderminster – growing in confidence with every game.
      Rival teams began to ask who he was, and his commanding presence showed Liverpool that he had a future at the club.

      “You have to learn quick. The last six months he was with us we saw a really composed, towering centre half. Everyone was asking about him,” Penn said.
      “He was the best loan spell we have had at the club. It’s great for us. He gave 100% to Kidderminster. And I like to think wherever he goes he will have learned something with us.”
      With Williams likely to be thrown in at the deep end this weekend, Liverpool will be thankful that Kidderminster gave him the toughness needed to succeed.

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      Meet Aston Villa hotshot Ollie Watkins’ bikini-loving Wag Ellie, who is a twin and sells designer clothes on app Depop

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      ASTON Villa summer signing Ollie Watkins has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water.
      The former Brentford hotshot has already struck three times since signing for £33million.

      Meet Ollie Watkins stunning Wag Ellie AldersonCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson

      Ollie and Ellie have dated since 2018Credit: Instagram @ellsalderson

      Ellie is 24-years-oldCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson

      And cheering him on is his stunning girlfriend Ellie Alderson, 24, who revealed how ‘proud’ she was of her beau when he joined Dean Smith’s side.
      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.

      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

      View this post on Instagram

      💜
      A post shared by Ellie Alderson (@ellsalderson) on Oct 14, 2018 at 5:14am PDT

      Ellie is a perfect fit as a Premier League WagCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      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.
      Which is what Aston Villa will be thinking they’ve got with their new signing if he continues to bang in the goals.

      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

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s haircuts through the years, from new shave to blond streaks, top knot and ‘toilet brush’

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      WHEN you are one of the top sports stars on the planet, how you look is crucial to your commercial value.
      Cristiano Ronaldo, 35, has sponsorships coming out of his eyeballs, and his ever-changing appearance is of vital importance to brands.

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest look is this fully-shaved effort

      Cristiano Ronaldo has experimented with his hairstyles through the yearsCredit: AFP or licensors

      Georgina Rodriguez braids Ronaldos hairCredit: Instagram

      Through the years, the Portuguese legend has experimented with his locks – from streaky highlights, frosted tips, to shaved lines.
      Last season, he sported a top knot, and let partner Georgina Rodriguez braid his hair.
      And now, he’s thrilled fans by showing off a brand-new look… fully shaving off his locks.
      We take a look at CR7’s hairstyles through the years…

      BOYISH CURLS
      Ronaldo naturally has curly hair.
      As a kid, his boyish curls were evident in various throwback photos he’s shared on social media through the years.
      At that point, he hadn’t discovered the beauty of hair gel yet – so he sported more of a bouffant haircut.
      Other times, he’d just have it shaved short…. a solid number three all over. Simple but effective.

      As a boy, Ronaldo had a curly mop of hairCredit: Twitter

      As he got older Ronaldo began to shave his hair shortCredit: Twitter
      HELLO BLONDIE
      When Ronaldo first arrived at Old Trafford, his curls were still evident in his first training session.
      They were accompanied by blond streaks in his first Manchester United  photocall, but a ribbing from United team-mates forced him to change it up and go for something shorter.
      The streaks remained, mind.

      When Ronaldo arrived at Old Trafford in 2003 he sported these blond streaksCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Ronaldo was ribbed by his team-mates at Man Utd for his haircutCredit: Getty – Contributor
      SHORT BACK AND SIDES
      The trimmer came into play from 2004 onwards on Ronaldo’s locks.
      At Euro 2004, the backs and sides were shaved short. On top, it was also a little shorter and the front flicked up to reveal frosted blond tips.
      It was Ronaldo’s first ‘trendy’ hairstyle.

      In 2004 Ronaldo began experimenting with shorter stylesCredit: AFP – Getty
      MULLET
      The longest we’ve seen Ronaldo’s hair was during the 2006-07 season, when he was coming into his own in the Premier League.
      A throwback to the mullet, it was long at the back and spiky on top.
      It was a hairstyle that didn’t last long though.

      Ronaldo sported a mullet once upon a timeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      TOILET BRUSH
      When Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid, he knew he had to keep reinventing himself being one of the best players in the world.
      Again, short on the back and sides – the top was cut short so it spiked up – just like a toilet brush.
      Blond frosted tips also matched his now ever-present tan.
      Arguably, it wasn’t his best.

      As one of the world’s best players Ronaldo had to continue to change his lookCredit: Getty – Contributor

      This hairstyle, however, was reminiscent of a toilet brushCredit: Getty – Contributor
      EMBRACING THE CURLS
      In 2018, Ronaldo went back to basics.
      With curls back in fashion, the ex-Sporting Lisbon forward embraced his luscious locks, growing them long and adding frosted blond tips all through it.
      But he kept it short and sweet on the sides.

      In 2018 Ronaldo embraced his curls againCredit: Getty – Contributor
      SHAVED LINES
      It must be a World Cup thing.
      Because at the tournaments of 2014 and 2018, Ronaldo sported shaved lines in his hairdo.
      First one was shaved into a thick main of hair, the second was etched into a shaved look.
      It’s fair to say, the latter suited him better.

      In 2014 Ronaldo began sporting shaved lines in his locksCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Ronaldo repeated the look for the 2018 World Cup but with a shorter cropped styleCredit: AP:Associated Press
      JUVE GOT STYLE
      Although Ronaldo’s only been with Italian giants Juventus since 2018, he’s managed a whole host of different hairstyles.
      One, was slick, short and on top it was parted and glued down with wax.
      Then he experimented with an Alice band pulling his longer locks off his face while he played.
      And little did we know that he was growing it so he can have a top knot.
      What’s your favourite Ronaldo hairstyle?

      A slick, waxy look kick-started Ronaldo’s Juve careerCredit: EPA

      An Alice band was used when he grew his hair longerCredit: AFP or licensors

      Ronaldo’s enjoyed a top knot for much of 2019-20Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ronaldo got out the trimmers for his latest hair-do, shaving it all off More