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      Ex-Juventus star Han Kwang-Song mysteriously disappeared for three years, thanks to North Korea’s nuclear bomb tests

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      HAN Kwang-Song was a teenage sensation courted by Liverpool and Manchester City.In only his second senior game in European football, Han beat former England goalkeeper Joe Hart to become the first North Korean to score in Serie A.He spent a brief spell with JuventusCredit: AlamyHan Kwang-Song currently plays for DPRK Premier League club April 25Credit: GettyBarely two years later the striker joined Italian giants Juventus.But a mysterious chain of events was already in motion that would wreck Han’s promising career and deliver him back him to obscurity.Han, who once had the world at his feet, finds himself a virtual prisoner of global politics.He is back in North Korea and playing for army team April 25 in the domestic league, leaving the pariah state only for national team games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut even that is better than being stranded abroad for three years by the Covid-19 pandemic and being forced to train on his own at an embassy, with his promising career in ruins.It was a trip to Barcelona that set Han on the road to short-lived stardom.North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un loves using sport as a political tool – just like his dad Kim Jong-Il, who once claimed to have hit a 38 under-par 34, including several holes in one, in his first ever round of golf.At the Pyongyang International Football School, the motto is said to be: “Better than Messi.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe regime was looking for an academy in Europe to train their best young footballers and chose Fundacion Marcet in Barcelona.Coaches travelled to Pyongyang and selected 18 players, including Han, to go to Catalonia in the autumn of 2013.Football icons’ strange hobbiesJose Ignacio Marcet, president of the academy and a former Barca and Real Madrid player, explained how the young visitors took time to adapt.Marcet said: “They couldn’t take losing. They understood that the norm was to win.“Because of this we had to teach them that losing and making errors was vital in the learning process and it’s one of the keys to success.“Week by week they began to change their mentality.“They became more relaxed and quickly started to adapt to the dynamics of Spanish culture.“The players that left were completely different to ones they were when they arrived.“I think we managed to leave a mark on a country that doesn’t easily take in foreign influence”.Some of those youngsters made a mark on the global football stage less than a year later.Han was previously scouted by Man City and LiverpoolCredit: GettyNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-unCredit: ReutersDeranged dictator Kim Jong-un has been ramping up weapons testsCredit: AFPHan scored the equaliser as North Korea’s under-16s came from behind to beat South Korea 2-1 in the final of the Under-17 Asia Cup in September 2014.He continued his European football education at an academy in Perugia as part of a collaboration between the North Korean government and agency Italian Soccer Management, but could not officially play because of Fifa rules about the transfer of minors.Nevertheless City and Liverpool were among those to show interest in his progress, with Reds chief scout Barry Hunter reportedly travelling to meet the player and his representatives.In 2016, Han was close to joining Fiorentina with compatriot Choe Syong-Hok, who had scored the winner in that Asia Cup final.But instead he went on trial at Cagliari in February 2017 and was so impressive for the youth teams that by April he was making his senior debut against Palermo.And in Cagliari’s next match, at home to Torino, he made history after coming on as an 81st-minute substitute.With his team trailing 1-3, Han beat Hart in the Torino goal. It was particularly big news because one of Italy’s biggest football embarrassments, at the 1966 World Cup of 1966, was a defeat by North Korea.Han said: “I feel at home here. I’m very happy and I would like to thank the manager, my team-mates and the club.”Yet the political issues that would eventually send Han into football exile had already surfaced.International team-mate Choe’s time at Fiorentina had ended after four months because it was found that his salary was being funnelled back to the North Korean authorities.Similar concerns were raised about Han’s wages, especially after he signed a five-year professional contract with Cagliari in June 2017.But for now he was free to continue his promising career – albeit with some interference from back home.Han went on loan to Serie B side Perugia where his goals had to do the talking for him – because the North Korean regime blocked an interview on Italian television.Perugia president Massimiliano Santopadre said: “A call from a shadow ministry figure arrived and it blocked everything.“Negotiating, like on the transfer market, was impossible, too, because Pyongyang want to talk only and exclusively with Han.”The situation with their government has become even more rigid and their footballers have been prohibited from appearing on TV, otherwise they would have repatriated him. Han is scared.”Whatever his fears, the striker kept doing well and after two seasons at Perugia, he went on another loan, this time to Juventus’ Under-23 side and with an obligation to buy at the end of the two-year deal.Han, in a written post via the ISM International Scouting Center, said: “It has been a long way but finally I can say my dream came true [after] scoring my first goal in the Serie A and becoming the first North Korean to wear such an important shirt as Juventus’.”Juventus called Han up to the bench of the first team in October 2019 and on January 2 202,0 they bought him from Cagliari for around £3m.But only six days later, the 21-year-old was sold on for twice the price to Qatari side Al-Duhail.What was going on? Well, let’s rewind to the end of 2017, the year Han arrived in Cagliari.In June of that year, Han had made his senior debut for North Korea in a friendly against Qatar.But in September, his country carried out its sixth nuclear test, prompting the United Nations Security Council to announce further sanctions.In November, North Korea upped the ante still further by launching an intercontinental ballistic missile.So in December, the UN announced that all North Koreans working and “generating foreign export earnings that the DPRK…uses to support its prohibited nuclear ballistic programs” would have to be sent home by December 22 2019.Given the stipulations of Resolution 2397,  it remains unclear how Cagliari, Juventus and Al-Duhail got away with selling and buying Han in January 2020.And only Han knows what was going on in his head, but on the pitch he scored five goals in 16 appearances as Al-Duhail won the Qatar Stars League and finished runners up in the Cup.But Han’s appearance as a substitute in the final game of the 2019/20 season, on August 20, would be the last time that the wider world saw him for more than three years.Official documents and the odd media report are all there is to fill in the blanks.UN records show that Han’s contract with Al-Duhail was terminated by early 2021, in compliance with the prohibition on employing North Koreans.Yet Han could not even go home because his homeland had closed its borders completely in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.There is allegedly evidence that he flew from Doha to Rome on January 26. And then the trail goes cold and relies on hearsay for nearly three years.An article in China quoted a former North Korean international player named An Yingxue as saying: “Han Guang-shong was trapped in the North Korean Embassy in China due to the pandemic and trained alone for about two to three years.“It is a pity that Han Guang-shong could not return to the North Korean football team to participate in the game earlier during his time in China.”But the first time anyone in the outside world knew for sure what Han was doing and where, was when North Korea finally resumed competitive football in September 2023 after a gap of nearly four years.Han played the first half of a 1-0 defeat in Syria in the opening game of the second round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.In early 2024, Japanese media reported that Han was back in North Korea and playing for the April 25 Sports Club.The team’s name derives from the date that Kim Il-Sung, grandfather of Kim Jong-Il, established the predecessor of the Korean People’s Army in order to fight the Japanese occupiers.Multi-sports institution April 25 belongs to the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces and all its players are considered army officers.Little is known now about the life and career of footballer/soldier Han, who is still only 25.His last international appearance was on November 19 last year in a 1-0 home defeat by Turkmenistan that left North Korea rock bottom of their group in the third round of World Cup qualifying.The game, like earlier “home” matches, was staged in Laos, because of what the regime described as “security concerns”.READ MORE SUN STORIESNorth Korea finally re-opened to limited numbers of tourists last month after a gap of more than five years.But the door seems to have slammed shut on Han’s dreams of becoming a global football star. 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      Arsenal board has FAILED Arteta and have ‘got what they deserve’ for wasting money, says ex-chief in bombshell interview

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      KEITH EDELMAN was Arsenal’s managing director during one of the most successful and defining periods in the club’s history.Alongside vice-chairman David Dein and legendary manager Arsene Wenger between 2000 and 2008, Edelman oversaw the construction of the Emirates Stadium and departure from Highbury, as well as an iconic recruitment drive that won two Premier League titles – including the 2004 Invincibles.Keith Edelman (right) knows what it takes to succeed at ArsenalCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe former managing director helped to build the Invincibles teamCredit: ReutersEdelman helped build title-winning teams with David Dein (left) and Arsene WengerCredit: Getty – ContributorHe also oversaw the construction of the Emirates StadiumCredit: GettyAnd nearly two decades on, in an exclusive tell-all interview with SunSport, English businessman Edelman has opened up on:The “failure” of the current board to provide Mikel Arteta with a title-winning squadHow cash-strapped Arsenal worried about paying player WAGES in 2003Why the Emirates will stand the test of time WITHOUT increasing the capacitySelling Thierry Henry because he was “losing his speed”Twenty-one years on from their last title triumph, the Gunners look set to finish second for a THIRD year on the spin following yet another drop-off that sees them 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with nine games remaining.Arteta has been left hamstrung in attacking areas this term after failing to sign a striker in the past two windows, compounded by long-term injuries to forwards Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.Edelman, now 74, knows the value of building a squad capable of challenging for – and ultimately winning – major honours, working on deals for the likes of Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Sol Campbell, Gilberto Silva, Jens Lehmann and Jose Antonio Reyes during his time.Those six stars were bought for a combined total of around £42.5million, which in today’s money would be around £76million. In comparison, Havertz and Jesus were brought in for £110million.Edelman told The Sun: “I’m quite strategic in the way I see squads being built up and [Arsenal now] haven’t really built a balanced squad. They have failed on that front.“If that happens, you normally fail. You get what you deserve in a competitive environment.“If you look at the wage bill and the playing squad they have, you have to conclude that they’ve spent their money unwisely.“At the end of the day, the board has got to be responsible.”’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewArsenal are hoping to announce the appointment of new sporting director Andrea Berta in the coming weeks, following the resignation of Edu back in November, ahead of a huge summer window.Berta will work alongside current managing director Richard Garlick, co-owners Stan and Josh Kroenke, executive vice-chair Tim Lewis and Arteta.It’s amazing how people who are paid huge amounts of money make so many big mistakes. People do lose their marbles a bit.Keith Edelmanformer Arsenal managing director From an era where Wenger ruled the roost when it came to incomings, Edelman continued: “It is clear that the manager now, with all the pressures and all the strains, can’t do everything.“He needs support in building a team and doing deals and transfers.“When I first joined Arsenal, there was one executive who ran one of the big football clubs who said to me: ‘You know, if Wenger doesn’t win the league this year or next year, you ought to fire him’.“He said, ‘It’s no good coming second all the time. You’ve got to win these things’. Fortunately, we did go on to win things.“Quite often people who are running football clubs seem to lose what I call their strategic nous in terms of working out what it is they need to do and how to build the squad.Arsenal’s biggest signings in the past 17 years“There are a lot of people who do it very well. There were some very wily operators like Ken Bates (Chelsea), Martin Edwards (Man Utd), and Daniel Levy.“And then of course, we’ve moved from that to large American organisations who think they know how to do football because they’ve done baseball or American football.“I’m not against all that. I’m just saying it’s a change. It’s different.“But it’s amazing how people who are paid huge amounts of money make so many big mistakes. People do lose their marbles a bit.“It’s extremely important to be really thoughtful and strategic and not be too emotional.“One CEO I knew used to go down to the training ground every day and had his initials put on his training gear, like one of the lads. That’s not what a CEO should do.”In their recent financial report, Arsenal’s wages have risen from £234.8million to £327.8million and posted an annual loss of £17.7million, despite record revenues of £616.6million – up £150million from last year.Those numbers are a world away from Edelman’s time at the club. Despite being one of the biggest clubs in English football, money was tight with little investment – even ahead of their unbeaten season of 2003/04.Arsenal were forced to sell many of their stars under EdelmanCredit: AFPThierry Henry left for Barcelona in a £16million dealCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEdelman explained: “It was a very, very small business at that time. We had some big ideas about building a new stadium but we had no cash at all.“We used to turn over £65million when I joined. It’s a small number. The highest-paid player was on around £1.4million a year in those days.“Late in 2003, we’d sent some guy off to do a property deal. He said to me, ‘They’re not coming up with the right number. I should walk out of the room. I’ll get more tomorrow’.“I said, ‘No, you’ve got to sign the deal tonight because we can’t pay the wages on Thursday’. So yes, it was a bit stretched.”It was this sort of financial situation that led to the Invincibles squad being broken up just a few years after their historic 2004 triumph, seeing the likes of Pires, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry depart and replaced with young, bargain-buy hopefuls with potential.In the aftermath, Arsenal went nine years without lifting a major trophy. Edelman said: “If you’ve got endless amounts of money, as Manchester City had, you could keep a team going longer.“If you win things, you have a lot of world-class players because that’s how you win things. But when they get older, it’s very difficult to replace them. They won’t be world-class forever.“This is what I mean about looking at things strategically. You’ve got to ask the right questions. You’ve got to be probing. I don’t think a lot of people do that.”Henry – who was club captain and 29 at the time – was sold to Barcelona in the summer of 2007 for £16m. The Frenchman cited Dein’s departure and uncertainty over Wenger’s future as the reason.Edelman continued: “The reason Thierry moved on was because he was losing his speed. His game was basically all about speed. And if you lose your speed, then you’re dead.“So, we got money for him despite the fact that he was on the downward trap. It’s like Kevin De Bruyne. Would you have been better to sell him for more money at the end of last year?“Or, keep him and risk that he’d keep going this season?”Edelman is arguably best remembered for the Emirates Stadium, raising around £500million through loans and sponsorship to finance the construction, which was finished on time in the summer of 2006.Nearly 20 years on, there have been calls to increase the 60,704 capacity to compete with the likes of Old Trafford and Tottenham’s billion-pound stadium, something that could prove impossible given the original design and surrounding housing estates.And Edelman argues: “When I go there, I look around and it has stood up terribly well over time.“There are some things that are ageing and need to be replaced, but the fabric of the building is still amazing. It looks like it could have been built two years ago, not 20.“I know everyone wants to go bigger, but when I go to Wembley, I don’t enjoy the experience. You’re too far away from the pitch.”Edelman has landed a new role away from football. He has taken up a position with the country’s leading keynote speakers’ agency, Champions Speakers, to deliver speeches in the business world More

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      Why Cole Palmer is struggling and how Enzo Maresca can help Chelsea’s star find his form with three tactical tweaks

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      COLE PALMER’S form has dropped off a cliff in recent weeks.So far this season, he has 20 goals and assists in all competitions for Chelsea.Enzo Maresca’s tactics are preventing his best player, Cole Palmer, from thrivingCredit: RexWe have looked at three ways Maresca can get Palmer back to his bestCredit: GettyBut Palmer has failed to net since January 14 and has not set up a team-mate since December 1.Palmer, 22, even missed a penalty for the first time in his senior career when his spot kick was saved in the Blues’ 1-0 win over Leicester last weekend.His previously perfect record of 15 spot-kicks for club and country was KO’d by Mads Hermansen.And to make his embarrassment even worse, manager Enzo Maresca then revealed the England star was suffering from stomach cramps.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s a far cry from a year ago, when Palmer was unstoppable in his breakthrough season at Chelsea following a £42.5m transfer from Manchester City.He flourished under Mauricio Pochettino, with 25 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances, winning the club’s Player of the Season award and also being named PFA Fans’ Player of the Year. So how can tactical guru Maresca switch things up to make Palmer the player he was just a few months ago?Tactics expert Chris Beaumont of We Scout Strikers has three solutions that could unlock the Palmer puzzle.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSpeed it upLast season, when Palmer really broke out and became a dominant attacking force, the England star played for the most part as a right-sided winger. However, he was very much more of a threat when he came inside and played in the channels or even the central areas.So far this season Maresca has used Palmer more as an orthodox No.10.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Maresca favours a slow build-up style with a very structured system with players understanding the passing patterns he wants. There is very little freedom in the system as the coach favours control over individuality. This means Chelsea have struggled when they have found it difficult to progress the ball through the middle and into the areas where Palmer would have ideally been positioned. As such Palmer has started to drop deeper and deeper to get on the ball.By coming deep to get on the ball, you are immediately taking Palmer out of the positions and the areas in which he can cause the most threat. Here we see Chelsea’s slow build up forcing Palmer to drop deep to get the ballThe system Maresca favours sees Chelsea form a box midfield as they attack with the right-back – or left-back – typically tucking inside to the midfield. This is designed to give Chelsea control over the centre of the pitch.The problem for Chelsea is the the opposition are able to close down ball progression by pressing tight to the two players at the base of the midfield.They then close down gaps the advanced midfielders can take up. Here Palmer drops even deeper and is so deep that he is pressed by the Brighton forwards taking him far away from his best zonesThe solution to prevent Palmer from feeling he has to keep dropping into deeper areas is to improve the ball progression from deeper areas.Maresca has to release the restrictions on his team and allow them to play more quickly if he is to get Palmer back to his best.At the moment everything from Chelsea is too slow and predictable. The players need more freedom to get on the ball and play forward quickly in order to affect the opposition.Spread the game outPalmer is playing as a more central attacking midfielder for Chelsea this season but still typically comes to the right into the channels when his side are in possession. While Palmer is very, very good when it comes to finding pockets of space he can occupy in order to receive the ball, he has been less effective in doing so in recent weeks.One of the biggest issues he has faced is teams becoming more aware of his danger.Consequently, they are taking away the spaces in their own defensive thirds where Palmer would have previously got on the ball and created most of his threat. With Chelsea looking to overload the midfield with a box shape, the opposition respond by defending tight in the centre and leaving more space in the wide areas.With the opposition defending more effectively in the central areas of the pitch there is a real need for Chelsea to take advantage of the spaces elsewhere. Here there are no spaces centrally so we see Palmer constantly having to come out from the attacking positionsWith Palmer now playing more centrally the spaces Chelsea have to exploit are in the wide areas. If Chelsea become more effective in getting the ball into the wide areas and having players who can attack their opponent 1v1 then they will create more penetration and space centrally.If the likes of Palmer cannot find space centrally, and given he is one of the best attackers in the squad, then Chelsea need to create him the space. The issue they currently have is because possession-hungry Maresca wants his wingers receiving the ball wide.But where they could look to be aggressive and to attack the opposition fullback, instead they are turning back and looking to play back or into the centre of the pitch.If Maresca wants to create more space centrally in the final third for the likes of Palmer then he needs to unlock the wingers. Here Palmer has no space centrally to receive the ball but there are spaces in the wide areas for Chelsea to exploit, but they are too slow to find themIf the wide attackers are more likely to attack 1v1 then the opposition will have to release defenders out wide to double up and provide cover.This will immediately create more space centrally for Palmer.Give Palmer more freedomIt is natural when a young player starts to see his form slip for them to start to look for ways to force the game more. When Palmer was playing well at the start of the season the game looked easy for him and he always seemed to have time and space on the ball to create and make things happen. Now, we are seeing far more examples of Palmer taking possession and almost trying to force the game around him by playing too quickly instead of playing with composure.To an extent Palmer is also finding it more difficult to create space for himself and find shooting angles because Chelsea are lacking a genuine striker with Nicolas Jackson out injured. Here we see Palmer, again dropping deeper looking to force the play with a cross into an easily defended areaPalmer and Jackson have an excellent understanding and partnership.The forward’s runs and power create space in the defensive line for Palmer to exploit, often to devastating effect in the first-half of the season. But with Christopher Nkunku being played centrally, out of position, in Jackson’s absence the spaces simply have not been the same.As Palmer is willing to stand up and take responsibility for the attacking structure and play in the final third we often see him isolated on the ball and trying to beat players.Instead he should have been looking for more options around him to combine.Palmer has the ball wide with little space centrally for the attacking players but cannot create a clear cut chance with two defenders on him and the box fully defendedThis is more of a coaching point than a tactical point and it touches on the fact Maresca is a more tactically focused than one who has a close personal relationship with his players. Palmer needs to go back to playing with more freedom on the ball as opposed to trying to force things to happen.ConclusionChelsea are on the brink of falling out of the Champions League places in the Premier League.For them to achieve their sporting ambitions this season they need to become more effective again in the final third.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis means they need to get back to creating the structure around Palmer to allow him to thrive. If he can go back to finding and creating goals as the season draws to a close then there is every chance Chelsea will finish in the top five and possibly land a trophy to go with it.Chelsea ratings vs Leicester as Cucurella causes chaos all-game long but Nkunku just can’t find his feetCHELSEA marked their 120th birthday with a hard-earned win against Leicester.Enzo Maresca’s side keep their place in the Champions League spots ahead of a tough run of games with a much-needed 1-0 victory.Chelsea were by far the most threatening side and it didn’t take long for Cole Palmer to get a golden chance to break his eight-game goal drought.Referee Tim Robinson pointed to the spot this time after Jadon Sancho was brought down in the box.Palmer stepped up, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen.Chelsea continued to dominate but Maresca left ruing his lack of a target man up top as crosses were swung aimlessly with Pedro Neto in the wars trying to reach them. With no real threat coming towards Robert Sanchez from Leicester, it looked as though it could be one of those games where they struggle to break down a side despite having the lion’s share of the ball. A moment of magic was needed as frustrations were growing and Marc Cucurella produced it on the hour mark.A peach of a strike from outside the area as he lit up Stamford Bridge, as he has on numerous occasions this season, scoring for the second game in a row. With chances coming and going for both sides, the nervousness among the home support was tangible as the game drew to it’s conclusion, with the relief at the full-time etched on Maresca’s face.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea players…CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More

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      Where Man Utd’s incredible 100,000 stadium will rank among world’s biggest as ambitious plans revealed

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      MAN UTD have confirmed plans to build a stunning 100,000 seater stadium near Old Trafford.The vision, billed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the ‘Wembley of the North’, will cost a staggering £2billion to create.Man Utd have confirmed plans for a new 100,000 seater stadiumCredit: APThe cost of the project is said to be estimated at £2bnPlans are in place for the stadium to be ready to open in five yearsCredit: PAUnited have ambitiously proposed that it will be completed within five years.While, the struggling club will fund the ground itself, while the UK government will help support the regeneration of the Trafford Park area around the stadium.United’s planned stadium would become the largest in the UK – overtaking Wembley, which has a capacity of 90,000.However, how does it compare to football stadia around the world? SunSport does the number crunching to tell you the biggest around the globe.Read more Man Utd news10. Estadio Azteca, 90,000Found in Mexico City, the Azteca is the home of Club America and the Mexico national team.It is the largest stadium in Latin America and sits at an altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level.Steeped in history, it has hosted two World Cup finals – one won by Pele, another by Diego Maradona.It also hosted the infamous England vs Argentina 1986 World Cup match, where Maradona scored the ‘Hand of Goal’, as well as the ‘Goal of the Century.’Most read in FootballIt is currently under renovation to expand its seating from 87,523 ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium 9. Wembley Stadium, 90,652The home of football, Wembley is English football’s mecca.The national team plays there, the cup finals and playoffs feature, while Oasis will be playing seven sold-out concerts from the summer.It is currently the largest stadium in the UK, and second biggest in Europe.The stadium was built by Australian firm Multiplex at a cost of £798 million – opening its gates in 2007.Fun fact; it has the largest roof-covered seating capacity in the world.Wembley Stadium is currently the largest stadium in the UKCredit: AFPWembley re-opened in 2007 at a cost of £798mCredit: PA8. King Salman International Stadium, 92,000In its infant stages, the King Salman International Stadium is proposed to be the biggest stadium in Saudi Arabia.It will play host to the 2034 World Cup final, set to take place inside the amazing Riyadh venue.Designed by architecture studio Populous, it will have a capacity for 92,000 spectators.Populous revealed: “The stadium will blend into its surrounding topography, with terrain and natural habitat forming part of the stadium’s roof.”Aside from its aesthetic appeal, this design will provide effective shading and ventilation tailored to the desert climate.”The proposed King Salman International Stadium will host the 2034 World Cup finalCredit: AFP7. Lusail Stadium, 92,349Construction began on Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in 2017, and it hosted only three friendlies before it opened for matches at the 2022 World Cup.It is cooled using solar power and is claimed to have zero carbon footprint.However, there are plans for the stadium to be reconfigured into a 40,000-seat stadium.Excess seating will be removed and other parts of the building repurposed as a community space with shops, cafés, athletic and education facilities, and a health clinic.Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in Doha has future plans to shrink its capacityCredit: Getty6. FNB Stadium, 94,736Nicknamed the Calabash, it is the home of football and rugby union.The South Africa nationals teams of both sports use it, while the South African first division team Kaizer Chiefs also play there.Incredibly, the Chiefs hold the record attendance, which is over the current capacity, of 94,807 for a match against the Orlando Pirates. Again, it’s a venue that’s steeped in history.It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990, and served as the venue for a memorial service to him on 10 December 2013.The stunning FNB Stadium is the sporting showpiece of Johannesburg, South AfricaCredit: GettyFamously, Nelson Mandela memorial service was held at the stadiumCredit: Gettyread more sport features5. Misr Stadium, 96,940The Misr Stadium is Egypt’s entry into proceedings.It is part of the Egypt International Olympic City, a large sports complex that has been under construction since 2015.It will have a training ground, two indoor halls (one of them a 15,000-capacity arena), an Olympic-size swimming pool, and other buildings.That’s being built with an eye toward the country’s possible bids for the Olympic Games or the World Cup.Egypt’s Misr Stadium holds close to 97,000 fansCredit: Getty4. Man Utd’s new stadium, 100,000Set to be created by architects at Foster and Partners, the stadium would feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza that is “twice the size of Trafalgar Square”.Three giant towers, inspired by the Red Devils’ trident, will dominate the skyline and hold up the “umbrella” – a sweeping glass and steel canopy above that will keep fans dry inside and outside what would be Britain’s biggest stadium.Their own, tree-lined version of Wembley Way would stretch from beyond the current Holy Trinity statue, to well inside the existing Old Trafford with land currently used for a car park and freight terminal behind the Stretford End coming in to play.Architects Foster and Partners have devised what United’s new ground will look likeThe stadium will boast a public plaza twice the size of Trafalgar SquareThe vision for the stadium has been called the ‘Wembley of the North’3. Camp Nou, 105,000Barcelona are currently reconstructing the Camp Nou to make it the biggest stadium in Europe.They have invested a staggering £1.25billion into the project which will see the capacity rise to 105,000.It was due to be completed in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.There has been a fresh delay, though, according to Spanish sports news site Relevo, who report the earliest return is now slated to be October 2025.While the report adds the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.Barcelona’s Camp Nou will have the largest roof in Europe with their stadium rebuildCredit: FC BarcelonaThe redeveloped Camp Nou won’t be finished until 2026Credit: FC Barcelona2. Hassan II Stadium, 115,000Projected to be completed in 2028, Morocco’s Hassan II Stadium will be the biggest stadium in Africa.It is named after the late King Hassan II, who ruled from 1961 to 1999.The proposed Hassan II Stadium was used as a bargaining chip, when Morocco had aspirations of hosting the 2010 World Cup, then 2026 World Cup.They lost both bids, but will now share the tournament with Spain and Portugal in 2030.Estimated costs are around £400million, which seems pretty cheap for now, but will surely rise.The Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco will house a capacity of 115,000Credit: PopulousCosts are estimated at around £400mCredit: Populous1. The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, 150,000The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea is the biggest in the world.Officially, it can hold up to maximum of 113,281 spectators.After a 2014 remodel which included the replacement of some bench seating with individual seats, observers estimated the capacity to be lower than its original build.Still, in 2022 it was confirmed, if they so wish, The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is still expandable to housing 150,000 fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt first opened in 1989, currently used for football matches, a few athletics events, and most often for the mass games of the Arirang Festival.North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un held a 2022 New Year’s Eve party on the grounds there, while he has also delivered political speeches there too.The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea is officially the biggest stadium in the worldCredit: AlamyAstonishingly, it can expand its capacity to a whopping 150,000 spectatorsCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire

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      FOR the first time since 2010, SIX rookies will grace the Formula One grid this season.The 2025 F1 season is sure to have it’s fair share of dramatic narratives.The F1 2025 grid has six rookies this year, the most since 2010Credit: GettyThese will range from Lewis Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari, McLaren’s bid to win a drivers title for Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri and how Red Bull will recover from their poor season last time out.However, six rookies coming to the grid is one of the most interesting storylines in itself with each of them having bags of talent shown throughout their careers in the junior categories of motor racing.However, they are also as diverse as they come, with some stepping into huge shoes at top teams and others already having F1 racing experience behind them.Below we take a look at each of F1’s 2025 rookies.READ MORE IN F1Kimi Antonelli – Italian born 2006 – MercedesKimi Antonelli is named after F1 royalty and has the nigh-on impossible task of replacing Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: RexKimi Antonelli is the son of former racing driver Marco and was named after former world champion Kimi Raikkonen. He joined the Mercedes junior programme at the age of 11.The teen – who will run the number 12 and says his spirit animal is a lion – only passed his driving test in January of this year, but has impressed in the junior categories. This included a stunning wet Silverstone F3 test which saw him run four seconds quicker than any of his rivals. But his first test in an F1 car during last season’s Italian Grand Prix saw him crash into the barriers.Mercedes have handed Antonelli more than 5,500 miles of private testing to boost his preparation for a move into F1 after being asked to fill the boots of Hamilton at the team.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsOllie Bearman – Brit born 2005 – HaasOllie Bearman is already a millionaire after three successful sub appearances in F1 in 2024Credit: RexOllie Bearman became the first Brit to race in the Scarlet Red of Ferrari in the 21st century when he finished P7 on his super-sub debut at last season’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.He later made two more substitute appearances for Haas before securing a permanent seat based off of those appearances, although he endured a torrid time in F2 when not showing his pace in an F1 car.Moment Toto Wolff gets set to break Lewis Hamilton promise in behind-the-scenes clip on Netflix’s Drive to SurviveBearman turns 20 in May but is already estimated to have a net worth of more than £1m, as estimated from figures of his firm OBR Management Ltd.He joined the Ferrari academy at the age of 16 and races under the number 87. Bearman also astonishingly failed his driving test the first time he took it. His spirit animal is suitably a bear.Gabriel Bortoleto – Brazilian born 2004 – SauberGabriel Bortoleto is one of only four drivers to win back-to-back F3 and F2 championshipsCredit: RexGabriel Bortoleto arguably has the biggest racing credentials out of any of the 2025 rookies as he is one of only four drivers – with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Piastri – to win back-to-back F3 and F2 titles.Bortoleto admits his racing career was saved by Fernando Alonso when the two-time world champion sponsored him in 2022 before he was snapped up by the McLaren development programme a year later.They allowed Bortoleto, who says his favourite movie is Interstellar and his favourite TV show is Peaky Blinders, to then join Sauber for this season, with McLaren chief Zak Brown calling him a “great racing driver”.Bortoleto – whose spirit animal is a lion – will race with the number 5 in F1 this season. His father, Lincoln, is the co-founder of one of the biggest Internet providers in world, Americanet following a merger with Vero in 2023.Jack Doohan – Australian born 2003 – AlpineJack Doohan was gifted his first ever go-kart by legend Michael SchumacherCredit: GettyJack Doohan has been placed under an incredible amount of pressure early in his F1 career with reports suggesting a poor start could see him removed from the seat, which has seen team boss Oliver Oakes praise Doohan for his “punchy” response to the speculation.Doohan is the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick, who admits he tried to keep him away from motorsport for a year when he was 11 before he was forced to give in.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconHe was gifted his first-ever kart by none other than seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and eventually joined the Alpine Academy in 2022.Doohan, who will race with the number 7 in 2025 and who says his spirit animal is either a kangaroo or koala, replaced Esteban Ocon in last season’s season finale at Abu Dhabi to make his debut.Isack Hadjar – Frenchman born 2004 – Racing BullsIsack Hadjar has already been praised for his ‘god-like’ reflexes in F2Credit: RexIsack Hadjar is different from many of his peers in that his parents do not have any sort of background in motorsport.Born into an Algerian family of physicians and physicists, he only gained an interest in cars because his dad was a kart mechanic and after watching the Pixar animation Cars.Hadjar was praised for his “god-like” reflexes in F2 last year when he managed to avoid a collision in the Monaco tunnel when a car ahead of him was around a blind corner.Hadjar – who says his spirit animal is a gorilla – won more races than any other driver in F2 last season but was pipped to the title by Bortoleto. He will race with the number 6 for this season in F1.Liam Lawson – New Zealander born 2003 – Red BullLiam Lawson’s parents had to sell his house to fund his racing careerCredit: GettyLiam Lawson is a weird case when it comes to being rookie since he already has 11 races in F1 under his belt, yet the Kiwi has never started a season so can be considered a rookie for all intents and purposes.Lawson’s parents had to sell their house to fund his racing career while he never officially finished high school as he went to pursue his dream instead.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe only became a motorsport fanatic after watching his dad race in karts at the age of six, although Lawson actually cried after the first time he fired up a go-kart when the engine started. Like Hadjar, Lawson is huge Cars fan, and will race with the number 30 this season as he attempts to tame the role of being Max Verstappen’s team-mate. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Jermaine Jenas’ split with wife of 13 years Ellie, from sexting scandal to hope of reconciliation and Xmas snub

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      JERMAINE JENAS and his wife of 13 years Ellie have separated, following his sexting scandal and axing from the BBC.The former One Show host and Match of the Day pundit was sacked from his £190,000-per-year job with the broadcaster, after he was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to two female colleagues.Jermaine Jenas and Ellie Penfold have separatedCredit: GettyJenas revealed all to The Sun about his sexting scandalCredit: Andrew StyczynskiJenas, Ellie and their children pose for a family holiday snapCredit: Instagram @jjenasThe ex-footballer vowed to save his marriage.However Ellie has released a statement on Instagram revealing they have parted ways.It read: “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.”After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways.Read more on Jermaine Jenas”We will remain friends and continue to co-parent. We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time.”Thank you, Ellie.”The decision will be a blow to Jenas, who has returned to work at talkSPORT, after he publicly apologised to Ellie “for all the BS” caused by the fallout.SunSport looks inside their sad split.Most read in FootballThe aftermathJenas and Ellie were on a family holiday in Spain when he was quizzed by BBC bosses about his explicit text messages to the female workers.He admitted sneaking off to talk to his bosses in a secret video call about the allegations.Jermaine Jenas’ wife Ellie breaks silence on sexting scandal & tells The Sun: ‘It’s been tough’When they returned, the Beeb made the decision to cut ties with Jenas.The ex-Tottenham midfielder, 42, insisted he hadn’t done anything illegal and the messages were exchanged by two consenting adults.However, Ellie was left raging.She kicked him out of their £1million Hertfordshire mansion In an interview with The Sun, he said: “We’ve not really spoken properly since. She’s absolutely raging.”Trying to repair thingsJenas and Ellie tied the knot in 2011.They share two daughters, Geneva and Olivia, and boy, Jacob, together.Jenas also has an older daughter, Sancha, from a previous relationship who lives in the United States with her mother.Privately, Jenas had hoped to save his marriage.Jenas told us he hoped to save the marriage to EllieCredit: Andrew StyczynskiAfter the sexting scandal, Ellie kicked Jenas out of their £1m homeCredit: Instagram @elliejenasAn incredibly sorry Jenas apologised to his wife for his inappropriate text messagesCredit: Instagram @jjenasread more sport featuresHe said back in August: “It’s just about the children right now. It’s the school holidays and they’re trapped in the house because photographers are outside my house.”They’re like, ‘What’s going on, Daddy?’. It’s tough.”He added: “I’ve got to take responsibility and I’ve apologised to all of them.”I don’t know what to say about that, to be honest with you.”It’s just hard at home for the kids right now. My wife’s a real one.”My wife is solid and she’s amazing. She is kind. She just needs some time.”In that time, Ellie launched her personal care brand Preppy in November at an event she was seen without her wedding ring.While she shared photos on Instagram of girls’ nights out with her friends.Ellie told The Sun: “It has been an incredibly hard and difficult time for myself and my family.”My only focus has been on our children and building my brand Preppy.Ellie seen on a girls’ night out in DecemberCredit: InstagramWhen the scandal broke, Ellie pushed herself towards her work with her brand PreppyCredit: INSTAGRAMJenas shared a gushing tribute to congratulate his wife for her brand launchCredit: Instagram”Now I just want to move forward.”Naturally this has been hard for me but my only concern has been our children and that will not change.”Jenas also posted his own gushing praise for his wife on social media, following her launch.He wrote on Instagram: “Couldn’t be more proud of this woman, 3 years ago you had a great idea and this week you got to make that idea a reality. “Starting a brand is hard enough, but working hard and being committed to getting it done even with all the B******T I’ve dragged you through recently should be enough evidence that you’ll make it a success.”Xmas snubBut, by the time Christmas came, Ellie hadn’t thawed.On Christmas Day, Jermaine was absent from any photos she shared on Instagram.However, the kids were all beaming in matching pyjamas in one she posted of them standing in front of a tree.Intriguingly, they both shared a journey on The Santa Steam Express with the kids.Jenas, who was seen wearing his wedding ring, captioned the snaps: “Some Christmas fun with the family.”While Ellie posted the same pictures separately with emojis including a Christmas tree, dog, snowflake, snowman, and a heart.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnfortunately, it didn’t work out for the pair.But, as their social media suggests, they will be putting their kids first, despite their personal woes.Ellie shared a snap of the children on Christmas Day togetherCredit: Instagram @elliejenasThe family united for the children for a trip on The Santa ExpressJenas poses with one his children on the family ventureEllie wasn’t able to forgive Jenas and confirmed their split on Instagram More

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      in Boxing

      I made deal with God as I lay dying after husband’s attack – I’m still trying to keep my end, says boxer Christy Martin

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      BOXING legend Christy Martin has revealed she made a deal with God as she lay dying after her husband’s brutal attack – and says she’s still trying to keep her end of the bargain.The 56-year-old – nicknamed The Coal Miner’s Daughter because of her father’s job in West Virginia, where she grew up – was a pioneer in the ring.Boxing legend Christy Martin is a survivor of domestic abuseCredit: GettyChristy survived an attempted murder by husband JimCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaChristy, right, poses with actress Sydney Sweeney who will be playing her in the upcoming movieCredit: FacebookShe won 49 fights, with 32 by way of knockout, in a career that began in the late 1980s, and was represented by legendary promoter Don King.However, behind the scenes manager James ‘Jim’ Martin, who she would marry in 1991, made her life a living hell by beating her physically and stripping her down mentally.All the while, Christy, who is gay, was wrestling with her sexuality and identity in the macho world of her profession.In 2010, Martin would attempt to take Christy’s life – repeatedly stabbing his wife, before shooting her in the chest.Martin, who was 25 years Christy’s senior, was sentenced to 25 years in prison.He died last November, while serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in Florida.Understandably, Christy’s astonishing story has caught the attention of Hollywood.It’s not a boxing movie. It’s about domestic violence and it’s about sexuality. There’s so many different aspects and groups of people that this movie can affectChristy MartinA movie, directed by acclaimed Aussie filmmaker David Michod and starring actress of the moment Sydney Sweeney as Christy, wrapped in late 2024.Netflix also chronicled the tale with a powerful documentary called Untold: Deal with the Devil released in 2021.Speaking to SunSport, Christy, 56, told us: “To me, it’s the underdog story.Christy Martin was a boxing legend, but her ex-husband and trainer attempted to murder her”It’s not a boxing movie. It’s about domestic violence and it’s about sexuality. There’s so many different aspects and groups of people that this movie can affect.”The meaning behind the movie, for me, is don’t hide who you are – whatever it be, whatever makes you different. Be true to you.”Christy admitted she was surprised, at first, by the casting of Hollywood superstar Sweeney.”My first reaction was, ‘Wow, it kind of doesn’t fit,'” she said.”But when I spoke with Sydney, I learned she actually has an MMA background. We had some great conversations.”She is very much a competitor, like I was. I think this role will show people a whole other side to her they are not used to seeing.”She’s very real and a completely normal person, not like some Hollywood people I have met in my life and throughout my boxing career.”Christy met future hubby Jim when she was 22 and he was 47. She was an up and coming boxer, and he promised her the world by claiming he had contacts that could get her to the top of the tree.They married in 1991, although it was a marriage of convenience. Before Jim, Christy was in relationships with women.”I got involved with Jim by accident,” she said.”It was one of those things, I was impressionable and young and he claimed he knew everyone in the boxing business.”Christy was in an abusive marriage with Jim Martin who was her managerCredit: GettyGlam Sweeney was a surprise choice to play Martin in the new filmSweeney flexes her muscles on set of the untitled Christy Martin biopicCredit: instagram/sydney_sweeneySydney is unrecognisable on set for the upcoming movieCredit: BackGridBy the mid 1990s, Christy became a showbiz name in her own right.She featured on the undercard for Mike Tyson’s pay-per-view fight against Frank Bruno, and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.There was even an appearance on classic US TV sitcom Roseanne.But away from the public eye, she was under duress from Jim who controlled her every move.That included trash-talking gay fighters, even though she was hiding her own past and sexuality.Christy revealed: “Jim would encourage me to trash talk fighters who were gay.”I would tell him, ‘You’re treading on thin ice because if I say something, then someone from my past might hear it and come out of the woodwork’.”I would always tell him he was pushing me to walk a dangerous line.”It could have come out at any point, at any time, and something could have exposed me. How would I have looked then?”I was living two lives with what was going on in front of the camera and what was happening behind closed doors.”We would argue about everything, at press conferences, at home. I got to the point where I would pick and choose my battles.”As the first superstar of women’s boxing, Christy appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1996Credit: SuppliedLegendary boxing promoter Don King represented ChristyCredit: GettyChristy became a celebrity in her own right – appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1996Credit: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal viaTheir blistering rows would often erupt into violence. “Once he knocked my tooth through my lip when I tried to leave him,” Christy confessed.”I had put a contract together to go our separate ways. I just wanted to live my life and go in a different direction. But I was his personal ATM. Without me what was he going to do?”As their relationship further deteriorated, Christy began to get hooked on cocaine, which she used to ease her pain.As he was beating my head into the dresser, I thought, ‘You know motherf***er, you are not going to kill me. Not today.’Christy MartinOn November 23, 2010 it all came to a head. After spending a few days with her friend, Sherry Lusk, Christy returned to their Florida home to find an agitated Martin.She recalled: “I had a headache, so I went to lay down in the bedroom. The entire time I’m laying down, I could hear Jim sharpening a knife.”Then I overheard him talking on the phone, calling people up and telling them I left him for a woman.”I got up and I was getting ready to go for a run. I put one shoe on and then he came into the bedroom.”He said, ‘I have something to show you.’ I thought he had a boxing contract, but instead he had a knife and a gun.”He started to stab me and cut me up and we got into a fight. In my mind, I was ready to die. “But, as he was beating my head into the dresser, I thought, ‘You know motherf***er, you are not going to kill me. Not today.’Christy refused to give up on life after being stabbed and shotCredit: GettyIn 2010, Martin repeatedly stabbed his wife with this knifeCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaHe then shot Christy in the chest with this pink gunCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida”It was like a switch just flipped and I wanted to live. When he cut me, he cut his own hand. And so he stopped beating me and went to clean up his own hand.”I started to walk out the room. He came back in and picked up the gun. I said to him, ‘You don’t have the balls to shoot me.'”But he did. He shot me and I remember I just prayed to God and asked for a way to get out.”Christy was stabbed four times in the chest, her left lung was punctured, her left leg was sliced to the bone, and a bullet was lodged three inches from her heart.Callous Martin left his wife for dead on the bedroom floor and went to have a shower.The crime scene where Christy was stabbed four times and shotCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaChristy managed to make it out of the flat when Martin went to have a shower, picture shows blood on the bathroom floorCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaThe boxing legend’s left leg was sliced to the boneCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaJim Martin in hospital with injuries sustained in his attackCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaMartin was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempting to murder ChristyCredit: Alamy”I heard the shower water turn on and that was God telling me it’s time, Christy, now’s the time. So I tried to get up, but blood was coming out of all these holes,” she said.Miraculously, she managed to make it out of their condo, before flagging down a stranger who rushed her to a nearby hospital.She survived her ordeal, as she believes, by the grace of God.In the emergency room, as she recovered from her wounds, she was also able to kick her drug habit to the kerb.”I had always been that athlete that said no to drugs,” she said.”In college, you smoke weed in high school and college and stuff – but I said I was never going to get addicted.”But cocaine became my drug of choice, and it was because I was so miserable with Jim. I was trying to find a happy place.I had always been that athlete that said no to drugsChristy”Cocaine was putting me in that happy place, even though it was really killing me and putting me in a worse place. It was an escape every day for around three years.”I quit because I wasn’t miserable anymore. I was free of Jim. I didn’t need that drug anymore.”Christy is thankful to be alive to tell her story, which she hopes will help women who have been in similar situations to her.”I made a deal with God in the hospital,” she told us.”You know, you let me live through this and I promise you I’m going to help. I’m going to help at least one person every day so they don’t suffer what I went through.”That’s why I keep talking about domestic violence because I gotta keep up my end of the bargain.”Christy in action against Laila Ali in 2003Credit: GettyJim Martin, right, died in 2024 while serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in FloridaToday, Christy Martin regularly discusses her domestic violence ordealCredit: GettyPioneering Christy led the way for female boxers like Katie Taylor, rightCredit: Sportsfile More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Conor Benn’s amazing life, from epic car collection to ‘words’ with Neymar and loving wife of seven years

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      BRACE yourself for a fierce battle when Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr finally take each other on.Already there’s been bad blood – with the pair meeting face-to-face at a press conference and coming to blows.Conor Benn boasts an epic lifestyle outside of boxingBenn has an amazing car collection, including a £260k Rolls-RoyceCredit: instagramBenn is also lucky in love with wife of seven years, VictoriaCredit: INSTAGRAM/CONOR BENNEubank Jr slapped Benn’s face with an egg and called him a “dirty little omelette” as they brawled on stage in Manchester.Benn’s rival was, of course, referencing The Destroyer’s claim that he failed a drug test because of excessive egg intake.Outside the ring, Benn lives a lifestyle to envy.His epic car collection is spearheaded by a £260,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith.Read more boxing newsWhile, he amusingly shared ‘words’ with footballer Neymar, and flies in private jets.He’s also winning in his personal life – married to children’s emotional well-being author Victoria.SunSport takes a look at Benn’s life of luxury.Car collectionBack in 2022, the same year he was banned from boxing for failing two drugs tests conducted by the VADA, Benn was estimated to be worth around £1.5million.Most read in BoxingOver the years, he has splashed his cash on an amazing set of motors, including his pride and joy – a Rolls-Royce Wraith worth £260,000.After beating former WBO world champion Chris Algieri, he was spotted with a £125,000 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG wrapped in gold.Conor Benn pulled apart from Chris Eubank Jr after SLAP at Battle of Britain press conferenceAlso in 2022, Benn added a stunning £110,000 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S – copying his dad who bought a Porsche 911 in the 1990s.It has a personalised licence plate – ‘K013ENN’ – and Benn calls it his “weekend car.”Expect Benn to add to his fleet, if he’s victorious against Eubank Jr.Boxer Benn shows off his incredible Rolls-Royce worth £260kA gold-wrapped Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG worth £125k is part of Benn’s fleetBenn also splashed the cash on a beautiful Porsche 911Bringing Neymar into itBack in 2024, Benn entered the ring after Eubank Jr defeated Kamil Szeremeta.The pair went face-to-face as they vowed to settle their differences one day in the ring.Lurking behind them was Brazilian football legend, Neymar, who seemingly found the conversation hilarious.It threatened to escalate then, forcing security and the ex-Barcelona forward to break the pair up.As it turned out, Neymar was there in support of Eubank Jr.Afterwards, Benn revealed: “I’m a big fan of Neymar. He’s a GOAT.”I just said to him, ‘your boys getting a beating.'”Incredibly, Benn also dropped a bombshell claim at Tuesday’s presser that Eubank Jr owed Neymar a serious amount of money as a poker debt.Benn said: “He owes Neymar four million quid – that’s why he’s taken this fight. So don’t talk s***.Neymar hung out with Benn at his pal Eubank Jr’s fight last yearCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialBenn had words with Neymar – saying was going to beat up Eubank JrCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialNeymar was sandwiched between Eubank Jr and Benn last NovemberCredit: Gettyread more sport features”I said he owes Neymar four million quid have you not heard? So don’t come talk to me about bollocks. This is why you have taken this fight.”And you are about to get rendered unconscious for it. You’re money hungry that’s the only reason.” Family lifeBenn has been lucky in love with wife, Victoria.The pair began dating in 2017, before walking down the aisle a year later in a private ceremony.She is an author, having penned the book Feeling It All which helps kids cope with their emotions.She also shares big brand deals on her Instagram page, where she has over 26,000 followers.Fans may also recognise her from her YouTube channel which has just over 1000 followers.In her videos, she take viewers behind the scenes of her boxing champion husband’s career.In her bio, she references her famous husband with the line “Married to CB”.Victoria and Conor welcomed their first child together in 2021, when Victoria gave birth to Eli.Victoria Benn met the boxer in 2017 and they married a year laterCredit: PAConor and Victoria pose with son EliCredit: INSTAGRAM/CONOR BENNA second son the couple called Idony was born last yearGlam Victoria is a children’s book authorConor admitted that he phoned his mum afterwards to ask her for permission to get a face tattoo honouring his son.His mum agreed and Conor get “Eli Clay” tattooed by his ear.Last year, the happy couple welcomed their second daughter they called Idony.Flying privateWhen Eddie Hearn’s your promoter, you can expect to live the high-life.Should Benn need to travel with Hearn and his pals for business trips, he’ll fly private.The son of legend Nigel showed off a private jet that took him and a crew to Philadelphia for a DAZN fight night.They then headed to Miami on the US trip.Benn enjoys the use of a private jet when he’s workingCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialBenn was joined by Eddie Hearn on board flights to Philadelphia and MiamiCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialHe captioned the snap: “PHILLY nights with the team, now on to MIA.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBack home the photos of his trip left a sour tase in wife Victoria’s mouth who was left at home with the kids.Amusingly, she commented on the snap: “Meanwhile, Idony just threw up on me 🤣”. More