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    Portugal hero Goncalo Ramos is the heir to Ronaldo’s throne, is nicknamed ‘The Wizard’ and was linked to Man Utd

    AS entrances go, this is up there with some of the best.When Portugal coach Fernando Santos dropped Cristiano Ronaldo for the last-16 clash against Switzerland for 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos, it was a decision that could have backfired spectacularly.
    Goncalo Ramos announced himself on the big stage with his World Cup hat-trickCredit: Getty
    Ramos expertly chips in his third as Portugal run riot against SwitzerlandCredit: Rex
    But, with all the pressure on the young forward’s shoulders, he came to the fore – scoring a stunning hat-trick to banish the Swiss from Qatar in a commanding 6-1 win.
    Ramos was already seen as the heir to Ronaldo’s throne, and it was a performance that cemented that belief, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner looking on as his understudy drew the plaudits.
    The boy from the Algarve was destined to be a footballer, following in the footsteps of his dad Manuel who was capped twice by Portugal’s U21s.
    His rise at Benfica alongside Darwin Nunez was steady, but since the Uruguayan left for Liverpool that ascent has been more rapid.
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    Now the main man with the Lisbon giants, Manchester United are said to be keeping close tabs on Ramos – who ironically could step into Ronaldo’s shoes for club and country.
    Year of the Ram
    Ramos grew up in 0lhao, where he began his football dream at Olhanense in 2009.
    A spell at Loule led to Benfica snapping him up when he was just 12.
    It was in the 2020-21 season in their B team he began to shine – scoring 11 times in 12 games, which got the attention of then-coach Jorge Jesus.
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    Jesus gave him a start in the qualifying round of the Champions League against Spartak Moscow.
    But chances were few and far between, following the arrival of Roman Yaremchuk and the return of Nunez from injury.
    However, when interim manager Nelson Verissimo replaced Jesus in January 2022 – his luck was in.
    Verissimo was his coach for the B team and got the best out of the talent.
    And in the first team, it paid dividends. Ramos played regularly and contributed seven goals. His most memorable was in the 3-3 draw at Anfield against Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
    Already he had garnered a nickname. He was christened ‘The Wizard’ by fans.
    Former Benfica strike partners Darwin Nunez and Ramos catch up in QatarCredit: Reuters
    Ramos has exploded onto the scene at BenficaCredit: Getty
    He’s continued to fly
    Compared to Karim Benzema for his ability to bring others into play, Ramos is comfortable playing as a striker or second striker.
    He likes to drop deep and help his team build their attacks, and at 6ft1in tall has plenty of strength to hold off defenders.
    It’s this season under German manager Roger Schmidt, who has utilised Ramos as his front man, the goals have rained in.
    He scored his first career hat-trick against Midtjylland in a 4-1 win in the Champions League,
    In 21 games this campaign he has 14 goals. Benfica fans are right to ask the question, “Darwin who?’
    Last summer, Manchester United were one of the clubs targeting Ramos – who was then valued at £25million. You can imagine now that fee has doubled.
    His feet are being firmly kept on the ground by dad Manuel, who helped shape his football identity.
    Ramos Sr was a promising talent himself, and played twice for Portugal’s U21 side.
    However, he didn’t hit the heights his son already has – with Farense being the most famous club he played for.
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    At just 21, Ramos has been called the heir to Ronaldo’s throneCredit: Getty
    Supportive dad Manuel Ramos used to be a former player and has kept his son’s feet on the ground
    Man Utd were linked with hotshot Ramos last summerCredit: Getty
    But Manuel is a regular at the Estadio da Luz, watching from the stands as his son’s stock continues to rise.
    Maybe he will be watching him next at Old Trafford, not playing for Benfica, but turning out for the Red Devils in the near future. More

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    World Cup stars including England hero Bukayo Saka and Brazil winger Raphinha swear by personalised shin pads

    FORGET fancy boots, these footballers are customising to the finest detail by wearing unique shin pads.Stars from countries including England, Spain, Germany and more are wearing guards that feature images of their Wags, families, dedications to their clubs and even themselves.
    Bukayo Saka’s love for Arsenal shines through with his shin padsCredit: Getty
    In the past, we’ve seen Cristiano Ronaldo wear shin pads with pictures of him and Georgina Rodriguez on in a major tournament.
    And like CR7, these stars are no different.
    Bukayo Saka
    Arsenal is England winger’s Saka’s first love, clearly.
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    The Three Lions star, who boasts three goals in the World Cup, has his club crest on his shin pads.
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    On top of that is his squad number – “7” – for all his team-mates to see.
    The Spurs contingent of Harry Kane and Eric Dier won’t want to see them, though.
    Just imagine the bragging rights.

    Raphinha
    As the camera panned to the bench during Brazil’s game against Cameroon, we caught a glimpse of the Barcelona star’s shinnies.
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    And a fetching set they were. They featured Raphinha’s image on the them – wearing his country’s famous yellow jersey.
    Transate (loosely) what’s written on the top of them and they say, “Bring the Cup home”.
    Raphinha’s shin pads feature a World Cup vowCredit: Alamy
    Antonio Rudiger
    Germany didn’t have the best of World Cups – getting eliminated in the group stages.
    So, Rudiger didn’t get long to sport his custom pads.
    They are symbolic of his play – as a defender – with a clenched fist punching the air alongside his signature.
    A punching fist is seen on Antonio Rudiger’s shin guardsCredit: Getty
    Koke
    For the Spain and Atletico Madrid star, Koke’s club and family are his life.
    His shin pads represent both – with images of his family, saluting the crowd at the Wanda Metropolitano and more emblazoned on them.
    Should Spain win the World Cup he will have more more memories to etch on them.
    Koke’s family and success at Atletico Madrid are pictured on his shin padsCredit: Getty
    Youssoufa Moukoko
    The 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund wonderkid made just one sub appearance at the World Cup, before the Germans departed.
    But, with his talent, you get the feeling he will be around for many more.
    Moukoko dons the famous yellow and black of Dortmund, with an image of himself on his shin pads. There’s also a touching message to his mother.
    Youssoufa Moukoko gives a shout out to his ‘mama’Credit: Getty
    Dani Carvajal
    Full back Carvajal has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success.
    It’s no wonder then that he has several images representing Los Blancos on his shin guards.
    His surname is also blasted across the middle in a futuristic-looking font.
    Club man Dani Carvajal shows his loyalty to Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Gareth Bale
    Wales legend Bale likes to keep it simple with his shin pads.
    There’s no fancy graphics or imagery. Simply, he has the Welsh flag on the middle.
    Below that, you’ll find his initials and number.
    Gareth Bale keeps it simple with his country’s flag, his initials and squad numberCredit: Getty
    Kevin Trapp
    When you are married to one of the most beautiful women in the world, you would want to show that off.
    Former Victoria’s Secret supermodel Izabel Goulart features in a clench with German keeper Trapp on his specially designed guards.
    There is absolutely no reference to football on there whatsoever.
    Kevin Trapp shows of glam wife super model Izabel GoulartCredit: Getty
    Gaku Shibasaki
    Japan is synonymous with anime – which draws scores of fans.
    Shibasaki is clearly a fan, judging by what he was wearing ahead of a match against Costa Rica.
    His featured himself, dressed up as a samurai in anime form.
    Gaku Shibasaki is immortalised as a Japanese anime samuraiCredit: Getty
    Karim Adeyemi
    German youngster Adeyemi is also a fan of Japanese anime.
    His favourite show is Dragon Ball Z, with characters from that drawn on to his shin pads.
    In the past, we’ve seen other footballers in love with the cartoon including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has some Dragon Ball Z tattoos.
    Karim Adeyemi is also a fan of Japanese anime, with this dedication to Dragon Ball ZCredit: Getty
    Pablo Sarabia
    The PSG winger has got all sentimental with his shin pads.
    Family means the world to him, as well as his girlfriend Carmen who is featured holding his hand as they walk into the sunset.
    Other family members and their names are also adorned on the shin pads.
    Family man Pablo Sarabia dedicates his shin pads to family and girlfriend CarmenCredit: Getty
    Pedro Miguel
    Qatar defender Miguel was born in Portugal, hence what is written on his shin pads.
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    Translated from Portuguese, “fe em deus” is roughly translated as faith in god in English.
    An image underneath it features Miguel pointing up towards the message or the sky, showing he’s a religious man.
    Religious Pedro Miguel of Qatar puts his faith in godCredit: Getty More

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    France’s World Cup Wags ahead of England clash include high-school sweetheart, qualified lawyer and tattoo parlour owner

    SHOUTING ‘Allez Les Bleus’ to the top of the lungs will be France’s Wags, when they face England in the World Cup quarter-final.Didier Deschamps took his side to the top of Group D – with the French seeing off Poland in the last 16.
    France’s Wags include stunning Alicia AyliesCredit: Getty
    Former Miss France Aylies is the girlfriend of Kylian Mbappe
    And joining the stars of the national team at the Al Bayt Stadium when they take on the Three Lions for a place in the final four will be their stunning wives and partners.
    From a qualified lawyer to a tattoo parlour, these women will be getting behind their men.
    Alicia Aylies
    Beautiful 23-year-old Alicia is the long-term girlfriend PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.
    They reportedly began dating in 2018, and she was spotted in the stands cheering the forward on at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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    Alicia is a model, who won Miss France.
    As a couple, Mbappe and the beauty prefer to keep their romance private.

    Camille Tytgat
    Raphael Varane’s wife Camille is a law graduate from Lille.
    She married the Man Utd defender in 2015, although the pair were high-school sweethearts.
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    The pair have two children together, a boy called Ruben and a girl named Anais.
    Camille, 28, is also a World Cup veteran, having watched her other half in Russia four years ago.
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    Raphael Varane’s wife Camille Tytgat was spotted at the 2018 World Cup in RussiaCredit: AFP
    Qualified lawyer Tytgat is the mother of two children, Ruben and Anais
    Zoe Cristofoli
    Tattoo lover Cristofoli, 26, is the girlfriend of AC Milan star Theo Hernandez.
    She and the defender share a son called TJ.
    The stunner has a love of ink, with her body a canvas for it.
    While she also runs her own parlour Ink Studio Lagrange in Turin.
    Zoe Cristofoli runs her own tattoo parlour in TurinCredit: Instagram @zoe_cristofoli
    Cristofoli dates Theo Hernandez
    Erika Choperena
    Erika, 31, is a child psychologist and wife of Antoine Griezmann.
    The pair were together for six years, before they finally married in an amazing ceremony at the 11th Century Palacio de Galiana in Toledo, Spain in 2017.
    She also runs her own clothing label for kids called Duzama.
    They have three children together, Amaro, Mia, and Alba.
    Erika Choperena runs her own kids’ fashion label
    Antoine Griezmann with wife Erika
    Marine Lloris
    Another children’s fashion designer, Marine owns the clothing label, Manege en Sucre.
    She boasts customers including Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria – who shop for their kids with the luxury brand.
    The 36-year-old has been married to Tottenham shot-stopper Hugo Lloris since 2012.
    The elegant brunette is also a mother of two daughters, Anna-Rose, Giuliana and Leandro.
    Marine Lloris also has a clothing label that’s worn by the kids of Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria
    Hugo Lloris has been married to Marine since 2012
    Mae Guendouzi
    22-year-old Mae is the wife of former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi.
    They went public in 2019 when he played for the Gunners, and have been inseparable ever since.
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    Last year they welcomed baby girl Mayleen into their lives.
    They live in Marseille, where Matteo is now making a name for himself.
    22-year-old Mae Guendouzi is another glam French WagCredit: Instagram @rfskmae
    Mae with husband Matteo Guendouzi More

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    Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol melted hearts hugging his mum in the stands after Belgium game and is called ‘Little Pep’

    CHELSEA and Liverpool transfer target Josko Gvardiol appears as uncompromising a defender as they come – sporting a brutish facial mask to protect a broken nose suffered before the World Cup.Flying into a last-ditch tackle to thwart Romelu Lukaku, as his country knocked out Belgium in the group stages he showed his courage and tenacity on the pitch – with the interception as good a moment you’ll see in Qatar.
    Battle-hardened Josko Gvardiol has been Croatia’s standout star in the World CupCredit: Getty
    An emotional Gvardiol hugs his mum in the stands
    A goal-saving last-ditch tackle against Belgium on Romelu Lukaku has been one of the great moments of the World CupCredit: EPA
    However, an unmasked Gvardiol, who is just 20, dropped his battled-hardened demeanour when Croatia sealed qualification for the knockout stages.
    He ran to the stands to greet his mum, and while tears streamed down his face gave her the biggest of hugs.
    The heart-warming moment was even addressed by Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic in a press conference, who revealed it was “a true image” of his team.
    “When I saw this photo, it warmed my heart,” he said.
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    “And that’s why Josko is one of the best defenders in the world. You can’t be a good fighter if you’re not complete as a person, if you don’t have all the feelings.
    “I congratulate his mother for raising such a son. Such a man who is a top footballer and at the same time a modest man is the result of upbringing and faith.
    “It is very important. Such values are very important to us, and I also represent them.”

    From Croatia to Germany
    Gvardiol caught the footballing bug when he was just 7.
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    His dad, an amateur player, took him to NK Tresnjevka where his passion for the game and determination saw him move to Dinamo Zagreb just three years later.
    He learned how to defend, though, playing further forward.
    “I played as a striker as a child and that helps me to know the movements of the strikers,” he revealed.
    Gvardiol began to stand out for the Croatian giants during the 2018-19 season, helping the club reach the UEFA Youth League quarter-finals. They were knocked out on penalties by Chelsea, but scouts were aware of his special talent.
    A year later and he had broken into Dinamo’s first team, helping the club clinch the league title.
    By 2021, RB Leipzig – a group known for developing youngsters – splashed the cash to bring Gvardiol to the Bundesliga.
    Upon signing, Gvardiol insisted: “I’m very happy to be able to make this step to RB Leipzig. The club is among the best in Europe and has a very clear style of play.
    “As a young player, it was important for me to come to a club that can help me take the next step in my career.
    “That is exactly what RB Leipzig is all about. The club has shown several times how players can develop and improve here.”
    The deal worth £18million, plus £7million in add-ons, now looks a steal – with reports suggesting clubs are going to have to pay a fee in the region of £80million.
    That’s after just one and half seasons in Germany, where the left-footed centre back has already established himself as one of the best defenders of his generation – just 66 games into his career in Saxony.
    Gvardiol launches into a tackle for Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Youth LeagueCredit: Getty
    Versatile Gvardiol moved to Leipzig in 2021 for a fee of £25mCredit: Getty
    ‘Little Pep’
    Gvardiol has been likened to Real Madrid star David Alaba in style because he’s left-footed and is equally as dominant playing at full-back, as he is at centre back or in midfield.
    On occasion, he has played further forward and shouldn’t just considered a stopper.
    Amusingly, he is nicknamed ‘Little Pep’, after Man City manager Pep Guardiola.
    But he’s not the sort of deep-lying playmaker the Barcelona legend was known as.
    The similarities are simply because the names sound similar.
    Highly-coveted
    Nickname aside, Pep is said to be a big fan.
    Manchester City were linked with him, until they switched their sights to a cheaper alternative in Manuel Akanji.
    Liverpool, Chelsea, and now Tottenham are all reportedly in the hunt for his services.
    “Everyone is talking about this boy,” former Bayern and Croatian legend Ivica Olic said.
    “All the top clubs in Europe know him. Gvardiol is an extraordinary talent.
    “He can play great long balls, is a fine technician and is physically very strong.”
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    Gvardiol has been nicknamed ‘Little Pep’Credit: Reuters
    Europe’s top clubs are all willing to pay big money for GvardiolCredit: Getty
    Starring in Qatar has done Gvardiol no harm in raising his profile further more on the world stage.
    Should he take Croatia further than the last-16, expect that price-tag to continue to rise. More

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    Senegal hero Kalidou Koulibaly’s kind acts, from giving coats to the homeless to buying ambulances in his homeland

    SENEGAL’S World Cup hero Kalidou Koulibaly knows a few things about life’s struggle.Born in the French commune Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, some 50 miles southeast of Nancy to African parents who migrated from Senegal, he understood the challenges faced by those in less privileged positions.
    Kalidou Koulibaly has been instrumental to Senegal’s success at the World CupCredit: Getty
    Koulibaly has starred for Chelsea since signing in the summerCredit: Getty
    Koulibaly arrives in his Porsche to hand out coats to the homeless in Naples
    That has encouraged the giant centre-back, nicknamed ‘The Wall’, to never forget his roots and give back when he can.
    His acts of kindness know no bounds, as he put his hard-earned salary to use to help others.
    Buying coats for the homeless
    Salvatore Falco, head of media relations at Arci Mediterraneo, recently revealed he reached out to Koulibaly for his assistance.

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    The charity Falco works for helps migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Naples – a subject close to the ex-Napoli star’s heart and part of his DNA.
    He had already heard of Koulibaly’s incredible generosity through the local media.
    One tale told how he personally handed out coats to the homeless during the winter.
    Another story goes that he bumped into a stray boy in a supermarket car park and gave him a £500 note.
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    While in 2019, when a 12-year-old boy from Senegal was flown to Naples for reconstructive surgery after suffering terrible burns, Koulibaly made sure he was at the hospital to see him through.
    In honour of his charity work, Arci Mediterraneo saluted the local hero, along with his former team-mate Fauzi Ghulam, with the Social Impact Award.
    Koulibaly wasn’t done there. Doing more than fulfilling the usual meet and greet requests, he answered questions from the group about his own experiences and what Arci Mediterraneo offers.
    As well as helping migrants learn the language and what trades they can get into, it also has a football team.
    After inspecting the charity’s facilities, Koulibaly’s first act was to donate training tops, balls and bags.
    Better still, he visited the players to meet them on International Migrants’ Day last December. Like him, many were from Senegal and had their own dreams of football stardom.
    And, at a time when he had suffered racial abuse from rival fans in Serie A, he wanted to address the group with an important message.
    A rousing speech from a leader
    The Athletic managed to get a transcript of a speech he delivered to the football team that day.
    “I don’t speak much in public,” he said.
    Koulibaly was given an award for his charity work by Arci MediterraneoCredit: Instagram
    Giant defender Koulibaly gave Arci Mediterraneo’s football team a rousing speechCredit: Instagram
    “I’m more of a fact-finder. I can say that you (the team) are stronger than us (professional football players) because at our level we do not experience the same problems as you.
    “We have experienced racism, but not as much as you have, because you don’t have the power to make your voice heard and heard like we do.
    “We can go on TV. We’re more fortunate because if we’re victims of racist violence, I’ll be on TV and it’ll be shown 10 times more, I’m well known.
    “You don’t have the same strength as me. That’s why I spoke out against the discrimination you are going through.
    “I will use my voice to speak for you, because if you don’t have a voice, it is my duty to speak, it is my right.
    “I don’t care about myself. It hurts when I am the victim of racist abuse, of course.
    “But the people who don’t have a voice, who don’t listen… they are insulted, nobody says anything about it.
    “Instead tell them, ‘Come on, don’t cry about it. It could be worse.” What could be worse? It could be worse for me, true.
    “But I don’t think it could get any worse for these kids. They’ve been on a much tougher journey than me and I know quite a bit about it.
    “My African friends have been through the same thing, but this is a journey that none of us could have imagined.
    “Their stories have to be heard to be believed. I have friends who try. I didn’t because my parents moved to France. They moved to work. It was easier for them.
    “But these guys who had to run away from something or come here dreaming of a life like ours, honestly, I’m amazed.
    “I admire them because they took a path that I could not have imagined.
    “I was lucky to go to school. My parents gave me a good start in life. I am not from a rich family.
    “It was just what I needed and I thank them for it. So I will fight for these children who did not have my vote.
    “I hope the team continues to do well, I hope the team changes over time. What do I mean by change?
    “I mean, some players are hoping to go on to bigger and better things than they are today. I wish them all the best in life because they are part of the community that I am a part of.”
    He left on one final note. “I won’t let you out of my sight, I want to know how things are going.”
    Never forgot his roots
    Although he was born in France, Koulibaly roots are firmly planted in Senegal – a country he represents internationally.
    Back in 2021, he celebrated his 30th birthday by donating two ambulances and medical equipment to hospitals to the African country.
    Koulibaly often visits Senegal and is a hero to the people thereCredit: Instagram @kkoulibaly26
    Last year Koulibaly donated this ambulance to a Senegal hospital
    According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia, Koulibaly paid for a number of items to be shipped to Senegal from the port of Naples.
    Among those included two ambulances, hospital gowns, stretchers, personal protective equipment and thousands of protective masks.
    It’s moments like this that have made him an inspiration for his fans.
    One messaged on Twitter: “We are proud of you. I love people who never forget their origin and culture. This is how self-respect is earned.”
    Another remarked: “You are a great man, a great player. Your heart is huge.”
    Humble origins
    Koulibaly’s selfless nature has a lot to do with his upbringing in France.
    He grew up playing football and honing his skills on pitches – with stones for goalposts.
    Childhood friend Mohamodou Ndiaye has happy memories of their makeshift turf in Saint-Die, an industrial town in north east France.
    Koulibaly (second from right, middle row) grew up playing with stones for goalposts
    Koulibaly visiting Saint-Die alongside childhood friend Ndiaye
    Ndiaye told SunSport: “Kalidou and I have known each other since we were five or so.
    “We always used to play football after school on concrete. If you fell over, it hurt but after a while you got used to it.
    “Behind his house we created a pitch with big stones to make the goals.
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    “Later Kalidou was the class representative at school. He made a request to have proper goals on the playground and we got them.”
    Like a true captain, Kouliabaly has led all his life. Expect the same courageousness when Senegal take on the Three Lions on Sunday. More

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    Szczesny’s career almost ended when he broke BOTH arms in freak gym accident, before becoming Poland’s World Cup hero

    POLAND hero Wojciech Szczesny has been his country’s star performer at the World Cup.The former Arsenal No1 pulled off a stunning double save to thwart Saudi Arabia, first from the penalty spot, and then from close range.
    Wojciech Szczesny has been Poland’s hero at the World CupCredit: Getty
    Szczesny saves Lionel Messi’s penaltyCredit: Rex
    A young Szczesny hones his skills in his homeland
    He followed that up by keeping Lionel Messi out from 12 yards with another incredible spot-kick stop, as Poland qualified for the last-16.
    Amusingly, he lost a €100 bet to the little Argentinian over whether the penalty would be overturned by VAR.
    But his career could have been over before it had started, following a training ground incident that left his career hanging by a thread.
    In a freak accident in the gym, Szczesny broke BOTH arms after slipping during a weightlifting exercise when he was just 17.
    That didn’t stop the youngster from breaking into Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal team and establishing himself as first-choice goalkeeper at 20.
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    Despite falling out of favour in North London, when he was caught smoking in the changing rooms following a defeat, he rebuilt his career in Serie A at Juventus.
    Outside of football, the outspoken footballer, now a more mature 32, is a family man – married to stunning pop star Marina Luczenko.
    Born to be between the sticks
    Poland has always had a history of mad goalkeepers – check Jan Tomaszewski to the more recent Artur Boruc.
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    Szczesny is in that mould. His dad Maciej was also a famous keeper and was capped seven times by his country.
    As an athletic kid growing up in Warsaw, his first love, surprisingly, wasn’t sport.
    Somewhat apologetically, he admitted he enjoyed ballroom dancing in his early years.
    “I’m a little embarrassed to talk about it now but the very first sport that I did, if you can call it sport, was ballroom dancing,” he told The Guardian in 2011.
    A young Szczesny (first from the right in the front row) pictured with Lukasz Fabianski (first from the left on the front row) was taught his skills by legendary coach Krzysztof Dowhan
    His dad Maciej Szczesny played for Legia Warsaw and PolandCredit: PA
    “I was aged seven to nine or 10. I was tall and so I think I was a little bit stiff but I was getting the movements and everything.”
    At school, Szczesny excelled at the javelin. But it was football that would soon become his priority.
    Under the tutorage of legendary goalkeeping coach Krzysztof Dowhan, who worked with his dad, he rose through the ranks at Legia Warsaw, making his debut between the sticks aged just 15.
    Bigger things were just round the corner.
    North London calling
    In 2006, the promising youngster moved to Arsenal – where he was promoted to the reserve team for the 2008-09 season.
    However, a horrific and fluke injury threatened his progress.
    While lifting weights at the club’s the training ground, he lost his footing and broke both his arms. It left the teen sidelined for four months during a crucial period in his development.
    “I was in the gym doing squats when I lost my balance and the weight fell on my hands and broke both of them,” he recalled.
    “It was a little bit bizarre. There was ­actually a few people in the gym at the same time and they said they were about to laugh before they realised my arms were not quite straight!”
    Despite the setback, Szczesny was not going to let that stop him from breaking into Arsenal’s first eleven.
    After suffering injury heartbreak, Szczesny became a first team regular aged just 20Credit: AP:Associated Press
    Rise
    After a successful loan at Brentford in the 2009-10 season, Szczesny found himself fighting Manuel Almunia and fellow Pole Lukasz Fabianski for the goalie’s jersey at the Emirates.
    He made his debut in a 1-0 loss to Manchester United, accrediting himself well in the narrow defeat.
    After a run of games and clean sheets, Wenger made him first choice – insisting, “he’s done nothing for me to take him out.”
    There was a blip – a combined error with Laurent Koscielny that allowed Obafemi Martins to tap into an empty net and win the League Cup final for Birmingham City.
    But, Arsenal appeared to have found a save pair of hands for the years to come.
    The 2013-14 season was Szczesny’s best in North London.
    Not only did he share the Golden Glove award with Petr Cech for most clean sheets, he also won his first piece of silverware – the FA Cup.
    The following season, as is the case with many young players, a dip in form contributed towards his downfall.
    Szczesny cuts a glum figure after his error cost Arsenal the League CupCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Demise
    In what was probably his worst performance in an Arsenal shirt, Szczesny had a mare during an away day at Southampton.
    Two errors led to a 2-0 defeat, and the Gunners were soundly beaten by the Saints at St Mary’s.
    What happened next cost him his future at the club.
    Upset after the game, he hid in the dressing room shower and lit up a cigarette.
    “Back at that time I was smoking regularly and the boss knew it very well,” he told Arsenal podcast In Lockdown.
    “He just didn’t want anybody smoking in the dressing rooms and I knew that also. 
    “Because of the emotion of the game, I had a cigarette after the game when the team was still in. I went in the corner of the showers, so it was at the other end of the dressing room and nobody could see me, and I lit one up. 
    “Somebody saw me, it wasn’t even the boss himself, and just reported it back to the boss. I saw him a couple of days later, he asked me if that was true and I said, ‘Yes’. He fined me and that was the end of it. 
    Arsene Wenger ruthlessly dropped Szczesny after he was caught smoking in the dressing room showersCredit: Getty – Contributor
    “He then said, ‘Look, you’re going to be out of the team for a little bit’ but there was no big bust-ups or big confrontations. I was very professional about it. ”
    Szczesny was replaced by David Ospina for the rest of the season, but was selected to play in the 2015 FA Cup final – a 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa. It would be his last appearance for the club.
    Redemption in Italy
    When Arsenal signed Cech in preseason, it was the signal Szczesny needed to move on.
    He embarked on a two-year loan deal to Roma, where in his second season he kept Brazil’s Alisson out the side.
    The 6f5in goalie also kept the most clean sheets in Serie A (14) as Roma secured their highest ever points total (87), finishing second in the league.
    In 2017, still on Arsenal’s books, Juventus agreed to pay £10million for his services – seeing him as a successor to Gianluigi Buffon. And they weren’t wrong.
    Szczesny found redemption in Italy, first with RomaCredit: Reuters
    After moving to Juventus, Szczesny established himself as their No1Credit: Getty
    Szczesny ousted the Italian legend in his first year at the Old Lady – winning the scudetto in his debut season.
    That was followed by two more consecutive title wins, as he firmly established himself as Juve’s No1.
    Family guy
    Keeping his feet firmly on the ground are his family, mainly pop star wife Marina Luczenko.
    He has admitted in the past it was love at first sight.
    “I saw a picture of Marina on the Internet. I really liked her, I was wondering how to get her phone number. Somehow I managed to do it. But I had to fight for her a bit. I don’t hide it,” he told Polish fashion magazine Viva!
    They tied the knot in 2015, after dating for two years. Three years later, they welcomed their son Liam into the world.
    Both Marina and Luczenko haven’t made the trip to Qatar, but they are cheering Szczesny on from afar.
    The four year-old might even follow in his dad’s footsteps – opening up the possibility of three generations of Szczesnys playing for Poland.
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    Luczenko and Szczesny married in 2015
    “He knows everything. He’s so interested in football. Liam’s first steps were to the ball,” Marina told Party.pl.
    First, he must learn from his dad as Poland’s World Cup campaign continues when they play France on Sunday. More

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    Meet World Cup pundit Alan Shearer’s stunning daughter Hollie, who is dating England rugby star, and is a singer

    BBC World Cup pundit Alan Shearer is in danger of being outshone by someone else in his family.Shearer’s daughter Hollie, 27, has become a famous face in her own right.
    Hollie Shearer is the glam daughter of Newcastle legend and World Cup pundit Alan Shearer
    Hollie, 27, has become a celebrity in her own right
    Hollie boasts almost 70,000 followers on Instagram
    Hollie cuts an elegant figure in a stunning red dress
    While her dad is on World Cup duty in Qatar with the BBC, the stunning blonde has been sharing her glam life.
    On Tuesday night, as England beat Wales, the wannabe singer dressed up in a stunning red dress for a dinner date and posted an image online.
    Hollie has become quite the favourite on social media – amassing almost 70,000 followers on Instagram.
    Pictures showing off her amazing bikini body, predictably, score thousands of likes, as well as romantic snaps with England rugby star Joe Marchant show she’s happily in a relationship.
    But Hollie has bigger aspirations. She would love to live in Nashville and perform in the city better known as Music City.
    Singer/songwriter
    read more world cup news
    On Insta, Hollie describes herself as a singer/songwriter.
    And she shares several clips of songs she has written, as well as videos of her own live performances.
    Last May, she released her first track Love You Better and records just over 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
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    Hollie’s 2020 single Leave Right Now has been streamed 516,000 times.
    Her music is a big hit with fellow Geordies Ant and Dec, who gave it the stamp of approval on Instagram.
    On her song Love You Better, Dec said: “Love it! Nice work Hol! Dx.”
    Back in August, she showcased her talents at the Spice of Life jazz club – in the heart of London’s Soho.
    On her song Love You Better, Dec said: “Love it! Nice work Hol! Dx.”
    Then in September, she uploaded an incredible cover of Lewis Capaldi’s hit Forget Me.
    Hollie is desperate to perform in the city that lives and breaths music – Nashville, Tennessee.
    She writes on Insta bio: “Just A Girl Wishing She Lived In Nashville.”
    Singer Hollie dreams of living in Nashville, Tennessee
    Father and daughter; Alan with Hollie Shearer
    Bikini babe
    When Hollie isn’t singing for her supper, she’s often seen on a glam retreat.
    Only in September, the gorgeous influencer showed off some holiday snaps in sunny Barbados.
    Wearing a revealing bikini, Hollie wasn’t afraid to show off her enviable figure.
    She also channeled her inner sailor – hiring a boat for the day.
    Bikini babe Hollie shows off her enviable figure
    On a trip to Barbados Hollie hired a boat
    Lavish breaks away are the norm for Hollie
    Hollie rocks another fetching bikini
    Two months previously, Hollie also enjoyed a romantic getaway with boyfriend Marchant in Faro.
    She shared a snap on the beach giving him a kiss. She captioned the pic: “Love you.”
    Famous lover
    In April, Hollie confirmed she was dating Harlequins centre Marchant, 26.
    However, the rugby star had appeared on her Instagram feed a month prior on a trip to Dubai.
    Read More on The Sun
    Rugby star Joe Marchant and Hollie Shearer went public with their romance in AprilCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hollieshearer/
    Marchant and Shearer enjoyed a break in Faro, Portugal
    He has appeared 15 times for England, since making his debut in 2019 in a World Cup warm-up match against Wales.
    Clearly best pals and travel buddies, Marchant and Hollie even went to Burning Man Project – wearing flamboyant outfits. More

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    Inside heavyweight Tyson Fury’s six meal a day diet featuring CURRY which helped body transformation before Wilder fight

    TYSON FURY’S phenomenal body transformation before he fought Deontay Wilder was down to a diet of six meals a day – including a wholesome CURRY.The WBC champ, 34, lost an incredible 10st before his first fight with the Bronze Bomber back in 2018.

    Apple cranberry stuffed porkloin, with butternut squash, quinoa, walnuts, and spinach is a favourite for dinnerCredit: Instagram
    George Lockhart flew over to the UK to help Fury again
    Tyson Fury still gets his intake of meat and fish – but it’s cooked to perfectionCredit: Instagram
    The nutritionist even makes cauliflower look appetisingCredit: Instagram
    Fury, who faces Derek Chisora in a trilogy fight on Saturday after defeating Dillian Whyte in April, got in shape with his diet after snapping up UFC chef and Conor McGregor nutritionist George Lockhart.
    And Lockhart even took to Instagram to reveal he was flying back to the UK to help Fury back in 2020.
    Along with a picture of his British Airways ticket, he wrote: “Here we go again!!!! #tysonfury #lockhartandleith #cookingforthechamp #ufc #weightcut #takingover”
    Naturally-gifted 6ft 9in Fury has used to appear as though he played fast and loose with the science of the sport.
    Friend and camp manager Timothy Allcock was also his personal cook ahead of his first fight against Wilder in December 2018 and peanut butter chicken was on the menu almost every night.
    Fighting man Fury showed little interest in the diet fads and micro meals that come in and out of fashion among fighters and celebrities.
    But he has handed over the pots and pans to former US marine and MMA fighter Lockhart to get in shape – and stay there.
    Lockhart makes salmon cakes with spicy jalapenos, coriander and Greek yogurt dressing for Fury.
    The heavyweight boxer is encouraged to wolf down Dijon,maple syrup, and greek yogurt dip with flaxseed lavish, black bean brown basmati puree, spinach, lemon juice, wrapped and seared with prosciuttoCredit: Instagram
    Tyson Fury has previously hired in his own artisan butcher to load up on meat before fights
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    The expert cook even managed to make brussel sprouts look appetising in one social media post.
    Fury’s tastebuds would have been left tingling by Sriracha honey salmon laid out on a bed of quinoa and Greek rice and skewered chicken with tzatziki sauce was probably a big hit for the fighter.
    Team Fury were purring over a dish of strawberry and mango salsa with tomato and cilantro rice and chilli bean shrimp patty.
    And the once 28st food lover was allowed to pig out on a stunning pork dish of apple and cranberry stuffed loin with butternut squash, quinoa, walnuts, and spinach and topped with a citrus avocado vinaigrette.
    With Fury’s intense training leading to a calorie deficit, he would have been boosted by a meaty serving of dijon maple syrup seared wild salmon with rosemary, garlic, roasted sweet potatoes, and tomato, spinach and bean chilli.
    Lockhart even manages to make cauliflower appetising by jazzing it up with hummus patties with cilantro lime shrimp and rice, with macadamia nut, avocado, cilantro, lime sauce.
    And Fury might be able to deal with his next opponent a little easier after scoffing a healthy version of sausages.
    The Morecambe-based man had apple and chicken sausage with sweet potatoes, spinach quinoa, cooked in chicken broth with a side of baked kale chips and avocado.
    Even Fury’s favourite, a curry, makes the list, with Lockhart keen to make sure the boxer gets his red meat intake just right.
    Sriracha honey salmon is on the menu for the Gypsy KingCredit: Instagram More