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      in Soccer

      Russo and Toone are England’s goal-getting best friends – now they’re on the verge of firing the Lionesses to glory

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      AS womances go, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone’s might just be the biggest in women’s football.The brilliant pair were instrumental in downing the Aussies on their own patch in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final – scoring a goal apiece in the 3-1 win.
      Ella Toone England celebrates scoring against AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Alessia Russo scored England’s third goal against AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Lionesses stars Alessia Russo and Ella Toone have fired England to glory at the World Cup
      Off the pitch, Alessia and Ella have been firm friends since they were 12Credit: INSTAGRAM/ALESSIA RUSSO
      On the pitch, they are telepathic together. That sixth sense was developed during their time playing at Manchester United for three years.
      But off the pitch the two are thick as thieves.
      Alessia, 24, and Ella, 23, have known each other since they were both 12.
      They are the Lionesses’ party animals who are on the verge of securing immortality with an opportunity to win the World Cup.
      Read more Lionesses news
      A feat our country hasn’t seen a football team do since 1966, Geoff Hurst, the Germans, et al.
      Height of fashion
      On the even of England’s World Cup campaign, Alessia and Ella took part in a fashion shoot for Elle magazine.
      They cut glam figures as their friendship and personalities shone.
      Alessia grew up in Kent and Ella grew up in Manchester.
      Most read in Football
      Despite the distance between them, they became firm friends through childhood.
      “[We] both had the dream of one day playing for England,'”Russo told Elle. 
      “So then to do it and [win], it was special. I don’t think many best friends can say that they’ve done that.”
      Although Toone admitted her new found fame has been, “hard to get used to.”
      Sexism
      Misogyny towards the women’s game unfortunately still exists.
      Toone highlighted the discrimination she has seen, but insisted she takes no notice of the haters.
      “You do get little things here and there,” Toone revealed.  
      “But it doesn’t really faze us. We’ve grown up in an era when women’s football, especially when we were young, was not really a thing.
      “So I feel it has made us who we are today and made us a bit tougher.
      “There’s definitely a stereotype around. But having your nails and lashes done doesn’t mean that you can’t play football.”
      Teammates Ella and Russo were cover stars for Elle magazine
      Ella and Russo cut a fashionable pair during their interviewCredit: ELLE UK / Rosaline Shahnavaz
      Toone admitted she ignores sexism towards the women’s gameCredit: PA
      ‘Party animals’
      Last year, the Lionesses wrote their names in folklore at the Euros.
      Alessia and Ella played their part. The former scored four times from the bench, including an outrageous back-heel goal against Sweden in the semi-final.
      Ella was also on the scoresheet in that famous triumph.
      The team’s crowning glory came in the showpiece at Wembley, where England defeated Germany 2-1 after extra-time.
      Cue wild celebrations from England’s ‘party animals’ who reportedly celebrated their famous victory well into the early hours.
      ‘Party animals’ Alessia and Ella has basked in the glory of their successCredit: Getty
      At Manchester United Ella and Alessia formed a telepathic relationship on the pitchCredit: Getty
      “We’re social girls,” Russo confessed.
      “It’s rare [we can go out to party], but when we do, we have a good time.”
      Apart again
      Just like when they were growing up, Alessia is now down south again and Ella remains up north.
      The striker signed for Manchester United’s rivals Arsenal in the summer.
      But that didn’t stop Ella for congratulating her best mate for the move.
      “Away from football,” she posted on TikTok to her 340,000 followers.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ella wished her mate Alessia good luck when she moved to Arsenal in the summerCredit: Getty
      Ella and Alessia will be hoping to follow up last year’s Euros success by winning the World Cup
      “I just wanted to say best of luck to my best friend Alessia, moving clubs.”
      Team spirit. Togetherness. Sisterhood. It’s no wonder these two are firing for the Lionesses right now. More

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      in Soccer

      Moises Caicedo’s incredible story from borrowing boots and playing on dirt pitch to record £115m transfer to Chelsea

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      MOISES CAICEDO has always been a man on a crusade.The Ecuador star has defied his youthful years by playing with a swagger and maturity on the pitch for Brighton since joining the Seagulls in 2021.
      Moises Caicedo has been a Premier League revelation since leaving Ecuador
      As a youngster, Caicedo dreamed of football stardom to support his family
      The football pitch where Caicedo honed his skills in his hometown of Santa Domingo
      That’s why Chelsea have agreed to pay a British record £115million fee to sign the midfielder after he snubbed Liverpool’s advances.
      Caicedo, still only 21, began his dream in his hometown of Santa Domingo, where he borrowed boots to play for his local team, while playing on dirt pitches.
      It was his dream to become a professional footballer.
      It was also the youngest of ten siblings’ dream to support his family and give them a better life.

      Which is why El Niño Moi – the Boy Moi – as he is nicknamed, left them behind to conquer the Premier League.

      Schooled the right way
      Caicedo’s skills first came to prominence in a soccer school in Mujer Trabajadora. It has a dusty pitch surrounded by housing, dirt track roads and has the Capilla Nuestra Señora Del Cine church overlooking it.
      It’s a place where many live in poverty and many can fall into the wrong sort of life.
      Gangs are rife – with robberies from criminals speeding around on bikes a daily occurrence.
      Most read in Football
      But it was there Caicedo would meet his mentor, Ivan Guerra, who saw his protege’s brilliance from the age of five.
      Guerra had his own professional career, before embarking on coaching.
      “We didn’t have goalposts, so they would put down rocks on the street, sometimes play without shoes,” Guerra told The Times.
      “I could see he had talent. So I invited him to the school.
      “The kids pay a fee, but only if they can afford it. The family was very poor. Whenever we were playing in another city, he would always be the last one on the bus — he liked to sleep — but sometimes it was because he didn’t have money for the fare.
      “I would cover the cost, knock on his door, tell him, ‘Let’s go!’ He didn’t have any boots. Sometimes friends would lend him theirs, or I would ask around to get a pair for him. But he was the best here. He would play anywhere — left, right, in midfield. If we were losing, he would say, ‘Put me in goal!’ He always wanted to be involved.”
      Coming of age
      By the time Caicedo was a promising teenager, bigger things beckoned.
      He was picked to play for a Santa Domingo XI. While Espoli, who boasted an affiliation with amateur club Jaipadida, wanted him to play for them.
      Ivan Guerra was Caicedo’s first football coach
      Guerra is proud of what his protege has becomeCredit: Cristina Vega RHOR
      But when Espoli were relegated, that affiliation was severed. Caicedo was left in limbo without a pathway to achieve football stardom.
      It left him and his team-mates with no money to afford kit or registration fees.
      However, one day a parent of one of Caicedo’s friends campaigned for his cause with Jaipadida director, Darwin Castillo.
      He was accepted – with the club and the parent raising the money for him to play.
      Caicedo had hit the big time. Five pitches, eight coaches and 350 players on their books.
      Failure to launch
      While training with Jaipadida, Caicedo had a trial with pro club Mushuc Runa.
      But he was sent home just a week in because he was unable to afford the boarding fee or food.
      In 2016, the powerhouse would finally get his move to a pro club.
      Independiente del Valle signed him up following a successful trial.
      Ecuador giants Independiente del Valle boast incredible live-in facilities for their stars of tomorrowCredit: Cristina Vega RHOR
      They boast state-of-the-art changing roomsCredit: Cristina Vega RHOR
      Independiente’s pitches for youth football are flawlessCredit: Cristina Vega RHOR
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      His loyalty to Jaipadida still shone through, though.
      Six months after signing for the Ecuadorian top flight side, he played for his old club in a tournament.
      To dell Valle and back
      Initially, Caicedo found it tough going at Independiente.
      In fact, it was touch and go whether he would make it or not. And that wasn’t for ability.
      Their High Performance Centre in Sangolquí brings with it a lot of demands on kids from 11-18.
      It is where the aspiring future stars of Ecuador football live, eat, train and study together.
      Galo Rodriguez, the club’s U16 manager, confirmed he had his doubts.
      “Most of these kids come from very poor neighbourhoods,” he explained.
      “Cities where drugs, theft, violence are part of daily life. When they arrive at Independiente, they suddenly have an ideal environment in which to live, three meals a day, structure. Dealing with that is in itself a huge challenge.
      Caicedo dreamed of being a footballer – but suffered a blip in confidence early on at Independiente
      Caicedo’s mum convinced her son to stick it out at Independiente
      “Moisés almost left. He was sad. He wasn’t adapting. He wanted to go home. Many of the kids, coming from where they do, put up a shield, act quite aggressive, to establish their ground. And then you had Moisés, a very introspective, quiet, shy guy. We all tried to help him, but it was Moisés who had to overcome that.”
      Caicedo even plead with his mum to let come home, but she told him: “You can’t, you’ve come this far.”
      Immediate prominence
      Driven by a determination to succeed, Caicedo starred for the club’s U20 side in the Copa Libertadores.
      His form as a No5 saw him lead the Black and Blues to the final, where they overcame River Plate.
      In 2020, his name reverberated around South America as a player to watch when he scored a stunning goal in a 5-0 rout of Brazil giants Flamengo.
      Brighton, under the management of Graham Potter, moved faster than Man Utd and Chelsea to secure his services for a paltry £4.5million.
      Read More on The Sun
      By 2020, Caicedo was heralded as one of South America’s most promising talentsCredit: Getty
      Just two years after leaving Ecuador, Caicedo has now become the British record transferCredit: Reuters
      Just three years later, and after excelling in the Premier League, it’s Mauricio Pochettino who believes Caicedo to be just what he needs to get Chelsea challenging again.
      When he puts on that blue shirt at Stamford Bridge, with the sound of Harry J All Stars’ classic ‘The Liquidator’ ringing around him, it’ll be a far-cry from Santa Domingo. But, you’ll never imagine Caicedo will forget his roots. More

    • 225 Shares119 Views

      in Motorsport

      Inside F1 drivers’ globe-trotting hols that make even footballers’ look budget – including Ibiza party with superstar DJ

      by

      THEY quite literally live life in the fast lane, so it’s not surprising Formula 1 stars love to slow down, relax and unwind in absolute luxury. With the summer break upon them, F1 drivers like Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly and George Russell have jetted off around the world on jaw-dropping trips that put even millionaire footballers’ to shame.
      Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet were recently seen enjoying a family boat trip out in the Sardinian seaCredit: BackGrid
      From Sardinia to Ibiza to jet-packing and raving – often with their glam other halves – this is how the super rich stars are spending their vacations.
      Max Verstappen
      World champion Verstappen extended his title lead at the Belgian Grand Prix, securing his eighth straight victory, so no doubt he’ll be feeling very happy going into the summer break.
      The 25-year-old and his model girlfriend Kelly Piquet, 34, have been enjoying a romantic getaway to Sardinia, Italy, flying in on a private jet days after the final race.
      Kelly has posted on Instagram, showing off the beautiful surroundingsCredit: Instagram
      Max and Kelly have been together since 2020 and are one of the golden couples of the sportCredit: Getty
      The pair jetted off to SardiniaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kellypiquet/?hl=en
      Since then, the couple have been enjoying the beautiful scenery and coastal views, and have visited the local towns with Kelly’s daughter Penelope, who she welcomed in 2019 with her ex, Daniil Kvyat.
      READ MORE FORMULA 1 FEATURES
      Kelly began dating Verstappen in late 2020 – one year before he won the F1 World Championship – and the pair have been going strong ever since.
      Pierre Gasly
      Pierre Gasly and Francisca Gomes have been spending time together in the Algarve, PortugalCredit: Instagram
      Pierre is enjoying some down time, pictured here relaxing in the hot tubCredit: Instagram
      The star took his foot off the pedal to enjoy a round of golfCredit: Instagram
      Pierre Gasly, 27, and his girlfriend Francisca ‘Kika’ Gomes started dating last year and went Instagram official with their romance at the beginning of 2023.
      And it seems the pair are clearly still very much enjoying the honeymoon phase.
      They are currently spending some time in the Algarve, Portugal, and they’ve both posted a series of loved-up photos together.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Pierre has been enjoying time relaxing in the hot tub, and earlier this week Francisca even posted a ‘cheeky snap’ showing off their tans – and derrieres – at the beach.
      While away, Gasly’s swapped driving for a spot of golf, and while he posted a photo enjoying an ice cream, he hasn’t gone full ‘holiday mode’ – still making sure he goes to the gym while abroad too.
      The driver’s girlfriend Francisca posted this cheeky snap showing off their golden tansCredit: Instagram
      Naturally, Pierre has a snazzy motor at the readyCredit: Instagram
      Francisca found a perfect spot to sunbatheCredit: Instagram
      George Russell
      Among the most adventurous couples are Brit George Russell, 25, and investment broker girlfriend Carmen Mundt, who have been together since 2020.
      The pair are currently away with their families and have spent a lot of time at sea, paddle boarding, jet skiing, hoverboarding and even playing around with hydro-jet packs.
      Posting photos of their adventures, George wrote: “Really fun times trying some new things.
      “I’ve never been very comfortable in water but have enjoyed pushing myself outside my comfort zone. A few small bruises later, we’re away!”
      George and Carmen have been together since 2020, and are spending the summer break spending time with their familiesCredit: Instagram
      Carmen was previously a student at the University of Westminster and studied for a degree in business management and financeCredit: Instagram
      The sporty pair had a go at paddleboardingCredit: The Mega Agency
      Even hydro jet packs were on the itineraryCredit: Instagram
      Daniel Ricciardo
      While Aussie racer Daniel Ricciardo has won eight Grand Prixs, last August he hit a career low, getting ditched by McLaren and failing to secure a seat for the 2023 season.
      He went on to make a surprise F1 return at the Hungarian GP, and since the season ended he’s enjoyed a much-needed trip to Ibiza alongside DJs Martin Garrix and Tiesto.
      Garrix posted a photo on his Instagram of the trio enjoying a lunch captioned: “CRAZY day in Ibiza!! thanks for partying in the rain.”
      Ricciardo, 34, – who is dating Heidi Berger – also owns a luxury mansion in Los Angeles, and is said to enjoy spending most of the summer in LA, telling the West Australian: “The weather, having the beaches close by, I feel like you can escape the madness of it all.” 
      Daniel Ricciardo has been spending time in IbizaCredit: Instagram
      Lewis Hamilton 
      He recently posted a cool underwater snap of himself, and while it’s not known where Lewis Hamilton is holidaying currently, it will no doubt be phenomenal.
      He’s no stranger to lavish trips, having previously travelled around America and Mexico in his summers off, and has enjoyed jaunts to Jamaica and Costa Rica.
      The driver, 38, is rumoured to be dating singer Shakira, 46, and the pair are reportedly embracing a “hot summer romance” and have become “inseparable”.
      Lewis Hamilton uploaded this photo to his Instagram, with the caption ‘Out of office’Credit: LEWIS HAMILTON / INSTAGRAM
      Lewis previously posed with his arm around Shakira as they went out for dinnerCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
      Lance Stroll
      He managed to crash his car and fall down the stairs at the Belgian Grand Prix, so Lance Stroll was probably feeling ready for a break.
      The 24-year-old shared a selection of photos showing his break so far on Instagram captioned: “Summer dump”, showing him enjoying an ice cream and wake-surfing.
      There’s been no sign of girlfriend Sara Pagliaroli in his summer pics as yet, who he’s dated since 2021.
      Lance Stroll is making the most of the summer breakCredit: Instagram
      Lando Norris
      He recently posted a video if himself jumping off a yacht into the crystal blue sea, so it seems Lando Norris is finally taking some much earned rest with his family.
      Read More on The Sun
      However, as soon as the season finished, the 23-year-old first hopped in a helicopter alongside Max Verstappen to visit their mutual friend DJ Martin Garrix.
      In true ‘work hard, play hard’ style, the pair partied at Tomorrowland dance festival in Belgium together before taking a much needed proper break.
      After the last race, Lando Norris boarded a helicopterCredit: Instagram
      Lando and pal Max Verstappen flew into Belgium for the Tomorrowland festivalCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      Meet eight glamorous Wags set to grace Premier League this season, including Newcastle star Tonali’s model girlfriend

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      IT’S a new season, with plenty to look forward to.Across the board the Premier League’s top sides have strengthened their squads.
      Fanni Gecsek is the latest Wag set to take the Premier League by storm
      Hungarian beauty Fanni is a model and influencer
      Fanni was a former tennis player who nearly turned pro
      Liverpool new boy Dominik Szoboszlai and Fanni make a glam couple
      Some have spent vast fortunes bringing in the world’s best talent.
      Joining these footballing superstars on their journey is their stunning Wags.
      From a gorgeous Italian model with a penchant for fashion to a Hungarian marketing blonde stunner, here is who to look out for this upcoming season.
      Fanni Gécsek
      Budapest-born Fanni, 21, is the model girlfriend of Liverpool £60million new boy Dominik Szoboszlai.
      read more football news
      She has a degree in marketing management, but also has her own sporty side.
      From 2017-2019, the pretty blonde competed as a tennis player in ITF tournaments.
      Now she is happy to celebrate her boyfriend’s success.
      Giulia Pastore
      Stunning Italian beauty Pastore, 24, is a total fashionista, boasting underneath her Instagram name: “Bad vibes don’t go with my outfit.”
      Most read in Football
      She designs her own clothes, modifying second hand clothes with her company, Juliette.24 Club.
      Giulia has been dating new Newcastle signing Sandro Tonali since they met in 2019 in Brescia.
      They briefly split in 2021, before rekindling their romance.
      Giulia Pastore is big in fashion
      Giulia designs her own clothes and began dating Sandro Tonali in 2019Credit: INSTAGRAM @juliette_pastore
      Laura Rhod Sondergaard
      Gorgeous Laura is from Denmark, like her boyfriend £72million Man Utd new boy Rasmus Hojlund.
      Back in March the pair shared a loving picture together.
      After he scored a hat-trick for his country in a 3-1 win over Finland, they were spotted sharing a kiss.
      She shared the snaps of them together on social media, with the caption: “So proud of you.”
      Denmark beauty Laura Rhod Søndergaard will have to adapt to her new surroundings in ManchesterCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurarhod
      Laura spotted kissing boyfriend and Man Utd new boy Rasmus HojlundCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurarhod
      Sofia Toache
      Mexican beauty Sofia, 24, is the partner of West Ham’s Declan Rice replacement, Edson Alvarez.
      They started dating in 2018, but had to maintain a long-distance relationship when he starred in Amsterdam for Ajax.
      Due to laws in Netherlands, she couldn’t move in with him because she was considered a minor.
      So they met in London with their daughter.
      Mexican beauty Sofia Toache will be gracing West Ham’s London Stadium
      West Ham new boy Edson Alvarez and Sofia share a tender moment
      Dr Melanie Kamayou
      Dr Melanie is a Businesswoman, philanthropist and co-chair of Andre Onana’s foundation.
      A qualified pharmacist, the 26-year-old was first seen on the arm of the Man Utd No1 at the 2019 Ballon d’Or.
      Two years later, Onana’s career was in tatters after he was banned from playing for 12 months after testing positive for the banned substance, Furosemide.
      He claimed it was his wife’s medicine and that he took it by mistake, with the support of Ajax appealed the decision, and his ban was reduced to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      Dr. Melanie Kamayou is a pharmacist and philanthropistCredit: INSTAGRAM @melaniekamayou
      Melanie was first spotted with Andre Onana in 2019 at the Ballon d’Or ceremonyCredit: INSTAGRAM @melaniekamayou
      Fabia Lucia Valeria
      Max Aarons is going to get another shot at the Premier League after signing for Bournemouth from Championship side Norwich.
      Cheering him will be hot blonde Wag, Fabia who is a model and influencer.
      She regularly shares photos on Instagram showing off her glam lifestyle, including designer bags and luxury holidays.
      While on TikTok her content has drawn almost 500,000 views.
      Hot blonde Fabia Lucia is a model and influencerCredit: INSTAGRAM @fabialuciax
      Max Aarons will be cheered on by gorgeous Fabia this seasonCredit: INSTAGRAM @fabialuciax
      Dana Voshina
      Dana has been with Tottenham new boy Manor Solomon since 2018, according to reports.
      At the time, the 23-year-old was coming through the ranks at Maccabi Petah Tikva.
      Ever the supportive Wag, she joined him in Ukraine when he moved to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2019.
      After a loan spell at Fulham last season, Dana was clearly happy to return to the London – sharing a message of how proud she was of her beau at his Spurs unveiling.
      Israeli beauty Dana Voshina could be a hit at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: Instagram @danavoshina13
      Pretty Dana celebrated boyfriend Manor Solomon at his Spurs unveilingCredit: Instagram @danavoshina13
      Mia Regan
      Back in June, Brentford announced the signing of Romeo Beckham from Inter Miami.
      Not only does he bring glam with his family name, his girlfriend is Mia Regan – a queen of social media and model.
      Read More on The Sun
      Mia, 20, has almost 700,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares her amazing lifestyle.
      From visiting Grand Prix to enjoying festivals, Mia and Romeo live the high life.
      Mia Regan has almost 700,000 followers on InstagramCredit: instagram
      Mia, 20, is the girlfriend of Brentford new boy Romeo BeckhamCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs6BsM3rj-9/ More

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      in Soccer

      The highest paid footballers in Saudi Arabia, after Jordan Henderson completes his £12million move to Al Ettifaq

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      THE Saudi Pro League now boasts the biggest salaries in world football – with the temptation to sign up for a life in the Middle East more tempting than ever.Jordan Henderson is the latest big name to swap the Premier League for a new adventure with Al-Ettifaq.

      Jordan Henderson has officially signed Al-Ettifaq
      Seko Fofana of Al-Nassr snubbed a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      While Riyad Mahrez has just completed a £30million move from Manchester City to Al-Ahli.
      They will join Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and more in what’s becoming the fastest growing league in world football.
      Although it appears Kylian Mbappe won’t be joining the European exodus, after reportedly snubbing a staggering £605m-per-year offer.
      But, where do they rank in the top earners? SunSport has rounded up the highest paid footballers in the Saudi league to date and how much they earn per week.
      Read more football news
      10. Seko Fofana, £250k
      At just 28, Fofana is in his prime.
      He was linked with a move to Arsenal, but he will be plying his trade alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
      His club Lens had qualified for the Champions League, but it wasn’t enough to convince him to stay in France.
      9. Ruben Neves, £288k
      Brutally-honest Neves was a £47m signing by Al-Hilal – leaving Wolves after six years.
      Most read in Football
      His eye-watering salary will set him and his family up for life, as he explained.
      Neves said: “The main factor was my family and the chance to give them the life I have always dreamt of for them – that was the biggest reason for me to not have any doubts.
      “I have three kids and a lovely wife, and I need to take care of them, that is the biggest trophy in my career.”
      Ruben Neves admitted his move to Saudi Arabia was about putting family firstCredit: AFP
      8. Roberto Firmino, £326k
      Back in June, fan favourite ‘Bobby’ Firmino decided to leave the Reds when his contract expired.
      He fielded several offers, but a deal at Al-Ahli was too good to turn down.
      The 31-year-old won the Premier League title and Champions League with Liverpool.
      Roberto Firmino seen enjoying his first training session at Al-AhliCredit: Instagram @robertofirmino
      7. Marcelo Brozovic, £403k
      Like Firmino, Champions League finalist Brozovic had a plenty of options, including Juventus.
      But the former Inter Milan midfielder, 30, snubbed a Serie A stay for an opportunity at Al-Nassr.
      He will link up with Ronaldo and Fofana as the Saudi club aim to improve on a second-placed finish.
      Marcelo Brozovic snubbed Juventus for Al NassrCredit: Getty
      6. Kalidou Koulibaly, £576k
      Koulibaly’s Chelsea nightmare came to an end last month when he signed for Al-Hilal in a £20m deal.
      The 32-year-old failed to live up to the hype at Stamford Bridge, so will welcome a change.
      £30m-per-year won’t hurt.
      Kalidou Koulibaly will hope to put his Chelsea nightmare behind himCredit: Reuters
      5. Jordan Henderson, £692k
      England international Henderson has penned a three-year deal with Al-Ettifaq.
      He will link up with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who will manage the club.
      His £692,000-per-week salary makes him the highest-paid British player in the world.
      Jordan Henderson joins Steven Gerrard at Al-EttifaqCredit: Reuters
      4. Riyad Mahrez, £750k
      At 32, the former Leicester man’s final contract would have to be one that sets him up for life.
      He said his goodbyes to Man City – signing for Al-Ahli.
      Mahrez will be playing alongside former Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy, who also made the move to Saudi – but doesn’t make the top 10.
      Riyad Mahrez signs for Al-Ahli in a £30m dealCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.sa
      3. N’golo Kante, £1.6m
      Like Mahrez, this is one final payday for Kante – not that he was ever money-motivated.
      After all, this is a man who drove a second-hand Mini Cooper for years during his time in the Premier League.
      He will join Karim Benzema and Jota at Al-Ittihad, where he will be paid an astonishing figure considering his recent injury-plagued seasons.
      N’Golo Kante stars in a friendly for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad at the King Fahd StadiumCredit: AFP
      2. Karim Benzema, £3.3m
      The current Ballon d’Or holder was always going to command a massive fee.
      And it was obvious a staggering amount would be needed to prise Benzema away from Real Madrid.
      He won five Champions League titles at Los Blancos, but a new challenge was too much to resist.
      Surely he will add a few more Bugatti’s to his car collection with that money.
      Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is the second highest paid player in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      1. Cristiano Ronaldo, £3.4m
      The pioneer and poster boy for the Saudi Pro League.
      Who knew when CR7 would move to Al Nassr from Man Utd in January, after kicking up an almighty fuss and falling out with Erik ten Hag, that the world’s biggest names would follow him?
      Read More on The Sun
      Ronaldo’s deal is worth a staggering £3.4m-per-week, which he penned until June 2025.
      He is the highest-paid athlete in the world by a country mile.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete in the worldCredit: AFP More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Man Utd target Rasmus Hojlund’s stunning Wag Laura who goes to his games and enjoys amazing holidays

      by

      MAN UTD appear to be making progress in signing Rasmus Hojlund.The Denmark international, 20, is hot property after starring for Atalanta last season.
      Meet potential new Man Utd Wag Laura Rhod SondergaardCredit: Instagram / @laurarhod
      Stunning Laura is the girlfriend of Rasmus HojlundCredit: Instagram / @laurarhod
      19-year-old Laura is Hojlund’s biggest fanCredit: Instagram / @laurarhod
      Hojlund and Laura share a kiss after he starred for NorwayCredit: Instagram / @laurarhod
      And that has drawn plenty of suitors to his talents, including PSG who have reportedly tabled a £43million bid for the player.
      However, the Red Devils remain in the box seat – with the club also submitting an offer.
      The Premier League giants are also Hojlund’s preference, with the forward admitting he grew up as a Man Utd fan.
      Should he join Erik ten Hag’s outfit, he will likely be joined by his stunning girlfriend Laura Rhod Sondergaard.
      Read more Man Utd news
      The beautiful 19-year-old has been seen in the stands cheering the striker on.
      There’s no hiding she’s ready to join Man Utd’s Wags in the Old Trafford boxes.
      Who is she?
      Gorgeous Laura is from Denmark.
      It’s not known how long she has dated Rasmus for.
      Most read in Football
      However, back in March the pair shared a loving picture together.
      After he scored a hat-trick for his country in a 3-1 win over Finland, they were spotted sharing a kiss.
      It is not known how long Laura and Hojlund have datedCredit: Instagram / @laurarhod
      Laura divides her time between her homeland and BergamoCredit: Instagram / @laurarhod
      Laura has already gushed about Hojlund on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @laurarhod
      Active Laura likes to cycling in her spare timeCredit: Instagram / @laurarhod
      She shared the snaps of them together on social media, with the caption: “So proud of you.”
      He commented on her post: “Love you my darling.”
      Laura divides her time between her homeland and Bergamo, where he plays his club football in Serie A.
      She loves to travel
      Like any self-respecting Wag, Laura embraces travel.
      Her Instagram is filled with amazing holiday snaps from various glam locations.
      Most recently, she has been enjoying the sun and sand of Mallorca with Rasmus.
      She shared photos enjoying a glass of wine, as well as the local sights.
      While a month ago, she joined her family on a trip to Bali, Indonesia.
      There, she lazed on the beach and swam in the sea.
      Better still, this well-travelled Wag enjoyed the delights of the Maldives in April.
      Read More on The Sun
      She topped up her tan and showed off her bikini body while resting on a paddle board.
      With Man Utd appearing to be her boyfriend’s next port of call, expect more glam holidays befitting of Manchester’s next glam footballing couple.
      Like any Wag, Laura loves to travel
      Recently, Laura has been on glam holidays to Mallorca, Bali, and the MaldivesCredit: Instagram / @laurarhod
      Laura poses for a snap with a pal on the beach in BaliCredit: Instagram / @laurarhod
      Laura shows off her tan and her bikini bodyCredit: Instagram / @laurarhod More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Tottenham two biggest chiefs Bryan Glinton and Katie Booth who have replaced billionaire Joe Lewis

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      BAHAMAS-BASED lawyer Bryan Glinton and British-born asset manager Katie Booth are the big chiefs at Tottenham… but you’ve probably never heard of them.The Spurs ownership model is a complicated one.
      Joe Lewis, who has been charged with insider trading, no longer has an active role at TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Joe Lewis, 86, who has been charged with insider trading by American authorities, has family members who are part of the Lewis Family Trusts that own 70.12 per cent of ENIC – the company that owns 86.58 per cent of Spurs.
      The majority stake in the club, owned by ENIC Sports Inc, is registered in the Bahamas, but it is split
      Since last October, Lewis ceased to be a “person of significant control” and no longer has an active role.
      His stake was shared between two associates, Miami born Bryan Glinton, a Bahamas-based longstanding legal adviser to Lewis’ Tavistock group, and British-born asset manager Katie Booth.
      Read more Tottenham news
      They now have the same powers Lewis held at the club and have the “right to appoint and remove directors with control over the trustees of a trust”.
      But who are the pair?
      Bryan Glinton
      Born in Miami, Florida – Glinton now resides in Nassau Bahamas.
      He is a founding partner of law firm Glinton Sweeting O’Brien, which he founded in 2005.
      Most read in Football
      He is a legal advisor to Lewis’ private investment company Tavistock Group and the Albany Resort development – a 600-acre oceanside luxury resort that drew investment from Tiger Woods and singer Justin Timberlake.
      According to his website, he ‘specialises in corporate law, acting for institutional investors, developers, financial institutions, international law firms and accounting firms on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring and financial services.’
      Previously, he worked in the US for 10 years where he worked as a financial services lawyer specialising in corporate tax, banking and securities.
      In his current role, he advises corporations and private individuals on the best ways of launching projects in The Bahamas, which is how he could have met Lewis.
      Interestingly, there’s not a mention of Spurs in his online bio, nor sports club expertise.
      Bryan Glinton is a lawyer based in BahamasCredit: GSO Legal
      Katie Booth
      British-born asset manager Booth is equally as mysterious.
      A businesswoman of some repute, she is also found in the Bahamas.
      According to her bio, she has managed the consolidation,preservation and succession of the assets of some of the world’swealthiest entrepreneurs. Again, could be where her relationship with Lewis began.
      Booth initially was a practicing private client lawyer, before she became a senior director at MeesPierson, NM Rothschildand Butterfield Bank.
      In 2011, she branched out on her own with the launch of her own private wealth consultancy, which now operates from the Bahamas.
      Her Amber Trust company supported single family offices, meaning she served ultra-affluent companies.
      A link to Spurs has not previously been publicised.
      Brit-born asset manager Katie Louise Booth manages a private wealth consultancy in BahamasCredit: YouTube / Faour Glass
      Where does this leave Daniel Levy?
      As for Daniel Levy, his official title is chairman.
      Levy formed a business relationship with Lewis in ENIC International Ltd and became its managing director in 1995.
      Thanks to him, ENIC became a sports, entertainment and media company.
      In terms of the ownership model at Spurs, Levy has the remaining 29.88 per cent of the ENIC stake along with “certain members of his family”, again, via a discretionary trust.
      Read More on The Sun
      That leaves 13.42 per cent owned by “small shareholders”.
      As of 2023, Levy is the highest paid chairman in the Premier League earning around £3.2million-per-year, according to accountancy of football expert Kieran Maguire.
      Daniel Levy is the highest-paid chairman in the Premier League – earning £3.2million per year More

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      Meet former Man Utd star Memphis Depay’s new model girlfriend Coral Gutierrez who often poses topless on her travels

      by

      MEET the new Wag of ex Man Utd star Memphis Depay.Stunning Coral Gutierrez is a model and influencer from the Canary Islands, Spain.
      Stunning model Coral Gutierrez is a stunning Spanish modelCredit: Instagram / @coralg9
      Gutierrez is a fan of going bra-lessCredit: Instagram / @coralg9
      Coral is now reportedly dating ex-Man Utd star Memphis DepayCredit: Instagram / @coralg9
      Coral shared an image posing for a snap by a pool that looks like one he has shared on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @coralg9

      She boasts 46,000 followers on Instagram, who have all spotted a familiar trend.
      The brunette beauty is regularly topless in her glam photo shoots.
      If she’s not part of the no bra club, then she can been showing off her amazing bikini body as she travels the world.
      There’s definitely an argument to be had that she’s got more air miles than any other Wag around.
      Read more football news
      Dating Depay
      Although it is not known how Memphis and Coral met, it is believed their romance began just a few months ago.
      She reportedly stayed in his home in Cannes, South of France.
      And on Instagram, the notoriously private Dutch footballer shared a video of him in a clench in a swimming pool with a mystery woman.
      In the comments it is suggested the woman kissing Depay is Coral, although neither have confirmed their romance on social media.
      Most read in Football
      ‘Salty soul’
      According to Mundo Deportivo, Coral has been described as a “salty soul”.
      Clearly, she has plenty of sass if you look at her social media posts.
      The stunner glows in her photoshoots, where she models the latest bikinis and lingerie.
      However, fans will notice a glowing trend.
      In many of her snaps, she is topless and refuses to wear a bra.
      But when she does dress up, cuts a fine figure in designer dresses and wear.
      Mundo Deportivo described Coral as a ‘salty soul’Credit: Instagram / @coralg9
      On Instagram Coral is follwed by over 46,000 followersCredit: Instagram / @coralg9
      Coral is happiest in a bikiniCredit: Instagram / @coralg9
      Coral shows off her amazing bikini bodyCredit: Instagram / @coralg9
      Sassy Coral is also an influencer onlineCredit: Instagram / @coralg9
      Well travelled
      As well as her jaunt to Cannes to spend time with Depay, Coral’s job sees her jetting all over the world.
      A glance at her socials show the beauty must have an extensive amount of air miles and stamps on her passport.
      Read More on The Sun
      Coral has visited tropical beaches in Thailand, partied in Amsterdam, bronzed her amazing body in Abu Dhabi and visited Portugal.
      It’s all the life of a glam Wag, who clearly is having the time of her life.
      Coral loves to travel and enjoyed a trip to LondonCredit: Instagram / @coralg9
      London’s famous sights were taken in on Coral’s trip to the UKCredit: Instagram / @coralg9
      Outdoor sports like snow boarding are also fun for CoralCredit: Instagram / @coralg9
      Life’s a beach for stunning CoralCredit: Instagram / @coralg9 More