Sport Features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Inside George Foreman’s amazing car collection up for auction, including a priceless Ford GT and a massive tour bus

      by

      GEORGE FOREMAN’s amazing car collection is up for grabs.Over the years, the boxing legend, 74, has amassed a stunning array of motors from every decade.
      George Foreman amassed an amazing array of motors
      Foreman’s 52-car collection is up for auctionCredit: Instagram / @hagertymarketplace
      A vintage Chevy Impala is available as part of the collection
      There is a very old-fashioned 1932 Ford Model 18, as well as a kitted out tour bus.
      For the more sporty, there’s even a 2005-edition Ford GT supercar in bright red.
      The stunning cars have been made available by auctioneers Hagerty Marketplace.
      Foreman admitted: “I have been a car collector and enthusiast most of my life, but the time has come for me to share my cars with other like-minded enthusiasts.
      Read more boxing news
      “Being able to offer them to the more than million-strong Hagerty audience is the best way to ensure they get the attention they deserve.”
      SunSport let’s you take a peak through some of what is on offer.
      1959 Chevrolet Impala Tri-Power Convertible
      With an apparent 60,000 miles on the clock, George’s classic Chevy is picking up plenty of admirers.
      Like most of the collection, there’s no reserve price – with current bidding at around the £120,000 mark.
      Most read in Boxing
      It is finished in black over red vinyl upholstery with tri-tone cloth seat inserts.
      The 14 inch steel wheels wearing spinner covers and mounted with Coker Classic wide whitewall tires are a thing a of beauty.
      1932 Ford Model 18 Deluxe Coupe
      George’s collection begins with classic motors from the 1930s.
      The pick of them is the staggering Ford Model 18, that’s already drawn bids at around £52,000.
      It is a car famously ingrained in American pop culture as one of the original hot rods.
      It’s a collector’s item, not to be driven, which explains why it has only travelled 819 miles.
      The Ford Model 18 is a classic car in American pop cultureCheck out these amazing collections

      1960 Bentley S2 Long Wheelbase Park Ward Saloon
      Bentleys are the ultimate in luxury, no matter what the year.
      And this 60s version was what the brand was built on.
      George’s is in fairly good nick, with just 47,000 miles on the clock.
      Slight imperfections on the worn horn button and warped rear lights haven’t put off bidders.
      Currently, the bid stands at around £17,000.
      A classic Bentley from the 1960s was kept in pristine condition by George Forema
      read more sport features
      1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray “Split-Window” Fuelie Coupe
      Corvettes are a staple of Hollywood films from yesteryear.
      The Sting Ray is as classic and classy as it gets, often referred to as the “Father of the Corvette.”
      It’s no wonder the bidding stands at around £100,000.
      This motor is powered by a 327 cu-in, 360 horsepower V8 engine with Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection.
      The Corvette Sting Ray is one of the ultimate in muscle cars
      1987 Ferrari Testarossa
      In the 1980s, the Testarossa was the best Ferrari you could own.
      It helped that it was driven by the coolest detectives of the era, Crockett and Tubbs in cult TV favourite Miami Vice.
      It was one of just 1,008 Testarossa’s produced in 1987.
      George bought it in 1992, and it has done just 3,400 miles.
      The iconic 80s Testarossa was made famous in Miami Vice
      Miami Vice made the Ferrari Testarossa cool
      1999 Prevost Vantare H3-45 VIP Premium Touring Coach
      When you’re a legendary boxer, entrepreneur, minister and author – you get invited all over the country.
      What’s the best and most comfortable way to travel? In your own coach, of course.
      Incredibly, George owned his own top-of-the-range tour bus that boasted it’s own king-size bed.
      Needless to say, bidders are queuing up for this, with it currently around the £90,000 mark.
      George Foreman enjoyed travelling in his own tour bus
      The tour bus boasts its own bed
      2002 Ferrari 360 Spider Six-Speed
      How George squeezed his giant frame into a Ferrari, is a mystery.
      Bearing in mind, his 360 Spider only has 1,600 miles on the clock – the answer there might be not that many times.
      It is powered by a 3.6 litre V8 engine, and capable of reaching a top speed of 180 mph.
      The bidding is at £112,000.
      George Foreman’s Ferrari 360 Spider from 2002 has only 1,600 miles on the clock
      2005 Ford GT
      The most wanted, most cherished, and highest bidded on star in George’s collection. It stands at £260,000.
      This is one for all car enthusiasts, with such a rich history behind it – the GT famously winning four Le Mans races in a row in the 1960s has been glamourised on the big screen.
      Read more on The Sun
      It boasts a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine.
      Incredibly, it has only driven 792 miles.
      The Ford GT is the most expensive car available for auction More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside ex-Premier League star’s amazing £400-a-night hotel with spectacular pool bar just yards from the beach

      by

      IN 2018, the same year Dejan Lovren lifted the Champions League, he became a hotelier.It came soon after his clothing label, Russell Brown launched, although that didn’t have as much success and is now defunct.
      The 4-star Joel Hotel in Croatia pulls in visitors all-year round
      Joel Hotels boasts an infinity pool and incredible sea viewsCredit: instagram @joelhotel_novalja
      Former Liverpool player Dejan Lovren is the hotel’s ownerCredit: instagram @joelhotel_novalja
      But, his four-star Joel Hotel in a beautiful part of Croatia is very much here to stay, and is certainly THE place to stay.
      Lovren, now 34 and playing for French club Lyon, had the property built from scratch in Novalja on the island of Pag.
      The project reportedly cost him somewhere around £3million.
      And since it opened its doors, it has continued to provide a relaxing place to stay for tourists from all over the world.
      Read more football news
      What has it got?
      A two-minute stroll from the spectacular Plaza Strasko beach, the Joel Hotel, reportedly named after his two children Josip and Elena, has a boutique feel to it.
      There are just 16 rooms, and each has its own designer kitchen.
      They are split up into 11 one-bedroom apartments, 2 studio apartments, 1 deluxe apartment and 2 annexes.
      Each apartment includes a living room, as well as a spacious private balcony.
      Most read in Football
      Prices vary, with an apartment with a sea view costing around £215-per-night during high season.
      While a superior deluxe apartment is as much as £401-per-night.
      Pool, restaurant and bar
      Amenities haven’t been skimped on by Lovren.
      The outdoor infinity pool measures at 12 x 6 metres and is heated all-year round.
      Spectacularly, it offers a breathtaking view of Novalja and the surrounding mountains.
      There is also a state-of-the-art outdoor gym, for those who want to stay in shape on their holiday.
      But for others who just want to unwind and let it all go, there is an amazing restaurant and bar.
      On the menu is Mediterranean cuisine from meaty pasta dishes to a Tuna steak with sauteed vegetables.
      Rooms can cost up to £400-per-night during high seasonCredit: instagram @joelhotel_novalja
      Living rooms and kitchens feature in the superior apartmentsCredit: instagram @joelhotel_novalja
      Clean, pristine bathrooms offer plenty of spaceCredit: instagram @joelhotel_novalja
      Relaxing by the pool has never looked better at the Joel HotelCredit: instagram @joelhotel_novalja
      read more sport features
      The bar serves classic cocktails, as well as a variety of other alcoholic beverages.
      Visitors also have the option to rent a boat.
      The reviews are in
      The Joel Hotel is a favourite for guests who have reviewed their stay on TripAdvisor.
      In fact, it has recorded an impressive five star rating from 23 reviews.
      One visitor wrote: “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the best stay on Pag. Close to Novalja and close to Zrće.
      “The accommodation, amenities, the staff and the intimacy of the stay was brilliant. We stayed for five nights and had a great time. No more than eight people by the pool. Your own private oasis of comfort.”
      Another posted: “A breathtaking luxury building. Very friendly staff and approachable. The service is unmatched. The food is delicious – fresh ingredients, great served.
      Guests can rent a boat for the dayCredit: instagram @joelhotel_novalja
      The Joel Hotel restaurant gets good reviews online
      Guests can enjoy tuna steak
      Pasta dishes are also on offer
      “Do yourself a favour and visit this amazing hotel in Novalja.”
      While a third shared: “First of all, the hotel location is the perfect spot in Novalja. The view from the pool is just wow. Accomodation – very clean and nicely decorated. Friendly staff.
      “And best part is definitely food and drink. Enjoyed every meal and cocktail… best moscow mule I had.”
      A kind act
      Back in December, 2020 Croatia was hit by an earthquake with a reported magnitude of 6.4 that destroyed homes and buildings in Petrinja.
      Generous Lovren, who played 78 times for his country before retiring in early 2023, offered his help.
      Read more on The Sun
      The Adriatic Sea is in view of the hotel
      The hotel attracts high-flying clientele
      Dejan Lovren famously offered his hotel to families affected by a 2020 earthquake in his homeland
      He kindly gave 16 endangered families free accommodation at the hotel and urged them to get in touch with a personal message on Instagram.
      Not only a brilliant footballer, Lovren clearly has a heart of gold. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mary Earps is England’s TikTok queen with 1m followers thanks to her hilarious and heart-warming videos

      by

      SOCIAL media can be a powerful tool for a sports, when it is done right.Lionesses hero Mary Earps is ticking all the boxes on that front.
      England shotstopper Mary Earps has become of the game’s iconic figuresCredit: Getty
      Off the pitch, Earps cuts a glam figureCredit: Instagram @1maryearps
      The Sports Personality of the Year award nominee, 30, has had a remarkable year on the pitch.
      Following up her displays at the Euros in 2022, she starred in England’s World Cup campaign – memorably saving a penalty in the final with Spain before firing her teammates up with a series of expletives caught on camera.
      But it’s off the pitch where Man Utd star Mary is at her most endearing.
      She is known as the ‘TikTok Queen’ among her peers, drawing more than 1million followers to her account thanks to her hilarious and heartwarming videos.
      Read more Lionesses news
      Sometimes, the hilarity is at the expense of her teammates…
      The fall girl
      Often, Earps ropes in pal Millie Bright for her TikToks.
      Most recently, the goalie deputised for the Chelsea defender as captain.
      Put a camera in front of them, and they are a comedy duo to be reckoned with.
      Most read in Football
      Several of Mary’s clips include the centre back.
      Some of the most memorable include various dance routines the pair pull off in unison.
      The one that gets us, though, is a game where you have to guess the song and sing along.
      If you don’t, the other player – standing behind you – will clatter you with a pillow.
      Both Mary and Millie take considerable pleasure in whacking each other if they don’t know the song.
      It, strangely, makes for compelling viewing.
      Mary Earps usually ropes in Mille Bright for some TikTok funCredit: TikTok @1maryearps
      A guess the song game always provides hilarity between Earps and BrightCredit: TikTok @1maryearps
      Clowning around
      Mary is a model professional.
      She has to work hard to become a permanent fixture for her country, when she was dropped by former England coach Phil Neville she fought hard to win her place back.
      It was a moment that saw her consider retirement.
      Thankfully, she didn’t. And she is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.
      Clearly, she also provides plenty of light relief in training – and isn’t afraid to clown around.
      Case in point, a recent training session with Utd saw her showing off her skills.
      After pulling off a save, she runs to the camera to show off her face covered in bits of grass.
      She captioned the clip: “When you’re a goalkeeper and the groundsman has just cut the grass.”
      read more sport features
      A training session on a freshly cut pitch saw Earps covered in grassCredit: TikTok @1maryearps
      Beauty regime
      One thing TikTok is famous for is beauty tips.
      You can’t move on the platform for make-up advice, skin care tips and the like.
      Mary is, obviously, well aware of this.
      So, in the only way she knows how, the football star filmed her own beauty regime.
      First, she comically applied a face mask, then scrubbed her teeth with purple whitening toothpaste.
      Earps then applies a cleanser, a booster, and an eye cream to get rid of dark circles, followed by a moisturiser.
      All of this is brilliantly narrated by England star Jess Carter.
      Earps comically applies a face maskCredit: TikTok @1maryearps
      Purple whitening toothpaste is part of Earps’ beauty regime
      Success story
      No doubt her biggest success in the game came in the summer of 2022.
      England lifted the Euros, in front of home support at Wembley, against old rivals Germany.
      It was a nail-biting game, with Mary proving resilient to the end.
      After the game, as you can imagine, celebrations ran wild.
      Leading the chorus of songs was Earps, with a medal around her neck, dancing in the changing room.
      Various teammates join her in harmony during the momentous moment.
      Of course, that clip is pinned and has been played a whopping 4.4million times by TikTok users.
      Earps celebrates England’s famous Euro 2022 winCredit: TikTok @1maryearps
      Alessia’s worst fears
      Coming up an uncompromising centre half doesn’t scare England forward Alessia Russo.
      If anything, the Arsenal star is ready to mix it with the most physical of players.
      However, she does have one fear that was exposed by Mary… turkeys.
      During a recent England camp, the pair were taking a walk around their base when they stumbled upon a turkey in their path.
      Frozen in fear, Alessia wouldn’t go anywhere near it, prompting Mary to film the moment and narrate over the top of the clip: “Alessia is afraid of turkeys, everyone.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Alessia argued the case that it charged at them, but Mary wasn’t having any of it.
      It’s just another reason why Mary is the ‘TikTok Queen’.
      Alessia Russo’s scary moment with a turkey was captured by Earps
      The turkey, itself, was seemingly going about its own business More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Glam footballer Madelene Wright’s sexiest posts that risked an Instagram ban, including wearing see-through lingerie

      by

      AS footballers go, none are more glam than Madelene Wright.The former Charlton star, who now plays for Leyton Orient Women, has lit up social media with a series of sexy photoshoots.
      Glam Madelene Wright leaves little to the imagination with her Instagram posts
      Sexy footballer Madelene now plays for Leyton Orient Women
      Most recently, Madelene stripped down to racy black lingerie and knee-high boots
      From showing off her stylish side with designer threads to a more risque snaps wearing lacy lingerie underwear, Madelene boasts charisma and model looks.
      But sometimes she pushes the boundaries of Instagram’s strict inappropriate content rules.
      SunSport wades through OnlyFans beauty Madelene’s posts for her most risque pictures that threatened to get her banned.
      Hitting a bum note
      Most recently, the blonde stunner tried on some racy black lingerie and shared the image with her fans.
      Read more on Madelene Wright
      She posted a photo with her hands placed on her bum, also modelling thigh-high boots.
      The upload was done to promote her OnlyFans account, giving followers a glimpse into what they might see on there.
      That led to several comments online, including one fan who wrote: “Undeniably radiant.”
      Barbie girl
      On trend and on point, Madelene channelled her inner Barbie for a post back in the summer.
      Most read in Football
      Wearing see through pink lingerie, the female sport influencer can be seen sat at a desk holding a dog.
      She appears the ultimate high-flying businessman, captioning her post “Barbie world.”
      However, she also seems to be flashing her nipples.
      Madelene channelled her inner Barbie in one photoshoot
      However, daring Madelene’s lingerie was see through and exposed her nipples
      Topless sunbathing
      Nobody wants tanlines.
      Especially Madelene, who on a break away opted to go topless as she sunbathed.
      Forget the sea view, the photo taken from behind offers far more.
      No caption was needed. Obviously.
      read more sport features
      While on holiday Madelene was desperate to avoid tanlines
      Breast foot forward
      Went it comes to her breasts, Madelene certainly isn’t shy.
      After she gave fans a glimpse of side boob on her holiday, she was happy to reveal her cleavage.
      In one particular snap, in lilac lingerie, she presses her hand against her chest.
      Needless to say, she looks incredible.
      Madelene shows off her impressive cleavage while cupping her breast
      Happy Valentine’s Day
      Back in 2021, Madelene got into the spirit of Valentine’s Day with another saucy pic.
      This time, she shared a nude picture in a bath surrounded by rose petals.
      It is the most daring Madelene has got.
      Again, it was a plug for her OnlyFans page. No doubt it would have attracted plenty of subscribers.
      Naughty Madelene shared a photo in the bath to promote her OnlyFans account
      Barely-there bikini
      Paid partnerships play a massive role in any influencer’s life.
      Madelene is no different, and unsurprisingly gets inundated with offers from various bikini companies to show off their swimwear.
      But, when OH POLLY and the gorgeous Madelene met, the results were almost NSFI (not safe for Instagram).
      This bikini was barely there.
      Madelene often models sexy revealing bikinis for brands on Instagram
      ‘Stress free’
      While laying on a paddle board in the sea, Madelene contemplated her life.
      While we don’t what she was thinking, she did caption a photo of her doing just that saying: “Stress free.”
      But, again it was her barely-there bikini that might have distracted from the sea view.
      Read more on The Sun
      Squint and she hardly appears to be wearing one.
      What do you think was her most risque post?
      Stress free is just how Madelene likes life More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Motorsport

      I lived a double life as a rally driver and drug smuggler – I had champagne and coke-fuelled parties before races

      by

      RANDY LANIER was a motor racing champion who won Rookie of the Year at the 1986 Indy500.But just a year later he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for drug smuggling.
      Randy Lanier lived a double life as a race driver and a drug smugglerCredit: NETFLIX
      He founded Blue Thunder and became IMSA GT champion in 1984Credit: NETFLIX
      Lanier fulfilled his dream of racing the Indy500 in 1986Credit: NETFLIX
      Born in rural Virginia, Lanier dreamed of becoming a race driver from the first time he heard a live broadcast of the Indy500 on the radio.
      The 69-year-old fulfilled his dream in 1986 following a rather unconventional path into the world of motorsport.
      It began when he moved to Florida in the 1960s when his love for cannabis turned into a money-making scheme.
      Lanier and his close associates began to smuggle in the drug from the Bahamas and his operation grew and grew.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      After overcoming a setback in which Lanier was robbed at gunpoint in his home, the soon-to-be-racer was importing cannabis from South America, and with it he built an impressive fortune.
      Going straight to the suppliers meant Lanier began smuggling hundreds of thousands of pounds of cannabis worth millions of dollars.
      His scheme involved hiding the contraband in hollowed-out ballast tanks of barges, and the more he shipped in, the better his race car became.
      Lanier was already an amateur racer by the time he became a drug kingpin but his career never took off.
      Most read in Motorsport
      He blamed that fact on not owning and running his own team, so once he had the money he set up Blue Thunder and worked his way onto the IMSA racing scene.
      As Lanier put it himself: “To really be an up-front runner in racing, it takes not only a team, but a team with quite a bit of funds.”
      His own wife Pam described him as not the most “elegant” driver with Lanier following the Jeremy Clarkson handbook of power first, ask questions later.
      But it was a recipe for success and Lanier became one of the best young drivers on the circuit, thanks in part to the wisdom he no doubt learned from one-time Le Mans star Bill Whittington, his co-driver.
      Together the pair beat Indy500 legend Bobby Rahal to win the IMSA GT Championship in 1984, and with that brought further racing opportunities.
      Lanier then had the chance to walk away from his drugs empire for good when two representatives from Ford, who he had believed to be FBI agents, visited him at a race to offer him the chance to join their factory team.
      But he turned them down for one simple reason – friendship.
      Lanier stated: “My mind was already made up. I wanted to keep Blue Thunder together. That’s what friends do.”
      Lanier threw champagne and coke-fuelled parties before racesCredit: NETFLIX
      His secret life caught up with him and he was sentenced to life in prison in 1987Credit: NETFLIX
      Naturally, a self-funded racing champion with no discernable income raised eyebrows, but that did not prevent Lanier from expanding his operation – on and off the track.
      He began paying off the mob for access to ports with one job costing him £500,000 alone, and another involving one ship being diverted from landing in Louisiana to San Francisco – some 1,500 nautical miles.
      Lanier ploughed most of his money into his race cars but there was plenty of excess which was spent on speedboats as well as champagne and cocaine-fuelled parties before races.
      He then took things up a notch when he set his sights competing at the Indy500 by racing alongside professional daredevils like Rahal, Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt.
      Lanier fulfilled his childhood dream of racing the Indy500 in 1986 where he placed ninth – the highest ranking rookie in the race.
      But authorities were closing in and when his bookkeeper Charles Podesta was arrested, the game was up.
      Check out what these sport stars drive…
      Podesta confessed to his part in the smuggling racket and gave details on how the operation was ran by Lanier and his associates.
      In 1987 Lanier was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole but he was released after 27 years thanks to a presidential pardon from Barack Obama.
      He turned to yoga and despite claiming the US prison system was set up for recidivism rather than self-reflection, Lanier became a yoga instructor and a suicide watch volunteer – trained to sit and talk with people who tried to take their life – in prison.
      Following his release in 2014 he established Freedom Grow – a charity designed to help those sent to prison for cannabis-related charges regain their freedom.
      He remains passionate about cannabis, which he views as “just a plant”, and wants people to be given their lives back.
      Read more on The Sun
      Lanier said on the subject: “These people should not be currently incarcerated when there are 38 states, and all these corporations, making millions of dollars selling thousands of pounds of cannabis, legally, every week.
      “These people need to come home.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ultimate Lionesses rich list as Lauren James’ net worth is revealed – but Euro 2022 top scorer doesn’t feature

      by

      THE best women footballers are getting the credit they deserve and the salaries to boot.Buoyed by the success of the Lionesses famous Euros victory in 2022, many of those saw pay increases over the past year or so.
      Lauren James is one of the WSL’s highest paid players
      Chloe Kelly has become a national treasure after her Euros and World Cup exploits
      England’s No1 Mary Earps makes the top 10Credit: Reuters
      The WSL continues to gather more financial clout with clubs reporting higher revenues and there is a belief that it could even become a billion pound industry within a decade.
      That means the players will only go on to earn more in the hope that equality with the men’s game will finally be achieved.
      However, these Lionesses are currently raking it in for club and country – thanks to off the pitch sponsorships, as well as big pay days from their clubs.
      Incredibly, England’s Euro 2022 top scorer and Ballon d’Or runner up Beth Mead does not feature.
      Read more rich lists
      But who is the richest England Women’s star, according to figures online?
      #10 Mary Earps, £1million
      England’s No1 Earps saw her net worth sky rocket after her performances at the World Cup.
      She is now believed to earn around £250,000-per-year as a Man Utd star.
      Away from the pitch, she launched her own clothing range MAE27 after the furore over Nike not selling her jersey to fans.
      Most read in Football
      The 30-year-old is seen as the world’s best goalkeeper.
      #10 Alessia Russo, £1million
      Arsenal made Russo a priority signing in the summer from Man Utd.
      Not only is she a brilliant centre forward, she is a commercial sportswoman.
      The 24-year-old has deals with Adidas, Gucci, PlayStation and Beats by Dre.
      Her contract with Arsenal is said to be worth more than £100,000 per annum.
      Alexa Russo boasts deal with Nike, Gucci, PlayStation and Beats by DreCredit: Getty
      Russo has become a cover girl for the sport
      8. Lauren Hemp, £1.1million
      Back in 2022, Lauren, 23, signed a contract extension with Man City.
      It is believed it bumped her wages up to £400,000 annually.
      The four-time PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year winner is one of England’s most exciting players.
      She is sponsored by Nike.
      Lauren Hemp has established herself as an England regularCredit: Getty
      Hemp, with Usain Bolt, has made a name for herself outside of football
      7. Alex Greenwood, £1.2million
      A seasoned centre half for club and country, Greenwood’s consistency has seen her well-rewarded.
      Her club, Man City are believed to pay her around £200,000-per-year.
      Because of her status, Alex is now beginning to bring in more sponsors.
      Garmin UK have just inked a deal with the defender.
      Dependable Alex Greenwood is believed to be worth around £1.2mCredit: Getty
      Greenwood recently inked a sponsorship deal with Garmin UK
      6. Keira Walsh £1.4 million
      In 2022, Walsh became the most expensive women’s footballer ever when Barcelona signed her from Man City for £400,000.
      It is believed the Catalans pay her an annual salary over £100,000.
      As a Nike athlete, the 26-year-old will also be on a retainer with them.
      McDonald’s utilise her services for a fun day football sessions.
      Keira Walsh is the world’s most expensive footballerCredit: Getty

      5. Fran Kirby, £1.6million
      Kirby is reportedly paid around £310,000 per year at Chelsea.
      She is also sponsored by Visa and Nike, so is likely to be on handsome deals with them.
      The forward, 30, is the Blues all-time top scorer with 103 goals.
      She is a two-time recipient of the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year, in 2017 and 2021.
      Fran Kirby is the Chelsea all-time scorer and a star for EnglandCredit: Getty
      Kirby attends an F1 race with pal and teammate Beth Mead
      4. Lauren James, £1.8million
      A rising star in the women’s game, Lauren isn’t even close to brother Reece James when it come to pay days.
      But, it was reported she makes around £350,000-per-year at Chelsea.
      Brands including Nike, Google Pixel, Optimum Nutrition, Barclays, and Sure all believe in her.
      At just 22, Lauren is the future of the game.
      read more sport features
      Lauren James is the future of the English women’s teamCredit: Getty

      3. Chloe Kelly, £2.3million
      The Man City forward, 25, became a cult hero after firing England to victory against the Germans in the Euro 2022 final.
      Her brilliant and empowering celebration made her perfect fodder for sponsors, with Land Rover reportedly tying her up to a deal worth around £1.5million, and she posed for Calvin Klein.
      It is not widely known how much she earns with her club.
      However, the average base salary for a Man City player is £75,000.
      Chloe Kelly has become an icon of the LionessesCredit: Reuters
      Kelly posed for a Calvin Klein photoshoot
      2. Lucy Bronze, £3.5million
      Lucy, 32, has been an established star of the women’s game for several years.
      Currently starring at Barcelona, it was at Lyon the accolades kept pouring in.
      She was named UEFA Women’s Player of the Year for 2018/19, the first defender to claim the award, The Best FIFA Women’s Player in 2020 and won the UEFA Women’s Champions League in all three of her Lyon seasons.
      Over the course of her career, she struck deals Pepsi, EE and Visa.
      Lucy Bronze is a stalwart for club and countryCredit: Getty
      Bronze plays for Barcelona, where she drives a Cupra Formentor priced from £31k
      1. Leah Williamson, £4million
      Off the pitch, Arsenal star Leah is a pop culture icon.
      The captain of the Euro 2022 may have faced time out of the game with an ACL injury, but she’s been big business.
      Read More on The Sun
      Her bank balance has been boosted by deals with Gucci, Nike and Pepsi.
      While, the 26-year-old is said to earn around £150,000-per-year.
      Leah Williamson led her country to glory at the Euros 2022Credit: Getty
      Williamson has become a regular on the red carpet and in fashion circlesCredit: Getty
      Arsenal got Leah to model their new kit at a launchCredit: Arsenal FC / Adidas More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Forgotten one-cap England star who retired aged 28 now runs property company with one-goal Premier League cult icon

      by

      SETH JOHNSON’S body broke down so much that it forced him to retire aged just 28.But now he is building himself back up in his new career running a property company with a former cult hero.
      Seth Johnson made one appearance for England and 15 U21 capsCredit: Getty
      Johnson, 44, burst on to the scene as a youngster with Crewe, making his debut aged 17 and racking up more than 100 appearances before a £3million move to Derby in 1999 when he was 20.
      But before moving to Pride Park, he stayed put with Crewe to help them avoid relegation.
      His stellar performances for the Rams earned him his solitary England cap in 2000 under Peter Taylor.
      The midfielder came on for Gareth Barry in a 1-0 friendly defeat away in Italy in what was David Beckham’s first match as captain. 
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Eleven months later, Johnson left Derby for Leeds in a £7m move that is remembered for an infamous tale about his Elland Road wages.
      The story goes that he went into negotiations with Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale hoping to increase his money from £5,000 per week to £13,000.
      But Ridsdale reportedly made an opening offer of £30,000 – which prompted stunned silence before the chairman immediately bumped it up to £37,000.
      But Johnson, who scored five goals in 121 Premier League games, clarified: “People don’t know the story. When they talk about negotiations for the contract, I wasn’t even there. The contract had nothing to do with me.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “I remember being at home when it got sorted. I’d agreed to go, but my agent rung me up and told me about the deal.
      “It wasn’t motivated by money for me. I’d had a good couple of years at Derby and just signed a new deal so I was on decent money anyway, but Derby were bottom of the league at the time, Leeds were near the top, I knew a lot of the lads there, and Derby decided to sell me because they wanted the money.”
      The move did not work as planned as Johnson was plagued by a host of injuries that required seven surgeries in his four years at Leeds, limiting him to just 59 appearances.
      A failed medical saw a move to Middlesbrough collapse before he became frozen out – with Leeds knowing one more appearance would trigger another payment to Derby.
      In the end, Johnson – who made the first of his 15 England Under-21 caps as a sub for Frank Lampard – was released in 2005 and returned to Derby for two more years.
      His last game in professional football saw his side win the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
      But another knee injury sustained in that match spelt the end of his career aged just 28, forcing him to hang up his boots. 
      However, determined to keep himself active, he moved into business – linking up with former Hartlepool, Luton, Derby and Leicester striker Steve Howard, who scored one of his 209 club career goals in the Premier League following the Rams’ promotion.
      Both men are listed as active directors at Greygoose Property Investments Ltd on Companies House since September 2010.
      Johnson made a name for himself at CreweCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      The contract negotiations with Peter Ridsdale did not quite go as reportedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Johnson’s injury woes and a contract clause limited him to 59 Leeds appearancesCredit: PA:Press Association
      His solo senior England cap came against Italy in 2000Credit: Getty
      The firm focuses on buying and selling real estate in the north-east, while Howard is also heavily involved with another residential and commercial management agency. 
      Johnson added to Planet Football in 2017: “The surgeon said I should retire and that my knee was in a bad way. In the back of my mind I wanted to give it another go, but I didn’t want to go to another team injured and keep breaking down.
      “Speak to anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you I’ve always been football-mad. 
      “Early on, I really struggled with not being a footballer because to go from something you’d done all your life pretty much every day to suddenly not doing that was difficult.
      “Even now, I want to do something, but I still don’t know what. I’d rather do something that I enjoy doing, and I never really fancied the coaching side of things.
      “I’ve got a property company up in Newcastle with Stevie Howard, who I used to play with at Derby, but apart from that I don’t do much. I play a bit of golf, I play the odd charity game and golf events, but apart from that not much.
      “I played football as a kid in Devon, they don’t produce many footballers down there really. I’m proud of what I achieved and what I did.”
      Johnson, meanwhile, remains a member of Ingenious Film Partners 3 LLP alongside one-time England team-mate Jamie Carragher.
      Read More on The Sun
      The company has a long list of illustrious former members from the football world, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Steven Gerrard, Gary Lineker, Joey Barton, Tim Cahill, Emile Heskey, Robbie Keane and John Arne Riise.
      Ingenious’ capital has helped back a number of huge films including Avatar, Life of Pi and Shaun of the Dead.
      Johnson in action against Manchester United’s Darren FletcherCredit: Reuters
      The final match of his career was the 2007 Championship play-off finalCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Rio Ferdinand’s amazing car collection, driving a £225k Aston Martin and once owning a £183k Bentley Continental

      by

      AS a player and TV pundit, Rio Ferdinand has done well out of the game.It is believed the Man Utd legend has amassed a net worth of around £60million.
      Rio Ferdinand stands beside a stunning Aston Martin DBS SuperleggeraCredit: X/@rioferdy5
      Aston Martin made Rio a brand ambassador of their motorsCredit: X/@rioferdy5
      He enjoyed a storied career- winning the Premier League six times and a Champions League title in 2008.
      Since hanging up his boots in 2015, after a stint at QPR, Rio has moved into punditry.
      Often, he is seen alongside Laura Woods offering his analysis on the Premier League and Champions League for TNT Sports.
      His work has seen him receive a steady income, which he has enjoyed splashing on some classy motors.
      Read more football news
      SunSport takes a look at what’s in Rio’s garage.
      Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, from £225k
      As a band ambassador for Aston Martin, Rio gets his pick of the bunch when it comes to their models.
      And you don’t get much better than their sports car the DBS Superleggera.
      It boasts a 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, providing a mind-boggling 715 hp.
      Most read in Football
      It has a top speed of 211mph, and can also go from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds.

      Audi A8, from £76k
      The Audi A8 was another of Rio’s favourites as a player.
      Boasting an acceleration of 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds, it is one of the fastest sedans around.
      It’s also proven to be a footballers’ staple through the years.
      Famous petrolhead Mario Balotelli also was seen behind the wheel of one, recently crashing his.
      The Audi A8 is one of the fastest sedans aroundCredit: HandoutCheck out these amazing collections

      Porsche Cayenne, from 70k
      When driving into Carrington, you often see United’s top stars doing so in a SUV.
      For the bigger lads it provides that much comfortability and leg room.
      Standing at 6ft2in, Rio went with a Porsche Cayenne after years of driving sports cars.
      A Porsche Cayenne gave Rio plenty of leg room travelling to trainingCredit: AFP
      Bentley Continental GT, from £183k
      They don’t get any more classier than a Bentley.
      Interestingly, it was the second most leased car by Premier League stars in 2019 behind the Range Rover Sport SVR.
      It boasts luxury interiors, including comfortable leather seats.
      Performance-wise, it has a top speed of 210 mph, and is UK-built with an efficient V12 engine.
      The Bentley Continental GT has a top speed of 210 mphCredit: PA
      Audi Q7, from £63k
      An Audi is always a sensible choice of brand when buying a motor.
      Reliability and performance are two things the German car giants boast, and the Q7 is as steady as it gets.
      Several high-profile Barcelona stars used a Q7 to get to and from training until the Catalans’ sponsorship deal expired.
      Again, it was perfect for Rio to ferry himself to training and back.
      The Audi Q7 is a sensible choice of SUVCredit: Audi
      read more sport features
      Jaguar XJ, from £56k
      Another classy gentleman’s car, the XJ is another saloon car Rio flirted with.
      It was another motor he scored thanks to an ambassadorial role with the English manufacturer.
      The XJ is capable of 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds.
      While it can reach a top speed of 174mph.
      Rio was an ambassador for Jaguar once upon a time and scored a XJCredit: Handout
      Aston Martin Vanquish, from 199k
      Another favourite of Premier League’s elite, Eden Hazard swore of his Vanquish when he played for Chelsea.
      While James Bond star Daniel Craig once owned a limited edition version, which was sold at an auction for £344,000.
      Read More on The Sun
      The successor to the Vantage series, it’s capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
      It featured in the Bond film Die Another Day too.
      The Aston Martin Vanquish was seen in Bond film Die Another DayCredit: Paul Tonge – The Sun More