Sport Features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Faiq Bolkiah is the richest footballer in world, whose uncle is Sultan of Brunei, and is heir to £13bn fortune

      by

      MEET the world’s richest footballer Faiq Bolkiah, the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei.Faiq Bolkiah now plays for Thai League 1 club Chonburi., following unsuccessful spells with Leicester City and Portuguese side Maritimo.
      Faiq Bolkiah is the richest young footballer in the world and was formerly of Leicester CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Faiq Bolkiah is the nephew of the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiah
      The dynamic winger, 24, is one of the heirs to Hassanal Bolkiah’s £13billion fortune.
      That dwarfs the worth of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – making Bolkiah the wealthiest living footballer.
      His dad is Jefri Bolkiah, a brother of the oil tycoon, so that makes Faiq a member of their royal family.
      But that hasn’t stopped Faiq from shunning his family’s billions to pursue a career in football.
      Let SunSport introduce you to the man who really doesn’t need to work for a living.
      Competition was fierce for him in his youth days…
      After playing youth football for AFC Newbury, Faiq signed a one-year deal with Southampton’s famed youth academy in 2009.
      He didn’t quite turn enough heads to secure a full-time contract and went on trial at Arsenal in 2013, playing for the Gunners in the 2013 Lion City Cup.
      Faiq Bolkiah could have lived in a palace like the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Faiq Bolkiah was once on Chelsea’s booksCredit: Chelsea FC
      Faiq Bolkiah playing for Leicester City’s reservesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A Rolls Royce like this could have been a chariot for Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Faiq got himself on the scoresheet in that tournament against a Singapore youth selection.
      Alerted to his availability, Chelsea then swooped and offered him a two-year deal in 2014. But he left Stamford Bridge in December, 2015 to sign for Leicester in a three-year deal.
      He captains his international side…
      Despite not playing a professional game in England yet, Faiq has pulled on the international shirt of Brunei six times, finding the net once.
      Faiq Bolkiah has captain the Brunei international football teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He even captained the side in the 2017 Aceh World Solidarity Tsunami Cup.
      Incidentally, he was born in Los Angeles, so he could’ve represented the United States. But he was loyal to his family and stayed close to his roots.
      Faiq Bolkiah was loyal to his family and turned down a chance to play for the USCredit: AFP – Getty
      Faiq’s dad is quite the character…
      He may have an innocent demeanour, but his father Jefri Bolkiah was known as the playboy of the Brunei royal family.
      Jefri reportedly lived quite the life of excess, reportedly blowing around £10billion in 15-years as head of the Brunei Investment agency.
      At one point, he was said to be spending £35m a month on cars, watches, erotic white gold pens and up to a £1m a hit on karaoke parties with a swarm of beautiful women.
      Jefri Bolkiah celebrates his birthday with his sonCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiah
      Jefri Bolkiah was the playboy of the Brunei royal familyCredit: Rex Features
      Faiq Bolkiah might have had an easier life and lived like a prince if he wasn’t a footballerCredit: 1998 Julian Parker
      Faiq Bolkiah’s cousins enjoy a lavish lifestyle in their own countryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Jefri was also believed to have owned 2,300 cars at the height of his wealth, including a fleet of Bentleys, Ferraris and Rolls-Royces.
      However, his pride and joy is a yacht inappropriately called ‘Tits’ which had tenders called ‘Nipple 1’ and ‘Nipple 2’.
      Faiq Bolkiah stands to inherit a boat called TitsCredit: Big Pictures
      The Tits has tenders called Nipple 1 and Nipple 2Credit: Big Pictures
      Jefri wasn’t afraid to embrace erotica either, once commissioning artist J. Seward Johnson to create a £500,000 sexually-explicit statue of himself and his ex-fiancee.
      Amusingly, he once splashed around £5million on a rug that was woven with gold thread and jewels.
      A £5m rug bought by Jefri BolkiahCredit: PA:Press Association
      A set of erotic pens in white gold owned by Jefri BolkiahCredit: PA:Press Association
      An erotic watch owned by Jefri Bolkiah made of white gold and platinumCredit: PA:Press Association
      Michael Jackson was on speed dial when he needed him…
      Being a rich kid has its perks, especially if you’re Faiq.
      When dad Jefri wanted to celebrate his milestone 50th birthday, he also wanted to impress his then 7-year-old son.
      Michael Jackson performed a private concert for Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty – Contributor
      So what did he do? He only flew in the ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson to perform a private concert for him and his family.
      Jefri paid Jacko around £12.5 million for the privilege, which was chump change for the Brunei royal family.
      The privilege of having Michael Jackson perform privately cost Jefri Bolkiah £12.5mCredit: Reuters
      Faiq Bolkiah has shunned a throne like the Sultan of Brunei for a rainy night in LeicesterCredit: AFP – Getty
      Making sure Michael was suitably catered for, Jefri also built an entire stadium for the occasion.But Faiq is determined to shun his riches to make it as a professional footballer…
      “I’ve played football since as early as I can remember and from a young age I’ve always enjoyed going out on the field and having the ball at my feet,” he once said in a rare interview.
      latest football features
      Ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito was said to be interested in signing Faiq BolkiahCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “My parents have always been supportive in helping me to achieve my dreams of being a footballer.
      “They trained me hard both psychologically and physically through my childhood years, so I have to say they are my role models.”
      Faiq Bolkiah turned his back on a lavish lifestyle full of goldCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sultan of Brunei has an estimated worth of £22bnCredit: Reuters
      Faiq Bolkiah insists his family have had a big influence on his careerCredit: AFP or licensors
      With determination like that, he might just succeed in the game.
      However, if it doesn’t work out for him, it’s not as if he’s got nothing to fall back on. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Sergio Aguero’s lavish car collection includes James Bond’s Range Rover and unused £361k Lamborghini covered in cobwebs

      by

      NOW Sergio Aguero has plenty of time to admire his car garage.The Man City legend, now 34, was forced to retire in 2021 because of a heart issue.
      Man City legend Sergio Aguero has amassed an amazing car collection
      Aguero boasted the same Range Rover as James BondCredit: Cavendish Press
      Argentine Aguero paid £150,000 for the stunning motorCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      But that was not before he became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 260 goals, as well as a five-time Premier League winner.
      His glittering career allowed him to accrue a huge wealth and reported £65million fortune.
      And since he has retired, the Argentinian has invested in eSports team KRU, become an ambassador for betting company Stake, and become a founder of healthy energy drink Go Mate.
      That hasn’t stopped him from enjoying his impressive car collection.

      From owning James Bond’s Range Rover to a Lamborghini Aventador costing £361,000 he never drove, that only collected cobwebs, here’s his amazing fleet of motors.
      Lumma CLR SV Range Rover, £150,000
      If Sergio had any aspirations of becoming the next James Bond, he’s certainly auditioned in the right car.
      The Lumma CLR SV Range Rover was seen in 007 movie Spectre, cutting through the snow during one particular action scene.
      It didn’t quite get the fanfare of Bond’s Aston Martin, but it’s still nifty all the same.
      Most read in Football
      Aguero was spotted driving it to the ground before a cup game against Burnley.
      However, City fans might not be happy with his choice of colour for the Range Rover’s leather seats… yes, it’s red.
      Lamborghini Aventador, £361,000
      In 2014, Aguero splashed the cash on a stunning Lamborghini.
      His first port of call was celebrity car customiser Yianni Charalambous, who wrapped it in a stunning satin black wrap, and gave him custom wheels with orange calipers and orange interior.
      The Aventador is Aguero’s fastest car – and can reach a top speed of 218mph.
      Despite the large sum spent, the former frontman complained he never drove it.
       “I don’t know why the f*** I bought a Lamborghini,” he told Argentine told TV show Santo Sabado in 2021.
      “It must have done about 1,200km (745 miles) in six years – I’ve barely used it.
      In 2014, Aguero splashed £361,000 on Lamborghini and got it wrapped by Yianni Charalambous
      The amazing Aventador was hardly ever driver by AgueroCredit: Auto Trader / Proctor Car Sales Ltd
      Aguero’s Aventador went on sale in 2021 on AutoTrader after collecting cobwebsCredit: Auto Trader / Proctor Car Sales Ltd
      “I’ve been thinking for two years about what the f*** I bought that car for.
      “Now the only thing it does is get cold from the rain; it has cobwebs and everything.”
      He put it up for sale in 2021 on AutoTrader.
      Ferrari GTC4 Lusso, £250,000
      On a trip to Los Angeles in 2018, Aguero hired this stunning Ferrari to cruise along Sunset Boulevard in.
      He was so taken by it,
       he immediately got himself a gorgeous black £250k GTC4 Lusso.
      Capable of hitting 60mph in 3.4 seconds, it’s fast and incredibly powerful.
      The GTC4 Lusso runs off a 6.3-litre V12 engine, and has 681 bhp.
      And with a top speed of 208mph, it’s certainly no slouch either.
      Aguero splashed £250,000 on a Ferrari GTC4 Lusso after hiring one in Los AngelesCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Nissan GT-R, £91,000
      As a former ambassador for Nissan, Aguero also added their brilliant GT-R to his car collection in 2017.
      And right before a Manchester derby the same year, he stood aside the brilliantly custom wrapped supercar as he launched his Puma evoSPEED SL-S football boot that he had custom-made for that game.
      Again, the motor was customised by Yianni Charalambous.
      The GT-R was wrapped in sky blue, had a black stripe through it – and looked like a cross between the Argentina, Man City shirts, and his boots.
      “We’ve replicated every detail of the evoSPEED Derby Fever boot design in the wrap,” Yianni said at the time.
      As part of his ambassador role, Aguero had his own Nissan GT-R
      “He’s a real petrol head and having already customised two cars for him, I hope the only three-points he gets are on the pitch and not the M62!”
      A gift for the kit man
      Upon leaving the Etihad, kindhearted Aguero held a raffle – with the lucky winner receiving his £40,000 Range Rover Evoque.
      Kit man Ally Marland won it, and was spotted giving the striker a huge hug as he said his goodbyes to club staff.
      But Ally and his wife already had cars, so they did the next best thing.
      Read More on The Sun
      They put the car, with just 10,500 miles on the clock, on auction site eBay and gave a percentage of the cash to charity.
      It was a fitting end to City’s greatest ever goalscorer’s incredible career.
      Before leaving Man City, Aguero raffled off his Range Rover Evoque for the club’s staffCredit: EBay
      Kit man Ally Marland and later auctioned the car off for charity More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds boss ‘Big Sam’ Allardyce was England manager for 67 days, worked in a laboratory and went viral for ‘pint of wine’

      by

      AS characters go, fewer are bigger than ‘Big Sam’.Sam Allardyce, 68, has taken over the reins at Leeds United, after the faltering Yorkshire club made the decision to sack Javi Gracia.
      Sam Allardyce has been tasked with saving Leeds United from relegation
      A dismal run of results, culminating in a 4-1 defeat to fellow strugglers Bournemouth has left The Whites flirting with relegation.
      But if anyone can handle the Elland Road pressure cooker it’s the former England boss.
      A no-nonsense player that translated that approach to his management style, Allardyce won’t suffer any fools.
      His roots growing up in Dudley, West Midlands shaped him for his career ahead.
      READ MORE ON LEEDS UTD
      Early life
      Sam grew up in a council house with police sergeant dad Robert, mum Mary who worked part-time making golf bags and older siblings Mary and Robert.
      He said: “I was a mistake apparently after mum had a rare night out with dad.”
      His dad taught him the meaning of discipline, which he has preached throughout his career.
      Sam said: “My old man always said you only get what you graft for. It doesn’t matter how intelligent you are, how much education you’ve got, you’ll only get there on work rate.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “My dad was a policeman for 25 years. Any problems on our estate were always sorted out by Bob Allardyce. If we got into any trouble we’d be in trouble with my old man.”
      Football was his calling
      After failing to impress on trial for Aston Villa, Allardyce was scouted by Bolton Wanderers at 15.
      By 17 he had signed his first professional contract worth £14-per-week.
      And it wasn’t just football he was tasked with mastering. He was also made to sweep the terraces.
      He said: “Those menial tasks were part of a young pro’s education which we all accepted, but they don’t do it today because of objections from the Professional Footballer’s Association, which was extremely short-sighted.
      “The PFA argued it was slave labour, but it taught kids discipline and make them appreciate it more when they became fully-fledged pros rather than getting it all the moment they signed.”
      To supplement his income, 6ft3in Sam would take on labouring jobs in the summer, including doing up houses.
      “I would go in and knock down walls and help out,” he said.
      Allardyce, seen playing for Coventry City, was a no-nonsense defenderCredit: Rex Features
      Standing at the back, Allardyce gets a dance lesson to keep fitCredit: Daily Mail
      “Right as a very young kid from when I went to Bolton, I would always work in the summer anyway.
      “I went cutting the grass in the parks, I went working in laboratories making aspirins, because you’d get paid more than you were earning as a footballer.”
      No-nonsense
      As a player, Allardyce wasn’t afraid to dish out the odd reducer in his time.
      His nickname Super Sam Bionic Man came from the fact for every bruising encounter he would end up unscathed.
      He was a Bolton hero in 1978, when he helped Wanderers achieve promotion to the top tier.
      It was during this period he met his wife Lynne, who he has been married to for 49 years.
      He said: “I met Lynne and I thought I’m not going to wait years, I’m going to get married and have kids and I’ll have to have my own house.
      “I’ll have to graft for it. If I don’t make it as a footballer I’ve had experiences in-between that might help me.”
      In the second half of his career he played for Sunderland, Millwall, Coventry, Huddersfield and Preston plus US club Tampa Bay Rowdies.
      Managing became a natural fit when he took on his first coaching job with Limerick in 1991.
      At Bolton Wanderers Allardyce was a hero – earning promotion in 1978Credit: Mark Leech
      Allardyce with wife of 49 years, LynnCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But he wouldn’t be able to lean on a star signing to rescue the ailing Irish club. Luckily, the chairman was a priest.
      He revealed: “When we were short of money for wages, the chairman, Father Joe Young, put out the word to his mates. He called in a few favours. Divine intervention.”
      Miracle worker
      If God was his last port of call at Limerick, Allardyce must have called for the Holy Father at Notts County and Bolton more than once.
      Working with a limited budget, he achieved promotions with both clubs.
      Perhaps his greatest achievement was taking un-fancied Bolton into the Uefa Cup.
      He was offered the Manchester City job, before the offer was withdrawn after Thaksin Shinawatra’s take over of the club was accepted.
      Weeks later, Newcastle United hired him. It was to be short-lived.
      He was sacked after eight months, following a dismal run of form.
      Blackburn mediocrity followed, until he achieved Premier League promotion with West Ham, where he was unloved for his ‘brand of football’.
      At Sunderland next, he would gain revenge on Mike Ashley, who fired him at the Toon.
      Brought in to save the club from relegation, just like the task ahead of him at Leeds, he achieved the unthinkable in 2015.
      Against the odds, Allardyce got Bolton into the Uefa CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Unique relationships with stars such as Jay-Jay Okocha allowed Big Sam to show his man-management skillsCredit: Simon Wilkinson
      A 3-0 defeat of Everton ensured the club’s safety. Better still, Ashley and Newcastle were relegated. His stock couldn’t have been higher.
      England call
      With the FA adopting a different approach following a dismal Euro 2016 campaign under Roy Hodgson, Allardyce was chosen as the next Three Lions manager on a two-year contract.
      But, as the result of a newspaper sting, he would last just 67 days in the job.
      He was filmed offering advice on how to get around rules on player transfers.
      It was also alleged that he used his role to negotiate a deal worth £400,000 to represent a Far East firm.
      Despite that, social media users focused on something entirely different.
      Sat on the table, as he polished off a Chinese meal, was what looked like a pint of wine. It went viral.
      One fan on Twitter labelled him a “National hero” for his drinking prowess… although it was never confirmed to be wine and was more likely a beer.
      Somehow, in the face of controversy, Allardyce had won even more fans.
      Trending on social media was something Allardyce was, of course, used to at that point.
      England sacked Allardyce after just 67 days in charge following a newspaper stingCredit: PA

      Allardyce isn’t afraid to show off his dance moves
      On Sky’s A League of their Own Allardyce danced along to Gangnam Style
      [embedded content]
      Months prior, after saving the Mackems from Premier League demotion, he was filmed dancing to Rihanna on holiday in Marbella.
      Also, just before he took on the England job, he showed he was game for a laugh on Sky’s A League of their Own TV show.
      Bounding onto the stage opposite Jamie Redknapp, Andrew Flintoff, James Corden, Jack Whitehall and David Walliams – Allardyce showed off his nifty footwork by recreating the dance routing for Gangnam Style.
      In recent years, he’s managed Crystal Palace, Everton and West Brom.
      Read More on The Sun
      His last job with the Baggies didn’t end well, with him unable to achieve to pull a rabbit out of a hat to ensure their Premier League safety in 2021.
      Leeds fans will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Joshua and Wilder’s lifestyles compared, with AJ flying in private jets and the Bronze Bomber owning a £430k Lamborghini

      by

      IT looks like we know what the next big heavyweight fight is.Rivals Anthony Joshua, 33, and Deontay Wilder, 37, are by lined up for a grudge match in December.
      Worth £120m, Anthony Joshua boasts an envious lifestyle
      Deontay Wilder looks set to fight Joshua in December
      His promoter Eddie Hearn flew to Saudi Arabia last week to hold talks over a potential super-fight for AJ.
      And Joshua appeared to confirm that a blockbuster meeting with the Bronze Bomber is on the cards for later this year.
      In a video reposted to YouTube by iFL TV from Instagram, Joshua was asked if he’s going to beat Wilder.
      AJ responded: “That’s what’s happening, you know what’s going on.”
      Read more on Anthony Joshua
      When asked if the fight was going ahead in December, Joshua replied: “It’s public news we’re getting it down, throwing it down in December.”
      The pair have accumulated a huge wealth from boxing.
      While Wilder has made around £25million from the sport, that figure is dwarfed by AJ’s reported £170million fortune.
      It affords the heavyweight duo a lifestyle to envy. Here’s how they compare.
      Most read in Boxing
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Cars
      Both AJ and Deontay boast an impressive garage, although the American shades it with sheer extravagance.
      The pride of his collection is an outrageous £430,000 Lamborghini Aventador he bought in 2015.
      This isn’t any old Lambo. No, it’s stylishly wrapped in faux alligator-skin.
      Wilder shows off his £430k Lamborghini Aventador
      Wilder also owns a road-legal Polaris Slingshot
      Motorbike fan Wilder boasts this Suzuki Hayabusa in his garage
      Anthony Joshua cherishes his personalised Range RoverCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua
      Add to that a £347,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom, a £70,000 Hummer H2, custom-made Dodge Challenger costing £40,000 – cars clearly mean a lot to the Alabama native.
      He also boasts an incredibly gorgeous £14,500 Suzuki Hayabusa that looks like it should feature in a Mad Max film, as well as a brilliant Polaris Slingshot (£15,500).
      Thanks to his partnership with Jaguar Land Rover – which is rumoured to be worth £790,000 a year – AJ rolls round London in his choice of a fleet of luxury wheels, including a customised white Jaguar XJR, worth £93,000.
      His favourite motor is his personalised black Range Rover, which he says “looks very professional and sets a standard”.
      But AJ doesn’t boast anything as flashy as Wilder, that’s for sure.
      Private jet
      In 2021, Wilder was spotted flying a private jet ahead of his fight with Tyson Fury with fiancee Telli Swift.
      Although, that’s not a life he is accustomed to.
      Through Under Armour, one of his many sponsors, AJ gets to use their company jet.
      Under Armour supply AJ with a private jet when he wantsCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua
      Deontay Wilder flew private before his fight with Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram
      Showing the interior of the £45million black G550 ahead of his trip to the States to face Ruiz for the first time, AJ said: “These type of things aren’t ordinary, in my daily life and in many other people’s daily lives, so it’s a blessing.
      “However, my view is even though I enjoy it and the door has been opened for me, I can’t forget to open the door for people who have come with me and the people who aren’t in a position to enjoy this type of luxury.
      “I never get too lost in the source and get carried away with these types of things.”
      6ft6in AJ has been seen in many glam locations around the world, you can bet he flew their privately for the extra leg room on board.
      Homes
      Anthony came from humble beginnings on a council estate in Watford.
      He bought his mum, Yeta Odusanya her council flat in north London for a mere £185,000 in 2013.
      AJ did spend a portion of his hard-earned winnings on a rented property in a north London mansion while he was training for the Wladimir Klitschko fight.
      According to a report, the mansion near Lord’s Cricket Ground was worth £27million.
      Wilder lives in this stunning £1 million Alabama MansionCredit: Realtor
      Wilder’s mansion boasts wondrous lake viewsCredit: Realtor
      Joshua rented this mansion when he was training for the Wladimir Klitschko fightCredit: The Mega Agency
      Joshua was able to relax after a hard day of training in this London homeCredit: The Mega Agency
      It belonged to South African diamond trader Walter Hennig, and cost AJ around £20,000 per month.
      It has been reported his property portfolio includes a £1million property in north London, as well as three homes in Watford totalling £1.5million.
      AJ also bought a £500,000 penthouse in north London, for his ex-girlfriend and JJ’s mum, Nicole Osbourne, despite them splitting.
      Wilder has stayed true to his roots, buying a £1million property in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
      Built in 2012, the 5,600 square-foot property boasts four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a two-car garage.
      Hardwood floors, an outdoor kitchen perfect for a BBQ are other ace features, as well as a lift to take you down to the basement.
      However, the home’s biggest selling point though is its location – sitting above Lake Tuscaloosa.
      The views are unparalleled, with trees surrounding the abode – ensuring his complete privacy.
      There’s even his personal tram that takes him down into the lake. Now that’s living.
      Wags
      In-demand AJ is currently single.
      Typically, he keeps his love life under wraps, although he recently flirted with talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods – describing her as his dream date.
      Wilder is engaged to reality TV star Telli SwiftCredit: JMG Lifestyle
      Swift appeared on E! show WAGS Atlanta
      He is the father to a boy called Joseph, as a result of a previous romance with pole dancing instructor Nicole Osbourne.
      Wilder is engaged to stunning reality TV star Telli Swift.
      She is a household name in her own right in America, featuring on WAGS Atlanta, which aired on E!.
      The 36-year-old beauty, who shares a daughter with Wilder called Kaorii, met Wilder at the airport in 2015.
      She has since launched the Boxing Wag Association which raises money to support children and families of retired boxers, who have fallen on hard times.
      Elaborate ring walks
      Being superstar boxers, both AJ and Wilder’s ring walks are legendary.
      For the American, it’s an elaborate costume that does the talking.
      Often, a mask clad in Swarovski crystals and crafted by Los Angeles-based designers Cosmo and Donato installs some intimidation into his opponents.
      AJ has made no secret of his love of music for his ring walks and British rappers.

      Wilder likes to do his ring walks in intimidating costumes costing over £30kCredit: Reuters
      AJ has had rappers including Stormzy and Giggs accompany him on his ring walksCredit: Reuters
      For his ring walks, the likes of Stormzy, Giggs, and Nines have all supported him before a big bout.
      Let’s see what they have in story when fight each other. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Lamine Yamal, the 15-year-old Barcelona wonderkid who became the youngest player to play for the club this century

      by

      IN a flash, Lamine Yamal sniffed an opportunity to make further history.The 15-year-old had just been given a rousing reception by the Nou Camp faithful as he entered the pitch against Real Betis with the home team 4-0 up.
      Lamine Yamal became Barcelona’s youngest ever player in a century against Real BetisCredit: Getty

      But that wasn’t enough.
      As he came off the bench to become the youngest player this century to play for Barcelona manager Xavi would have whispered in the wonderkid’s ear that there was no pressure.
      However Yamal wanted to make a splash and the teenager forced a save from keeper Rui Silva, after racing onto a mistake from a Betis defender – showing his rapid speed in an instant.
      He could have had a brilliant assist too, if his team-mate had finished their chance.
      Read more on Barcelona
      At the final whistle, his coach’s words echoed what the fans saw.
      “I told him to try things and he did,” Xavi said. “At 15 years old, just imagine it… He is special and he could have even scored tonight, but [Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva] saved.
      “He played with confidence and he showed what he is about. He has no fear and bags of talent. Some of his passes in the final third were really good.”
      Barcelona is in his blood
      Born to a Moroccan father and Guinean mother, Yamal grew up in the Barcelona suburb Mataro.
      Most read in Football
      He was scouted by La Masia talent spotters at the age of just five.
      Such was his talent early on, he would play for three age groups as his development was carefully managed.
      The winger progressed through the ranks – standing out for the U16 side aged just 13.
      He tore through the youth league with ease, with the club very aware of the unique talent they had on their hands.
      Last year, he skipped an entire age group to play for the U19 side, where he continued to blossom.
      “He is always asking questions, he has a very good predisposition to evolve. You have to treat him calmly and not rush,” his coach Oscar Lopez revealed.
      By that point, Xavi deemed him good enough to train with the first team squad – integrating the generational talent into his sessions.
      In his brief cameo, Yamal almost scored and would have had an assist but for wasteful finishingCredit: AFP
      Barcelona coach Xavi believes Yamal is a special talent akin to former team-mate Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      15-year-old Yamal has been training the Barcelona’s first team for a yearCredit: Getty
      Unfortunate comparisons
      Hype is a dangerous thing in football. The expectation and pressure has hindered many a promising player.
      But, there is a very strong belief Yamal can emulate their greatest ever player, Lionel Messi.
      Both started off on the wing and both have that ability to cut inside and fashion an opportunity out of nothing with their stronger left-foot.
      Xavi is not holding back on the kid’s qualities.
      “He’s a similar player because he has that innate talent in the final third which is difficult to find,” the Spain World Cup winner revealed when asked about the Messi comparisons.
      “Lamine doesn’t seem like a 15-year-old, he’s very mature. He’s ready [to play] and he is training well. He can mark an era at this club as part of this team.”
      Coming from a player that played with the Argentina World Cup winner, that has to be believed.
      Read More on The Sun
      Expect to hear a lot more about Yamal as he continues to progress in the game.
      Yamal has been compared to Messi because of his magical left-footCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi’s amazing car collection, from a £28m Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti, to a rare Pagani Zonda worth £4m

      by

      AS one of sport’s greatest, it’s no surprise Lionel Messi has amassed an amazing car collection.The Argentina World Cup winner, believed to be worth £480million, has a garage to envy, including a number of Audis, a very rare Pagani Zonda worth £4million and more.
      Lionel Messi boasts an amazing car collectionCredit: AFP
      The most expensive is a Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti he paid £28m
      Messi joked about buying the Ferrari on Instagram
      But the most impressive motor in his fleet is a Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti that he picked up at an auction for £28million.
      SunSport takes a look at the cars the former Barcelona man is said to own.
      Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti, £28m
      The most expensive in his collection, Messi picked up this vintage Ferrari at an auction for a whopping £28million.
      Better still, he beat rival Cristiano Ronaldo to buying it – with the Portuguese also being a serial car collector.
      read more on lionel messi
      Sharing the news on Instagram, the forward showed off a wicked sense of humour.
      He posted a picture holding a tiny miniature version of the car.
      Pagani Zonda Roadster, £4m
      Ranked as one of the most expensive and fastest cars in the world, Messi’s Pagani isn’t road legal and can only be driven on a track.
      Since 1999, Pagani has made motors – and reportedly only 40 of these babies were ever made, which is why it appreciates in price.
      Most read in Football
      Incidentally, Messi’s great rival Ronaldo drove a Pagani Huayra in a Nike ad once, jokingly crashing it.
      Messi’s Pagani Zonda Roadster isn’t road legal
      Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, £113,000
      A high-performance SUV, this Merc is powered by 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol V8 engine.
      Capable of a top speed of 174mph, it can do 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
      Messi has no excuse getting to training in a tardy fashion.
      Messi’s Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupé GLE Class is as luxury an SUV you will see on the marketCredit: Getty
      Cadillac Escalade, £70,000
      A more fitting SUV for family man Messi these days, the Escalade is the ultimate US luxury vehicle.
      Over the years, everyone from Hollywood stars to the President have been seen hopping out of an Escalade.
      Plus, with all that space, he can fit his entire family in there too.
      American SUV Cadillac Escalade is favoured by celebrities in Hollywood
      Audi R8 Spyder, £118,000
      With a horsepower of 397 to 449 kW, an ability to hit 0-62 mph in 3.3 seconds, the R8 is a work of art.
      In fact, car reviewers have regularly scored this Audi as a five out of five ride.
      Zipping around the streets of Paris has never looked more elegant.
      Messi’s Audi R8 Spyder cost around £118k
      Range Rover Vogue, £78,740
      The ideal runner to take to training, or leaving the Nou Camp, Messi loves his Range Rover Vogue.
      The Range Rover is officially the most popular SUV among the footballing elite, as well as being the pinnacle of luxury.
      Their Vogue model is especially stunning because it boasts special add-ons, including a boss Meridian Surround Sound System and a 360 degree parking aid.
      At Barcelona, Messi was seen driving a fancy Range Rover VogueCredit: Getty
      Mercedes SLS, £200,000
      Not one you’d drive on the busy streets of Paris, the SLS is definitely a keeper for the collection.
      Developed by the Mercedes-AMG division, this German stunner has a retractable rear wing which extends at a speed of 70 mph.
      ‘SLS’ stands for ‘Super Leicht Sport’ which translates to ‘Super Light Sport’. Given Messi’s nicknamed the flea, that sounds about right that he should have one of these.
      Messi’s Mercedes SLS is another collector’s item
      Audi Q7 £61,835
      Another one we’re sure that Audi must’ve given Messi a good deal on.
      Messi is clearly taking life as a family man very seriously by owning a reliable, spacious and luxurious Q7.
      Interestingly, Audi only started making SUVs from 2008. Since then, they’ve flooded the footballers’ market.
      Messi has always been fond of Audi cars and has a Q7Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Mini Copper Electric, £31,000
      With everyone going electric, Messi has added a Mini Cooper Electric to his fleet.
      It’s the cheapest car in his collection and is regularly used by Wag Antonella Roccuzzo to zip around Paris in.
      Economical, small, it’s the perfect city runner.
      Messi’s Wag Antonella Roccuzzo has been seen driving a Mini Cooper Electric around ParisCredit: Getty
      Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, £110,000
      Built for speed demons, it’s the first Maserati GranTurismo capable of breaking the 186mph barrier with a top speed of 188 mph.
      Read More on The Sun
      A two-seater Italian masterpiece, it features a 4.7 litre, 460 HP V8 engine and glides on the road, just like Messi does on the pitch.
      It’s a real gentleman’s car.
      An Italian masterpiece, Messi also has a Maserati in his garageCredit: Xposure More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Graeme Souness’s finest moments on Sky Sports from Pogba obsession to Mourinho duel as Liverpool legend retires

      by

      IT’S the end of an era.After 15 years as a pundit, Graeme Souness has left Sky Sports.
      Graeme Souness is reportedly set to leave his role at Sky Sports at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      The fiery Scot, 69, announced the decision as he held back tears following Liverpool’s thrilling 4-3 win over Tottenham on Sunday.
      Speaking about hanging up the microphone, he said: “I’m going to miss you guys, the guys behind the scenes, our makeup girl, I’ll miss you all.
      “You know, for me, I decided that football management wasn’t for me anymore. I had the wrong temperament for it, the wrong personality.
      “And then I was given the opportunity to do this and it’s been magnificent. It’s just been the most fantastic time for me, because I love football, I care about football and I worry about it going forward.
      read more football news
      “But in Sky’s hands, it’s in good hands, safe hands, and I think over the years we’ve created a Premier League with great detail and I think we look after football very well.
      “But for me personally, I’ve got the buzz of live football coming to some fantastic games and some fantastic stadiums and some great events.
      “I think I owe 100 apologies to people, but we haven’t got time for that.
      “I think people at home obviously don’t always agree with us, but it’s been great guys it really has.
      “And it’s great right now to be amongst friends and nothing goes on forever, but I’ve got a lot of things coming up, I’m involved in my DEBRA charity and on the 27th of this month I’ll announce the challenge I’m getting involved in.
      “But it’s been great so thank you to everyone.”
      Over the years, Souness has provided much hilarity in the studio with his cutting criticism and honesty – look away if you are Paul Pogba and Jack Grealish.
      And just like his tackling in his hey day, he’s not afraid to pull any punches. Here are his best moments.
      The Pogba affair
      Souness seemingly always had a bee in his bonnet about Pogba.
      But, even though he drew Jamie Redknapp and Gary Neville in to heated debates about the World Cup winner, it was a moment with affable Micah Richards that was most surprising.
      It came during a discussion on old comments made by Pogba’s former agent Mino Raiola about the Frenchman’s future at Man Utd. The playmaker would, of course, get his move in the end.
      Most read in Football
      But the pair spoke over each other and gesticulated furiously as they tried to make their points – while Souness even turned his back at one point.
      Richards suggested Raiola had made comments without Pogba’s say-so but ex-Liverpool man Souness was having none of it.
      He blasted: “Not a chance, not a chance. He’s echoing the thoughts of the player.”
      Souness wasn’t having Micah Richards comments about Paul Pogba
      Fiery Scot Souness turned his back on his fellow pundit
      Grealish ain’t all that
      “He’s a good player, not a great player,” Souness has said of Man City’s £100million man Jack Grealish.
      For Graeme, the former Aston Villa playmaker had yet to do it for Pep Guardiola’s side.
      And, during his punditry, he let everyone know it.
      Grealish hit back at those comments while away on England duty, by insisting: “I don’t know what his problem is, he always criticises me.”
      Amusingly, Souness retorted on talkSPORT: “I’d love a night out with him.
      “I’m not sure I could stay with him but I think I would enjoy a night out with him.”
      Grealish has seemingly taken him up on his offer. He wrote on social media, “🤣🤣 let’s do it!! As long as I can bring Pogba as a +1.”
      Jack Grealish has been Souness’s recent targetCredit: Rex
      A case for the defence
      Gary Neville is used to getting his point across when it comes to his beloved Manchester United.
      But Souness didn’t agree with an assessment that former striker Cristiano Ronaldo needed support up front.
      No, the European Cup winner slammed the club’s defence instead.
      Neville said: “The biggest problem United actually have pre-dates Ronaldo. And for me it’s not a Pogba issue either.”
      Souness interjected: “You had to throw him into the mix as well.”
      But Neville carried on: “We can point towards two players, no goals is a mentality issue in a club, it’s a mentality issue in general.
      “United have had just one clean sheet in the last 20 game across all competitions.
      “They’ve conceded 31 goals to Chelsea’s 12, Liverpool’s 16 and Manchester City’s 21.”
      But Souness cut in again and added: “That’s not about having a focal point. That’s not the issue.
      “The issue is you’re too vulnerable.”
      Gary Neville and Graeme Souness got into a heated discussion about Man Utd’s defenceCredit: Sky Sports
      Gary Neville was adamant United’s problems remained upfront and was riled by SounessCredit: Sky Sports
      Neville attempted to diffuse the rising tensions and said: “We’re talking about two different things here, Graeme.”
      But Liverpool legend Souness would not stop. He continued: “It’s not about having a focal point. That’s not the issue.”
      Don’t interrupt him
      North London derby day in 2018, and Arsenal have drawn at home to Spurs 1-1.
      Alongside Souness in the studio is Gunners legend Thierry Henry, who begins with his assessment of the game.
      Henry makes his point about Arsenal stars, their injuries and how unfortunate they’ve been.
      Souness, though, had other ideas. “Arsenal have a lot of players that run with the ball,” he said.
      “That would lend to the idea of stretching more, dribbling with the ball more than anyone else…”
      Souness didn’t like it when Thierry Henry interrupted himCredit: Getty
      Before he can finish, he’s interrupted by Henry – to which Souness barks “I’m talking” at him.
      It was worth noting a season earlier, Souness was interrupted by Gary Neville – also during an Arsenal game at Man City – and gave him a death stare.
      But he got his own back…
      Fed up of being interrupted, Souness got his own back on fellow Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher last season.
      It started with a debate about Romelu Lukaku’s infamous interview on Sky Sport Italy, when the Belgium striker revealed he wanted to return to Inter Milan.
      Souness felt he should have got more than just being left out of the line up for an important televised game by boss Thomas Tuchel.
      Carragher did his best to defend Lukaku, saying he didn’t say he wanted to leave Chelsea.
      Souness interjected, “No, he did in as many words.”

      The interjection alone spun Carragher’s mind, who pulled a hilarious face at the camera – that’s soon become a meme.
      Beef with Mourinho
      The Special One and Graeme clashed over Man Utd’s playing style, as well as fixture congestion.
      “I have seen in the football media that certain pundits cannot understand why our players are tired,” Mourinho moaned his programme notes.
      “A pundit is not honest if they cannot forget their colours or if they try to hide the truth from their audience. It’s not my fault if their managerial career was very poor.”
      But Souness hit back after they beat Ajax in the Europa League final.
      “They have turned up in Stockholm, and dug out a result playing the kind of football that is not Manchester United, that’s my biggest beef with them,” he said.
      “They don’t attempt to get on the ball, and don’t play enough football for me. If you’re one of the big clubs in the world, which they obviously are, you have to play better football.
      “They won’t win the big trophies playing like that, against the better teams they won’t win the big trophies. You won’t win our league playing like that. They don’t play enough football.”
      Souness later said that the only reason Man Utd went with Mourinho was because rivals Man City had Pep Guardiola, and the Red Devils needed a big name manager.
      Jose Mourinho celebrates with the Europa League trophyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ‘Why are you looking at me like that?’
      It’s not just fellow pundits who have faced Souness’s wrath.
      In 2019, Liverpool drew 0-0 against Manchester United at Old Trafford – in what many perceived as a flat performance.
      But, the former Anfield hero thought the Reds played well, when asked by host David Jones, and dominated possession.
      With the camera zoomed in on Souness, it’s impossible to see what Jones did to incur such a confrontation.
      But as Souness contined to make his point, he all of a sudden said: “Why are you look at me like that? Are you not agreeing with me?”
      Graeme Souness on Sky’s Super Sunday

      As the camera panned out, Jones looked around at the fellow pundits and said, “I just wonder if they agree with you.”
      Read More on The Sun
      “It was just the way you looked,” Souness added.
      How he will be missed. More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Tottenham star Son Heung-min’s amazing £1.5million car collection, including ultra-rare £1m Ferrari LaFerrari

      by

      SON HEUNG-MIN is not the sort of player you would associate with spending a load of dosh on one of the world’s most exclusive cars.The Tottenham hero, 30, is unassuming and usually happy to let his boots do the talking.
      Heung-min Son has built up an amazing £1.5million car collection

      Son stops in his Ferrari LaFerrari to sign a shirt for a fan
      Only 499 of the Ferrari supercars were made and potential purchasers must meet strict criteriaCredit: Alamy
      But the £192,000-a-week forward has a fleet of motors worth a staggering £1.5million.
      And pride of place in his garage in North London is a rare supercar available to just a few people.Ferrari LaFerrari
      Only 499 of these incredible cars have been made – and Son has one of them.
      But he ditched the usual red for black because Spurs told him he could not own a red one due to their rivalry with Arsenal.
      Worth around £1,150,000, even a Premier League footballer earning top whack would have to save up for a while to be able to afford it.
      The most powerful street-legal supercar the Italian manufacturer has produced, buyers must fit in with the Ferrari brand.
      LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS

      That means that, to purchase one, they must previously have owned a Ferrari – with some reports claiming potential buyers won’t be considered unless they have had FIVE Ferraris in their life.
      Son’s black model does 0-60mph in 2.9 secs and boasts a 6.3-litre V12 engine, electrically assisted by the HY-KERS system to deliver a total power output of 950bhp, with a top speed of 227mph.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has one sitting at home as well.
      Audi R8 Coupe
      The South Korea star was spotted with ex-girlfriend Minah, a pop sensation in their native country, getting behind the wheel of his white R8 in 2014.
      Son is the proud owner of a sleek Audi R8Credit: Handout
      Starting at £112,520 for the most basic model, Son is almost certain to have added a few luxuries to his.
      The 5.2L V10 engine packs an almighty punch and the sleek design turns heads – if you’re quick enough to see it whizz past when it does 0-60mph in 3.2 secs.Maserati Levante
      Son is the proud owner of Maserati’s first SUV, which has a starting price of £60,000.
      But there’s a catch.
      The Spurs star poses with his Maserati Levante
      Son is so popular in his home country that he was actually given the model by the Italian manufacturer as a gift.
      A statement from Korea’s official Maserati importer said they gifted the ex-Leverkusen man the motor because it “might be the most matching vehicle to Son, who can play with delicacy and unstoppable power”.
      Hard to argue with that.
      Although it is not the only 4×4 Son has…Range Rover
      The staple of the Premier League footballers’ diet, Son would not miss out on the chance to land a Range Rover.
      He has done his up in a classy matte black finish – a custom touch that also sees the tailgate script, grille and side vents finished in gloss black.
      The Evoque model starts at around £31,000.
      Though Son’s version likely cost a lot more with the extras he has, which include red seats and red trim on the steering wheel.
      Son keeps up the traditions of Premier League footballers by owning a Range RoverCredit: The Sun
      Son waves from the front seat of his 4x4Credit: Instagram
      Bentley Continental GT
      Another favourite of footballers, Son forked out around £160,000 for this supercar.
      It comes packing a 6L twin-turbocharged W12 engine which sees it do 0-60mph in 4.3 secs and can reach 198mph top speed – which could come in handy when he’s running late for training.
      Son owns a Bentley Continental GT More