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      in Boxing

      Inside Anthony Joshua’s lavish life, from flying in a £45m private jet to enjoying luxury trips and owning a £350k watch

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’s social feeds pay homage to a magical lifestyle, featuring snaps of exotic holidays on private jets, custom-made motors and fancy watches.But despite being worth hundreds of millions and living a life of luxury, the British star still remains true to his mantra of staying humble.Frugal Anthony Joshua has amassed an astonishing wealth believed to be over £200mCredit: Instagram, @anthony_joshuaThat gives Joshua the opportunity to live a lavish lifestyle and enjoy trips to the world’s most glam hotspotsCredit: InstagramDespite his mega net worth, Joshua has been said to live, as his mantra says, a humble lifeHe rarely discusses his wealth, dodging the question in an interview with Louis Theroux in 2023.The 6ft 6in heavyweight banks a lot of his money, only splashing out on treats for his family, rarely on himself.A shrewd operator, he boasts an impressive property investment portfolio, owning commercial buildings in Mayfair and Bond Street.However, his right-hand man and marketing manager, Freddie Cunningham, once said that despite having “a lot of money,” Joshua “doesn’t live the life that he could.”Read more Anthony Joshua news”From the outside, it probably looks like he does. He’s seen in private jets, wearing expensive watches, and driving around in nice cars,” he told Business Insider in an interview in 2017.”But the jets are all sponsored. We’ve never paid for a private jet, or a helicopter, in our life. He gets a signature car from Land Rover.”He’s not spending that money. He’s accumulating money.”He’s living a lifestyle that probably everyone wants him to live, or see him live, but he’s doing it in a smart way. Tactful.”Most read in BoxingA free £45million private jetAJ is sponsored by US sportswear giant Under Armour – who provide him with a private jet, as well as paying him a seven-figure salary.Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua’s tattoos explainedShowing the interior of the £45million black G550 ahead of his trip to the States to face Ruiz for the first time, AJ said: “These type of things aren’t ordinary, in my daily life and in many other people’s daily lives, so it’s a blessing.”However, my view is even though I enjoy it and the door has been opened for me, I can’t forget to open the door for people who have come with me and the people who aren’t in a position to enjoy this type of luxury.”I never get too lost in the source and get carried away with these types of things.”The company also provide the former world heavyweight champion with his in-ring attire and training wear, including all tracksuits and trainers.Anthony also has free use of a helicopter, provided to him by Beats by Dre, who he’s been the face of since 2017.Free car when his was stolenAs a 17-year-old, Joshua’s first car was a Vauxhall Astra, which he saved up £1,500 to buy and claimed it was a “stable, sturdy car.”Now, thanks to his partnership with Jaguar Land Rover – which is rumoured to be worth £790,000 a year – AJ rolls round London in his choice of a fleet of luxury wheels, including a customised white Jaguar XJR, worth £93,000.His favourite motor is a customised Range Rover Dynamic, which he says “looks very professional and sets a standard” worth £150,000.While, he once tried to buy a £600,000 stunning Rolls-Royce Phantom stretch limo, after he was taken for a ride in it in 2016.AJ hired the amazing motor when he attended an event in Staffordshire.And he was so impressed, he reportedly asked John Smith, the owner of Phantom Limo Hire, if he would sell it to him.Joshua also shared a snap on Instagram posing with the limo.He captioned the photo: “Work… That’s all a brother’s working with.”AJ was a former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight world champion after losing the belts to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021Credit: Getty Images – GettyAJ has a deal with Jaguar Land Rover, who gave him a stunning Dynamic model Range Rover worth £150kBoxing heavyweight AJ proudly shows off his motors on InstagramCredit: Instagram, @anthony_JoshuaAJ was enamoured by a £600k Rolls-Royce limo he hiredCheck out these amazing collections
      Free trips to Dubai, Miami and JamaicaWhen he isn’t sparring, AJ enjoys exotic holidays with his family and friends, with his Instagram showing him glam locations like Dubai, Jamaica and Miami.Some of these trips are sponsored by countries and resorts who want the privilege of having the sporting icon spotted hitting their hottest tourist spots.Cunningham said: “We have a partnership with Dubai Tourism and they really like him and get his philosophy on life, his morals, everything.”He resonates with that territory. They want to bring boxing there. Hopefully we can do something there.”Anthony has also stayed at the Nobu Miami Beach Private Villa, which costs £5,000 per night and the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, where luxury villas are rented out for £4,000 a week.read more sport featuresAway from the ring, AJ lives a jet-set life and travels consistently around the globeAnthony travels on a £45million private jet provided by Under ArmourCredit: Instagram, @anthony_JoshuaAJ takes a ride on the XLine zipline in Dubai as he enjoys living the fun lifeCredit: Instagram @Anthony_JoshuaDubai is one of AJ’s favourite destinations and he has a deal with the tourism boardA free watch worth more than a houseAnthony came from humble beginnings on a council estate in Watford.He now says he knows the value of the money he’s made.“Don’t save what is left after spending, spend what is left after saving,” was the advice he gave his Instagram followers.But despite keeping his purse strings shut, he still wears jewellery and clothes worth thousands.He was gifted a £350,000 watch worth more than the average house, thanks to his partnership with luxury jewellers Audemars Piguet.In another social media post, he shared a snap of a Marvel-themed time piece worth £120,000.Watch collector AJ has a stunning £350,000 Audemars Piguet watch seen hereAJ also showed a £120k timepiece that was inspired by Marvel superhero Black PantherProperty portfolioPlaying real-life Monopoly, Joshua has bought commercial buildings in Mayfair and Bond Street – the latter for a whopping £25million.Through his company 258 Investments he has also acquired two residential homes in North London, and is said to own three homes in his native Watford worth £1.5million.Back in October, The Sun exclusively reported Joshua dropped £30million on a 301,000 square foot property in Hertfordshire, which was previously the HQ for oil giant BP.READ MORE SUN STORIESA close pal of the 2012 Olympic gold medalist told us: “AJ has seen so many athletes build vast wealth and then squander it all.”He is smarter than that. He has been working to build a huge empire that spans multiple large investments in different industries and will continue to grow way after he hangs up his gloves. He and his partners have really big plans for the complex he has bought.”In recent times, Joshua has become a property magnateCredit: GQ / Matthew BrookesAJ has spent his wealth wisely on property investments, including this retail space in Bond Street for £25mThis plush Mayfair building is also owned by AJ as part of his portfolio More

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      in Motorsport

      Ultimate F1 team principals rich list as Christian Horner’s net worth is revealed, but his wealth is dwarfed by a rival

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      BEING an F1 team principal guarantees a fair wedge.They are paid huge salaries, with Red Bull supremo Christian Horner earning £8million-per-year, while Mercedes rival Toto Wolff is said to have a salary worth around £7million.Red Bull Racing supremo Christian Horner is one of the most recognisable faces of F1 and commands a salary of £8m-per-yearCredit: GettyHorner’s rival Toto Wolff at Mercedes-Benz earns slightly less per-year – but has he got a great net worth?Credit: GettyWith those great pay packets comes great responsibilty, with those at the top driving things behind the scenes while being teh public face of the operation. But, who is the richest?Join SunSport in counting down the ultimate F1 team principals rich list, from estimates researched online.10. Bruno Famin, £500,000Famin took over the reigns as team principal for Alpine on an interim basis in 2023.READ MORE F1 NEWSHe will continue in the role this season, but is a relative newbie to the game.The Frenchman has held a number of leading roles in motorsport, including as director of Peugeot Sport.He originally joined Alpine in 2022 and served as CEO in charge of engine development.Bruno Famin took over the reigns as team principal for Alpine on an interim basis in 2023 and is estimated to have a £500,000 fortuneCredit: GettyRacing world in ‘disbelief’ at Christian Horner alleged leaked messages9. Ayao Komatsu, £650,000Similarly to Famin, Komatsu has an established career in motor racing.Most read in MotorsportHe enjoyed spells with BAR and Lotus until moving to Haas in 2016 as their trackside engineering director, following Romain Grosjean.Clearly, the American team believe in the Japanese engineer.Back in January, he was promoted to team principal after the departure of the legendary Guenther Steiner.Ayao Komatsu was promoted to team principal of Haas after the departure of the legendary Guenther Steiner and has an estimated £650,000 net worthCredit: Getty8. Mike Krack £800,000Aston Martin moved to replace Otmar Szafnauer with Krack in 2022.In truth, though, he is a seasoned pro – having worked with BMW Sauber from the mid-2000’s.He held a variety of roles, including overseeing their Formula E, IMSA and GT programme.With Aston Martin continuing to improve, he could be higher on the list this time next year.Mike Krack worked with BMW Sauber from the mid-2000’s until becoming team principal and CEO of Aston Martin and is worth £800,000Credit: Gettyread more sport features7. Laurent Mekies, £1millionMekkies was in a cushy role at Ferrari as their sporting director.But, fancying a challenge, he took on the role of team principal with AlphaTauri from January, taking over from Franz Tost.”A new adventure starts now, and it is with a great sense of gratefulness that I go from a very special racing family to another very special racing family,” he said on joining Red Bull Racing’s sister team.Before joining Ferrari he was safety director at the FIA and deputy race director. Laurent Mekies took on the role of team principal with AlphaTauri from January after taking over from Franz Tost and has £1million in the bankCredit: Getty6. Andrea Stella, £1.2millionLast season, Stella took over the reigns at the famous McLaren team from Andreas Seidl.A graduate in aerospace engineering at La Sapienza University in Rome, with a PhD in mechanical engineering with an experimental study on fluid dynamics of flames, he began as performance engineer at Ferrari in 2000.Between 2002-2006, the Italian worked with Michael Schumacher and then Kimi Raikkonen from 2007-2008.He moved to McLaren in 2015 as head of race operations, before working his way up the ranks.Andrea Stella, worth £1.2million, moved to McLaren in 2015, before working his way up the ranks to become team principal last seasonCredit: Getty5. Fred Vasseur, £3.5millionVasseur has one of the dream jobs – as principal of Scuderia Ferrari.It’s a high-pressured role, which he jumped into in 2023 on a reported salary of £2.5million per-year – so, again, expect him to jump up this list in the years to come.In the six years prior, Vasseur worked at Alfa Romeo Sauber and Renault as team boss.Next year, he will be working with Lewis Hamilton.Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is in a high-pressured role and earns a whopping salary with estimates putting his fortune at the £3.5million markCredit: Getty4. James Vowles, £4millionEnglishman Vowles came to Williams as team principal last season.He was formerly Mercedes’ motorsport strategy director, until he took on the post.He made his Formula 1 debut as an engineer for the Honda racing team before moving on as a strategist for Brawn GP. James joined Williams at the end of 2022 and at the age of 44, is the youngest team principal on the grid, with an estimated £4million fortune.James Vowles, who is in the hotseat at Williams, is the youngest team principal on the grid and has earned £4millionCredit: Getty3. Alessandro Alunni Bravi, £4millionIn 2022, Alfa Romeo tried to break away from the traditional structure of team principal by appointing a management structure to oversee the team.Heading that up is Alunni Bravi as team representative, an Italian who is also a qualified lawyer.His duties pretty much echo that of team principal – he deals with F1 bosses and sponsors.He was previously the team principal of the trident GP2 team and has served as a board member of Sauber since 2017.Italian Alessandro Alunni Bravi, team representative of Alfa Romeo F1, is tied with Vowles with an estimated wealth of £4millionCredit: Getty2. Christian Horner, £50millionRed Bull Racing principal Horner is the highest paid on the F1 circuit – with an annual salary said to be in the region of £8million.He’s been with the Austrians since 2005, and has successfully led them to nine titles.Horner began in motorsport with aspirations to become a driver – and had some success in the late 90s – even founding his own team, but ended his driving career in 1998 at just 25.Away from the grid, the Englishman is married to Spice Girl Geri and they share two homes, in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire.But his F1 career has been tainted after he was caught up in a texting probe involving female colleague.£50m man Christian Horner, seen with wife Geri Halliwell, is the most famous team principal on the circuitCredit: Getty1. Toto Wolff, £1.2billionTop of the pile, with a staggering net worth, is the German Wolff.Forbes listed him as a billionaire back in 2023, thanks mainly to his one-third stake in the Mercedes F1 operation along with parent company Daimler AG and ‘principal partners’ INEOS.A banker before an F1 legend, more of Wolff’s wealth was built through two investment firms he founded.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe paid $50million (about £40m) for his 30 per cent share in Mercedes in 2012, which is now believed to be substantially more.Prior to that, he put money into Williams in 2009. He is miles ahead of his competitors.Toto Wolff is worth a staggering £1.2billion thanks, in part, to a savvy 30 per cent investment in the Mercedes-Benz F1 teamCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou lifestyles compared, with AJ worth £200m while his rival fled Cameroon for better life

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      ON March 8, two heavyweights of gigantic proportions will go head-to-head.Anthony Joshua, the Brit with the hulking and Adonis-like physique, will take on the equally uncompromising Francis Ngannou – who is built like a tank and has an epic back story that showed fight and courage.Hulking Anthony Joshua cuts quite the physical presence and has an Adonis-life physique built up through years of training hardCredit: Social Media – Refer to SourceJoshua’s next opponent Ngannou boasts an equally impressive physique, stands at 6ft4in tall and dedicates his life to trainingCredit: Instagram @francisngannouThanks to an impressive career in UFC, Ngannou has built a stellar car collection including this stunning Rolls-Royce believed to be worth £420kCredit: Instagram @francisngannouAJ has had an amazing career in boxing amassing a £200m fortune and drives a stunning Range Rover through a sponsorship dealCredit: InstagramThe impressive promo trailer, inspired by the famous Street Fighter video game, has whet the whistle furthermore for the bout in Riyadh.But these two couldn’t have more differing lifestyles.Thanks to an amazing career in boxing, AJ has amassed a wealth of over £200million.That means he is able to live the high-life, and is seen behind the wheels of an expensive Range Rover and heading on luxury destinations by private jet.Read more boxing newsNgannou was once homeless, before he made his UFC debut in 2015.However, once he got going in the heavyweight division he was able to build an epic car collection of his own.While for his most recent pay day, he received an £8million split of the purse for taking on Tyson Fury.Fancy motorsThanks to his partnership with Jaguar Land Rover – which is rumoured to be worth £790,000 a year – AJ rolls round London in his choice of a fleet of luxury wheels, including a customised white Jaguar XJR, worth £93,000.Most read in BoxingHis favourite motor is his personalised black Range Rover, which he says “looks very professional and sets a standard”.How heavyweights Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou compare on punching machine – and it’s bad news for BritHe has come a long way since buying his first car aged 17 – a second-hand Vauxhall Astra that cost £1,500.That said, he loved it – calling the motor a “stable, sturdy car.”But AJ isn’t that flash in comparison to other boxers.There’s no Ferraris or Lamborghinis in sight with his car collection.In any case, he was happy to buy his old gym in North London a new minibus.MMA legend Ngannou also knows a fine motor when he sees one.The most expensive car Francis has been seen with is the beautiful Rolls-Royce Phantom VII worth around £420,000.He also boasts a quiet Rolls-Royce Ghost, that costs as much as £270,000 and can reach 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.On top of that, The Predator has also been spotted behind the wheel of a £130,000 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.And the petrol head satisfied his need for speed in 2021, when he paid a visit to Exotics Racing in Las Vegas, Nevada and drove a £180,000 Ferrari 488 GB around a track.UFC legend Ngannou shows off a stunning Mercedes-Benz G Class worth £130k on his Instagram that is the pick of his fleetCredit: Instagram @francisngannouIn 2021, Ngannou took a £180k Ferrari 488 GB for a spin at Exotics Racing track in Las Vegas, Nevada showing he is a real petrol headCredit: Instagram @francisngannouAJ loves his motors and bought his old gym Finchley Boxing Club a minibus as a thank you for all their hard workAJ travels in styleWith such a vast wealth at his disposal, AJ is well-travelled.When he isn’t training, AJ enjoys exotic holidays with his family and friends, with his Instagram showing him in Dubai, Jamaica, Miami, Paris and plenty more glam trips.However, he is quite frugal with how he travels.AJ is sponsored by US sportswear giant Under Armour – who provide him with a private jet, as well as paying him a seven-figure salary.Often, trips are sponsored by countries and resorts who want the privilege of having the sporting icon spotted hitting their hottest tourist spots.It helps that he reaches 16 million followers on Instagram, so is one of sport’s biggest influencers.Looking through Ngannou’s Instagram, which has 6.8 million followers, you see a more modest operator.His social media is dedicated to a tough training schedule, with the occasional trip to Africa documented.In one snap, though, he does seem starstruck after meeting rapper Eminem in Riyadh, before his exhibition fight with Fury back in October.AJ enjoys the high-life and goes on glam holidays around the world, enjoying fun sea activities like jet-skiingCredit: MegaAJ is sponsored by US sportswear giant Under Armour – who provide him with a private jet, as well as paying him a seven-figure salaryCredit: Instagram, @anthony_JoshuaGlobetrotter Anthony Joshua enjoys five-star holidays with his entourage inbetween tough training sessions – enjoying a game of chess with a palCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jcelite14/?hl=enDiffering backgroundsHumble Joshua grew up as a self-admitted bad boy on a council estate in Watford.However, he steered his life around at the age of 18 when he discovered boxing on the advice of his cousin.Ngannou’s journey is a bit more complex.Francis was raised in Batie, Cameroon, by a single mum who split from his dad when he was six.The father was a street-fighter, renowned in the village for squaring up to gang members, four of five at a time, and giving them a hiding.When he was nine, he joined his 11-year-brother by working in the sand mines.He chose to escape Africa for a better life, by any means possible, which included crossing the Sahara desert and crossing borders illegally.Eventually he would end up in a Spanish prison, although local authorities couldn’t prove he was an illegal immigrant because he used a forged passport.Upon release, he dodged a train fare to France, where he was discovered by Fernand Lopez, a coach at MMA Factory in Paris, sleeping in a car park near a boxing gym.Ngannou was Raised in Batie, Cameroon, by a single mum who split from his street fighting dad when he was sixCredit: Instagram @francisngannouNgannou fled Cameroon for a better life, spending time in a Spanish prison before living homeless in Paris where slept in a car parkBorn and raised in Watford by mum Yeta Odusanya, AJ grew up on a council estate as a self-proclaimed bad boy before turning to boxingCredit: Instagram / Anthony JoshuaWithin a few months, he was already fighting on the French MMA circuit.Watch thisWhen it comes to jewellery, AJ loves a good time piece.He owns a £350,000 Audemars Piguet watch that was custom-designed, is made of gold and is diamond studded.In the past, Joshua has spoken before about how it’s the most lavish thing he owns.He has also been seen wearing their sporty Royal Oak Offshore model that costs around £30,000.Ngannou isn’t one to be draped in jewellery.But generous pal Cristiano Ronaldo made sure his mate wasn’t lacking in jewels before his big fight against Fury.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Portugal football legend visited the fighter in Riyadh and gifted him a stunning £105,000 Jacob & Co. watch before he stepped in the ring with the Gypsy King.When showing it off, Ngannou joked with a wry smile: “It’s a nice piece.”Portugal football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is pals with Ngannou – gifting him a stunning £105,000 watch when they met in RiyadhNgannou’s amazing Jacob & Co. watch features gold and diamonds – the MMA star said jokingly, ‘It’s a nice piece’Credit: Instagram @francisngannouA sponsors dream, AJ has a multitude of deals including a mega contract with Audemars Piguet to wear their timepiecesCredit: Getty – ContributorAJ’s most prized possession is his £350,000 Audemars Piguet watch that was custom-designed and is made of gold and is diamond studdedCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      I was a Premier League flop at Chelsea but now I own a five star mountain resort in Serbia in the wilderness

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      MATEJA KEZMAN’s short time at Chelsea is, perhaps, best remembered for his difficult relationship with Jose Mourinho.The Special One brought the Serbia forward from PSV, where he had a reputation as a master poacher.
      Former Premier League footballer Mateja Kezman owns a stunning mountain resort in Serbia that is found hidden in the wilderness in KopaonikCredit: Instagram
      There are four luxury and secluded cabins at Kezman Mountain Houses that encourage relaxation, with prices starting at around £300-per-nightCredit: Instagram
      Mateja Kezman was a £5.5m flop at Chelsea and was sold a season after joining from PSV to Atletico Madrid by Jose MourinhoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Today, Kezman cuts a different figure and often appears on TV in his homeland and runs his own successful businessCredit: Arena Sport
      However, he couldn’t hit a barn door with the Blues – managing just seven goals in 41 games.
      He was ruthlessly sold after one season to Atletico Madrid, and in truth his career never hit the heights he reached in Holland there with just 10 goals in his only season in LaLiga.
      A spell in Turkey with Fenerbahce saw a glimmer of his old self, banging 30 goals in 69 games, which convinced PSG to sign him.
      However, he flopped in France, and then bounced from the Russian Premier League, Hong Kong First Division, Belarusian, and then back to Hong Kong.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But Kezman’s business venture could make many a ‘Sloaney’ forgive the shot-shy striker for his time at Stamford Bridge.
      He owns the stunning Kezman Mountain Houses resort in the Serbian mountains.
      Surrounded by the wilderness, it’s the retreat to go to for peace and quiet and some amazing spa treatments.
      Into the wild
      Found in Kopaonik, the largest mountain range in Serbia, many utilise Kezman Mountain Houses as the perfect place to recuperate after a day of skiing.
      Most read in Football
      Essentially, it promotes wellness with its stunning spa in a relaxing environment.
      It was the first of its kind to be built in the country and offers a unique outdoor spa experience in the middle of wild nature.
      Guests can take a dip in the temperature controlled outdoor swimming pool in the summer season.
      Chelsea’s ‘billion pound bottle jobs’ MUST stick with Pochettino
      While in the winter, they can seek refuge in a comfortable outdoor hot tub, jacuzzi and sauna.
      Beautiful digs
      Built in the scenic surroundings are four luxury cabins, all with their own selling points.
      They are called Fir, Forest, Kezman Villa and Panorama.
      Fir can house eight guests and boasts two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and its own private outdoor spa.
      Forest has the same space, but without the spa facilities.
      The Kezman Villa is a bit bigger – with three bedrooms to choose from.
      It also has its own indoor hot tub, which is perfect from escaping the chill, as well as a quirky Sopranos-themed pinball machine.
      While Panorama, again similar to Fir and Forest, has an outstanding view of the stunning mountain surroundings.
      A temperature controlled outdoor pool is open for guests to use in the summer and has stunning views of the mountainsCredit: Instagram
      An outdoor hot tub and sauna are available for guests all year round – perfect for beating the winter blues and some peace and quietCredit: Instagram
      The four luxury cabins are called Kezman Villa (pictured), Fir, Forest, and Panorama – all have different amenities and lots of spaceCredit: Instagram
      Fans of US show The Sopranos will be delighted to find a pinball machine in the Kezman Villa to play on
      The cabins boast lots of space and comfort – with luxury interiors including comfortable sofas and a flat screen TVCredit: Instagram
      Each villa boasts a fireplace and a fully-equipped kitchen for guests to use and make themselves feel at homeCredit: Instagram
      It’s not cheap, though, with starting prices around the £300-per-night mark.
      Fine dining
      With activities on offer, including walking and e-bike tours in the summer or skiing in the winter, you will have built up an appetite.
      But, fear not, because Kezman Mountain Houses have got your back.
      To start your day, they offer a buffet breakfast that’s just a few steps away from the cabins.
      Fresh fruit, eggs, meats, and more are available from the restaurant.
      If it’s fine dining you want, just six miles from the resort is the incredible rustic Orah.
      A fusion of Italian, French and local cuisine, there is no standard menu.
      However, there is a signature dessert – a roasted walnut parfait served on a warm chocolate date cake with home-baked apples and walnuts.
      Being able to only accommodate 12 guests, it is reservation only.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Traditional breakfast is available at the buffet that can be found just steps away from all the cabins and provides a hearty meal
      Eggs, fruits and more can be eaten at the buffet that will set you up for a day of hiking, cycling or pampering
      Fine dining is available at the nearby Orah restaurant that serves Italian, French and local cuisine and is reservation only
      Dishes with walnuts are Orah’s speciality – with head chefs Teodora and Daniel Varadjanin producing many meals with that in its ingredients
      Kezman Mountain Houses works with head chefs – sister and brother Teodora and Daniel Varadjanin – who organise transportation for you.
      So, if you really don’t want to lift a finger there is nowhere more idyllic. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Liverpool and Chelsea’s Wags ahead of the Carabao Cup final, from a stunning model to a friend of Messi’s wife

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      LIVERPOOL and Chelsea will face off in the Carabao Cup final.Both sides have come into form at the right time, and it promises to be an epic encounter at Wembley.
      Isabelle Silva is one of football’s most outspoken WagsCredit: INSTAGRAM/BELLE SILVA
      Thiago Silva and his wife Isabelle enjoy a glam life
      Supporting their boys will be their stunning Wags, who come from all over the world.
      From a Brazilian beauty who isn’t afraid to voice her opinion about Chelsea to a Liverpool ace’s missus who counts Lionel Messi’s wife as one of her best pals.
      Isabelle Silva
      Fiery Isabelle is football’s most outspoken Wag.
      When Chelsea were humbled by Wolves 4-2 at home, she took to social media to hint the club needed a change of management.
      Read more Wag news
      In the past, she has slammed some of her husband Thiago Silva’s team-mates.
      That included the unfortunate Timo Werner, who she criticised for his poor form in front of goal.
      Aine Kennedy
      Irish stunner Aine is a dancer and model born in Cork County.
      However, the bright lights of London, and the lure of pursuing a career as a professional dancer brought her to England’s capital.
      Most read in Football
      The blonde bombshell’s good looks soon saw her signed up as a model.
      Aine May represents Pulse Model Agency, and has participated in numerous fashion shoots.
      But, as a girl about town living in Chelsea and dating Conor Gallagher, she’s certainly happier living the life of a Wag.
      Carabao Cup Final preview with Sun Sport’s Will Pugh and Chelsea correspondent Andy Dillon
      Aine Kennedy is a model and a dancerCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      Aine lives the high-life in ChelseaCredit: collect
      Conor Gallagher and Aine pose for a romantic snap togetherCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      Ailen Cova
      Scandal erupted last year when Alexis Mac Allister’s ex-girlfriend accused Ailen of running off with her man.
      According to reports, he dumped his former partner for Ailen, her best pal.
      Mac Allister and Ailen were then pictured together recently as they attended the wedding of fellow Argentine footy star Lautaro Martinez in their first public outing together since the news.
      They posed while smiling and laughing together – which left Camila feeling like she had been stabbed in the back, which she revealed on a South American TV show.
      Stunning Ailen Cova hails from Argentina
      Ailen was friends with her footballer’s ex before she began dating him
      Ailen with partner Alexis Mac AllisterCredit: Instagram
      Gera Ponce
      Colombian Gera has a staggering 394,000 followers on Instagram, but she is better known as the partner of Liverpool hotshot Luis Diaz.
      She put out a heartfelt message in support of her other half, following his dad’s kidnapping in their homeland.
      The pretty brunette was also a pillar of strength when he suffered a serious injury in 2022.
      They share two children, Roma and Charlotte.
      Gera Ponce has 394,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @gera25ponce
      Gorgeous Gera shows off her bikini body
      Liverpool’s Luis Diaz smiles for a photo with Gera
      read more sport features
      Paige Milian
      Raheem has dated Paige since his QPR days, when they were teenagers.
      She used to work at JD Sports, where she caught the Chelsea winger’s eye.
      Paige has since become a influencer, and manages several properties.
      They have two children together, while Raheem has a daughter from a previous relationship.
      Paige Milian was former JD Sports shop assistantCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      Now, Paige is a property developer in LondonCredit: Instagram
      Raheem Sterling and Paige have been together since they were teens
      Valentina Cervantes
      Argie beauty Valentina has been dating Enzo Fernandez since 2019, when he starred at River Plate.
      She was reportedly studying to become an English teacher when she met her beau in Buenos Aires.
      But, she packed up and joined him in Lisbon when he signed for Benfica in 2022.
      They have two children together, Olivia and Benjamin.
      Valentina studied to be an English teacher
      Since 2019, stunning Valentina has dated Enzo Fernandez
      Lorena Manas
      Lorena and Darwin welcomed their first child together in 2022.
      The Spanish goddess also has a daughter from a previous relationship with Aleix Vidal, formerly of Barcelona.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      While she was a Wag in Catalonia, Lorena was said to have grown close to Antonella Roccuzzo.
      It is believed the pair are still good friends.
      Spanish beauty Lorena Manas is pals with Lionel Messi’s missus Antonella RoccuzzoCredit: Instagram / @lorenaamanas
      Lorena and Darwin Nunez are all smiles togetherCredit: Instagram / @darwin_n9 More

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      Why football stars are scoring more penalties.. and the goalkeeper’s cheat code that could turn the tide

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      VAR was supposed to end the controversy surrounding poor refereeing decisions in football. Instead, we have seen football slowed down with a myriad of replays and debates rage on the quality of officiating in the division.
      Penalties are being converted at record levelsCredit: The Times
      So how can goalkeepers tip the balance in their favour againCredit: Alamy
      How the Premier League five-year rolling average penalty conversion rate has increased
      The introduction of VAR has also led to a notable increase in the award of penalty kicks.
      According to Opta Analyst, the second season VAR was introduced saw 125 penalties awarded, or one every three games.
      This season has seen the figure stands at its fourth-highest in history, with one spot kick awarded every 3.5 games.
      With the increase in penalties being awarded, however, we have also seen penalties converted with record quality from 12 yards – an unprecedented 90 per cent.
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      Even from last season the five-season rolling average for penalty kicks being converted has increased to a staggering 81.1 per cent, up from 74.8 per cent in the 1996/97 season.
      Goalkeepers have been further handicapped by video technology with the new rule that they cannot move off their line until the penalty is struck.
      This, combined with outfield players seemingly continuing to take leaps in terms of technical ability and ball striking has seen more penalties being scored.
      Despite this there must be something goalkeepers can do to tip the scales back into their favour when facing penalties. Well, yes, there is. The key for goalkeepers though might be to do nothing at all…
      Most read in Football
      Why do goalkeepers dive?
      In penalty shootouts at major competitions we often hear commentators say that all of the pressure is on the penalty taker with none on the goalkeeper.
      At the top level you expect players to be able to convert from the spot and as such the goalkeepers are not expected to save the shot.
      Jason Cummings channels Thierry Henry as he blunders famous spot-kick routine
      This means that goalkeepers will typically not be blamed by fans, coaches or team-mates for failing to stop the penalty but they will be highly praised should they manage to save one, or more than one.
      So, why do goalkeepers dive?
      We have seen a huge increase in outfield players adding a delay into their run before they strike the penalty.
      They will deliberately stutter or hop as they approach the ball before striking.
      Bukayo Saka stutters his run up as a tactic to throw off the goalkeeper
      This is intended to force the goalkeeper to move early and if the goalkeeper goes to one side then the player striking the penalty will go the opposite way.
      Despite not having the pressure on them, goalkeepers will still dive to their left or right as opposed to staying still in the centre of their goals. 
      Here Matheus Cunha stuttered and provoked Chelsea’s Djorde Petrovic into moving before he slotted the ball the opposite way
      If they stand still and the penalty goes to the left or the right then there will be an assumption from those watching that the goalkeeper did not do enough.
      Though the real reason behind the move is incomplete information.
      In this example Andre Onana sells himself early despite there being no run up from Pablo Sarabia
      Everton and England goalie Jordan Pickford went viral as cameras caught him looking at info on opposition penalty takers on crib sheets taped to his water bottles.
      Analysts at clubs will now spend time breaking down the penalty tendencies of players at their next opposition and goalkeepers will be given that information.
      This means that if a goalkeeper knows that their opponent goes to the goalkeepers left a high proportion of the time then diving in that direction is the smart thing to do.
      For goalkeepers to start saving more penalties we may well see them make a change to their approach to saving penalties, despite what fans might think.
      Should goalkeepers stand still?
      Although standing still in the centre of their goal may be against all of their instincts there is an argument that this would increase the chances of goalkeepers making a save from a penalty.
      In recent seasons we have seen a notable increase in the amount of players who include stutters or stops in their run as they wait for the goalkeeper to commit.
      This season has seen 15 spot kicks aimed down the middle of the goal, 14 of which have been scored.
      The conversion rate for these efforts sits at 93.3 per cent, while it the rate drops to 89.1 per cent for the corners.
      Last season the rate down the middle stood at 95 per cent while it was 69.6 per cent in the corners, with a total of 35 penalties being taken in the last two seasons.
      If goalkeepers can maintain their discipline and not move from the centre of the goal then this will start to put doubt in the head of the player who is taking the penalty.
      Here the goalkeeper commits to his right the ball before James Ward Prowse hits his penalty high to the middle
      They are essentially trying to wait until the last second before deciding whether to put the penalty to the left or to the right as opposed to making up their mind before they start their run up.
      The longer that the goalkeeper takes to move the greater the chance that the taker will start to panic and doubt themselves.
      Joao Pedro uses delays to wrong foot the goalkeeper before slotting the ball the other side of the net
      Waiting and staying in the centre of the goal would also be more effective for goalkeepers because of the technique and striking of players taking the kick.
      If the player in question catches the inside of the post, or even the side netting, with an accurate and well struck shot then there is very little chance that the goalkeeper could have made the save anyway.
      Here Ederson holds his central position for a Michael Olise penalty but loses his footing before the taker scores
      Increasingly, however, we are seeing penalties that are just played casually into the goal without getting anywhere near the corner of the goal.
      If goalkeepers were to remain in a central position then they would have more of a chance to react and save those penalties that are clipped just to either side but not right into the corner of the net.
      If the goalkeeper has the composure and conviction to stay in the centre of their goal then they will force the player taking the kick to amend their approach and perhaps overthink what they are going to do with the shot.
      Conclusion
      There is always a sense that the player taking the penalty has the advantage over the goalkeeper.
      And to be fair this should be the case as the defending team has been punished for a foul in their penalty area.
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      Goalkeepers, however, need to find a way to level the playing field and to put some more doubt into the minds of the players taking the penalty.
      We believe that we are going to see more goalkeepers taking the decision to stand and make themselves big in the centre of the goal in order to put doubt back into the minds of the penalty takers. More

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      Dani Alves’ fall from grace, from Brazil legend and serial winner with Barcelona to four-year jail sentence for rape

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      AS his sentence was read, Dani Alves bowed his head in shame in a Barcelona court.Following a three-day trial this month, the Brazil legend has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman.
      Brazil football legend Dani Alves bows his head in shame after he being sentencedCredit: AP
      Alves faces prosecutors following accusations of sexual assualtCredit: Rex
      A serial winner, Alves’ storied career has been taintedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      He faces four years, six months behind bars, although he plans to appeal the decision.
      The ex-Barcelona star, a serial winner on the football pitch with 44 medals to his name, saw his life unravel after he was arrested by Catalan police in January 2023, and has been behind bars ever since.
      Two months after his arrest, his model wife Joana Sanz left him – admitting he had left her suicidal and that she wanted to “close this chapter of her life”.
      Alves’ fall from grace comes after one of the most storied career’s teh game has ever seen.
      Read more Dani Alves news
      Trophy haul
      Only Lionel Messi has as many medals to his name as Alves, who is now 40 years old.
      He was signed from Sevilla by Pep Guardiola in 2008 – costing a record £30million, and would play in a Barcelona side that would dominate the Spanish and European football landscape.
      In his debut season, he suffered heartbreak when he was suspended from the Champions League final against Manchester United.
      His absence didn’t matter, as the Catalans recorded a 2-0 win and completed a treble.
      Most read in Football
      Alves would go on to win two more Champions League titles (in 2011 and 2015), before leaving the club in 2016.
      Dani Alves’ model ex Joana Sanz arrives at court to reveal what ‘drunk’ ex-Barcelona star told her moments after ‘rape’
      During his eight-year stay in Catalonia, he added six LaLiga titles, four Copa del Reys, as well as the three Super Cups and three Club World Cups to his bulging trophy cabinet.
      Success continued to follow him after he departed Barcelona.
      In his one and only season at Juventus, he won the Serie A title and Coppa Italia.
      Then, in a two-year spell at PSG, he would win the French championship back-to-back.
      Even in his veteran years at Sao Paulo, he was part of a side that won the Brazilian league in 2021.
      The accolades also came with his country, Brazil. However, despite playing in three World Cups he was unable to add a winners’ medal to his CV in that tournament.
      Still, famous Copa America wins in 2007 and 2019 made him a hero in his homeland.
      Photographers capture Alves lifting the Champions League trophyCredit: AFP – Getty
      Success followed Alves wherever he went, winning at PSG with pal NeymarCredit: AP:Associated Press
      In his homeland of Brazil Alves was championed for lifting the Copa America twiceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Finally getting married
      Away from the beautiful game, Alves was smitten by a beautiful woman.
      In 2015, the galloping right-back fell for the charms of Tenerife-born beauty, Joanna Sanz.
      The Spanish model, who made her name from the age of 17 on the catwalk for Jimmy Choo and Yves Saint Laurent and starred in ads for L’Oriel, was introduced to Alves by a mutual friend.
      He wined and dined her, they went on a glam holidays, and he lavished her with expensive gifts, as the Spanish media heralded them as one of football’s superstar couples.
      But, despite his attempts to get his beloved to walk down the aisle, she was initially resistant.
      Joanna turned down two proposals, before finally accepting his third offer.
      She told Spanish gossip magazine La Vanguardia: “Dani asked me in the hotel room alone. We do not like [putting on a show].
      “It was splendid… he already asked me three times.”
      The pair flew to Ibiza in 2017, and were married in a private ceremony on the island of Formantera.
      In 2015, Alves became smitten by the charms of Joana SanzCredit: Instagram @joanasanz
      Spanish model Sanz has appeared on the catwalk for some of fashion’s most famous brandsCredit: AFP – Getty
      Alves and Sanz soon became one of football’s most glam couplesCredit: Getty
      read more sport features
      They both wore white, with Alves opting for trainers as footwear.
      It was his second marriage, after divorcing first love Dinora Santana who he shares kids Victoria and Daniel with.
      The beginning of the end
      At the turn of last year, Alves was arrested on suspicion of rape.
      The victim alleged the incident occurred at a nightclub in Barcelona in December 2022.
      According to El Periódico de Catalunya, she was led to the hotspot’s VIP area by a waiter after Alves asked to meet her.
      She claimed he told her to touch his penis twice, before ordering her to follow him into the nightclub’s bathroom.
      There, after she asked to leave, she said he slapped her, insulted her, and tried to force her to perform a sex act on him, before pushing her into a toilet where he raped her.
      According to El Periódico, semen that was collected from the victim, as well as from the nightclub’s bathroom floor was analysed and matched Alves’ DNA.
      Hospital records of treatment to a knee injury sustained by the woman were consistent with her account of events.
      Alves was questioned at a police station in Les Corts, BarcelonaCredit: Google Maps
      A woman alleged Alves tried to force her to perform a sex act on him in a Barcelona nightclub, before raping herCredit: AP
      Investigators found seven fingerprints around the bathroom that matched the complainant’s account of events, with the complainant giving her account without knowing that investigators had such evidence.
      Alves’ defence
      In his defence, Alves has given several accounts of what happened that evening.
      He told media outlet Antena 3 he didn’t know the woman and she made up the allegation for fame.
      In a second story, he said he went into the bathroom not knowing she was in it.
      When CCTV contradicted that tale, he said he went into the bathroom first, defecated in the toilet with the woman beside him, but nothing sexual happened.
      In another version of events, Alves said the woman performed oral sex on him in the bathroom.
      At an April 2023 hearing he finally claimed he had consensual sex with the victim, when he was quizzed why his semen was found on the bathroom floor.
      He confessed his previous lies were down to vain attempts in saving his crumbling marriage to Sanz, who by now had ditched him.
      Alves blamed alcohol consumption for severely hampering his judgement.
      Joana Sanz leaves court after providing her testimony in Alves’ trialCredit: Splash
      Alves claimed sex with the victim was consensualCredit: Rex
      Trial
      The trial began earlier this month, and was the first to be held under Spain’s 2022 consensual sex law which expanded the legal definition of sexual assault in Spain.
      On the first day, the Provincial Court of Barcelona rejected his bid to have the trial suspended.
      The woman in question gave her testimony from behind a screen in a closed-door session, with her voice distorted to protect her identity.
      On the second day, the bombshell moment came when ex-wife Sanz took to the stand for ten minutes.
      She revealed how he “stank of alcohol and collapsed in bed” after arriving home from the night he was alleged to have raped the 23-year-old woman.
      Catalan News described Sanz as appearing “very cold towards her husband”, and she said they hadn’t officially divorced yet.
      Friends of Alves who testified claimed they drank alcohol “from lunch until dawn” on that fateful evening.
      After eyewitnesses and police gave their accounts, it was Alves’ turn to defend himself.
      Again, he denied any wrongdoing and insisted sexual relations between himself and the woman were consensual.
      Sanz ditched Alves after he was arrestedCredit: Getty
      Alves has been sentenced to four and a half years behind barsCredit: AFP
      The prosecution demanded he received a nine-year sentence and the victim’s legal team asked for 12.
      But a judge ruled he would serve four and a half years in prison, after finding the fallen ace guilty of rape.
      What’s next?
      Because he completed a year of his sentence on remand, Alves could soon be released on licence.
      He has been ordered to pay £7,700 for physical damage to the victim and offered to pay compensation of £130,000 (€150,000).
      But, he will be on legal supervision for five years, while a restraining order of nine years and six months will prevent him from contacting the victim.
      The financial ramifications of this ordeal have left Alves, who was believed to have made a £50million fortune from his football career, allegedly bankrupt.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Most of his money is believed to be tied up in several business investments.
      A sensational reveal during the trial by his lawyers claimed that his bank balance was £17,000 overdrawn.
      Alves has two children from a relationship with Dinora Santana, including son Daniel, leftCredit: AFP or licensors
      Now allegedly bankrupt, Alves faces the task of rebuilding his lifeCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Celebrities who almost became footballers, from Dr Who star Matt Smith to Gladiators presenter Bradley Walsh

      by

      THESE celebrities found fame by other means – be it in the world of TV, as singers or actors.But, had they gone down a different path or fate not led them in a different direction, they could have become footballers.
      Olly Murs is one of pop music’s leading stars – but he could have been a footballerCredit: Getty
      Murs played non-league football and also turns out Soccer AidCredit: Getty
      Some have relived their glory and showcased their skills on Soccer Aid.
      While others have retired gracefully, happy to be fans of the Beautiful Game instead.
      So, which celebs could have become football stars instead?
      Olly Murs
      Man Utd fan Olly dreamed of becoming a footballer, well before he got his big break on The X Factor.
      read more football news
      He played semi-pro for Isthmian Division One North side Witham Town between 2006 and 2008.
      However, injury cut his career short.
      He became co-owner of Essex side Coggeshall Town in 2017, until stepping down in 2022.
      Matt Smith
      The Dr Who and House of the Dragon actor had trials at both Nottingham Forest and Leicester City.
      Most read in Football
      But, spondylosis, a degenerative condition affecting spinal discs, forced him to quit the game aged just 16.
      Serge’s genius strike
      He told BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs: “All I did was play football 10 hours a day. It came easily and naturally.
      “It was very difficult for me to tell people that I had been released (from the team). The vain part of me was like, ‘I am Matt and I am the footballer.'”
      Matt Smith had trials at Nottingham Forest before becoming an actorCredit: AFP
      Bradley Walsh
      Before he kept the Gladiators in check and was a quizmaster on The Chase, TV presenter Walsh had aspirations at Brentford.
      He failed to make a first-team appearance but did play four times for Barnet in a loan spell in the 1979-80 season.
      Injuries cut short his career at the age of 21 as he failed to overcome an ankle fracture.
      Walsh previously revealed football was his life and regretted not getting his coaching badges.
      The Chase star Bradley Walsh become one of TV’s biggest hostsCredit: Rex
      But Walsh could have been turning out for Brentford if it wasn’t for injury
      read more sport features
      Sergio Pizzorno
      The Kasabian axeman is a very decent player.
      He famously showed off his volleying prowess on Soccer AM challenge.
      Then, he followed that up by lobbing David Seaman from long range at Soccer Aid.
      Leicester City fan Pizzorno also had a trial at Nottingham Forest.
      Rock star Sergio Pizzorno’s life could have turned out differently if a trial with Forest was successful
      Pizzorno has made up for lost time – appearing on Soccer AidCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sean Connery
      The definitive 007 could have been just as famous a footballer, had he taken up an offer from the legendary Sir Matt Busby.
      The Man Utd icon offered Connery a contract with the Red Devils worth £25 a week after seeing him play a match in the 1960s.
      “I really wanted to accept because I loved football,” Connery recalled. “But I realised that a top-class footballer could be over the hill by the age of 30, and I was already 23.”
      Instead, he became a Hollywood actor, appearing in seven James Bond movies, as well as an Oscar winner for The Untouchables.
      Sean Connery was offered a contract by Sir Matt Busby at Manchester UnitedCredit: Alamy
      Colin Farrell
      Movie star Farrell also fancied himself as a footballer – appearing for national trials in Ireland.
      But, his hellraiser behaviour aged just 14 showed a distinct lack of discipline needed for that role.
      “I played until I was about 15 and I thought it was what I wanted to do. And then I realised I’d do something less meaningful, like acting,” he told US chat show David Letterman.
      “I thought I might have been (good enough), but I had a can of beer when I was 14 and that was the end of that. I didn’t want it enough.”
      Had Colin Farrell swapped beer for fitness he might have played for IrelandCredit: Getty
      Louis Tomlinson
      One Direction singer Louis lived a boyhood dream in 2014, when he turned out for his favourite club Doncaster Rovers.
      He can’t have been too nervous, having filled out stadiums with the pop group a few years prior around the globe and earned worldwide fame and success.
      But, it fulfilled his lifelong ambition when he was handed the No28 shirt.
      “This has always been a childhood dream for me,” he said.
      One Direction star Louis Tomlinson always dreamed of becoming a footballerCredit: Getty
      Boyband singer Tomlinson in action for his beloved Doncaster RoversCredit: Nigel Bennett
      Johnny Marr
      Smiths legend Marr is often seen in the stands with Noel Gallagher cheering on their beloved Manchester City.
      However, life could have been different if the rock guitarist hadn’t worn make-up during his trial with the club.
      “I didn’t take football seriously enough to push it to the next level,” Marr explained.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I’d go for a trial and take to the pitch wearing eyeliner. Half the opposition team were looking at the mascara and thinking, ‘We’d better stay away from him’.
      “The other half just wanted to kick lumps out of me.”
      Johnny Marr chose music over football because of eyeliner and mascaraCredit: Getty More