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      in Soccer

      Biggest release clauses in football as Gavi becomes fifth player protected by one BILLION Euros loophole

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      FOOTBALL clubs today will do anything to keep hold of their prized possessions.So they hand their stars huge contracts with hefty release clauses inserted in them to put off any potential buyers and/or get a massive transfer fee.
      Former Chelsea star Andreas Christensen has an instant £430MILLION release clause in his contract at new club BarcelonaCredit: PA
      But who would be the most costliest?
      It certainly isn’t Andreas Christensen the Barcelona new boy who has had a whopping £430million release clause slapped onto that deal. He doesn’t even feature in the top ten!
      10. Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid, £641m
      The Spanish midfielder, 22, spent his youth career at Malaga and then Manchester City, who he made his debut for in 2016.
      But, with competition for places fierce, Diaz was bought by Real Madrid for £16m.
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      However, he’s flattered to deceive and his £641m release clause certainly doesn’t appear to be justified.
      The last two seasons have been spent on loan at AC Milan, where he just won Serie A.
      Real Madrid flop Brahim Diaz has been with AC Milan on loan, but they won’t pay his release clauseCredit: Getty
      9. Luka Modric, Real Madrid, £641m
      The former Ballon d’Or winner is getting on a bit at 36, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone willing to pay £641m for his services – despite his quality.
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      Modric has committed his future to the club, recently signing a one-year extension.
      The Croatian legend is a proven winner – having lifted the Champions League trophy five times.
      Serial winner Luka Modric recently extended his stay at the Bernabeu until next yearCredit: Getty
      8. Federico Valverde, Real Madrid, £641m
      A key man in the middle of the park for the LaLiga giants, the Uruguayan’s worth is obvious to Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
      Mind you, £641m for a tough-tackling defensive midfielder would be an extortionate amount to pay.
      An extension he signed in 2021 will keep him at the club until 2027, when the 23-year-old’s release clause might just rise.
      Federico Valverde has become one of the first names on the team sheet at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      7. Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona, £685m
      The French forward’s future is up in the air, as is the fee that could be paid for him.
      Barcelona loaned Griezmann out on a two-year deal to former club Atletico Madrid, who have a £34m option to make the move permanent for the 31-year-old next summer.
      That’s far less than the £685m release clause Barca insisted upon in his contract, when they signed him from Atletico for £108m in 2019.
      Antoine Griezmann has been on loan at Atletico Madrid, who have an agreement to buy with Barcelona for far less than his release clauseCredit: Getty
      6. David Alaba, Real Madrid, £726m
      The Spanish champions snapped up Alaba in 2021 on a free transfer – giving the 30-year-old a five-year contract worth around £17m a season.
      They then protected their investment by slapping a £726m clause in the deal, that doesn’t expire until 2026.
      Previously with Bayern Munich, Alaba enjoyed a successful first season with the club – winning LaLiga and the Champions League.
      David Alaba could cost as much as £726m, according to his release clauseCredit: Getty
      5. Ronald Araujo, Barcelona, £846m
      The future of Uruguayan defender Araujo, 23, was anyone’s guess until this summer, when he finally penned a new deal with the Catalans.
      Astonishingly, they insisted on a £846m release clause that deterred interested parties, including Liverpool, Man City and Man Utd.
      “FC Barcelona and the player Ronald Araujo have reached an agreement to renew his contract until 30 June 2026. The buyout clause stipulated is set at €1bn,” the club revealed.
      Ronald Araujo was a Premier League target until penning a new deal at the Camp NouCredit: Getty
      4. Karim Benzema, Real Madrid, £846m
      Arguably the best player in the world right now, Benzema signed a new deal with Real Madrid in 2021 that will see him stay at the Bernabeu until 2023, when he will be 35.
      But, if he’s still scoring like he is at the moment – at the rate of 44 goals a season in a Double-winning campaign – that will surely be extended again.
      Will it dwarf the £846m current release fee? Don’t bet against it.
      Karim Benzema has a whopping £846m release clause in his deal that expires next yearCredit: Getty
      3. Pedri, Barcelona, £846m
      The future is bright for Barcelona, who recently tied up teen superstar Gavi with a £86m release clause in his deal.
      Before that, it was Pedri who inked an astonishing contract last year at just 18 – that will keep him at the club until 2026.
      That is, unless, someone wants to pay £846million to buy him.
      Seeing he’s on a reported £38,000-per-week, you could say Barcelona are winning the club versus player battle.
      Barcelona wonderkid Pedri is one of the most talented youngsters in the gameCredit: Getty
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      2. Ansu Fati, Barcelona, £846m
      In 2021, the jewel of Barcelona’s La Masia academy – Fati – agreed a mega six-year contract.
      Like Pedri, he became the second player at the club to have a ridiculously inflated price tag put on his head.
      However, he’s struggled for injuries ever since – after inheriting Lionel Messi’s No10 shirt.
      Considered one of the best young players in the world, at 19 he has the world at his feet.
      Ansu Fati has struggled for form since signing his mega six-year contract with a staggering £846m release clauseCredit: Getty
      1. Gavi, Barcelona, £846m
      The 18-year-old wonderkid joined Barcelona team-mates Pedri, Fati and Araujo to become the lastest star with a €1billion buyout clause after signing a new four-year deal.
      Barca were keen to insert a massive release clause in his contract after the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool showed interest.
      All three clubs wanted to take advantage of Gavi’s previous buyout clause which was just £42m.
      Gavi joins Fati, Aruajo and Pedri in boasting a €1billion release clauseCredit: Getty More

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      Bayern Munich wonderkid Mathys Tel is the youngest goalscorer for club in Bundesliga history and broke a French record

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      WHAT a way to announce yourself on the big stage.Last weekend, at the tender age of just 17 years and 136 days, Bayern Munich wonderkid Mathys Tel became the youngest goalscorer in the club’s Bundesliga history.
      French wonderkid Mathys Tel celebrates after his opening goal against StuttgartCredit: AP
      Tel’s strike made history – making him Bayern’s youngest ever Bundesliga scorerCredit: Getty
      His strike against Stuttgart came just 10 days after he scored in the 5-0 rout of Viktoria Koln in the DFB Pokal – again becoming the youngest player to find the net in a competitive match.
      Tel moved to the Bavarians in July for a staggering £26million from French club Rennes, after he played just 49 MINUTES in Ligue 1.
      Exploding on the scene
      A former youth academy at Paris FC, Tel began his professional career at Rennes.
      After starring in the youth teams, he was fast-tracked to their B team, where he scored six goals in as many games.
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      Frighteningly quick, a lethal finisher, and standing at 6ft tall with a leggy frame he has drawn comparisons to a France and Arsenal legend who is also of Guadeloupean descent.
      ‘The new Thierry Henry’ has been suggested, although he will have some work on his hands to live up that billing.
      Breakthrough
      In 2021-22, Tel was given his chance in Rennes’ first team.
      He made his debut in August last year, coming on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Brest.
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      His appearance at just 16 years and 110 days made him the youngest ever player to appear in Ligue 1.
      It shattered Eduardo Camavinga’s record – who was also given his opportunity at Rennes.
      Tel did not score in his 49 minutes but his exploits for France’s U17s – who won the Euros at that age level in 2022 – got him noticed by the world’s top clubs.
      He netted three times in the competition as Les Bleus swept all before them.
      It was inevitable a big move would come – but perhaps more surprising it was made so soon.
      Last season, Tel became youngest player to appear in Ligue 1Credit: Getty
      Tel’s performances at the U17 European Championships earned him plenty of plauditsCredit: Getty
      Getting off the mark – Tel celebrates his first ever goal for Bayern against Viktoria KolnCredit: Getty
      ‘One of the greatest talents in Europe’
      Back in July, Bayern Munich beat off competition to lure Tel away from France.
      They paid a record fee for him – somewhere in the region of £26milion – that eclipsed Borussia Dortmund’s signing of Jude Bellingham from Birmingham and made him the most expensive 17-year-old in history. Another record.
      He inked a five-year deal with the Germans, with both parties delighted with the transfer.
      Tel told the club’s official website: “FC Bayern is one of the best teams in the world. I’m really looking forward to this great challenge and will give everything for this club. 
      “The talks with Hasan Salihamidžić and those responsible at FC Bayern really impressed me and made me quickly realize that I absolutely wanted to go to Munich.”
      Salihamidžić was equally as buoyed by the capture.
      He said: “He is one of the greatest talents in Europe. He is fast, has strong technique and is a versatile striker.
      Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso fights Tel for the ball in a Champions League clashCredit: Getty
      Tel is rated as one of the best young strikers in EuropeCredit: Getty
      “We followed him for a long time and this time we managed to convince him to come to Munich. We are proud of this because many teams courted him.” 
      Already, Tel is showing why Bayern paid big money to sign him with two goals in five games.
      With the sale of Robert Lewandowski, a new hero is needed. And it looks like the Bundesliga champions have found their man for years to come. More

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      in Soccer

      Top 25 Barcelona youth players from La Masia academy, including Lionel Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Mauro Icardi

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      IN 1979, Barcelona decided they wanted a steady stream of homegrown talents to one day blossom in their first team.They launched their now famed La Masia (Catalan for “The Farmhouse”), a state-of-the-art academy designed to train youngsters the Barca way, and has since produced a slew of top-class footballers.
      Lionel Messi (in the mask), Cesc Fabregas (back row, second right) and Gerard Pique (back row, third left) are Barcelona youth productsCredit: PA:Press Association
      They were schooled at Barcelona’s famous La Masia AcademyCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun
      Many have gone on to become legends at the club, while others have slipped away and grown at pastures new.
      Here are their best 25 best academy trainees.
      25. ALEX GRIMALDO
      The Spanish left-back, 26, is one of the most sought-after defenders in world football at the moment.
      Currently starring at Benfica, he has been linked with a move to Tottenham previously.
      Barcelona let him go for £1.5million in 2015, without playing a game in the first team.
      Originally, he was plucked from Valencia in 2008 – spending four years with the Catalans until he was sold.
      Alex Grimaldo has made his name at BenficaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      24. DANI OLMO
      The Spanish 24-year-old international midfielder, who moved in January 2020 to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, arrived at La Masia aged just nine.
      But in a surprising move, Olmo decided to leave Barca when he turned 16 and signed for Dinamo Zagreb.
      Barcelona were rumoured to be looking at bringing him back to Catalonia before he moved to Germany.
      He has since starred in the Bundesliga and is a regular in the Spain squad.
      Dani Olmo gambled with his career leaving Barcelona aged 16 for Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      23. NAYIM
      Arsenal fans won’t want to be reminded of Nayim’s most famous moment in his career.
      But before he was lobbing David Seaman from the halfway line, he was a young hopeful at La Masia.
      He joined Barcelona aged 12 – leaving his hometown Cueta.
      But his chances were limited in a team that was managed by Terry Venables.
      He later joined the former Three Lions boss at Spurs.
      Former La Masia product Nayim scored the winner the Cup Winners’ Cup final against ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      22. LUIS GARCIA
      The former Liverpool midfielder had two spells with Barcelona.
      First as a 12-year-old youth player, where he starred in their reserve team.
      But having failed to break into the first team, he was sold to Atletico Madrid in 2002.
      However, after impressing with Atletico, Barcelona exercised a clause in Garcia’s contract to buy him back a season later.
      Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez moved for the playmaker in 2004 – having had him at Tenerife on loan in 2000-01.
      Luis Garcia had two spells at Barcelona but never made the gradeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      21. ANDRE ONANA
      Another surprise, keeper Andre Onana had a spell at Barcelona from 2010 to 2015.
      He joined the club after starting out at the Samuel Eto’o Academy, but failed to make the grade there.
      Five years ago he signed for the Dutch giants, and has since become their No1.
      He was suspended for 12 months for a doping violation, returning to first-team training last November, but the Cameroon international left Holland for Inter Milan this summer.
      Goalkeeper Andre Onana had five years at La Masia before moving to AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      20. ALBERT FERRER
      It was right-back Ferrer’s dream to play for Barcelona – having grown up in the city.
      And he appeared in 221 LaLiga games during nine seasons with his boyhood club, after he was signed as a 13-year-old.
      In 1998 he moved to Premier League with Chelsea in a £2.2m deal, where he retired aged 33.
      Albert Ferrer was a local lad who got to represent his boyhood clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      19. PEPE REINA
      The son of former Barcelona goalkeeper Miguel Reina, Pepe was always destined to follow in his father’s footsteps.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, and from 1999 he was playing for their reserve side in the third tier of the Spanish football pyramid.
      Reina was never more than an understudy at the Camp Nou, and was told he could leave in 2002.
      The Liverpool legend is still playing now aged 40 after recently returning to Villarreal.
      Pepe Reina was surplus to requirements to Barcelona in 2002 after being an understudy for yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      18. GUILLERMO AMOR
      Benidorm-born Amor became one of Barcelona’s most important players under Cruyff in the 1990s.
      He joined La Masia in 1980 – winning five league titles and a European Cup.
      With Barcelona in his blood, it is unsurprising he is now responsible for the club’s youth system.
      Former youth product Amor now manages Barcelona’s youth set-upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      17. HECTOR BELLERIN
      The Arsenal full-back might speak like a cockney, but he’s Barcelona through and through.
      Bellerin was also eight when he joined the club – but after eight years at La Masia he moved to the Gunners.
      He was vice-captain of the Premier League giants, until moving back to LaLiga with Real Betis on loan last term.
      However, he is now living his dream after re-joining Barcelona in the summer from the Gunners.
      Hector Bellerin left Barcelona for Arsenal and played against his old side several times before returning to the Nou CampCredit: PA:Press Association
      16. SERGI
      The marauding Spanish left-back joined Barcelona in 1988, and went on to become a club legend – appearing 382 times and winning three league titles.
      He was handed his Barca debut by Cruyff in a heated Champions League match away at Galatasaray
      From then on, he became a mainstay before he was sold to Atletico Madrid. He hadn’t lost that nastiness that made him a tricky player to play against either – earning 33 yellow cards in his three seasons there.
      Sergi won three La Liga titles after coming through La MasiaCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      15. THIAGO MOTTA
      Barcelona never really saw the best of Motta.
      Like Pedro, he was signed late – aged 17 from local side Clube Atletico Juventus – and was assigned to the B side.
      He made his debut in 2001, but his time at Barcelona was robbed from him by a serious knee injury.
      Eventually, he found himself at Inter Milan, where Jose Mourinho got the best out of him – winning the Champions League in 2010 before heading to PSG.
      Thiago Motta never fulfilled his potential at BarçaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      14. IVAN DE LA PENA
      The hype around De La Pena, nicknamed “Little Buddha”, was immense when he was a teen.
      The child prodigy joined La Masia in 1991 from Racing Santander and initially looked to have a big future at the club.
      But fallouts with Cruyff and Van Gaal, who were frustrated with his work-rate, saw his progress curtailed and he had more success with city rivals Espanyol.
      De La Pena had fall outs with Johan Cruyff and Louis Van GaalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      13. ADAMA TRAORE
      Wolves winger Traore has finally shown the potential Barcelona youth managers believed he had.
      He joined the Spanish champions aged just eight, making his debut aged 17, but failed to break into the first team under managers Gerard Martino and Luis Enrique.
      The speedy winger then moved to England, and had an ill-fated spell at Aston Villa before rediscovering himself at Middlesbrough and then starring for Wolves.
      He returned back to Barcelona on loan for the second half of last season but they decided against signing him permanently in the summer.
      Adama Traore moved to England to get first team footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      12. MIKEL ARTETA
      The Arsenal manager is best known for his time in the Premier League playing for both the Gunners and Everton.
      But before he made it in England, Arteta dreamt of becoming a pro in San Sebastian playing football on the beaches with childhood friend Xabi Alonso.
      He joined Barcelona aged 15, but struggled to break into the first team – joining PSG on loan before starring at Glasgow Rangers and returning to play for Real Sociedad with Alonso.
      Mikel Arteta struggled to break into the Barcelona first team
      11. VICTOR VALDES
      Valdes is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history – having played 535 games and winning 21 major titles, including LaLiga six times and three Champions Leagues.
      But it looked like his time at the club had come to an end in 1995 when his family moved to Tenerife.
      However, Barca re-signed him and quickly progressed through the youth teams – making his debut aged 20.
      Victor Valdes left La Masia academy only to return three years laterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      10. PEDRO
      The ex-Chelsea winger was a late-comer when it came to joining La Masia.
      Pedro arrived from Canary Islands team CD San Isidro aged 17 in 2004.
      But soon, he became a key member of the first team once he was promoted by Pep Guardiola.
      In the 2018-19 season Pedro became the first player to score in six different club competitions during a single season and in the same year.
      Pedro was a late-comer to La Masia, joining aged 17Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      9. MAURO ICARDI
      Argentina striker Icardi, 29, had a spell at La Masia from 2008-11, after rejecting overtures from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool.
      But the poacher failed to show his class in Spain and was shipped out on loan to Sampdoria in 2011, which became a permanent move six months later for just £400,000.
      He has since become one of the most sought-after strikers in European football, boasting a remarkable goalscoring record.
      Icardi always stood by his decision to leave Barca, because it ultimately benefited his career, although he is now on loan at Galatasaray after falling out of favour at PSG.
      Super poacher Mauro Icardi failed to impress at La MasiaCredit: FC Barcelona
      8. GERARD PIQUE
      Another one that got away, but returned to become a hero.
      Pique, 35, played in the same youth teams as Messi and Fabregas from 1997, although he was deployed as a defensive midfielder in his early years.
      Manchester United snapped him up in 2004 on a pro-contract, without having to pay a fee.
      In 2008, he returned to Catalonia for a fee of £5million and has gone on to play over 500 times for the club and is still at the Nou Camp now.
      Pique returned to Barcelona after a spell at Man Utd and bagged a celebrity missus in ShakiraCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      7. SERGIO BUSQUETS
      One-club man Busquets has become one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.
      At youth level though he bounced around a few teams playing for the likes of Badia, Barbera Andalucia, Lleida, and Jabac Terrassa, before settling at Barcelona in 2005,
      Guardiola promoted Busquets to his first team in 2008, but it’s his former international manager Vincente del Bosque who provided this accurate quote about his abilities.
      He said: “If you watch the whole game, you won’t see Busquets – but watch Busquets, and you will see the whole game.”
      Sergio Busquets has established himself as the best defensive midfielder of his generationCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      6. CESC FABREGAS
      Fabregas trained at La Masia for six years before making the bold move to Arsenal in 2003, believing his chances would be limited at the Nou Camp.
      With the Gunners, he soon established himself into one of the Europe’s most promising players – replacing Patrick Vieira in the heart of their midfield, before eventually being named captain.
      In 2011 he returned to Barcelona for £35m, and in three seasons played 96 times for them before moving to Chelsea for £30m in 2014.
      Cesc won the World Cup and the Euros twice, and has been capped 110 times by Spain.
      Fabregas returned to Barcelona after making his name at ArsenalCredit: Action Images – Reuters
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      5. PEP GUARDIOLA
      Johan Cruyff called the Man City boss one of the best midfielders of his generation, and it’s hard to argue with that seeing he was a major influence in playing style of the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.
      Guardiola joined La Masia at 13, and within six years the deep-lying playmaker made his debut against Cadiz.
      In 1998, Louis van Gaal made him captain, but in 2001 he left for Serie A side Brescia after years of injury problems with a troublesome calf.
      Pep Guardiola became Barcelona captain after making it through their youth ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      4. CARLES PUYOL
      Arguably the most un-Barcelona-like player.
      But Puyol became a cult hero as an inspirational captain with his uncompromising style of defending.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, playing as a defensive midfielder before converting to full-back and then centre-half.
      But Puyol almost left the club three years later when Barca accepted an offer from Malaga after deeming him surplus to requirements.
      However, seeing Xavi getting a chance in the first team encouraged Puyol to stay, and the rest is history.
      Puyol became a cult figure at Barcelona but nearly left the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      3. ANDRES INIESTA
      Plucked from Albacete at the age of 12, Iniesta never looked back.
      He steadily climbed up the youth ranks, making his debut aged 18 in 2002.
      Iniesta would go on to become the most-decorated Spanish footballer in history – winning 35 trophies, including nine LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
      Famously, he helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup – scoring the winner against Holland.
      Iniesta joined La Masia as a 12-year-oldCredit: Rex Features
      2. XAVI
      The greatest playmaker of his generation, and the embodiment of their tiki-taka passing style, Xavi joined La Masia at 10.
      At that age though it wasn’t Michael Laudrup he idolised, but in fact British-based stars like John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne, and Matt Le Tissier.
      “I’ve been lucky enough to be brought up on the Barcelona ethos,” he once revealed.
      “Which has taught me the value of being part of a team. ‘Today for you, tomorrow for me.’ Those qualities are essential for life in general.”
      After a spell in the Middle East, Xavi returned to the Nou Camp in November 2021 to take over as manager.
      Xavi idolised Paul Gascoigne, Matt Le Tissier and John Barnes growing upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. LIONEL MESSI
      Without doubt the best youngster to come from Barcelona’s youth set-up, and the best to ever play for the club.
      Messi joined the LaLiga giants in 2001 from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, who he had trained with since the age of six.
      Realising they had such a prodigious talent on their hands, Barcelona agreed to pay for his treatment after he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.
      However his love affair with the club came to an end in the summer of 2021 as he moved to French giants PSG amid Barca’s financial difficulties.
      Messi graduated from La Masia to become Barcelona’s greatest ever playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Arsenal wonderkid Brooke Norton-Cuffy is starring on loan in the Championship and won the Euros with England U19s

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      ARSENAL wonderkid Brooke Norton-Cuffy has designs on becoming the best wing-back in Europe.The teenager, just 18, is currently on loan at Rotherham United – where he is getting rave reviews.
      Arsenal teenager Brooke Norton-Cuffy is being tipped for a huge future in the gameCredit: Getty
      Norton-Cuffy was a member of England’s U19 Euros winnersCredit: Instagram
      Last season he starred at Lincoln City, where his combination of power and pace also earned the youngster high-praise.
      While back in July, Norton-Cuffy played an important role in England’s U19 Euros triumph against Israel in the final.
      “I want to reach my potential, or go above and beyond what my potential is,” he recently revealed.
      “In my career, I want to be a star player in a top league in Europe, I want to win as many trophies as I can.”
      Striking up a relationship
      Norton-Cuffy joined Arsenal at the tender age of 10. Before that, the Pimlico-born prospect trained with Chelsea.
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      However, he wasn’t the swashbuckling defender he is today.
      Just like Ashley Cole did in his younger days, Norton-Cuffy fancied himself as a striker.
      As he developed at Hale End his position soon changed into an attacking full-back.
      Both-footed, he is able to play on each flank – although has been mainly utilised on the right.
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      Back in August, he signed a long-term contract with the Gunners who believe he has a big future at the club.
      Earning his stripes
      Last season, Norton-Cuffy joined Lincoln City in the January transfer window in a loan deal.
      Immediately, he was thrust into action for the League One side – making 17 appearances for The Imps and scoring once. For the fans, he was a hit.
      His former Lincoln boss Michael Appleton, now in charge at Blackpool, also tipped Norton-Cuffy to have a huge future at Arsenal.
      He told Lincolnshire Live in March: “I don’t want Arsenal ringing me up saying ‘what have you said that for?’
      At Lincoln City on loan Norton-Cuffy was a huge hitCredit: Getty
      In the summer, Norton-Cuffy signed a long-term contract with the GunnersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/nortoncuffy/?hl=en
      “But I’ve been saying it behind the scenes, I think he will play for Arsenal’s first team on a regular basis.
      “It might not be for a couple of years but it’s definitely going to happen.
      “He’ll hopefully continue his progression over the next few games.
      “There’s one or two things that I think I can help him with, but by the time he goes back to Arsenal, he’ll be much better.”
      More first team experience at Rotherham
      After sitting down with Academy Manager Per Mertesacker and Arsenal’s loan manager Ben Knapper, Norton-Cuffy was adamant he wanted another loan move and more experience.
      He told Goal: “I always knew that I was going to go back out on loan. I feel like U23s football is good, but I’ve already had a sniff of senior football and so I wasn’t going to shy away from that.
      “I want to keep progressing and men’s football is a lot more challenging for me than U23s. So as soon as my spell was done with Lincoln, I knew I was going to go back out on loan.”
      This season Norton-Cuffy is earning his stripes at Rotherham UnitedCredit: Rex
      In a match against Sunderland Norton-Cuffy was voted man of the match by fansCredit: PA
      Four games into his Rotherham career, Norton-Cuffy has again been championed.
      In a recent match against Sunderland, 80 per cent of fans voted him man of the match in a poll held by supporters.
      He said: “I’m not sure if it’s the Championship, or the club that I’m at right now, but training is intense.
      “It’s a lot of running, a lot of demand on the body – especially as I’m playing wing-back, which is a very key position in this team.
      “I feel like it’s been a lot harder. You can’t switch off. In League 1, if you lose the ball or make a silly mistake, sometimes you don’t get punished. But if you do make silly mistakes in this league, you do. So it’s about learning quickly.
      “This was the next step for me. League 1 last season was a good step up from U23s football, but you always look to improve and I think I just needed to go up a level again. And now I feel myself improving with each game, so it’s good.”
      England hero
      Although the tournament began difficulty for Norton-Cuffy, he certainly came good for England when they needed him.
      Conceding a penalty against Italy was a harsh lesson learned.
      Norton-Cuffy takes on Cesare Casadei during the UEFA Euro 2022 semi-finalCredit: Getty
      Dane Scarlett celebrates scoring with Norton-Cuffy during the group match against SerbiaCredit: Getty
      Arsenal youngster Norton-Cuffy is being tipped to be a first team regular for years to comeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/nortoncuffy/?hl=en
      He didn’t start the final against Israel, but came on in the 71st minute with the scores level.
      Instantly, he put himself about – getting a yellow card and firing a shot wide.
      Then, he was involved in the build-up to the decisive goal – passing the ball on to Harvey Vale, who set-up Chelsea summer signing Carney Chukwuemeka to put the Three Lions ahead.
      Norton-Cuffy’s next challenge is to follow the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah into the Arsenal first team.
      Read More on The Sun
      “You see that it can be done,” he said. “Bukayo’s the starting right winger of the Arsenal first-team wearing the No.7. Emile now has the No.10 shirt. 
      “So they are inspirations because you can see it’s achievable. I used to see them at Hale End and now when you go up to London Colney they are the main people in the first-team. It is inspirational.” More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd wonderkid Largie Ramazani snubbed Old Trafford deal for Almeria transfer, where he is becoming a star

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      NOT many players are brave enough to leave the comfortable Old Trafford nest.But in 2019, ambitious wonderkid Largie Ramazani bravely rejected a contract with Manchester United and left the club for more first team football.
      Largie Ramazani has been a hit at Almeria in LaLigaCredit: Getty
      Ramazani was once a star of Man Utd’s youth sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Belgium forward, now 21, moved to Spanish second division club Almeria as a free agent – signing a five-year contract.
      In his first campaign, his nine goals in all competitions helped his side earn promotion to LaLiga.
      And already he is proving to be a dangerous outlet for his new side – scoring against Real Madrid and Sevilla this campaign.
      Highly-rated
      Brussels-born Ramazani began his youth career at Charlton Athletic, before United swooped when he was 16.
      Part of a set of promising youngsters that included Brandon Williams, Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and Ethan Laird, it was thought United had a ‘Class of 2020’ that could rival their infamous ‘Class of ’92’.
      Read more in sport
      In 2019, he made his first team debut – coming on as a sub in a 2-1 defeat to FC Astana in the Europa League.
      For the U23’s he was also flying – leading the scoring with nine goals in 13 games.
      But it wasn’t enough. Ramazani wanted first team football.
      In 2020, he didn’t start a single game for the club – it is believed he made his intentions to leave after rejecting several contract offers to stay.
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      Plus, it was also reported United felt very little need to include a player in their development squad, when he was adamant he didn’t want to be there.
      In June, 2020 he was released from the club.
      Emotional goodbye
      Upon leaving the Premier League giants, Ramazani was thankful for his experience.
      He even penned an emotional goodbye on social media.
      He wrote: “I prepared a text for here today.
      Ramazani made his first team debut for United in 2019Credit: Getty
      In 2020, Ramazani bravely made the decision to leave Old Trafford for first team football elsewhereCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “The life of an athlete is made by challenges. Some are given to us. Others are fruits of our decision to keep the light that illuminates our career, which is short.
      “I want to thank the club for helping me become a better footballer/person and for making me and my family feel at home during my time here.
      “After all the years I can only say thank you to the club, to the fans that have supported me since the first day I wore this jersey and of course thank you and good luck to my team-mates, who helped me settle in since day one not only as a teammate but as friends/family.
      “Today I will say goodbye to Manchester United but I take with me many memories, lessons and great moments that will love with me forever. It has been one of the best years of my football career.
      “At last I want to wish the club many success for the future and thank the club for giving me the opportunity.
      “Thank you. Largie Ramazani”
      Fresh start
      In August, 2020 he signed for LaLiga2 club Almeria.
      Immediately he built a special rapport with Umar Sadiq, who moved to Real Sociedad on transfer deadline day and ironically gave United the run around in the Europa League last week.
      In 2020, Ramazani moved to Spain with Almeria
      Ramazani was an instant success at Almeria – helping the club earn promotionCredit: Getty
      Finding his feet in Andalusi, Ramazani was instrumental in the club’s promotion to LaLiga.
      Playing on either flank or as a central striker, the lightning-quick starlet scored nine times in 33 games in his debut season.
      Following his superb start to life at Almeria, Monaco reportedly tried to convince him to move to Ligue 1 this summer.
      However, Almeria didn’t want to lose their prized asset and he snubbed the French club’s advances.
      Continuing his rise
      And that was clearly a good decision.
      Ramazani has taken his form from last season into this one – scaring defences in Spain’s top flight with his rapid pace, excellent control with both feet, and dribbling skills that’s left LaLiga’s best defenders quaking in their boots.
      Case in point his LaLiga debut against the European Champions, Real Madrid.
      Within six minutes, his acceleration left Nacho and Antonio Rudiger for dead.
      Faced with in-form Thibaut Courtois to beat he remained ice cool – elegantly slotting the ball past him.
      The celebration wasn’t bad either – a flying somersault to the delight of the home faithful.
      Almeria were edged out 2-1, but a star was born.
      On his LaLiga debut Ramazani left Real Madrid’s defence for dead to scoreCredit: AFP
      Ramazani celebrates his goal with a trademark somersaultCredit: Getty
      Read More on The Sun
      Ramazani has since scored against Sevilla this season too – repeating his forward flip while becoming a fans’ favourite.
      To think he could have been a Man Utd favourite if things had turned out differently. More

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      in Soccer

      Loris Karius’s crazy journey, from tearful Champions League disaster to Thor lookalike’s body transformation

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      LORIS KARIUS has come a long way since his days as Liverpool’s No1.The German goalie, now 29, has signed for Newcastle United on a free transfer, where he will provide cover for England shotstopper Nick Pope.
      Handsome Loris Karius cuts a different figure today from his days at AnfieldCredit: Instagram
      Karius was distraught after his errors cost Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League finalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      In recent years, Karius has taken time to reflect upon his lifeCredit: Instagram
      It marks a new chapter in his life, following years away from Anfield rebuilding his career after an infamous error-strewn Champions League final appearance in 2018.
      But, in between loan spells at Besiktas and Union Berlin, Karius hasn’t let his Reds nightmare stop him from enjoying life.
      The fashionable Chris Hemsworth/Thor lookalike has been spotted letting his hair down at the Monaco Grand Prix, and enjoying lavish breaks away.
      However, he hasn’t neglected his fitness – and is a shadow of the lean keeper we remember from before.
      Read more in sport
      What a life
      Going by his Instagram account. Karius lives a life to envy.
      The handsome footballer is followed by almost two million people, and he receives plenty of notes from female admirers who comment about his good looks.
      And they will most certainly be wowed by the lifestyle he leads.
      Most read in Football
      Clearly an F1 fan, Karius has shared pictures enjoying the VIP treatment at the Monaco Grand Prix and the most recent Dutch Grand Prix.
      For both events he’s looked like the height of fashion – once wearing a fuschia pink denim jacket that would surely attract the attention of everyone in the paddock.
      Other fashionable outfits featured a fluffy brown cardigan, trendy hoodies over the top of the long coats, t-shirts and harem pants… Karius is a man with his finger on the pulse of style.
      boasting movie star looks, Karius is a ringer for Chris Hemsworth’s ThorCredit: Instagram
      Hemsworth as Thor… or is it Karius?Credit: Alamy
      Trendy Karius cuts a stylish figure in a fetching brown cardiganCredit: Instagram
      Outside the game, Karius enjoys getting on his bikeCredit: Instagram
      Loves a retreat away
      Sun, sand and see are good for the soul.
      And Karius knows that, taking in many trips abroad to recharge his batteries.
      On one visit to the beach, with the sunset as his backdrop, Karius was snapped taking in his surroundings.
      He posted the image on social media, captioning it: “My happy place.”
      Karius also uploaded a snap tanning his sculpted physique in Greece last year.
      He’s a man who understands what he needs to relax.
      Last week, Karius enjoyed the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Instagram
      Fancy breaks away are not uncommon for KariusCredit: Instagram
      However, Karius always makes time to work outCredit: Instagram
      Karius shows off his incredible physique on a trip to GreeceCredit: Instagram
      Move over Arnie
      At Liverpool, Karius cut a svelte figure.
      But today’s Karius is a 6ft 2in mountain of a man – built like a bodybuilder.
      Often boasting about “double sessions” and showing off his gym workouts, the pin-up has muscles footballers around the globe will surely envy.
      And even when he’s on a holiday, he doesn’t miss a day in the gym and loves to get on an exercise bike.
      Fans on Instagram even compared him to The Terminator, made famous by Hollywood movie legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.
      One commented: “He’s like the terminator now nothings getting past him.”
      While another added: “Like Superman.”
      Newcastle will be hoping that their Thor doppelganger could be their very own superhero this season.
      Today, Karius looks more like a bodybuilder than footballerCredit: Instagram
      Exercise is very important to Karius who has transformed his bodyCredit: Instagram
      Karius loves sharing his workouts on social mediaCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s super fleet of cars worth £17m, including £8.5m Bugatti and new £200,000 Aston Martin

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO certainly knows how to treat himself.The Manchester United star added a £200,000 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera to his staggering car collection after his hat-trick heroics against Spurs back in March.
      Ronaldo drove his Aston Martin into Carrington after his brilliant Spurs hat-trickCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The Portuguese star rewarded himself after his match-winning efforts back in MarchCredit: Zenpix
      Cristiano Ronaldo drives his Bentley Flying Spur to training with Manchester United
      Ronaldo is also believed to be one of 10 people lucky enough to buy the incredible Bugatti Centodieci, which costs £8.5m
      The amazing Bugatti is truly a one of a kind motorCredit: Bugatti

      Ronaldo has reportedly spent £1.4m on an amazing Ferrari MonzaCredit: Alamy
      It joins a limited edition £8.5million Bugatti Centodieci – of which only ten have been made, he added to his incredible fleet last year.
      Ronaldo, 37, regularly takes his new motor for a spin as he arrives at training at United’s The AON Carrington Training Complex back in M
      While in 2020, he was spotted taking a tour of Ferrari’s Maranello company, where he posed for a picture with a F1 car and ordered himself a Ferrari Monza worth £1.4million.
      That puts his car collection now at around roughly £17million – with Bugattis being his favourite.
      Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has a Bugatti Chiron and a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse as part of his huge hoard.
      He has ‘CR7’ embroidered on the headrests of his other two Bugattis, but his latest model he bought is believed to be a tribute to the legendary Bugatti EB110 – Centodieci is Italian for 110.
      The Centodieci boasts an 8 litre W16 engine, with special models having 1600hp – some 100hp more than the Chiron and, overall, three times the price of that model.
      It can do 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 236mph.
      The Portuguese superstar has supercars likes Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Rolls Royces, admitting to Piers Morgan in an interview he likes to have two of everything.
      MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
      Join SunSport in revelling in just some of Ronaldo’s collection that his fortune can afford.ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGER, £200,000
      The Manchester United ace turned heads at Carrington as he rocked up to the gates in an amazing Aston Martin DBS Superleggera convertible.
      The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera boasts a 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, providing a mind-boggling 715 hp.
      It has a top speed of 211mph, and can also go from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds.
      The car is certainly a worthy addition to Ronaldo’s stunning motor collection.
      Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      MERCEDES G-WAGON BRABUS, £600,000
      What do you buy your boyfriend if he has everything?
      Well if you’re Georgina Rodriguez you get a massive, gift-wrapped Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
      The gorgeous former shop assistant made sure CR7’s had the best 35th birthday ever – gifting him a stunning Mercedes G Wagon Brabus that can cost as much £600,000.
      And the brilliant SUV can reach top speeds of 137mph.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was the lucky recipient of a Mercedes G Wagon Brabus for his 35th birthdayCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      BUGATTI CHIRON, £2.15MILLION
      In 2017, Ronaldo’s need for speed saw the mercurial forward splash the cash on a stunning silver Bugatti Chiron.
      Incredibly, it can reach speeds of 260 mph, and does 0-60 in just under 2.5 seconds, not that Turin will allow him the opportunity to drive it that fast with the city’s busy traffic.
      As we said, he likes two of everything – and this was the second Bugatti he bought, although he has denied buying a third  – the Bugatti La Voiture Noire – which was reckoned to be the most expensive car in the world EVER at £9.49million, and was snapped up by a mystery buyer last year.
      The 37-year-old loves posting images of his cars to social media, including the Bugatti ChironCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      BUGATTI VEYRON, £1.7M
      Only 450 Veyron 16.4 Grand Sports were built, so of course Ronaldo wanted a slice of that rarity pie.
      It cost him £1.7m, and the Portuguese legend bought the car as a treat after winning Euro 2016 with his country.
      Though the car was involved in a crash in June 2022 in Majorca. The driver, who was reportedly not Ronaldo, lost control and the car skidded into a wall.
      The front of the Bugatti was believed to have been wrecked with investigators revealed no other vehicle was involved.
      The driver of the car did not suffer any injuries and signed an accident report.
      Cristiano Ronaldo poses outside his former Madrid home on his £1.7m Bugatti VeyronCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR, £260,040
      Simply because a Bugatti Veyron won’t fulfil Ronaldo’s love of fast cars, in the same year he bought that motor he splashed on a Lamborghini Aventador.
      Made in 2011, it’s the most celebrated model by the Italian car designer – and owned by footballers all over the world, not scared of the outlandish price.
      Ronaldo celebrated his purchase on Instagram in 2016, with a picture with the caption: “Bom dia (good morning)”.
      Ronaldo has a matte-black Lamborghini Aventador worth over £200kCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Ronaldo loves having two of every brand and has a separate LamborghiniCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      ROLLS ROYCE CULLINAN, FROM £330,000
      In 2020, Ronaldo added a Cullinan to his collection, having previously owned a Rolls Royce Phantom worth around £363,000.
      Showing his loyalty to his new employers, CR7 even personalised the interior with black and white leather.
      Standing at five metres long, the Cullinan boasts a V12 engine and a horse power of 571.
      It is the only SUV Rolls Royce have ever produced.
      Ronaldo arrives anywhere in style with his Rolls Royce among the collectionCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      CHEVROLET CAMARO, £35,000
      Maybe he learned something from Sir Alex Ferguson about American cars, after all the former Manchester United boss drove a Chevrolet to training when he was Red Devils manager.
      A more economic motor than others in his garage, the Camaro has a 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 453 horsepower.
      It’s cheaper than anything else he owns, and was bought in 2016 as a family car.
      Ronaldo arrives at his old Madrid home in his white Mustang convertibleCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      FERRARI F12 TDF, £350,000
      In 2017, Ronaldo bought an F12 TDF – another collector’s item with only 799 made in the world.
      It is certainly one of the favourites he owns, and is zippy with a top speed of 211 mph, and capable of doing 0-62 in 2.9 seconds.
      Needless to say, pet-friendly Ronaldo won’t let his pooches in though.
      The Portuguese superstar’s red Ferrari may not be the most appropriate car for his dogsCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      The Ferrari F12 is one of Ronaldo’s favouritesCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Ronaldo poses on the boot of one of his white FerrarisCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      RANGE ROVER SPORT, £100,000
      A staple for every footballers’ garage, the Range Rover Sport is the ultimate SUV for the rich and famous.
      The model that Ronaldo drives is, of course, is the special edition, SVR.
      It’s Ronaldo’s go-to motor when he drove to the Continassa training ground in Turin.
      Ronaldo’s garage has also includes a giant Range RoverCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      MERCEDES AMG GLE 63, £127,000
      In 2016 Ronaldo filled his garage with supercar after supercar.
      His AMG GLE 63 was a gift to himself for Christmas, and some present it is.
      The SUV has a 612 horse power engine, and it can reach a top speed of 155 mph.

      Ronaldo has one of the most impressive car collections in footballCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      MCLAREN SENNA, £1MILLION
      A car made as a dedication to the legendary Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna, it would’ve set Ronaldo back around £1million – with only 500 models ever made.
      So enamoured by its performance on Top Gear, former presenter Jeremy Clarkson said of the McLaren Senna it has ‘rewritten the supercar rule book’.
      Powered by a twin-turbo charged V8 engine that produces 800 horse power, it can hit 0-62 mph in just 2.8 seconds.
      Mika Hakkinen is another sports star who owns one of these beauties.
      Ronaldo’s six years in Manchester saw him take a liking to McLarensCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT, FROM £151,000
      Ronaldo is believed to have started collecting cars from around 2009, when he was a Manchester United star.
      He had a penchant for Bentley Continental GTs in those early days, and collected several during his time at Old Trafford.
      Ronaldo’s was the GT Speed model, which was naturally the most expensive version ever.
      The interior was lush, filled with magnolia leather.
      And because it was a convertible, Ronaldo was often spied with the roof down – even in rainy Manchester.
      Ronaldo began to have a collection of supercars during his time at United, including this Bentley convertibleCredit: Cavendish
      Ronaldo’s car collection is worth around £17mCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘splashes out £8.5million on limited edition Bugatti Centodieci’ – with just ten models ever created More

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      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez’s lifestyle, includes cars worth £10m, dating beautiful women and owning an incredible home

      by

      SAUL ‘CANELO’ ALVAREZ’s life of luxury knows no bounds.The Mexican boxer, who takes on Gennady Golovkin on September 17, loves fast cars, boasts mega-sponsorship deals, and has dated the world’s most attractive women.
      A £170,000 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series sits pride of place in Alvarez’s garageCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      Canelo Alvarez pictured with his red FerrariCredit: Instagram @Canelo
      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is set to become a sporting billionaireCredit: Getty – Contributor
      If that’s not enough, the 32-year-old’s projected career earnings could see him join the billionaire boys club – with sporting members including the only man to ever beat him in the ring, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Masters winner Tiger Woods, basketball legend Michael Jordan, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Jealous yet? You will be.
      LIVING LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
      You’ve seen what his old rival Mayweather drives, right? Well, not wanting to be left behind when it comes to motors, Alvarez boasts an equally as impressive garage full of supercars you’d die for.
      In 2019, he dropped £2.3m on a Bugatti Chiron – the world’s fastest car on the road. Only 500 are in existence, and Alvarez joins a select group of owners including Cristiano Ronaldo who can be reassured their investment is well spent, with value in those cars rising yearly.
      And that’s not all. You will find parked behind the gates of his Guadalajara mansion a Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series, Lamborghini Aventador, Mustang 500 Eleanor, Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6, Ferrari Testarossa, AMG C64 biTurbo, Rolls Royce Ghost, Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren P1, Porsche 911 GT3 and a Lamborghini Gallardo (Renazzo Vorsteiner edition). More recently, Canelo posed with a red LaFerrai, which costs around £2m.  Total value of all that lot? About £10m.

      Alvarez has a car collection worth £8.3mCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      In 2019 Alvarez splashed £2.3 on a stunning Bugatti ChironCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      Alvarez can go off-road in his £370,000 Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6Credit: Instagram / @canelo
      GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS
      Being a successful sports star is a big pull, especially when it comes to attracting the opposite sex.
      And Alvarez has dated some of the world’s most beautiful women – from a former Miss Universe to an actress who was mates with a drug baron to Colombian footballer James Rodriguez’s current flame.
      In 2012, he wined and dined TV star Kate del Castillo, who is 18-years his senior. Referring to their sex life during a chat show interview, she revealed: “There were some strong rounds and yes, there were sometimes knockouts.”
      Continuing to speak in boxing metaphors, she added: “He was the first to hit the canvas and ask for his corner to throw in the towel.”
      Incredibly, del Castillo’s name would come up again in 2015 as an intermediary between former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman and Sean Penn, four years after her split with Alvarez.
      She introduced ‘El Chapo’ to the Hollywood star after the drug lord escaped from a maximum-security prison in Mexico, and a huge TV interview followed.
      Before del Castillo there was Marisol Gonzalez, who competed in the 2003 Miss Universe beauty pageant.
      So loved up, they were engaged following a whirlwind nine-month romance in 2010. However, their love didn’t last and they called off the engagement a year later.
      In 2012, Alvarez dated actress Kate del Castilo who is 18-years his seniorCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Drug baron Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman later became a friend of Alvarez’s former flame del CastilloCredit: EPA
      Alvarez was engaged to TV personality Marisol Gonzalez, but it didn’t lastCredit: Instagram / @marisolglzc
      Alvarez also dated Shannon de Lima, who was once married to Jennifer Lopez’s ex Marc AnthonyCredit: Instagram / @shadelima
      Today, de Lima dates Colombian footballer James RodriguezCredit: Instagram / @shadelima
      In late 2017, Alvarez got together with Fernanda Gomez, and the pair had a daughter together called MariaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2017, Alvarez wooed Venezuelan stunner Shannon de Lima, a runner up in the ‘Miss Earth Venezuela Pageant’ in 2005, after she divorced Jennifer Lopez’s ex-husband Marc Anthony.
      Then, he got into a on/off relationship with Fernanda Gomez, and they welcomed a daughter called Maria Fernanda last year. They are currently still together, but live a very private life.
      HIS DIGS
      Currently living in Guadalajara, where he was born, Alvarez has always valued his privacy, so not much is known about the current property he owns
      His previous home in Del Mar, San Diego, California was tucked away in a gated community. Only when it was listed for sale in 2015 did we get a window into his life of wealth.
      The 11,970-square-foot mansion was sold for around £6m, and featured six bedrooms, high-ceilings, raised wooden beams over the living room, a massive library and an ocean view.
      To entertain guests and his entourage, he also had a game room with a built-in bar.
      Alvarez used to live in a stunning home in San Diego before moving back to GuadalajaraCredit: Redfin
      In 2015, he put the house on the market for £6 millionCredit: Redfin
      The lavish mansion was fit for a kingCredit: Redfin
      The property offered high ceilings and wood beamsCredit: Redfin
      THE APPLE OF HIS EYE
      Despite his reputation as a ladies’ man, and someone who loves to live the high-life, family is important to the redheaded fighter.
      His eldest daughter Emily Cinnamon Alvarez, 14, is the most important person in the world to him. That’s why, before he took on Gennady Golovkin in their 2018 rematch, he got a tattoo of her image on his arm, just so she could be in the ring with him.
      But mystery shrouds the young girls’ mother. Mexican tabloid Clase claimed Emily was born from a relationship that Alvarez had in high-school with a young woman named Karen Beltran when they were 17-years-old.
      There are no public photos of Beltran, who has managed to stay away from the media. Clase also claimed the pair share their daughter.
      Emily Cinnamon Alvarez is the boxer’s beloved 14-year-old daughterCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      Alvarez has his daughter’s image tattooed on his armCredit: Instagram / @bolarttatoo
      SPONSORS KEEP ON COMING
      Alvarez is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. While he doesn’t have the outrageous personality of his contemporary Mayweather Jr, or the knockout factor of Muhammad Ali, DAZN thought he was a worthy investment.
      They offered him around £277 million for 11 fights to be streamed exclusively by them, but recently backed out of the deal and is suing them.
      However, they have settled their differences – and DAZN will show Canelo’s next two fights.
      Despite his rather bizarre fashion choices, once flying in a private jet in a panda suit, he’s a poster boy for advertisers too.
      Alongside basketball whizz Steph Curry, Alvarez fronts campaigns for sportswear giant Under Armour, peddling their boxing range.
      Add to that deals with Cognac house Hennessy, beer company Tecate, and Everlast, it’s clear that Alvarez is rolling in it. And according to experts, it won’t be long before the orthodox brawler progresses from millionaire to billionaire. Still not jealous?

      Despite a bizarre choice in fashion, sponsors are queuing up for AlvarezCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      New king of the ring Alvarez has deals with the likes of Under Armour, Everlast, Tecate and HennessyCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      Alvarez can now afford to live a life of luxuryCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      It’s hard not to envy Alvarez’s first-class lifestyleCredit: Instagram / @canelo More