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How STEVENAGE and Burger King took over FIFA 20, sold out of club shirts and became most used team on Twitch
by Philippa Kaur 23 September 2020, 12:26
IN the summer of 2019, Burger King made the astonishing move to sponsor lowly League Two club Stevenage FC.
Within one year, by utilising a video game, they’ve helped make the club one of the most marketable teams in football.
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Stevenage FC have become one of the most well marketed teams in the worldCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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Burger King began sponsoring Stevenage in 2019 Credit: Rex Features
The fast-food giants cleverly tapped into the FIFA 20 world, offering free Whoppers and chips in return for gamers completing in-game challenges, while playing as the The Boro.
Now, real-life Stevenage have sold out all their club shirts, are the most played FIFA 20 team on live streaming platform Twitch, and are known around the world.
MARKETING GENIUS
When Burger King paid Stevenage a reported £50,000 to sponsor the club, they knew exactly what they were doing.
Marcelo Pascoa, their global head of grand marketing, revealed the group were passionate “not only for the big teams, but also for the smaller ones that are poised for something big”.
And how that has transpired.
They partnered with the creatives at DAVID The Agency and came up with ways of drawing attention to the Hertfordshire side, who draw around 2,700 fans to their Lamex Stadium.
A plan was hatched to use FIFA 20, where virtual Stevenage players could unlock special Burger King deals by completing challenges and uploading the video to Twitter.
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The fast food chain used FIFA 20 to promote awareness of the club
[embedded content]
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Gamers could unlock special meal deals by sharing completed challenges on Twitter
Challenges included ‘A Nutmeg for Nuggets’ and ‘Impossible for Impossible Whopper’, as the gamers (wearing official Stevenage jerseys) happily shared their clips online in return for food and free delivery.
THE KNOCK-ON EFFECT
With free grub on offer, it’s no surprise the global campaign that was launched across the USA, China, Mexico, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Russia, Sweden and Spain was a big success.
And it launched little Stevenage FC into the stratosphere.
Incredibly, over 25,000 goals were shared by gamers online, while the campaign lasted for a week last October.
They became the most used team in Career Mode and on Twitch, with players adding the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mo Salah to their virtual club.
But, here’s the clincher, and one which drew a windfall for Stevenage.
For the first time in the club’s history, they sold out all of their shirts – priced at £42.99 a pop.
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For the first time in Stevenage’s history they sold out their shirtsCredit: Rex Features
Burger King’s deal with Stevenage is set to expire at the end of this season.
But, before then, you have to wonder what they have up their sleeves for this year.
If it involves free food, we’re in.
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Arsenal new signing Alex Runarsson became keeper because of burst appendix, has glamorous Wag and donates to Common Goal
by Philippa Kaur 22 September 2020, 17:45
CALL it fate, if you like.
Alex Runarsson, 25, was confirmed as Emiliano Martinez’s replacement at Arsenal, after moving from French side Dijon for £1.5million.
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Alex Runarsson has replaced Emiliano Martinez as Arsenal’s No2Credit: Getty Images – Getty
An Iceland international, the 6ft 1in stopper could be in line for his debut in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City.
However, when he was 10 playing between the sticks was the last thing on his mind.
Runarsson was a promising outfield player, until he was rushed to hospital with crippling stomach pains.
After emergency surgery to a burst appendix, he was back in football five months later.
However, he was forced into picking up some gloves – and found his calling.
FOOTBALL WAS IN HIS BLOOD
Runarsson grew up with football in his life from an early age.
His dad, Runar Kristinsson is a legend in his homeland.
Captain of Iceland, as well as his country’s most capped player, he played in midfield all over Europe, before settling in Belgium.
“In my sub-conscience it prepared me very well for the life as a professional myself,” said Runarsson revealed.
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Runarsson’s dad Runar Kristinsson played 104 times for IcelandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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When Runarsson was a kid his appendix burst and he was rushed to hospitalCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
It was natural for Runarsson to want to follow in his father’s footsteps. And he too began playing in midfield.
But, his football ambitions were put on ice after an unfortunate incident.
Suffering with excruciating pains in his stomach, his parents rushed their son to hospital.
It was discovered that his appendix had burst, and he needed emergency surgery.
Runarsson was bedridden and had to wait nearly half a year before he could kick a football again.
Although, it wasn’t in a position he was familiar with. When he returned to training, he didn’t have the strength to run up and down the pitch like he used to.
So, he picked up a pair of gloves and went in goal. It’s where he found his home.
COMMON GOAL
When he was a youngster, Runarsson’s family always made him think of those less fortunate than himself.
“I remember so many moments in my life where my mum and dad were helping people around them, even if it was just small things,” he said.
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A trip to South Africa with his dad encouraged Runarsson to get into charity work
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Runarsson became a member of Common Goal in 2017
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In 2018 Runarsson gave up his time and visited South Africa
In 2017, while at Danish club FC Nordsjælland, he made the conscious decision to join Juan Mata’s Common Goal project to give something back.
Members of Common Goal donate one per cent of their income to projects designed to help those in poverty and help tackle the greatest social challenges of our time.
Runarsson was, in particularly, interested in offering his charity to a country close to his heart, South Africa.
In 2014, he tagged along with his dad and uncle to the African country, who handed out football shirts to poor kids at a local football academy. It was a trip that left a mark on the-then 19-year-old.
He revealed: “There’s never been a place that caught my mind as much as South Africa.
“I felt a connection with the place and the people there.”
COMBATING SOUTH AFRICA’S BIGGEST ISSUES
Through Common Goal, Runarsson requested to team up with a football4good organisation based in South Africa.
It was there a long-lasting relationship with training4changeS began.
In Stellenbosch, young people face huge challenges from unemployment and HIV/AIDS to recruitment into gangs, gun violence and racial injustice.
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Runarsson has teamed up with training4changeS to change the lives of impoverished kids
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Runarsson’s girlfriend Asdis Bjork joined him for the trip
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Bjork and Runarsson have dated for eight years
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Runarsson will provide competition for Arsenal’s NO1 Bernd LenoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Training4changeS is trying to change that through the power of football.
They engage young people and give them the tools and values to become changemakers in their local communities.
By mentoring the young people, promoting social inclusion and supporting their education, the organisation also aims to fuel socioeconomic development from the bottom up.
In 2018, Runarsson flew to South Africa with his family, including girlfriend of eight years Asdis Bjork and visited two local communities, where he gained knowledge of the racial divide the people face, as well as the poverty-stricken conditions they live in.
Then he took part in a kickabout with boys from the training4changeS futsal academy.
Before he left, Runarsson delivered words of encouragement to his audience.
“Don’t stop believing in yourself, surround yourself with good role models, have big dreams, don’t be afraid to dream.”
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Arsenal new signing Runarsson became a keeper because of burst appendix, has glamourous Wag and donates to Common Goal
by Philippa Kaur 22 September 2020, 13:04
CALL it fate, if you like.
Alex Runarsson, 25, was confirmed as Emiliano Martinez’s replacement at Arsenal, after moving from French side Dijon for £1.5million.
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Alex Runarsson has replaced Emiliano Martinez as Arsenal’s No2Credit: Getty Images – Getty
An Iceland international, the 6ft 1in stopper could be in line for his debut in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City.
However, when he was 10 playing between the sticks was the last thing on his mind.
Runarsson was a promising outfield player, until he was rushed to hospital with crippling stomach pains.
After emergency surgery to a burst appendix, he was back in football five months later.
However, he was forced into picking up some gloves – and found his calling.
FOOTBALL WAS IN HIS BLOOD
Runarsson grew up with football in his life from an early age.
His dad, Runar Kristinsson is a legend in his homeland.
Captain of Iceland, as well as his country’s most capped player, he played in midfield all over Europe, before settling in Belgium.
“In my sub-conscience it prepared me very well for the life as a professional myself,” said Runarsson revealed.
10
Runarsson’s dad Runar Kristinsson played 104 times for IcelandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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When Runarsson was a kid his appendix burst and he was rushed to hospitalCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
It was natural for Runarsson to want to follow in his father’s footsteps. And he too began playing in midfield.
But, his football ambitions were put on ice after an unfortunate incident.
Suffering with excruciating pains in his stomach, his parents rushed their son to hospital.
It was discovered that his appendix had burst, and he needed emergency surgery.
Runarsson was bedridden and had to wait nearly half a year before he could kick a football again.
Although, it wasn’t in a position he was familiar with. When he returned to training, he didn’t have the strength to run up and down the pitch like he used to.
So, he picked up a pair of gloves and went in goal. It’s where he found his home.
COMMON GOAL
When he was a youngster, Runarsson’s family always made him think of those less fortunate than himself.
“I remember so many moments in my life where my mum and dad were helping people around them, even if it was just small things,” he said.
10
A trip to South Africa with his dad encouraged Runarsson to get into charity work
10
Runarsson became a member of Common Goal in 2017
10
In 2018 Runarsson gave up his time and visited South Africa
In 2017, while at Danish club FC Nordsjælland, he made the conscious decision to join Juan Mata’s Common Goal project to give something back.
Members of Common Goal donate one per cent of their income to projects designed to help those in poverty and help tackle the greatest social challenges of our time.
Runarsson was, in particularly, interested in offering his charity to a country close to his heart, South Africa.
In 2014, he tagged along with his dad and uncle to the African country, who handed out football shirts to poor kids at a local football academy. It was a trip that left a mark on the-then 19-year-old.
He revealed: “There’s never been a place that caught my mind as much as South Africa.
“I felt a connection with the place and the people there.”
COMBATING SOUTH AFRICA’S BIGGEST ISSUES
Through Common Goal, Runarsson requested to team up with a football4good organisation based in South Africa.
It was there a long-lasting relationship with training4changeS began.
In Stellenbosch, young people face huge challenges from unemployment and HIV/AIDS to recruitment into gangs, gun violence and racial injustice.
10
Runarsson has teamed up with training4changeS to change the lives of impoverished kids
10
Runarsson’s girlfriend Asdis Bjork joined him for the trip
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Bjork and Runarsson have dated for eight years
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Runarsson will provide competition for Arsenal’s NO1 Bernd LenoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Training4changeS is trying to change that through the power of football.
They engage young people and give them the tools and values to become changemakers in their local communities.
By mentoring the young people, promoting social inclusion and supporting their education, the organisation also aims to fuel socioeconomic development from the bottom up.
In 2018, Runarsson flew to South Africa with his family, including girlfriend of eight years Asdis Bjork and visited two local communities, where he gained knowledge of the racial divide the people face, as well as the poverty-stricken conditions they live in.
Then he took part in a kickabout with boys from the training4changeS futsal academy.
Before he left, Runarsson delivered words of encouragement to his audience.
“Don’t stop believing in yourself, surround yourself with good role models, have big dreams, don’t be afraid to dream.”
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The biggest boot deals in football, from Neymar’s record-breaking agreement with Puma to Ronaldo’s contract with Nike
by Philippa Kaur 21 September 2020, 14:25
KERCHING!
Neymar has signed a world record Puma boot deal, following his exploits for PSG and leading the French giants to their first ever Champions League final.
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He leaves his rivals in their wake, inking a contract worth a world-record £23million-per-year.
But who else makes a fortune wearing sponsored boots? Let SunSport give the biggest boot deals in football, and what these stars earn per year.
1. NEYMAR, £23M
The enigmatic Brazilian forward dropped Nike to join rivals Puma and was awarded the largest individual sports sponsorship contract in history.
It’s not known how long the deal will last, but his previous agreement with Nike was for 11 years and was worth half of his new Puma deal.
Neymar posted on social media: “I grew up watching videos of great football legends such as Pele, Cruyff, Eusebio and Maradona, who each played in Puma.
“For these reasons, from today onward, I have the honour to unite with the brand that helped the biggest legends of football become what they are.”
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Neymar recently signed the biggest boot deal in historyCredit: Reuters
2. MESSI, £18M
The second footballer to become a billionaire (the first was Cristiano Ronaldo), Messi is now into the second spot on the boot deals of all time.
In 2017, the Barcelona legend signed an extension to his boot deal with Adidas – giving him a lifetime contract with the company.
He was the first footballer to release a sub-brand of Adidas boots – the Adidas Messi.
As the years pass, and when Messi finally hangs up his boots, that could be just as lucrative for the forward as the Air Jordan sub-band Nike created for Michael Jordan.
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Lionel Messi has a sub brand of boots available through AdidasCredit: Facebook
3. RONALDO, £15M
Nike’s prize asset, Ronaldo is their top earner.
However, Neymar’s contract now dwarfs his by £8million,
But Ronaldo can take comfort his deal will pay out more than Neymar’s – being reportedly worth £780million over a lifetime.
CR7 is only the third athlete to sign a lifetime deal with Nike, along with Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has a lifetime deal with NikeCredit: Rex Features
4. MBAPPE, £14M
Nike’s poster-boy, last year Mbappe was subject to a bidding war between with his current sponsors and Adidas.
He penned a 10-year deal worth around £140million in 2019, which is believed to be active as long as he plays in a top-flight league.
The PSG superstar was reportedly buoyed to join Nike, following in the footsteps of his idol Ronaldo.
He is the one who could challenge Neymar’s position at the top in years to come aged just 21.
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Kylian Mbappe has the potential to be football’s biggest earner in years to comeCredit: Splash News
5. BALOTELLI, £5M
In 2014, Italian golden boy Mario Balotelli was on top of his game against for AC Milan.
A key member of the Italian national team, he was the country’s best hope of glory.
So when his contract with Nike expired, Puma swooped with a 10-year deal worth around £5million-per-year.
Now at a crossroads in his career with Serie B side Brescia, he’s not as marketable as he once was.
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Mario Balotelli receives £5m-per-year from Puma for wearing their bootsCredit: EPA
6. BALE, £4M
The Welsh wizard, who recently joined Spurs on loan and earns around £18million-per-year from Real Madrid.
And he has exclusive sponsorship deals with the likes of EA Sports, Lucozade and Adidas, to name just a few.
It’s his contract with the German sports manufacturers that is his most lucrative, however, earning Bale around £4million-per-annum.
It’s certainly enough to keep Bale in golf clubs.
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Bale is still contracted to wear Adidas bootsCredit: PA:Press Association
7. GRIEZMANN, £3.5M
In 2015, Griezmann extended his boot deal with Puma to the tune of £3.5million-per-year.
In that time, he became a global superstar – leaving Atletico Madrid for Barcelona in a deal worth around £108million.
Last year, to celebrate Griezmann’s 10-year anniversary with Puma, they released his special boot – a limited edition Future 4.1 NETFIT Grizi priced at £229.
He was one of Puma’s headline players until Neymar came along.
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Antoine Griezmann is one of Puma’s headline playersCredit: Reuters
8. POGBA, £3M
The Manchester United midfielder is well worth his £3million-per-year fee Adidas pay him.
Not only does he appear in almost every TV ad the brand brings to our screens, he’s also on every poster advertising the latest Predator boots.
His 10-year deal worth around £30million doesn’t expire till 2024.
Pogba was another Nike were desperate to add to their roster.
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Paul Pogba is a poster boy for Adidas
9. VERRATTI, £2.5M
The PSG midfielder’s contract with Puma expired in 2017, at which point Verratti wore blacked out Puma evoTOUCH boots in training.
Eventually, he signed a massive deal with Nike – lacing up with a pair of the Hypervenom Phantom III’s.
It’s not known how long the deal is. However, £2.5million is not to be sneezed at.
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Puma pay Marco Verratti £2.5m to wear their boots alongside PSG team-mate NeymarCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
10. SALAH, £2.5M
The Liverpool forward has become one of the most marketable faces in the game, especially in Africa and the Middle East.
He is sponsored by Adidas, alongside lucrative deals with the likes of Pepsi and Vodafone in Egypt.
It sees Salah wear the X18 football boots, and get paid extremely well for it.
That endorsement generates £2.5million-per-year.
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Mo Salah shows off his Adidas boots in training Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd More
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Inside Floyd Mayweather’s amazing £20m car collection with white vehicles in Las Vegas and same motors in black in LA
by Aurelia Butler 20 September 2020, 07:00
FLOYD Mayweather is said to have earned over a $1billion in a boxing career that saw him go undefeated in 50 professional fights.
And although he has been forced to deny he’s broke because of his lavish spending, should he be hard-up there’s always his mega car collection he could sell.
Floyd Mayweather likes his cars in white in Las Vegas
But the motors in Mayweather’s LA garage are blackCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
Floyd Mayweather is said to have over one hundred carsCredit: Refer to Caption
Pretty Boy has amassed his own fleet of dream motors which is said to be worth £20million.
It includes a series of Rolls-Royces worth over a staggering £3million, as well as four Bugatti Veyron supercars that cost £1.7million.
But what’s unique about ‘Money’ Mayweather’s cars is that they mostly come in two colours – white or black – and are divided between his two mansions in LA and Las Vegas.
In Los Angeles they’re black, and in Las Vegas they’re white.
THE WHITE STUFF
Scanning through 43-year-old Mayweather’s Las Vegas collection in his palatial Nevada abode, you’ll see some wondrous toys.
The most exceptional being the car collector’s favourite, the Bugatti Veyron.
Just like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mayweather is a huge fan of the Italian car maker.
He seemingly owns four – one in white, one in black, and the exceptions to the two-tone rule being in red and silver.
The other vehicles include a Lamborghini Aventador (£275,000), as well as a Ferrari 488 worth around £238,000.
Mayweather seemingly owns four Bugatti Veyron supercars
In Las Vegas his Bugatti is whiteCredit: Splash News
Mayweather has a branded Rolls-Royce PhantomCredit: Xposure
The Rolls-Royce Phantom would’ve cost £355,000Credit: Xposure
This stunning Bugatti is the exception to the rule in silver
If they weren’t flash enough already, Mayweather’s cars are often loaded with wads of cashCredit: Instagram @FloydMayweather
There’s even a classic Porsche 911, but the Bentley Mulsanne – the most expensive Bentley you can buy with a starting price of £238,700 – takes centre stage.
Occasionally, in true Mayweather style, he’ll throw in a wad of notes to show off the interior of his motors in an Instagram post.
And he’ll even park them in front of a private jet, just to show off his impressive range.
BACK IN BLACK
In LA it’s a similar story.
Living in a plush Beverly Hills mansion, Mayweather has a big garage to fill.
And the former light middleweight couldn’t wait to show us what he had in his bunker.
Astonishingly, we spotted FIVE Rolls-Royces worth over £2million.
There was a classic Phantom, like in his Vegas pad, costing £355,000, a Phantom Drophead Coupe coming in at £367,000, a Dawn valued at £264,000 and a Wraith costing £364,000.
On top of that, a large Cullinan that would’ve set him back around £300,000. There was also another Ferrari 488, as well as a Mercedes Maybach (£172,000).
In Los Angeles, Mayweather likes his cars mostly in blackCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
In Mayweather’s collection is a stunning Rolls-Royce PhantomCredit: Refer to Caption
The Rolls-Royce Phantom would’ve set Mayweather back £355kCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
Of course, Mayweather has another Bugatti Veyron with an orange trim
His Rolls-Royce Cullinan is another gorgeous motor worth £300kCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
Mayweather has five Rolls-Royces in LACredit: Instagram @FloydMayweather
A more recent Mayweather purchase was his £155k Mercedes G-63 AMGCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
Mayweather even has his own branded vanCredit: Insight News and Features
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Recent additions to Mayweather’s LA fleet are his Mercedes G63 AMG (£155,000), and he even has his own branded van.
For Mayweather it’s clear.
It’s doesn’t matter if it’s black or white, as long as it’s luxurious and expensive, that’ll do.
Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather decides which of his two new cars to take out loaded with cash More
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Former Chelsea wonderkid Jamal Musiala, 17, becomes Bayern Munich’s youngest ever goalscorer in Bundesliga
by Philippa Kaur 18 September 2020, 21:44
JAMAL MUSIALA became Bayern Munich’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Bundesliga with a strike in Friday’s 8-0 win over Schalke.
The former Chelsea academy ace came off the bench to make history and also record a personal milestone with his first senior goal, aged just 17 years and 205 days.
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English wonderkid Jamal Musiala became Bayern Munich’s youngest ever scorer at just 17 years and 205 daysCredit: AFP
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Musiala scored the landmark goal in an 8-0 win over Schalke on Friday nightCredit: AFP
Musiala only made his first-team debut in June, coming on as a sub for Bayern Munich in their 3-1 win over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga.
The promising attacking midfielder, plucked from Chelsea’s academy in the summer of 2019, was a late replacement for club legend Thomas Muller with just a couple of minutes left on the clock.
It shows the potential the German giants see in the England youth star.
Earlier in June, Musiala scored his first two goals for the Bavarians, playing for their reserve side in Germany’s third tier, 3.Liga.
His double in the 2-0 win over FSV Zwickau made him the second youngest goalscorer in the history of that competition – aged just 17 years and 98 days.
Although Musiala was just 45 days short of the record set by David Alaba, the impressive feat was not lost on Bayern’s social media channels – with their official Twitter page sharing an image of Jamal with a lovestruck eyes emoji.
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Musiala made his Bundesliga debut against SC Freiburg in JuneCredit: EPA
MOVING FROM STAMFORD BRIDGE
Despite Chelsea’s desperate attempts to keep Musiala at Stamford Bridge on a long-term deal, the Stuttgart-born youngster signed for Bayern Munich in 2019 on a five-year-contract.
He joined the trend of English youngsters leaving the UK for Germany in search of first team football, including Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson.
And he could’ve had another Chelsea player sharing that experience with him.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, who like Jamal is repped by First Access Sports, was a chief target for the German champions around the same time, before they turned their attentions to Musiala and the England international signed a new deal with the Blues.
ENGLAND OR GERMANY?
Although he was born in Germany, Musiala has starred for the Three Lions at youth level.
Astonishingly, he made his debut for the Under-15s at the tender age of 13.
Musiala (second from right) scored his first two professional goals in JuneCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
Musiala in action for England U17sCredit: Rex Features
Musiala plays as an attacking midfielder or second strikerCredit: Rex Features
In 2018 Musiala played for the Germany U16 team against BelgiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
While for the U16 side he scored three times in nine games, providing two assists. Musiala has since appeared for England’s U17 team six times and scored twice.
However, he may be hedging his bets when it comes to international football.
The promising talent has also played twice for the German U16s, so expect a tug-of-war over his international future.
SUPER SUB
On June 3, Musiala made his professional debut over Preußen Münster in the 3. Liga – coming on as a sub in a 3-2 win.
A week later, he scored his first professional goals.
With Bayern struggling to break down FSV Zwickau, Musiala was introduced to proceedings replacing Malik Tillman after 57 minutes.
And he made the difference, with his two strikes coming in the 75th and 85th minutes to earn his side victory.
HE’S COLD AS ICE
His boss Sebastian Hoeness praised Musiala’s ice-cold demeanour after the game.
He revealed: “The boy is freezing cold. If you talk to him before the game, he appears focused, calm and reserved.
Musiala became the second youngest scorer in 3.Liga when he netted twice for Bayern MunichCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
Germany and England are set for a tug-of-war over Musiala’s international futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“But when he comes on the field, he literally explodes. That’s exactly what we want to see from young players. They should take your heart in your hand and be brave.”
He added: “We know that Jamal has great qualities with the ball. The boy helps us, so he deserves the chance.
“Against Zwickau, he rewarded himself and helped us a lot as a team, which makes me extremely happy.” More
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Inside Gareth Bale’s life, including Wag Emma, stunning homes with golf course in garden and car collection
by Philippa Kaur 18 September 2020, 15:20
GARETH BALE is set to terrorise Premier League defences again.
The Real Madrid forward is close to returning to his beloved Tottenham in a sensational £20million loan transfer, after the two clubs agreed a deal.
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Gareth Bale is golf-obsessed and has his own golf course in his homeCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
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Real Madrid star Bale is expected to join Spurs on loan, according to reportsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And that will allow him to be closer to his Wales mansion, where the golf fanatic has a three-hole course custom-made in his garden.
The 31-year-old is leaving behind, though, an incredible life in Spain, where he has rented the home of Brazil legend Kaka during his time with the La Liga giants.
There, he’s filled the lavish property’s garage with some of the world’s most stunning motors, and lived with his gorgeous childhood sweetheart Emma Rhys-Jones and their brood.
If that’s not enough, with his whopping salary he bought his own bar in Cardiff – despite being completely teetotal.
And, trousering around £600k-per-week with Los Blancos, Bale certainly lives like a king.
HE’S GOLF-OBSESSED
Normally, footballers love to play golf AFTER they’ve hung up their boots.
But Bale just can’t get enough of the sport, spending most of his free time on the golf course working on his handicap – which is currently an impressive five.
As I moved here I had a lovely bit of land here and I had something I really wanted to do with it and decided that I would love to make a dream come true and build a mini golf course in my house.
Gareth Bale
In 2018, work was completed on building a three-hole golf course in his estate in Wales that amazingly features copies of real holes.
His chosen three holes were the the 12th at Augusta, Royal Troon’s Postage Stamp and the tricky par-three 17th at Sawgrass.
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Bale’s love of golf earned him the nickname “The Golfer” from his Real Madrid teammatesCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
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Incredibly, Bale plays off a handicap of fiveCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
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Bale built a three-hole golf course at his Wales estate that has copies of real holes on the PGA TourCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
Bale, nicknamed “The Golfer” by his teammates, once revealed: “As I moved here I had a lovely bit of land here and I had something I really wanted to do with it and decided that I would love to make a dream come true and build a mini golf course in my house.”
When he’s back in Spain, Bale loves to take a holiday in Marbella at the five-star Finca Cortesin that not only boasts two outdoor pools and a private beach club with infinity pool, restaurant and bar, but also a stunning 18-hole golf course.
Rooms start at around £900-per-night during peak season, which is easy on the wallet for Bale.
NO HOLDS BAR-RED
In 2017, with cash to spend on investments that will last him for a life after football, Bale launched a bar.
Eleven’s Bar & Grill in Cardiff even has its on special ale named after the Wales star called ‘Bale’s Ale’.
“It’s been a dream of mine to open a sports bar in my home town of Cardiff,” Bale writes on the menu.
“Together with Brains (Brewery) we have created something very special and unique: a premium sports bar and grill in the heart of Cardiff.”
The standout food item on the menu is the Eleven’s Burger – that comes with smoked bacon, smashed avocado, Swiss cheese, tomato jam and chimichurri.
And even visitors in TripAdvisor have given their thumbs-up to the Eleven’s Bar & Grill experience.
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Bale opened up his own bar in 2017 in CardiffCredit: Instagram @ElevensBarGrill
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Teetotal Bale even has an ale named after him at his barCredit: Instagram @ElevensBarGrill
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Punters on TripAdvisor have rated Elevens Bar Grill four and a half out of fiveCredit: Instagram @ElevensBarGrill
It’s scored four and a half out of five from 200-plus reviews, and is ranked 88th out of 890 restaurants the reviews site has listed in Cardiff.
HIS CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART
Gareth will likely be moving back to the UK with his childhood sweetheart, Emma Rhys-Jones.
The couple began dating in the early 2000s while attending Whitchurch High School.
They got engaged in July 2016 and Gareth announced the news on social media posting: “She said yes!! This is a birthday weekend I won’t forget for a long time…”
But their love has had its difficulties.
Emma and Gareth were due to get married in 2018, but an on-going feud with her family put plans on ice.
Her dad Martin, 54, was released from prison in 2019 after being imprisoned for fraud for six months in the US.
But Emma banned him from the wedding after he moved in with a florist half his age, Alina Baranova.
Other members of her family including her aunt Jane Burns, 55, have been embroiled in a violent drugs feud.
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Bale has dated Emma Rhys-Jones since they met at schoolCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
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Bale popped the question in 2016 and the pair reportedly married this summerCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
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An on-going feud with Bale and Rhys-Jones’ family originally delayed their weddingCredit: PA:Empics Sport
But Bale and Emma secretly married in a hush-hush ceremony last year at a five-star hotel on a Majorcan island in front of just 60 guests, according to reports.
Guests were told of the location only 24-hours before the big day, and had to hand in their mobile phones to security guards.
The couple also have three children, daughters Alba and Nava, as well as a son called Axel.
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
When he signed for Los Blancos, the one-time most expensive player in the world rented the home of Brazilian legend Kaka for a massive £10k-per-month.
Found in the exclusive Pozuelo de Alarcón part of La Finca, where a host of Real Madrid stars live, the 1,500 square metre property is built on two-storeys, and is valued at around £6.5m.
It boasts four bedrooms, an indoor pool, gym, two utility rooms, several terraces and porches, as well as a six-car garage.
Sometimes Bale, who prefers early nights to celeb bashes, ventures out to local hotspots.
Bale also owns a £4m Vale of Glamorgan converted farm house (the one with the golf course) in South Wales, where he loves to live the quiet life.
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Bale rents a stunning £6.5m mansion in Madrid from KakaCredit: Solar Pix
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Bales home is in the exclusive Pozuelo de Alarcón part of La Finca, Madrid where a host of Los Blancos stars liveCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
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Private Bale also has a £4m home in South Wales that’s heavily guardedCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
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Bale, posing with LL Cool J, likes his privacyCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
And it’s highly safe too – with Bale reportedly spending £500,000 on security officers, guard dogs and a surveillance system.
FAST CARS ARE A MUST
Whey you earn the pots of cash that Bale has over the years, you’ll be sure to get yourself a decent ride.
The wideman has been seen driving in fancy motors, including a £165k Mercedes SLS AMG, £156k Lamborghini Huracán and a £230k Ferrari GTC4Lusso.
But Wales manager Ryan Giggs has tried to get Bale to ditch his love of sports cars in the past by insisting that a roomier Range Rover might prevent muscle strains and injury.
And reportedly, Bale took note cancelling his Auto Vivendi membership that offers exclusive rentals of supercars to the footballing elite.
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Gareth Bale lives the high life because of his £600k-per-week salaryCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
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Bale also loves cars, driving a Lamborghini Huracan
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A £160,000 Mercedes-AMG SLS sits in Bale’s car collectionCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
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Ryan Giggs, Bales manager for Wales, told him to stop driving supercars because they’re not spacious enough and can cause injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty More
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in Soccer
Ex-Arsenal wonderkid Musah, 17, is the first Englishman to play for Valencia and has captained England’s youth teams
by Philippa Kaur 18 September 2020, 10:47
THEY might just regret letting this one go.
In 2019 Yunus Musah was allowed to leave Arsenal, after seven years training at their Hale End academy, for pastures new.
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Yunus Musah became the first Englishman to play for Valencia and their youngest ever foreign debutantCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Musah, 17, spent seven years with Arsenal before leaving for Valencia in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor
There were rumblings inside the club that coaches believed it was a serious mistake to grant the talented midfielder, capped by England at youth level, a move to Valencia.
But Arsenal’s loss is the La Liga giant’s gain – with Musah, 17, growing in confidence in Spain.
Last weekend, the outstanding midfielder made his debut for Los Che in a 4-2 win over Levante UD, and he is expected to be in the squad for tomorrow’s clash against Celta Vigo.
He is the first Englishman to have played for Valencia, and the club’s all-time youngest foreign player. Here’s his story.
BORN IN NY, RAISED IN LONDON
Musah was born in New York, where his mum was on holiday at the time.
The family, of Ghanaian descent, lived in Italy until he was nine where he played for local team Giorgione.
They then moved to London and he was immediately snapped up by Arsenal, eventually graduating from their Hale End academy.
Musah was highly-rated in North London, having played a significant role in helping the U18 side win the Premier League in 2019 – scoring five goals in 17 appearances.
But last year he felt Valencia offered him a better pathway towards first-team football, and it appears that was the right decision for the exciting youngster.
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Musah was born in New York to Ghanaian parents and raised in Italy and EnglandCredit: Instagram @ yunus.musah8
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So far Musah has played for England at U15, U16, U17 and U18 levelCredit: Rex Features
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A leader among boys, Musah has captained the Three Lions at various levelsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
INTERNATIONAL PEDIGREE
Born in the USA, with Ghanaian parents and having UK and Italian citizenship means Musah can play for all those countries.
But, so far, he’s been loyal to England – playing internationally at U15, U16, U17, and most recently U18 level.
He’s also been named Three Lions captain a number of times, and is seen as a real leader of his generation.
Should he continue his rapid ascension in the game, expect Italy, Ghana and the USA to test the waters of his loyalty to see if he will switch allegiances.
WHAT KIND OF PLAYER IS HE?
An attacking midfielder with an eye for a pass, Musah is strong on the ball.
His athleticism allows him to run past players with ease and create opportunities for his team-mates.
Able to play as a No10 or out wide, he also boasts fine dribbling skills and has an eye for goal.
But he’s a sucker for perfection and knows where he needs to improve.
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Athletic Musah in action against Levante last weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Musah can play as a No10 or out wideCredit: AFP or licensors
“I want to score more goals and be more consistent with my passes as well,” he said.
“Sometimes in the game I can do so many good passes and one bad one, I want to correct that.”
PRAISE BE
Musah is expected to feature plenty more times for Valencia this season, and has the backing of his manager.
He already speaks excellent Spanish and was seen on his debut constantly talking to his team-mates and showing the self-confidence needed to be a success.
His coach Javi Gracia highlighted Musah’s maturity in his post-match press conference after the Levante match, insisting that he believes the wonderkid has the ability and mindset to reach the very top.
With Arsenal looking to add midfielders like Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar to their squad, they might’ve missed a trick not integrating Musah into their first-team set-up sooner.
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Musah has the maturity to succeed at the highest levelCredit: Rex Features
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Arsenal may rue letting Musah leave North LondonCredit: Instagram @ yunus.musah8
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