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      in Motorsport

      What happened to Ferrari’s 11 British F1 drivers including last winner 60 YEARS AGO as Lewis Hamilton joins elite club

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON’S stunning transfer to Ferrari has shocked the world of Formula One.Motorsport fans around the globe will remember February 1 as the date Hamilton officially cut ties with Mercedes following a 26-year association.
      Lewis Hamilton has sealed a shock move to FerrariCredit: PA
      He joins the likes of Nigel Mansell on a prestigious list of British Ferrari F1 driversCredit: Rex Features
      Hamilton’s career with Mercedes
      Seven world drivers titles, 103 race wins, 104 podiums and a legion of other records to boot. To say his career backed by Mercedes power has been a success would be an understatement.
      Having signed a £100million contract with Mercedes in summer 2023, Hamilton then used a break clause in his deal to seal his switch to Ferrari.
      Hamilton will drive for the Scuderia from 2025 after signing a “multi-year contract” worth £100m.
      His goal with the Italian constructor will no doubt be to win a historic eighth title if he cannot manage it in his final season with the Silver Arrows.
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      However, Hamilton is not the only Brit to have driven in the scarlet red of the Prancing Horse.
      That being said, if he is to win Ferrari’s first driver title since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007 he will be fighting against history stretching back 60 YEARS.
      But who are Hamilton’s predecessors?
      Below we take a look at the 11 previous drivers to have got behind the wheel at Ferrari.
      Most read in Motorsport
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      Peter Whitehead
      Peter Whitehead pictured drinking a beer in a FerrariCredit: 2015 Getty Images
      Peter Whitehead raced for Ferrari at the birth of F1 in 1950.
      An amateur pre-war racer and RAF pilot, Whitehead raced in 12 F1 races, achieving one podium before he left the sport in 1954.
      Following the second world war Whitehead returned to racing and worked his way to purchasing a Ferrari 125 from Enzo Ferrari, contesting nine Grand Prix with it.
      Whitehead’s most noteworthy exploits came in outside of F1 however, winning the 1951 Le Mans 24 Hours race. He was killed in 1958 while competing in the Tour de France.
      Mike Hawthorn
      Mike Hawthorn was the first Briton to win the F1 world championshipCredit: SSPL/Manchester Daily Express
      “Farnham Flyer” Mike Hawthorn joined Ferrari in 1953 and raced with them until 1958 and became famed for wearing a bow tie during races.
      Battling with the likes of F1 legend Juan Manuel Fangio, Hawthorn came close to title success in 1954 as he won three podiums and won in Spain.
      However, he would not land a title until 1958, becoming the first Brit to win an F1 title in the Ferrari 246 in a title battle with Sir Stirling Moss.
      Hawthorn would retire from racing in 1958 but would tragically die in a car accident on the A3 Guildford Bypass on January 22 1959.
      Peter Collins
      Peter Collins won three races in F1Credit: 2009 Getty Images
      Peter Collins raced his first season with Ferrari in 1956.
      He earned Enzo Ferrari’s respect that season when he gave up his own world title ambitions by handing his car over to Fangio at Monza.
      Collins was active in F1 for six years, with his final win in F1 coming at Silverstone in 1958.
      He died while racing around the Nurburgring just three weeks later.
      Tony Brooks
      Tony Brooks won two races with Ferrari during his F1 careerCredit: Getty
      Tony Brooks joined Ferrari in 1959 following the deaths of Hawthorn and Collins.
      He won two races in Reims and Germany to hand him a shot at the title.
      But the title dream would fall short after an ultimately needless pit-stop at Sebring, USA, following a collision with Wolfgang von Trips.
      Unlike many unfortunate racers in the era, Brooks retired from motorsport and lived a long life, only passing away in 2022 aged 90.
      Cliff Allison
      Injuries thwarted Cliff Allison’s promising careerCredit: Getty
      Cliff Allison joined Ferrari as part of its stable of drivers for the 1959-1960 F1 season.
      However, after just six races he saw his career cut short. Following a second place finish in Argentina, a crash at the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix saw Allison hurled from his cockpit and was sidelined for a year.
      Allison woke up in a hospital speaking French despite never learning the language.
      He returned to F1 in 1961 with Lotus but suffered a double leg break at the Belgium Grand Prix, ending a promising career. Allison died in 2005 aged 73.
      John Surtees
      John Surtees won world championships in F1 and on motorcyclesCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The last man to win the F1 title at Ferrari, John Surtees was proficient in both F1 and motorcycle racing and is famed as a world champion on four and two wheels.
      He was active for 12 years in F1, winning six races including two in 1964 on route to a championship.
      Things eventually turned sour between driver and team however, leaving Ferrari in a rage in 1966.
      Surtees died of respiratory failure in 2017 at the age of 83.
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      Mike Parkes
      Mike Parkes raced six races in FerrariCredit: Getty
      Mike Parkes raced for Ferrari in the 1966 and 1967 F1 seasons following a seven-year break from the sport he had made his debut in in 1959.
      Podiums in the French and Italian Grand Prix in 1966 showed off his promise before he suffered a leg-break in Belgium ended his career prematurely.
      Parkes was also a racer in sports cars, winning the British Saloon Car Championship in 1961.
      He died in 1977 aged 45.
      Jonathan Williams
      Jonathan Williams made just one F1 start in his careerCredit: Getty
      Jonathan Williams made just one F1 start in his racing career, but making it for Ferrari means he makes this list.
      Williams one F1 race in Mexico saw him finish 8th.
      He retired in 1972 and became a pilot, before switching to be a writer and photographer.
      Williams died on in 2014 aged 71.
      Derek Bell
      Derek Bell is the most successful Brit in Le Mans historyCredit: Getty
      Derek Bell is best known for his career in sportscars.
      But the two F1 starts he made for Ferrari put him on this list even though he did not do great in the seat.
      A lack of opportunities prompted him to move on from the team in 1969, before he would go on to win Le Mans five times to make him the most successful Brit to race in it to date.
      Born in 1941, Bell has also won the Daytona 24 three times and the World Sportscar Championship twice.
      Nigel Mansell
      Nigel Mansell was the last driver confirmed by Enzo Ferrari before he diedCredit: 2019 Getty Images
      Nigel Mansell became the first driver to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari for more than 20 years when he joined the Prancing Horses in 1989.
      Things started off well with a win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, but that would prove to be a false-dawn amid reliability issues.
      Mansell would eventually leave the team at the end of 1990 to rejoin Williams, where “Mansellmania” was born as he won a championship in 1992.
      “‘Il Leone” as he was known to the Tifosi, was the last driver confirmed by Enzo Ferrari before his death. These days Mansell is enjoying retirement with a number of successful business enterprises.
      Eddie Irvine
      Eddie Irvine came within touching distance of a title at FerrariCredit: Bongarts
      Eddie Irvine came within touching distance of an F1 title in 1999, winning four races.
      However, he was unable to match Michael Schumacher in his prime and promptly left at the end of the season before retiring from F1 in 2002.
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      Irvine has since gone on to become a successful businessman which has earned him an incredible net worth.
      He is the last Brit to race for Ferrari, and 20 years on Hamilton will follow in Irvine’s footsteps aiming for an eighth title to eclipse none-other than Schumacher.

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including super rare Ferrari and £1.6m ride made entirely for him

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      F1 legend Lewis Hamilton boasts a stunning car collection befitting of the racing driver legend he is.Since his 2007 debut, the seven-time world champion has earned a staggering fortune from motorsport.
      Lewis Hamilton owns a £2m McLaren that he still drives around Monaco inCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton, who has a deal with Mercedes, looks set to leave their F1 team
      Lewis Hamilton boasts a car collection worth a staggering £13mCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      F1 legend Hamilton shows off his Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe worth around £177k
      He has been paid an astonishing £350million by Mercedes, who he signed for in 2013.
      But, it could be the end of an era. The 39-year-old is reportedly poised to complete a sensational switch to Ferrari and team up with Charles Leclerc ahead of the 2025 season.
      Hamilton’s epic wealth has allowed to enjoy a lifestyle to envy.
      And cars are most certainly his passion – with a garage of supercars worth around £13MILLION.
      Read more on Lewis Hamilton
      Hamilton is a self-confessed car fanatic, who collects everything from the latest supercars to vintage classics and even electric vehicles.
      He said previously: “I don’t know anything about wine. I don’t know a huge amount about art.
      “But what I do know is cars, and I’m very particular about them.”
      Here we take a look at just some of his extravagant collection:
      Most read in Motorsport
      PAGANI ZONDA 760 LH
      The rarest motor in Hamilton owned was his £1.6m Pagani Zonda that was made entirely for him.
      The exterior and interiors are purple, and at the request of the sports star he opted for a manual gearbox instead of the usual sequential one.
      His reasons? Because he hated getting behind the wheel of it initially.
      He once said: “The Zonda is terrible to drive!
      “It’s the best-sounding car I own, but handling-wise it’s the worst.”
      That could be why in 2015 Hamilton got in an accident that caused some significant damage to the cherished motor.
      Hamilton reportedly sold the motor in 2022.
      Hamilton’s Pagani Zonda cost him £1.6m but he hated driving itCredit: Rex FeaturesCheck out these amazing collections

      1966 SHELBY 427 COBRA
      The highest valued car in Hamilton’s collection is this stunning classic.
      Believed to be worth around £4m, it’s a rare sight – unless you’ve seen the racer cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway in LA.
      Hamilton was often spied taking his ex-missus Nicole Scherzinger for a spin in this beauty, which had him standing out from the crowd.
      A 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra is Hamilton’s most expensive car worth £4mCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      LAFERRARI
      Every car aficionado worth their weight in salt owns this £2m Ferrari – another collector’s item that rises in value as the years go by.
      Capable of reaching a top speed of 217 mph, the LaFerrari can hit 0-62 mph in just 2.4 seconds, meaning it’s the fastest car Hamilton owns.
      Footballers including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Son Heung-min also drive this frighteningly fast motor that must feel like handling a racing car.
      A £1m Ferrari La Ferrari is a must for any car collection, including HamiltonCredit: Xposure
      MERCEDES-AMG PROJECT ONE
      Lewis got his hands on a Project One in 2021, even though it wasn’t released until 2022.
      He was heavily involved in the production of the plug-in hybrid sports car that’s capable of hitting a top speed of 217 mph.
      Only 275 were made, and they cost around £2m.
      Getting his hands on one was one of the many perks of his deal with Mercedes.
      Hamilton managed to get his hands on a £2m Mercedes-AMG Project One ahead of its 2021 release
      Hamilton was heavily involved in the production of the Project OneCredit: AFP or licensors
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      MERCEDES-AMG SLS BLACK
      He already owned a SL Black Series, so why not add the SLS, right?
      Hamilton, who clearly has a need for speed, added this supercar to his garage probably because it’s the fastest Mercedes in production.
      Powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 622bhp – the SLS can reach a top speed of 196 mph.
      It also hits 0-60 in just 3 seconds – making it the ideal car for Hamilton to get his thrills off the track with. For a price tag of £230k, it’s just what you’d expect really.
      Driving for Mercedes has its perks for HamiltonCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton regularly shares images on social media alongside Mercedes motorsCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      MCLAREN P1
      Despite splitting with McLaren’s racing team, Hamilton can’t have felt too aggrieved with his former employers. In 2015, he added a £2m P1 to his extensive list of rides.
      The P1 has a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, which is twinned with an electric motor that means the supercar has a total power and torque output of 903 bhp and 980 Nm of torque.
      In real talk that means it’s fast and powerful, can hit a top speed of 217 mph and hits 0-60 mph in just under 2.7 seconds.
      In 2015 Hamilton added a £2M McLaren P1 to his list of ridesCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      The McLaren P1 is capable of hitting 0-62 mph in just 2.7 secondsCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      1967 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500
      The second classic car that’s part of his fleet, fans of the Hollywood movie Gone In 60 Seconds might recognise this motor as looking to similar to one of the Eleanor models from the film.
      Hamilton had his customised by Oklahoma-based car shoop Classic Recreations for additional cost.
      At auctions, they can fetch up to £750k, and you can bet Hamilton’s is in tip-top condition. That said, we doubt he’ll ever sell it.
      BEST OF THE REST
      When the Mercedes-Maybach 6 came out in 2016, Hamilton made sure he got his hands on the concept car.
      The 2×2 coupe is completely electric, and can run up to 200 miles before it’ll need recharging.
      Hamilton also has another Mercedes – the Maybach S600, which is a luxurious chauffeur’s car with a partition separating the front seats from the back.
      Both those motors have a combined worth of around £800k.
      And Hamilton doesn’t mind swapping four wheels for two – sometimes taking his £6,500 Honda CRF450RX Motocross Bike around the dirt tracks of California.
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      Then there’s also his Maverick X3 dune buggy that would’ve set him back around £20k, that’s also electric in theme with his eco-warrior status.
      However, with a switch to Ferrari imminent – imagine the company cars he’s got lined up?
      Hamilton is a fan of the Maverick x3 dune buggy worth £20kCredit: 2017. All rights reserved.
      Nicole Scherzinger used to ride with Hamilton on his buggyCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton also has a penchant for motorbikesCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Xabi Alonso’s glamorous life, from wife who Liverpool team-mate tried to pull to model shoots and love of cars

      by

      XABI ALONSO is the talk of the town in Germany and Liverpool.The Bayer Leverkusen manager has the club seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
      Xabi Alonso is top of the Bundesliga and is the man linked to replace Jurgen KloppCredit: Getty
      But how about the man away from football?
      This has firmly put them on course to land their first Bundesliga title in their 120-year history.
      Alonso has grown a strong reputation in coaching for his innovative and attractive brand of football.
      Whether he is the man to replace the departing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield remains to be seen, given there are a number of other candidates to consider.
      But what about the man away from the pitch and tactics board?
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      Star crossed lovers
      Alonso is married to Nagore Aranburu.
      The couple tied the knot all the way back in 2009, a month before Alonso left Liverpool for Real Madrid.
      They met when Alonso was still a teenager and playing for boyhood club Real Sociedad.
      Alonso and Nagore have had three children together, Jontxe born in 2008,  Ane, born in 2010 and Emma, born in 2013.
      Most read in Football
      Xabi Alonso married wife Nagore Aranburu in 2009Credit: AFP
      They first met when Alonso was a kid at Real SociedadCredit: Getty
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      Nagore has worked as a model, actress and fashion designer.
      But one hilarious tale came while she worked as a hotel receptionist in Liverpool.
      Ex-Reds ace and Alonso team-mate Peter Crouch recalled the first time he met Nagore.
      Crouch confessed his love at first-sight reaction to meeting Nagore, before Liverpool team-mates including Jamie Carragher broke the news to him that she was with Alonso.
      He said: “On signing for Liverpool I stayed at the Hope Street Hotel.
      “On reception was a girl so good-looking I couldn’t quite believe she was smiling at me all the time.
      The couple have three children togetherCredit: AFP
      Despite busy work schedules they have always made time to enjoy days out togetherCredit: Splash News
      “I told the lads in training, ‘honestly, she’s beautiful, I think I’ve got a shout here.’ Jamie Carragher called a few other senior players over, ‘tell them again, Crouchie.’
      “So I did, ‘amazing. Dark-haired. Spanish-looking. I’m in there.’ It turned out she was Xabi Alonso’s partner.
      “She was doing a bit of work to practise her language skills. He was nice about it. So was she. Carra less so.”
      Despite their busy lifestyles, Alonso and Nagore have always been sure to make time to spend with one another.
      While at Bayern Munich Alonso and Nagore were a regular sight during Oktoberfest celebrations.
      Following Alonso’s retirement from football in 2017 the pair were spotted enjoying a walk on the beach during a family holiday to California.
      Alonso has also revealed the pair love a trip to the museum and going for a mountain drive with the family.
      Alonso and Nagore were often sighted at Oktoberfest celebrationsCredit: AFP
      Alonso revealed the family used to enjoy mountain car ridesCredit: Getty
      Petrolhead and modelling
      Perhaps it is an echo of his sleek playing style, but whenever Alonso is pictured in a car it is one of elegant design.
      And his fashion sense goes in the same direction.
      Alonso loves getting behind the wheel of classic beamers, with a number of Instagram posts showing him driving a variety of classic cars.
      During his time in Munich, Alonso modelled for Porsche and Adidas as they launched the Porsche Design Sport SS17 and sportswear range.
      Alonso modelled for the launch of the Adidas Porsche Design Sport SS17Credit: Adidas / Porsche

      Alonso and Nagore living the high life
      The pair, seen posing for Adidas Porsche Design Sport SS17, really are the model couple
      However, when going to training he would drive a rather inconspicuous Audi, rather than his classic Mercedes 190 SL convertible.
      Cost estimates for that car today put it between £70,000 to £166,000.
      In an interview with Mr Porter, Alonso – who has been likened to James Bond – is seen driving a Porsche 356 and not looking one bit out of place.
      One thing Alonso can’t stand is the idea of tattoos on his body.
      In a 2016 interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Alonso said: “They [friends] know that they have zero chance with me.
      “By the way, I am not against tattoos in principle. It may well be that this looks cool on others.
      “But not for me. I just can’t imagine myself with piercings, chains or anything else. Obviously, I’m hopelessly old-fashioned.”
      Alonso has always championed a sleek fashion styleCredit: Adidas / Porsche
      One thing he can’t get behind are tattoos on his bodyCredit: Adidas / Porsche
      Alonso is also pretty fed up of the idea that footballers have bad taste in music and TV shows, saying: “It’s the eternal cliché that footballers don’t have taste.
      “I think that’s pretty unfair. But I already know that, I’ve gotten used to it.”
      He has previously raved about hit shows like True Detective and Fargo, describing them as “masterpieces”, while also revealing bands he has listened to.
      The Shins, The Flaming Lips, The Delgados, The Velvet Underground and Lou Reed to name a few.
      Special moments are like watch links
      Despite his often suave appearance, Alonso is not one who often dresses to impress.
      But when he does, he goes all out, and watches are the crown jewel of his wardrobe.
      Alonso has likened special moments in his life and career to links in a watch.
      He told The Journal: “For me, every special moment is bound to be linked to a particular watch, and whenever I put it on I’m transported back to that moment – such as when we won the Champions League with Liverpool or the World Cup with Spain.”
      Jurgen Klopp’s successor?By Dan King
      XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
      The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
      Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
      He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to seven-points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
      It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues
      For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
      It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
      But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world.

      A IWC Steel Ingenieur Automatic 40, £10,500, similar to the one Alonso was givenCredit: IWC
      Alonso shows off one of his many watches on a trip to London with Nagora
      Watches in his collection include Rolex, Patek Philippe, Franck Muller, Audemars Piguet and Panerai – not that he has a particular desire to show off such accessories for fear of coming across as vulgar.
      However, his favourite and most special member of his watch collection was a gift from Nagora on their wedding day – an IWC Ingenieur – worth £10,500 according to Watches of Switzerland.
      For Alonso, the stunning watch “represents the fact that I had found a woman who thought about me, about what I like, and my personality.
      “I don’t wear it much, just on really special occasions.”
      Alonso says he likes IWC watches in general because “they’re not overly showy, attention-grabbing watches” and “have a certain sophistication without being flashy”.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The old saying goes: “You can tell a lot about a man from the shoes he’s wearing and the watch he has on.”
      And it seems for Alonso, simple but beautiful efficiency is runs through everything he does. More

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      in Soccer

      I’m football freestyler worth around £10m with fleet of supercars and property empire after injury forced career change

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      MEET Liv Cooke, football’s most extravagant freestyler who boasts a property empire and a fleet of supercars.The 24-year-old from Lancashire is an Instagram favourite and boasts over two million followers, while on TikTok that number is more than double.
      Meet Liv Cooke, football’s most extravagant football freestylerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv’s accrued a huge wealth that has seen her splash the cash on some amazing motorsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      For her side hustle Liv has become a huge property developerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Fans have seen her pulling off the most amazing stunts, including her party-piece – juggling a mobile phone and tablet from a great height. Her videos draw in billions of views.
      But it’s as a property developer in the North West where Liv is raking it in.
      Her company has clients including Premier League footballers, Blue Peter presenters and the Great Britain taekwondo Olympics team.
      She also houses women who are victims of domestic abuse, and has helped develop two new 3G pitches in her local community.
      Read more football news
      Cooke’s hard work has paid off, allowing her to live a lifestyle to envy.
      The female sport influencer owns a fleet of super cars, including a £170,000 Ferrari 488 and a Lamborghini Urus worth £200,000.
      From football to freestyling
      Liv grew up in a football-mad house with two older brothers who played the game.
      She starred for Blackburn Rovers at youth level, alongside future Lionesses Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone and Keira Walsh.
      Most read in Football
      However, as fate would have it, a cruel back injury meant she had to forget about becoming a pro when she was 14.
      Instead, Liv turned to skills training. She practiced juggling a football while sat down, just to make sure she didn’t lose her touch, and a new career blossomed.
      She decided, ultimately, to enter the world of freestlying from then on.
      It was a decision, Liv told the Guardian in 2022, that she didn’t take lightly.
      She said: “It was a stupid decision, really. But I felt it in my heart that it was the right thing to do and I just went with that.
      “It all looks intentional in many ways, but actually, for me, football was never a career. I was heading down that way, but I never once thought ‘I wonder how much money I’m going to sign for’, it was never about that for me.
      “I love football so much and I was going to do it for the rest of my life, and I didn’t care if I made £10 or £10,000 an hour.
      “My enjoyment wasn’t materialistic and it wasn’t financial. It was getting out there, winning on the weekends and enjoying the game with my team.”
      Liv began freestyling when her football career was cut short aged just 14Credit: INSTAGRAM
      One of Liv’s party tricks involves saving a mobile phone from smashing by flicking it in the airCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Outrageous stunts
      Liv has come a long way since showcasing her freestyle skills at a school in her hometown Leyland, Lancashire, in 2015.
      In 2017, she competed in the Super Ball open football freestyle championships, where she was crowned the world football freestyle champion and the youngest in history to ever take the title.
      That scored her commercial work – most notably with the likes of Adidas, Lidl and Channel 4, as well as presenting gigs with the BBC for their sadly cancelled MOTDx show.
      But it’s on social media where the younger crowd will know her.
      In 2021, she was confirmed as the highest earning female athlete TikTok creator at the time.
      She boasts 5.5 million followers on the platform and a further two million on Instagram.
      Her videos border on insane and ingenious.
      From saving mobile phones and tablets from falling out of windows with her feet to ball-juggling on the back of a jet ski while her best pal and partner-in-freestyle crime, Olivia Weedall,steers, her stunts are outrageous.
      Conservative estimates of Liv’s wealth start at around the £10m markCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv shows off her ball juggling skills while being towed by a jet skiCredit: INSTAGRAM
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      Property empire
      But it’s with her property portfolio where Liv is making serious money.
      Her first foray as an investor and developer came when she was just 19 – a two bed apartment in Lancashire. She then added a one-bed flat in Manchester soon after, and a serious hobby had begun.
      Over the years, she has continued to add to her property empire, and has helped house Premier League footballers, as well as BBC presenters.
      Better still, her properties also house women who have been domestically abused and are looking for a safe place.
      Explaining how she got into property, Liv told the Lancashire Post: “I’ve always been obsessed with being successful and the mindset and worth ethic it takes. I study the greats in any field, originally for motivation when I was training to become the world’s greatest freestyle footballer.
      “I loved Grant Cardones story how he came from nothing to achieve his dream, his relentless drive inspired me in training. Through watching him for inspiration for work ethic I inadvertently gained real estate knowledge
      “After achieving my dream, my profile grew, my career progressed and I was earning nice amounts of money.
      “I then realised I could probably turn these riches into wealth with my basic understanding of real estate. So when lockdown hit and we couldn’t travel or go outside I seized my chance to dive into learning real estate.
      “I read something like seven books and watched a thousand hours of YouTube content on investments/developments in my first week. Similarly to how I ascended rapidly in freestyle football, I got obsessed with real estate.
      In 2019, Liv began to invest in propertyCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv now lives the jet set lifestyle and is a star of the business worldCredit: INSTAGRAM
      “My first project commenced not long after, I’m not one to sit around thinking about doing something.
      “The following week I began searching for my first project and had an offer accepted on a property I intended to renovate and convert into a high cash flowing asset. Safe to say I dived into the deep end with material costs flying up due to Covid restrictions.”
      Fast cars
      Although Liv has remained coy about her net worth, estimates online claim she could be worth over £10million.
      Judging by the lifestyle she lives, those guesses don’t seem so far-fetched.
      Her car collection is to be envied, and she regularly shares pictures of her amazing motors on Instagram.
      ‘Barbie’ pink is seemingly her favourite colour – boasting a £200,000 Lamborghini Urus and a £170,000 Ferrari 488 in that hue.
      Other cars seen in her fleet include a Lamborghini Huracan worth £235,000, a Rolls-Royce Phantom with a price tag of around £400,000 and a Mercedes-Benz G-Class that starts at £130,000.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Liv has amassed an impressive car collection through the yearsCredit: FACEBOOK
      A £200k Lamborghini Urus is one of Liv’s prized possessionsCredit: FACEBOOK
      Meet Liv Cooke, football freestyler and property developer, who drives a fleet of LamborghinisCredit: Facebook
      While, when she travels she flies by private jet.
      Clearly, she’s living life in the fast lane. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Kyle Walker’s amazing car collection, from a £235,000 Lamborghini Huracan to a £200,000 Bentley Bentayga

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      KYLE Walker has made a £27million fortune as one of the Premier League’s best players.From an apprentice at Sheffield United to making his name at Tottenham, before becoming a Premier League champion at Manchester City – the defender, 33, has had a great career.
      Kyle Walker has made a £27million fortune playing football
      In 2017 Walker splashed the cash on a Lamborghini Huracan
      The interiors of the Lamborghini Huracan are plush
      Away from the pitch, his riches have seen him splash the cash.
      One of his favourite things to spend his money on is luxury cars.
      Walker has owned a variety of motors, including some stylish SUV’s.
      But, he really has a penchant for fast cars, as SunSport discovered when looking through his epic collection.
      Read more Kyle Walker news
      Lamborghini Huracan, £235,000
      After completing his big move from Spurs to City for £45million in 2017, Walker bought his most expensive motor.
      He joined new teammate Sergio Aguero as a Lamborghini owner.
      The right-back got himself a Huracan, which he was seen driving to training in his first few weeks at the club.
      It’s one of the fastest cars on the planet – capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
      Most read in Football
      Bentley Bentayga, £200,000
      When the Bentayga was released in 2015, footballers all over the world put their name on the waiting list for one.
      Walker, along with England pal Raheem Sterling, were just two of the first in line.
      The Bentayga was Bentley’s first foray into the SUV market – and it’s a beautiful car.
      The 2016 models boasted a simply huge twin-turbo W12 engine.
      Walker has been seen behind the wheel of a £200k Bentley Bentayga
      The Bentayga had a waiting list of footballers clamouring to buy one
      Check out these amazing collections

      Audi RS7, £115,000
      Although he was spoiled with the Bentayga in terms of comfort and class, Walker clearly has a preference for a more sporty motor.
      Recently, he’s been seen driving to training in a stylish RS7 that comes with a hefty £115,000 price tag.
      This Audi can hit a top speed of 190 mph.
      Better still, it does 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds meaning it’s not too shabby at all.
      Most recently, Walker has been seen in a Audi RS7
      Mercedes AMG-GT R, £160,000
      Perhaps the award for Walker’s best-looking motor goes to his stunning AMG-GT R.
      It truly is a work of art from a design standpoint, and it doesn’t lack in performance either.
      It’s just shy of his Lamborghini’s top speed of 201 mph at 198 mph.
      This Merc’s M178 twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine generates 510 horse power.
      read more sport features
      The Mercedes AMG-GT R is Walker’s most stylish car
      The interiors make this Mercedes look like a race car
      Mercedes S-Class, £92,000
      One of the ultimate saloons, that gives comfort, reliability and is driven by the elite.
      Don’t be fooled by the fact it’s Walker’s cheapest motor, it still oozes quality.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Depending on the model, it can reach 0-62 mph in 3.3 to 5.6 seconds – but you don’t buy it for its speed.
      But it’s built with cutting-edge technology, including ambient lighting which gives you a choice of 64 different colours.
      Saloon car do not come any classier than an S-Class Mercedes
      Cutting-edge technology is a staple of the S-Class More

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      Inside Kyle Walker’s amazing lifestyle, from Cheshire love nest he lived in with Annie Kilner to his epic car collection

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      KYLE WALKER has enjoyed a storied career at the top.The Man City defender, 33, has won numerous Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League.
      Kyle Walker has amassed a £27million fortune from his football career
      Walker has owned a series of luxury cars including a £230k Lamborghini HuracanCredit: Getty
      On Instagram Walker has given fans a glimpse of his Cheshire propertyCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2
      While the veteran right-back is also a key component of Gareth Southgate’s England set-up.
      His success on the pitch has afforded him a luxury lifestyle off it.
      Walker has amassed a fortune believed to be in the region of £27million.
      And he has invested his money into property, while spending his cash on fast cars.
      read more kyle walker news
      SunSport looks into how Walker lives his life.
      Stunning home
      Walker, originally from Sheffield, splashed some of his fortune on a property in Cheshire in 2019.
      It boasts six bedrooms, and was bought as a love nest for him and childhood sweetheart Annie Kilner, before their marriage woes.
      It features a swimming pool, a sizeable marble hot tub, as well as a five-a-side football pitch.
      Most read in Football
      Back in 2020, demanding more privacy, Walker built a 13ft-high, 52ft-wide screen around the property so passers-by couldn’t see inside.
      He won a planning battle, after neighbours complained – calling the structure “unsightly”.
      Walker often shared glimpses of the home on Instagram to his five million followers.
      That included a snap of him watching football on a plush sofa with framed football jerseys on the wall.
      Another photo showed him wearing an apron in the kitchen.
      Keen gamer Walker also showed off where he liked to play Fortnite in a separate picture.
      Walker’s Cheshire mansion features a stunning outside swimming poolCredit: Instagram
      Chef Walker is happy to prepare meals in his modern kitchenCredit: Instagram
      Gamer Walker also loves playing Fortnite in his games roomCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2
      Walker earns around £160k-per-week at Man CityCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2

      Walker’s baby mama Lauryn Goodman
      Walker, who earns around £160,000-per-week at the Etihad, bought a £2,5million seaside mansion for his baby mama Lauryn Goodman.
      Amazing cars
      Over the years, Walker has prided himself on filling his garage with some stylish cars.
      In his first season as a Man City player in 2017, he was seen driving a £235,000 Lamborghini Huracan to training.
      One of the fastest cars on the planet, it’s capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
      It wasn’t the only Lambo parked in the car park – with former teammate Sergio Aguero also being a fan of the supercar and owning one.
      A fan of sporty cars, in 2019 he was seen behind the wheel of a brilliant Mercedes AMG-GT R that has a starting price of £160,000.
      They can reach a top speed of 198 mph and run off a M178 twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine.
      Another luxury car Walker enjoyed was his £200,000 Bentley Bentayga.
      That became a footballers’ favourite – with fellow England footballer Raheem Sterling also owning a Bentayga.
      read more sport features
      Walker seen behind the wheel of his Mercedes AMG-GT R worth £160kCredit: nb press ltd
      In 2019, it was alleged Walker romped with reality TV star Laura Brown in a Bentley BentaygaCredit: Getty
      Walker drives into training in a £115k AudiCredit: Cavendish Press
      Other motors Walker has been spotted with are Mercedes S-Class (from £92,000), and has also driven into training in a £115,000 Audi RS7.
      Tattoos
      Walker is no stranger to getting ink.
      His first ever tattoo was his name, K. Walker with a star next to it.
      However, amusingly he had a second star added next to it after his pals ribbed him that he gave himself such a low rating.
      Walker also has an eye tattoo on his forearm in loving memory of his late grandfather, who introduced him to football.
      He said: “I got this eye for my grandad, who took me to Sheffield United and got me into football. He passed away.
      “I got the eye to say he’s always looking down on me and he guides me through a lot.”
      Walker’s youngest son’s birthday is written in Roman numerals below his chest.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      While an angel tattoo on his right shoulder commemorates the loss of his sister’s baby.
      Walker’s life is befitting of one of the Premier League’s most famous footballers, who has reached the top and made serious money.
      Walker has a variety of tattoos including his name written on his hand
      Dad Walker has his son’s birthday writen in Roman numerals across his chest
      An eye on his forearm represents his late grandfather
      An angel shoulder tattoo is dedicated to the loss of his sister’s baby More

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      Karim Benzema’s amazing lifestyle from car collection worth £6million to flying in private jets and gold-plated iPhone

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      KARIM Benzema is one of the wealthiest footballers on the planet.Thanks to an amazing career, primarily at Real Madrid where he became a club legend, the French striker has amassed a fortune believed to be around £185million.
      Karim Benzema is one of the world’s richest and most stylish footballers
      French striker Benzema lives an amazing lifestyle – owning dream cars like this Bugatti
      Benzema also goes on incredible holidays
      That has allowed Benzema, 36, to live a life of luxury.
      His biggest extravagance is his car collection that is now worth a staggering £6million.
      While if he travels anyway, he will always fly privately.
      Befitting of a true star of the game, Karim also dresses the part.
      Read more lifestyle news
      His wardrobe is filled with clobber from his favourite designer, Balenciaga.
      And his phone is just as bling too – made just for him and gold-plated.
      Cars
      Karim has always had a thing for the best cars.
      His garage is full of the most expensive money can buy.
      Most read in Football
      In Saudi Arabia he added a BMW M5 Competition to his fleet, which could have cost as much as £131,000.
      He’s also believed to own a Rolls-Royce in the Middle East.
      His prized possession is the £2.5million Bugatti Chiron he bought in 2021.
      Another SUV that Benzema had to have was a Lamborghini Urus costing £188,000.
      The forward also has a very rare Bugatti Veyron, which cost £1.5million – but now being a collector’s item is worth much more than that.
      Then there’s a £200,000 Ferrari 458 Spyder and a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren that is appreciating in value and could be worth up to £400,000 in today’s market – all sitting comfortably in Benzema’s garage.
      Let’s not forget a Lamborghini Gallardo £220,000 and a £250,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith.
      Benzema’s come a long way since he bought a Mini Cooper off a pal at Lyon as his first car.
      Legend Benzema shows off his stunning Lamborghini Urus worth £188,000
      Benzema shows off fleet of super cars on an airport runway alongside a private jet
      Living life in the fast lane is Benzema’s favourite thing to do
      A Rolls-Royce Wraith worth £250,000 sits in Benzema’s garage
      Benzema is the proud owner of two Bugatti supercars worth over £1.5million
      Jet-set life
      When the season ends, Benzema takes himself on a well-deserved holiday.
      He will travel in luxury, seen taking a private jet to glam destinations including Ibiza and Los Angeles.
      He shares his travels to his 76million followers on Instagram – who were wowed by the lifestyle he leads, which includes renting luxury yachts or going on safari.
      Benzema left fans wanting more, though, when he deleted his Instagram following a defeat against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr for club Al-Ittihad.
      As for his personal life, he most recently enjoyed a trip to Mauritius with ex-wife Chole de Launay, who is the mother of his two children, Melia and Nouri.
      Benzema also has a child with ex-girlfriend Cora Gauthier called Ibrahim.
      Last year he became a father for the fourth time when reported girlfriend and former Hooters waitress  Jordan Ozunagave birth in April.
      Benzema often hires private jets to travel around in
      When on holiday Benzema also hires super yachts
      Ex-Hooters waitress Jordan Ozuna is believed to be Benzema’s girlfriend and they have a child together
      Chloe de Launay has two children with Benzema
      Jordan, 35, is a successful model and is signed to plenty of top brands.
      She previously worked as a Hooters model in Las Vegas, prior to meeting Benzema.
      Fancy wardrobe
      When it comes to shopping for fancy threads, Benzema is a big spender.
      In 2022, Benzema won the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy.
      For the occasion, he wore a fitted black tuxedo over a banded collar shirt in a nod to a famous outfit worn by Tupac Shakur at the 1996 American Music Awards.
      Matched with expensive Jean Paul Gaultier frames, a Cartier bracelet and Richard Mille watch, he was a picture of elegance.
      In 2019, he modelled a Fendi collection, while he’s often front row at Paris Fashion Week.
      His go-to designer is Balenciaga, who he is often spotted wearing.
      Talking to GQ about his fashion choices, he said: “I love old school sneakers, I have a lot of old school adidas.
      Benzema was suited and booted at the 2022 Ballon d’Or ceremony

      Benzema’s wardrobe is full of designer threads
      ”I dressed the same as Kriss Kross, my jeans were so big they hid my sneakers, and I hated shirts, even if now I sometimes wear them.
      “But I still wear what I love: simple stuff. The brand is not what matters to me the most, even if for example I would never mix Versace with Levi’s.
      “I learned everything on my own, and yes, I think I have style. Afterwards, even though I love denim, my eight-year-old daughter prefers that I pick her up from school in a suit, so I put one on to make her happy.”
      £3,000 iPhone
      Benzema loves his bling and is often dripping in jewellery.
      At the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2022, he wore matching Tiffany & Co diamond bracelets with reported partner Jordan.
      He also owns an exclusive Purnell watch with 8k rose gold hands, hour markers and a miniature ball.
      It’s a one off piece said to be worth a staggering £1.5million.
      Benzema shows off a Tiffany & Co bracelet
      A Purnell watch owned by Benzema could be worth as much as £1.5million
      Benzema’s bespoke iPhone is gold plated
      And Benzema doesn’t just have a normal iPhone.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      He has a bespoke 24k gold iPhone costing somewhere in the region of £3,000 by iPhone Gold.
      There’s no chance of him losing it either, because it’s got his initials on. More

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      Inside £100m rated Ivan Toney’s epic lifestyle, from being Premier League’s best dressed to doting dad with three kids

      by

      THERE are few cooler customers than Ivan Toney on and off the pitch.The £100million-rated striker, who returns to action on January 17 after a gambling ban, has been linked with a move away from Brentford.
      Ivan Toney is one of football’s coolest customers
      Wearing great outfits make Toney football’s best dressed
      Toney is the main man for Brentford and closing in on his return
      He is renowned for being calm in the penalty box, netting 29 penalties and missing just two during his incredible rise as the Premier League’s hottest marksman.
      But it’s away from football where he is really coming into his own.
      Toney revealed he would love to become an actor, when his playing days come to an end.
      However, he could have a future as a fashion designer – judging by the trendy threads he wears.

      From shopping at Bottega Veneta to modelling clothes by Louis Vuitton and the hip Gallery Department, Toney looks the part.
      And the father of two is also, very much, the doting dad – taking his brood on amazing holidays.
      He’s in fashion
      Although he’s one of the most in-demand footballers on our shores, Toney’s style is also definitely admired.
      His fashion posts draw plenty of praise on social media, as well as likes.
      Most read in Football
      It’s no wonder he has almost 500,000 followers on Instagram.
      Toney clearly loves shopping, sharing photos trying on Prada sunglasses and more in department stores.
      On one outing he can be seen clutching a Bottega Veneta bag – looking delighted with his purchase.
      On another Instagram post, he shows off a stunning Dior raincoat – captioning his snap, “Have fun with it”.
      One of the most fetching items we’ve seen him wear rang in his 26th birthday – a jacquard damier fleece blouson from Louis Vuitton costing £1,280, which drew almost 21,000 likes on Instagram.
      Toney’s favourite designer appears to be the LA-based Gallery Dept. – a staple among rappers and who hip-hop group Migos released their own capsule collection with in 2021.
      The style is very much vintage clothing meets modern art.
      Toney wears a Louis Vuitton fleece costing £1,280
      NBA leisure wear is also pulled off effortlessly by Toney
      Tonoey enjoys styling himself
      LA-based Gallery Dept. is one of Toney’s favourite high-end brands
      Toney models a Dior jacket
      Glam travels
      Toney reportedly earns around £1milllion-per-year with the Bees.
      When he’s not hard at work at the training ground or on the football pitch, he makes time for glam holidays.
      A fan of warm weather at winter, he has been spotted in Dubai in the past.
      Toney also loves the Caribbean, where he supported St Vincent by setting up a fund-raising campaign for the people affected by a volcanic eruption on the island in 2021.
      He often makes time to squeeze in some shopping when he’s away, dropping into Philipp Plein on a trip to Marbella.
      When abroad, Toney really likes to let his hair down.
      And he’s a fan of adventurous activity – seen taking a ride on a hoverboard above the sea.
      It’s a yacht life for Toney
      Travelling by private jet makes life easy for Toney
      One a break away, Toney went riding on some buggies
      Toney still found time to shop in Marbella at Phillip Plein
      Toney enjoys a ride on a hoverboard at sea
      He also took a buggy ride on a different break away with pals.
      Life’s a breeze for Toney when he’s away, enjoying the fruits of his labour by hiring a private boat for a day.
      Travelling in style is very much his MO, often arriving on foreign shores by private jet.
      Doting dad
      Taking in those experiences with him are his children.
      On social media, Toney proves to be very much the doting dad to his kids
      In one snap, he shared a photo pushing a pram and smiling for the camera at a tropical location.
      A second snap shows him clutching his youngest child, while another sits on his lap.
      He had plenty of puff to help blow out a candle on his son’s birthday.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Toney is very much the doting dad
      Dad Toney pushes a pram on another break away
      Toney loves to show off his kids on Instagram
      Toney helps his son blow out a candle on his birthday
      A third, on holiday, shows his sense of adventure shared with his offspring on a jet ski.
      If they take after their dad, they certainly will be in style too. More