Sport Features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Xabi Alonso’s glamorous life, from wife who Liverpool team-mate tried to pull to model shoots and love of cars

      by

      XABI ALONSO is the talk of the town in Germany and Liverpool.The Bayer Leverkusen manager has the club seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
      Xabi Alonso is top of the Bundesliga and is the man linked to replace Jurgen KloppCredit: Getty
      But how about the man away from football?
      This has firmly put them on course to land their first Bundesliga title in their 120-year history.
      Alonso has grown a strong reputation in coaching for his innovative and attractive brand of football.
      Whether he is the man to replace the departing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield remains to be seen, given there are a number of other candidates to consider.
      But what about the man away from the pitch and tactics board?
      READ MORE IN LIVERPOOL
      Star crossed lovers
      Alonso is married to Nagore Aranburu.
      The couple tied the knot all the way back in 2009, a month before Alonso left Liverpool for Real Madrid.
      They met when Alonso was still a teenager and playing for boyhood club Real Sociedad.
      Alonso and Nagore have had three children together, Jontxe born in 2008,  Ane, born in 2010 and Emma, born in 2013.
      Most read in Football
      Xabi Alonso married wife Nagore Aranburu in 2009Credit: AFP
      They first met when Alonso was a kid at Real SociedadCredit: Getty
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Nagore has worked as a model, actress and fashion designer.
      But one hilarious tale came while she worked as a hotel receptionist in Liverpool.
      Ex-Reds ace and Alonso team-mate Peter Crouch recalled the first time he met Nagore.
      Crouch confessed his love at first-sight reaction to meeting Nagore, before Liverpool team-mates including Jamie Carragher broke the news to him that she was with Alonso.
      He said: “On signing for Liverpool I stayed at the Hope Street Hotel.
      “On reception was a girl so good-looking I couldn’t quite believe she was smiling at me all the time.
      The couple have three children togetherCredit: AFP
      Despite busy work schedules they have always made time to enjoy days out togetherCredit: Splash News
      “I told the lads in training, ‘honestly, she’s beautiful, I think I’ve got a shout here.’ Jamie Carragher called a few other senior players over, ‘tell them again, Crouchie.’
      “So I did, ‘amazing. Dark-haired. Spanish-looking. I’m in there.’ It turned out she was Xabi Alonso’s partner.
      “She was doing a bit of work to practise her language skills. He was nice about it. So was she. Carra less so.”
      Despite their busy lifestyles, Alonso and Nagore have always been sure to make time to spend with one another.
      While at Bayern Munich Alonso and Nagore were a regular sight during Oktoberfest celebrations.
      Following Alonso’s retirement from football in 2017 the pair were spotted enjoying a walk on the beach during a family holiday to California.
      Alonso has also revealed the pair love a trip to the museum and going for a mountain drive with the family.
      Alonso and Nagore were often sighted at Oktoberfest celebrationsCredit: AFP
      Alonso revealed the family used to enjoy mountain car ridesCredit: Getty
      Petrolhead and modelling
      Perhaps it is an echo of his sleek playing style, but whenever Alonso is pictured in a car it is one of elegant design.
      And his fashion sense goes in the same direction.
      Alonso loves getting behind the wheel of classic beamers, with a number of Instagram posts showing him driving a variety of classic cars.
      During his time in Munich, Alonso modelled for Porsche and Adidas as they launched the Porsche Design Sport SS17 and sportswear range.
      Alonso modelled for the launch of the Adidas Porsche Design Sport SS17Credit: Adidas / Porsche

      Alonso and Nagore living the high life
      The pair, seen posing for Adidas Porsche Design Sport SS17, really are the model couple
      However, when going to training he would drive a rather inconspicuous Audi, rather than his classic Mercedes 190 SL convertible.
      Cost estimates for that car today put it between £70,000 to £166,000.
      In an interview with Mr Porter, Alonso – who has been likened to James Bond – is seen driving a Porsche 356 and not looking one bit out of place.
      One thing Alonso can’t stand is the idea of tattoos on his body.
      In a 2016 interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Alonso said: “They [friends] know that they have zero chance with me.
      “By the way, I am not against tattoos in principle. It may well be that this looks cool on others.
      “But not for me. I just can’t imagine myself with piercings, chains or anything else. Obviously, I’m hopelessly old-fashioned.”
      Alonso has always championed a sleek fashion styleCredit: Adidas / Porsche
      One thing he can’t get behind are tattoos on his bodyCredit: Adidas / Porsche
      Alonso is also pretty fed up of the idea that footballers have bad taste in music and TV shows, saying: “It’s the eternal cliché that footballers don’t have taste.
      “I think that’s pretty unfair. But I already know that, I’ve gotten used to it.”
      He has previously raved about hit shows like True Detective and Fargo, describing them as “masterpieces”, while also revealing bands he has listened to.
      The Shins, The Flaming Lips, The Delgados, The Velvet Underground and Lou Reed to name a few.
      Special moments are like watch links
      Despite his often suave appearance, Alonso is not one who often dresses to impress.
      But when he does, he goes all out, and watches are the crown jewel of his wardrobe.
      Alonso has likened special moments in his life and career to links in a watch.
      He told The Journal: “For me, every special moment is bound to be linked to a particular watch, and whenever I put it on I’m transported back to that moment – such as when we won the Champions League with Liverpool or the World Cup with Spain.”
      Jurgen Klopp’s successor?By Dan King
      XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
      The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
      Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
      He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to seven-points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
      It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues
      For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
      It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
      But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world.

      A IWC Steel Ingenieur Automatic 40, £10,500, similar to the one Alonso was givenCredit: IWC
      Alonso shows off one of his many watches on a trip to London with Nagora
      Watches in his collection include Rolex, Patek Philippe, Franck Muller, Audemars Piguet and Panerai – not that he has a particular desire to show off such accessories for fear of coming across as vulgar.
      However, his favourite and most special member of his watch collection was a gift from Nagora on their wedding day – an IWC Ingenieur – worth £10,500 according to Watches of Switzerland.
      For Alonso, the stunning watch “represents the fact that I had found a woman who thought about me, about what I like, and my personality.
      “I don’t wear it much, just on really special occasions.”
      Alonso says he likes IWC watches in general because “they’re not overly showy, attention-grabbing watches” and “have a certain sophistication without being flashy”.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The old saying goes: “You can tell a lot about a man from the shoes he’s wearing and the watch he has on.”
      And it seems for Alonso, simple but beautiful efficiency is runs through everything he does. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m football freestyler worth around £10m with fleet of supercars and property empire after injury forced career change

      by

      MEET Liv Cooke, football’s most extravagant freestyler who boasts a property empire and a fleet of supercars.The 24-year-old from Lancashire is an Instagram favourite and boasts over two million followers, while on TikTok that number is more than double.
      Meet Liv Cooke, football’s most extravagant football freestylerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv’s accrued a huge wealth that has seen her splash the cash on some amazing motorsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      For her side hustle Liv has become a huge property developerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Fans have seen her pulling off the most amazing stunts, including her party-piece – juggling a mobile phone and tablet from a great height. Her videos draw in billions of views.
      But it’s as a property developer in the North West where Liv is raking it in.
      Her company has clients including Premier League footballers, Blue Peter presenters and the Great Britain taekwondo Olympics team.
      She also houses women who are victims of domestic abuse, and has helped develop two new 3G pitches in her local community.
      Read more football news
      Cooke’s hard work has paid off, allowing her to live a lifestyle to envy.
      The female sport influencer owns a fleet of super cars, including a £170,000 Ferrari 488 and a Lamborghini Urus worth £200,000.
      From football to freestyling
      Liv grew up in a football-mad house with two older brothers who played the game.
      She starred for Blackburn Rovers at youth level, alongside future Lionesses Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone and Keira Walsh.
      Most read in Football
      However, as fate would have it, a cruel back injury meant she had to forget about becoming a pro when she was 14.
      Instead, Liv turned to skills training. She practiced juggling a football while sat down, just to make sure she didn’t lose her touch, and a new career blossomed.
      She decided, ultimately, to enter the world of freestlying from then on.
      It was a decision, Liv told the Guardian in 2022, that she didn’t take lightly.
      She said: “It was a stupid decision, really. But I felt it in my heart that it was the right thing to do and I just went with that.
      “It all looks intentional in many ways, but actually, for me, football was never a career. I was heading down that way, but I never once thought ‘I wonder how much money I’m going to sign for’, it was never about that for me.
      “I love football so much and I was going to do it for the rest of my life, and I didn’t care if I made £10 or £10,000 an hour.
      “My enjoyment wasn’t materialistic and it wasn’t financial. It was getting out there, winning on the weekends and enjoying the game with my team.”
      Liv began freestyling when her football career was cut short aged just 14Credit: INSTAGRAM
      One of Liv’s party tricks involves saving a mobile phone from smashing by flicking it in the airCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Outrageous stunts
      Liv has come a long way since showcasing her freestyle skills at a school in her hometown Leyland, Lancashire, in 2015.
      In 2017, she competed in the Super Ball open football freestyle championships, where she was crowned the world football freestyle champion and the youngest in history to ever take the title.
      That scored her commercial work – most notably with the likes of Adidas, Lidl and Channel 4, as well as presenting gigs with the BBC for their sadly cancelled MOTDx show.
      But it’s on social media where the younger crowd will know her.
      In 2021, she was confirmed as the highest earning female athlete TikTok creator at the time.
      She boasts 5.5 million followers on the platform and a further two million on Instagram.
      Her videos border on insane and ingenious.
      From saving mobile phones and tablets from falling out of windows with her feet to ball-juggling on the back of a jet ski while her best pal and partner-in-freestyle crime, Olivia Weedall,steers, her stunts are outrageous.
      Conservative estimates of Liv’s wealth start at around the £10m markCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv shows off her ball juggling skills while being towed by a jet skiCredit: INSTAGRAM
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      READ MORE SPORT FEATURES
      Property empire
      But it’s with her property portfolio where Liv is making serious money.
      Her first foray as an investor and developer came when she was just 19 – a two bed apartment in Lancashire. She then added a one-bed flat in Manchester soon after, and a serious hobby had begun.
      Over the years, she has continued to add to her property empire, and has helped house Premier League footballers, as well as BBC presenters.
      Better still, her properties also house women who have been domestically abused and are looking for a safe place.
      Explaining how she got into property, Liv told the Lancashire Post: “I’ve always been obsessed with being successful and the mindset and worth ethic it takes. I study the greats in any field, originally for motivation when I was training to become the world’s greatest freestyle footballer.
      “I loved Grant Cardones story how he came from nothing to achieve his dream, his relentless drive inspired me in training. Through watching him for inspiration for work ethic I inadvertently gained real estate knowledge
      “After achieving my dream, my profile grew, my career progressed and I was earning nice amounts of money.
      “I then realised I could probably turn these riches into wealth with my basic understanding of real estate. So when lockdown hit and we couldn’t travel or go outside I seized my chance to dive into learning real estate.
      “I read something like seven books and watched a thousand hours of YouTube content on investments/developments in my first week. Similarly to how I ascended rapidly in freestyle football, I got obsessed with real estate.
      In 2019, Liv began to invest in propertyCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Liv now lives the jet set lifestyle and is a star of the business worldCredit: INSTAGRAM
      “My first project commenced not long after, I’m not one to sit around thinking about doing something.
      “The following week I began searching for my first project and had an offer accepted on a property I intended to renovate and convert into a high cash flowing asset. Safe to say I dived into the deep end with material costs flying up due to Covid restrictions.”
      Fast cars
      Although Liv has remained coy about her net worth, estimates online claim she could be worth over £10million.
      Judging by the lifestyle she lives, those guesses don’t seem so far-fetched.
      Her car collection is to be envied, and she regularly shares pictures of her amazing motors on Instagram.
      ‘Barbie’ pink is seemingly her favourite colour – boasting a £200,000 Lamborghini Urus and a £170,000 Ferrari 488 in that hue.
      Other cars seen in her fleet include a Lamborghini Huracan worth £235,000, a Rolls-Royce Phantom with a price tag of around £400,000 and a Mercedes-Benz G-Class that starts at £130,000.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Liv has amassed an impressive car collection through the yearsCredit: FACEBOOK
      A £200k Lamborghini Urus is one of Liv’s prized possessionsCredit: FACEBOOK
      Meet Liv Cooke, football freestyler and property developer, who drives a fleet of LamborghinisCredit: Facebook
      While, when she travels she flies by private jet.
      Clearly, she’s living life in the fast lane. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Kyle Walker’s amazing car collection, from a £235,000 Lamborghini Huracan to a £200,000 Bentley Bentayga

      by

      KYLE Walker has made a £27million fortune as one of the Premier League’s best players.From an apprentice at Sheffield United to making his name at Tottenham, before becoming a Premier League champion at Manchester City – the defender, 33, has had a great career.
      Kyle Walker has made a £27million fortune playing football
      In 2017 Walker splashed the cash on a Lamborghini Huracan
      The interiors of the Lamborghini Huracan are plush
      Away from the pitch, his riches have seen him splash the cash.
      One of his favourite things to spend his money on is luxury cars.
      Walker has owned a variety of motors, including some stylish SUV’s.
      But, he really has a penchant for fast cars, as SunSport discovered when looking through his epic collection.
      Read more Kyle Walker news
      Lamborghini Huracan, £235,000
      After completing his big move from Spurs to City for £45million in 2017, Walker bought his most expensive motor.
      He joined new teammate Sergio Aguero as a Lamborghini owner.
      The right-back got himself a Huracan, which he was seen driving to training in his first few weeks at the club.
      It’s one of the fastest cars on the planet – capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
      Most read in Football
      Bentley Bentayga, £200,000
      When the Bentayga was released in 2015, footballers all over the world put their name on the waiting list for one.
      Walker, along with England pal Raheem Sterling, were just two of the first in line.
      The Bentayga was Bentley’s first foray into the SUV market – and it’s a beautiful car.
      The 2016 models boasted a simply huge twin-turbo W12 engine.
      Walker has been seen behind the wheel of a £200k Bentley Bentayga
      The Bentayga had a waiting list of footballers clamouring to buy one
      Check out these amazing collections

      Audi RS7, £115,000
      Although he was spoiled with the Bentayga in terms of comfort and class, Walker clearly has a preference for a more sporty motor.
      Recently, he’s been seen driving to training in a stylish RS7 that comes with a hefty £115,000 price tag.
      This Audi can hit a top speed of 190 mph.
      Better still, it does 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds meaning it’s not too shabby at all.
      Most recently, Walker has been seen in a Audi RS7
      Mercedes AMG-GT R, £160,000
      Perhaps the award for Walker’s best-looking motor goes to his stunning AMG-GT R.
      It truly is a work of art from a design standpoint, and it doesn’t lack in performance either.
      It’s just shy of his Lamborghini’s top speed of 201 mph at 198 mph.
      This Merc’s M178 twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine generates 510 horse power.
      read more sport features
      The Mercedes AMG-GT R is Walker’s most stylish car
      The interiors make this Mercedes look like a race car
      Mercedes S-Class, £92,000
      One of the ultimate saloons, that gives comfort, reliability and is driven by the elite.
      Don’t be fooled by the fact it’s Walker’s cheapest motor, it still oozes quality.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Depending on the model, it can reach 0-62 mph in 3.3 to 5.6 seconds – but you don’t buy it for its speed.
      But it’s built with cutting-edge technology, including ambient lighting which gives you a choice of 64 different colours.
      Saloon car do not come any classier than an S-Class Mercedes
      Cutting-edge technology is a staple of the S-Class More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Kyle Walker’s amazing lifestyle, from Cheshire love nest he lived in with Annie Kilner to his epic car collection

      by

      KYLE WALKER has enjoyed a storied career at the top.The Man City defender, 33, has won numerous Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League.
      Kyle Walker has amassed a £27million fortune from his football career
      Walker has owned a series of luxury cars including a £230k Lamborghini HuracanCredit: Getty
      On Instagram Walker has given fans a glimpse of his Cheshire propertyCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2
      While the veteran right-back is also a key component of Gareth Southgate’s England set-up.
      His success on the pitch has afforded him a luxury lifestyle off it.
      Walker has amassed a fortune believed to be in the region of £27million.
      And he has invested his money into property, while spending his cash on fast cars.
      read more kyle walker news
      SunSport looks into how Walker lives his life.
      Stunning home
      Walker, originally from Sheffield, splashed some of his fortune on a property in Cheshire in 2019.
      It boasts six bedrooms, and was bought as a love nest for him and childhood sweetheart Annie Kilner, before their marriage woes.
      It features a swimming pool, a sizeable marble hot tub, as well as a five-a-side football pitch.
      Most read in Football
      Back in 2020, demanding more privacy, Walker built a 13ft-high, 52ft-wide screen around the property so passers-by couldn’t see inside.
      He won a planning battle, after neighbours complained – calling the structure “unsightly”.
      Walker often shared glimpses of the home on Instagram to his five million followers.
      That included a snap of him watching football on a plush sofa with framed football jerseys on the wall.
      Another photo showed him wearing an apron in the kitchen.
      Keen gamer Walker also showed off where he liked to play Fortnite in a separate picture.
      Walker’s Cheshire mansion features a stunning outside swimming poolCredit: Instagram
      Chef Walker is happy to prepare meals in his modern kitchenCredit: Instagram
      Gamer Walker also loves playing Fortnite in his games roomCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2
      Walker earns around £160k-per-week at Man CityCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2

      Walker’s baby mama Lauryn Goodman
      Walker, who earns around £160,000-per-week at the Etihad, bought a £2,5million seaside mansion for his baby mama Lauryn Goodman.
      Amazing cars
      Over the years, Walker has prided himself on filling his garage with some stylish cars.
      In his first season as a Man City player in 2017, he was seen driving a £235,000 Lamborghini Huracan to training.
      One of the fastest cars on the planet, it’s capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
      It wasn’t the only Lambo parked in the car park – with former teammate Sergio Aguero also being a fan of the supercar and owning one.
      A fan of sporty cars, in 2019 he was seen behind the wheel of a brilliant Mercedes AMG-GT R that has a starting price of £160,000.
      They can reach a top speed of 198 mph and run off a M178 twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine.
      Another luxury car Walker enjoyed was his £200,000 Bentley Bentayga.
      That became a footballers’ favourite – with fellow England footballer Raheem Sterling also owning a Bentayga.
      read more sport features
      Walker seen behind the wheel of his Mercedes AMG-GT R worth £160kCredit: nb press ltd
      In 2019, it was alleged Walker romped with reality TV star Laura Brown in a Bentley BentaygaCredit: Getty
      Walker drives into training in a £115k AudiCredit: Cavendish Press
      Other motors Walker has been spotted with are Mercedes S-Class (from £92,000), and has also driven into training in a £115,000 Audi RS7.
      Tattoos
      Walker is no stranger to getting ink.
      His first ever tattoo was his name, K. Walker with a star next to it.
      However, amusingly he had a second star added next to it after his pals ribbed him that he gave himself such a low rating.
      Walker also has an eye tattoo on his forearm in loving memory of his late grandfather, who introduced him to football.
      He said: “I got this eye for my grandad, who took me to Sheffield United and got me into football. He passed away.
      “I got the eye to say he’s always looking down on me and he guides me through a lot.”
      Walker’s youngest son’s birthday is written in Roman numerals below his chest.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      While an angel tattoo on his right shoulder commemorates the loss of his sister’s baby.
      Walker’s life is befitting of one of the Premier League’s most famous footballers, who has reached the top and made serious money.
      Walker has a variety of tattoos including his name written on his hand
      Dad Walker has his son’s birthday writen in Roman numerals across his chest
      An eye on his forearm represents his late grandfather
      An angel shoulder tattoo is dedicated to the loss of his sister’s baby More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Karim Benzema’s amazing lifestyle from car collection worth £6million to flying in private jets and gold-plated iPhone

      by

      KARIM Benzema is one of the wealthiest footballers on the planet.Thanks to an amazing career, primarily at Real Madrid where he became a club legend, the French striker has amassed a fortune believed to be around £185million.
      Karim Benzema is one of the world’s richest and most stylish footballers
      French striker Benzema lives an amazing lifestyle – owning dream cars like this Bugatti
      Benzema also goes on incredible holidays
      That has allowed Benzema, 36, to live a life of luxury.
      His biggest extravagance is his car collection that is now worth a staggering £6million.
      While if he travels anyway, he will always fly privately.
      Befitting of a true star of the game, Karim also dresses the part.
      Read more lifestyle news
      His wardrobe is filled with clobber from his favourite designer, Balenciaga.
      And his phone is just as bling too – made just for him and gold-plated.
      Cars
      Karim has always had a thing for the best cars.
      His garage is full of the most expensive money can buy.
      Most read in Football
      In Saudi Arabia he added a BMW M5 Competition to his fleet, which could have cost as much as £131,000.
      He’s also believed to own a Rolls-Royce in the Middle East.
      His prized possession is the £2.5million Bugatti Chiron he bought in 2021.
      Another SUV that Benzema had to have was a Lamborghini Urus costing £188,000.
      The forward also has a very rare Bugatti Veyron, which cost £1.5million – but now being a collector’s item is worth much more than that.
      Then there’s a £200,000 Ferrari 458 Spyder and a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren that is appreciating in value and could be worth up to £400,000 in today’s market – all sitting comfortably in Benzema’s garage.
      Let’s not forget a Lamborghini Gallardo £220,000 and a £250,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith.
      Benzema’s come a long way since he bought a Mini Cooper off a pal at Lyon as his first car.
      Legend Benzema shows off his stunning Lamborghini Urus worth £188,000
      Benzema shows off fleet of super cars on an airport runway alongside a private jet
      Living life in the fast lane is Benzema’s favourite thing to do
      A Rolls-Royce Wraith worth £250,000 sits in Benzema’s garage
      Benzema is the proud owner of two Bugatti supercars worth over £1.5million
      Jet-set life
      When the season ends, Benzema takes himself on a well-deserved holiday.
      He will travel in luxury, seen taking a private jet to glam destinations including Ibiza and Los Angeles.
      He shares his travels to his 76million followers on Instagram – who were wowed by the lifestyle he leads, which includes renting luxury yachts or going on safari.
      Benzema left fans wanting more, though, when he deleted his Instagram following a defeat against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr for club Al-Ittihad.
      As for his personal life, he most recently enjoyed a trip to Mauritius with ex-wife Chole de Launay, who is the mother of his two children, Melia and Nouri.
      Benzema also has a child with ex-girlfriend Cora Gauthier called Ibrahim.
      Last year he became a father for the fourth time when reported girlfriend and former Hooters waitress  Jordan Ozunagave birth in April.
      Benzema often hires private jets to travel around in
      When on holiday Benzema also hires super yachts
      Ex-Hooters waitress Jordan Ozuna is believed to be Benzema’s girlfriend and they have a child together
      Chloe de Launay has two children with Benzema
      Jordan, 35, is a successful model and is signed to plenty of top brands.
      She previously worked as a Hooters model in Las Vegas, prior to meeting Benzema.
      Fancy wardrobe
      When it comes to shopping for fancy threads, Benzema is a big spender.
      In 2022, Benzema won the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy.
      For the occasion, he wore a fitted black tuxedo over a banded collar shirt in a nod to a famous outfit worn by Tupac Shakur at the 1996 American Music Awards.
      Matched with expensive Jean Paul Gaultier frames, a Cartier bracelet and Richard Mille watch, he was a picture of elegance.
      In 2019, he modelled a Fendi collection, while he’s often front row at Paris Fashion Week.
      His go-to designer is Balenciaga, who he is often spotted wearing.
      Talking to GQ about his fashion choices, he said: “I love old school sneakers, I have a lot of old school adidas.
      Benzema was suited and booted at the 2022 Ballon d’Or ceremony

      Benzema’s wardrobe is full of designer threads
      ”I dressed the same as Kriss Kross, my jeans were so big they hid my sneakers, and I hated shirts, even if now I sometimes wear them.
      “But I still wear what I love: simple stuff. The brand is not what matters to me the most, even if for example I would never mix Versace with Levi’s.
      “I learned everything on my own, and yes, I think I have style. Afterwards, even though I love denim, my eight-year-old daughter prefers that I pick her up from school in a suit, so I put one on to make her happy.”
      £3,000 iPhone
      Benzema loves his bling and is often dripping in jewellery.
      At the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2022, he wore matching Tiffany & Co diamond bracelets with reported partner Jordan.
      He also owns an exclusive Purnell watch with 8k rose gold hands, hour markers and a miniature ball.
      It’s a one off piece said to be worth a staggering £1.5million.
      Benzema shows off a Tiffany & Co bracelet
      A Purnell watch owned by Benzema could be worth as much as £1.5million
      Benzema’s bespoke iPhone is gold plated
      And Benzema doesn’t just have a normal iPhone.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      He has a bespoke 24k gold iPhone costing somewhere in the region of £3,000 by iPhone Gold.
      There’s no chance of him losing it either, because it’s got his initials on. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside £100m rated Ivan Toney’s epic lifestyle, from being Premier League’s best dressed to doting dad with three kids

      by

      THERE are few cooler customers than Ivan Toney on and off the pitch.The £100million-rated striker, who returns to action on January 17 after a gambling ban, has been linked with a move away from Brentford.
      Ivan Toney is one of football’s coolest customers
      Wearing great outfits make Toney football’s best dressed
      Toney is the main man for Brentford and closing in on his return
      He is renowned for being calm in the penalty box, netting 29 penalties and missing just two during his incredible rise as the Premier League’s hottest marksman.
      But it’s away from football where he is really coming into his own.
      Toney revealed he would love to become an actor, when his playing days come to an end.
      However, he could have a future as a fashion designer – judging by the trendy threads he wears.

      From shopping at Bottega Veneta to modelling clothes by Louis Vuitton and the hip Gallery Department, Toney looks the part.
      And the father of two is also, very much, the doting dad – taking his brood on amazing holidays.
      He’s in fashion
      Although he’s one of the most in-demand footballers on our shores, Toney’s style is also definitely admired.
      His fashion posts draw plenty of praise on social media, as well as likes.
      Most read in Football
      It’s no wonder he has almost 500,000 followers on Instagram.
      Toney clearly loves shopping, sharing photos trying on Prada sunglasses and more in department stores.
      On one outing he can be seen clutching a Bottega Veneta bag – looking delighted with his purchase.
      On another Instagram post, he shows off a stunning Dior raincoat – captioning his snap, “Have fun with it”.
      One of the most fetching items we’ve seen him wear rang in his 26th birthday – a jacquard damier fleece blouson from Louis Vuitton costing £1,280, which drew almost 21,000 likes on Instagram.
      Toney’s favourite designer appears to be the LA-based Gallery Dept. – a staple among rappers and who hip-hop group Migos released their own capsule collection with in 2021.
      The style is very much vintage clothing meets modern art.
      Toney wears a Louis Vuitton fleece costing £1,280
      NBA leisure wear is also pulled off effortlessly by Toney
      Tonoey enjoys styling himself
      LA-based Gallery Dept. is one of Toney’s favourite high-end brands
      Toney models a Dior jacket
      Glam travels
      Toney reportedly earns around £1milllion-per-year with the Bees.
      When he’s not hard at work at the training ground or on the football pitch, he makes time for glam holidays.
      A fan of warm weather at winter, he has been spotted in Dubai in the past.
      Toney also loves the Caribbean, where he supported St Vincent by setting up a fund-raising campaign for the people affected by a volcanic eruption on the island in 2021.
      He often makes time to squeeze in some shopping when he’s away, dropping into Philipp Plein on a trip to Marbella.
      When abroad, Toney really likes to let his hair down.
      And he’s a fan of adventurous activity – seen taking a ride on a hoverboard above the sea.
      It’s a yacht life for Toney
      Travelling by private jet makes life easy for Toney
      One a break away, Toney went riding on some buggies
      Toney still found time to shop in Marbella at Phillip Plein
      Toney enjoys a ride on a hoverboard at sea
      He also took a buggy ride on a different break away with pals.
      Life’s a breeze for Toney when he’s away, enjoying the fruits of his labour by hiring a private boat for a day.
      Travelling in style is very much his MO, often arriving on foreign shores by private jet.
      Doting dad
      Taking in those experiences with him are his children.
      On social media, Toney proves to be very much the doting dad to his kids
      In one snap, he shared a photo pushing a pram and smiling for the camera at a tropical location.
      A second snap shows him clutching his youngest child, while another sits on his lap.
      He had plenty of puff to help blow out a candle on his son’s birthday.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Toney is very much the doting dad
      Dad Toney pushes a pram on another break away
      Toney loves to show off his kids on Instagram
      Toney helps his son blow out a candle on his birthday
      A third, on holiday, shows his sense of adventure shared with his offspring on a jet ski.
      If they take after their dad, they certainly will be in style too. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How unlikely Casanova Sven-Goran Eriksson won over England with Germany rout – as fans show support amid cancer fight

      by

      SVEN-GORAN Eriksson is much-loved by England fans – for one night in Munich in September 2001.The Swede, 75, has received messages of support by supporters all over the world after he revealed he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
      Legendary Sweden manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed he has terminal cancer
      Eriksson and his coaching staff celebrate England’s famous 5-1 win over GermanyCredit: Rex
      At Lazio. in Italy Eriksson scored his greatest successCredit: Getty
      He told a radio station in his homeland that he has “at best a year” to live.
      He revealed to P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.
      “Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”
      When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said he has “maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer”.
      Read more football news
      The decorated ex-Three Lions gaffer added: “You can’t be absolutely sure. It is better not to think about it.
      “But you can trick your brain. See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversity, because this is the biggest adversity of course, but make something good out of it.”
      Eriksson – or just Sven as England fans call him – has enjoyed some incredible achievements in the game.
      After all, this was a man who beat Juventus and AC Milan to winning a Serie A title with unfashionable Lazio – only the second in their history – in 2000.
      Most read in Football
      And despite his admitted failings with not getting the best out of the ‘Golden Generation’ of England footballers from 2001-2006, the 5-1 demolition of Germany at the Olympiastadion in Munich is immortal.
      Sven also proved himself to be an unlikely Casanova, charming beauties Nancy Dell’Ollio, Ulrika Jonsson and Faria Alam.
      Legend in Italy
      Sven arrived back in Italy in 1992 with Sampdoria, following a successful spell with Benfica who he led to a European Cup final.
      He had previously scored success with Roma in the Coppa Italia in 1985, but a trophyless stint with Fiorentina meant he had unfinished business.
      For the Genoa giants he won the Coppa Italia in 1994, ripping up the Italian defensive blueprint of man-marking by introducing a zonal marking system.
      He left Sampdoria for Lazio in 1997, where he would become a legend.
      A talented squad, that included future Ballon d’Or winner Pavel Nedved, Argies Juan Sebastian Veron, Nestor Sensini and Diego Simeone, as well as top scorer Marcelo Salas proved too much for their rivals in 2000.
      They pipped Juventus to win Serie A by a point, also ousting the great AC Milan side of that era in the title race.
      Knowing how to make a team difficult to beat was Sven’s strength and it played to the style of the league he coached in.
      Eriksson’s love affair with Italian football began in the 1980s at RomaCredit: Alamy
      It was at rivals Lazio he would win multiple trophiesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Eriksson, pictured with ex-Lazio Owner Sergio Cragnotti, won the Serie A title and European Cup Winners’ CupCredit: Rex
      Lazio won the double that year – making it a trio of Coppa Italia wins for the studious manager.
      He left in 2001 with his legacy in place, also adding the Cup Winners’ Cup and Super Cup to his CV.
      New challenge
      That same year, Sven landed the England job to become the first foreigner to take charge of the national team.
      The Scandinavian tactician had flirted with the idea of coaching in the UK – almost joining Blackburn Rovers in 1996, before opting to stay in Italy for family reasons.
      But, the allure of working with England’s ‘Golden Generation’ of Beckham, Scholes, Lampard and more would prove to be too hard to turn down.
      In truth, his cautious approach didn’t always work. Tournament failures – losing in the quarter-finals of two World Cups (2002 and 2006), and the Euros in 2004.
      Least we not forget we lost to two very good sides in Brazil and Portugal (twice) in those games.
      However, before those losses, we did have reason to cheer for one unforgettable night in Munich when it all came together.
      The Three Lions travelled to Germany to face off against their bitter rivals, after a poor start to their 2002 World Cup qualification campaign in a crucial game.
      read more sport features
      Eriksson coached England to a famous 5-1 win over GermanyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Michael Owen was the hero scoring a hat-trick on that famous eveningCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Steven Gerrard also contributed towards Svenmania in the 5-1 routCredit: Reuters
      Wins against lesser opposition didn’t exactly fill us with confidence.
      But we took the Germans to the sword on their own soil. Spearheaded by Michael Owen who scored a hat-trick, and rounded off by Emile Heskey – it was an awesome display in a 5-1 win away from home.
      It kickstarted Svenmania. Unbelievably in his homeland, the game was watched by over a million football fans – double the amount that tuned in to watch Sweden take on Macedonia that night.
      Marks & Spencer, a longtime supporter of the England national team, printed 9,000 Germany 1 England 5 T-shirts, which sold out in a day.
      “I can’t remember a menswear product selling so well,” a spokesman revealed at the time – a testament to Sven’s greatest day.
      Unlikely Casanova
      Sven married Ann-Christine Pettersson in 1977, they had two children, before they divorced in 1994.
      The cause of their split, he admitted, was an extramarital affair with curvy beauty Graziella Mancinelli.
      It was a trait that followed Sven in his love life.
      By 1998, he began a romance with glam lawyer Nancy Dell’Ollio who left her husband for the unlikely Casanova.
      Eriksson had a longterm romance with Italian lawyer Nancy Dell’OlioCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He had an affair with fellow Swede Ulrika JonssonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Glam FA secretary Faria Alam also fell for Eriksson’s charmsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Again, he would stray – enjoying a brief tryst with Italian actress Debora Caprioglio.
      Nancy forgave him, joining Sven in London at his £2million Regent’s Park.
      His wandering eye led to more well-publicised affairs – with TV personality Ulrika Jonsson in 2002 and FA secretary Faria Alam in 2004.
      Nancy stuck by Sven until 2006, when they finally called it quits.
      “People said the constant media attention was something I had to accept, but I never understood what was so interesting about my private life,” he wrote in a column in the Daily Mail.
      Plenty of support
      Former players have spoken in support of Sven after his shock cancer diagnosis.
      Wayne Rooney took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and wrote: “Sad news this morning. Thoughts are with Sven Goran-Eriksson and his family.
      “A brilliant coach and a special person. Loved and respected by everyone. We’re all with you Sven, keep fighting.”
      Ex-player Trevor Sinclair posted: “Upsetting to read my old boss Sven Goran-Eriksson has terminal cancer!
      “An absolute gentleman & excellent coach that I am eternally grateful to, as I earned all my England caps under him. I wish him love & comfort during his final battle.”
      While fans have united to wish Sven the best.
      Wayne Rooney has thrown his support behind Eriksson after his sad cancer revealCredit: AP
      Eriksson has revealed he has ‘at best’ a year to liveCredit: Reuters
      One shared: “Really sad news about Sven Goran Eriksson, I hope he finds the strength to fight as long as he can, as someone who cared for my grandad with terminal cancer it is the cruelest disease. Wishing him & his family the best.”
      A second added: “Cancer is just the most evil disease that take everything from not only the person suffering but everyone who loves them.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Wishing Sven Goran Eriksson the best possible in his health & hope that he has the best support around him to help him fight it.”
      We, at SunSport, echo those thoughts. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Tottenham new boy Radu Dragusin who snubbed Chelsea, has sport star parents and whose Wag is a glam architect

      by

      FOR Spurs it promises to be a Rad signing.Tottenham have agreed a deal to bring the “Romanian Van Dijk” Radu Dragusin to the Premier League for £21.5million from Italian side Genoa.
      Radu Dragusin has agreed to join Tottenham in a £21.5m deal
      Standing at 6ft3in, Dragusin is a hulking presence at the backCredit: instagram @radudragusin5
      Dragusin is supported by his stunning Wag Iona StanCredit: instagram @radudragusin5
      Heading in the opposite direction is forgotten man Djed Spence, as Ange Postecoglou also closes in on a swoop for German forward Timo Werner.
      Dragusin could have been a star on our shores sooner – snubbing Chelsea as a teenager to sign for Juventus.
      He comes from sporting stock – with both his parents elite sports stars in their homeland.
      Meanwhile his glam girlfriend Iona Stan is an aspiring architect who is living the dream life of a Wag.
      Read more football news
      Start big
      Standing at 6ft3in with a striking top-knot and goatee beard, Dragusin cuts an imposing figure.
      It was in his blood to be an athlete, both his parents were involved in professional sport.
      Dad Dan played volleyball for Romania, while mum Svetlana also represented her country in basketball.
      But it was a cousin who introduced a young Radu to football.
      Most read in Football
      He joined local side Sportul Studentesc before moving on to Regal Sport Bucharest who have an affiliation with Atletico Madrid.
      But the LaLiga side missed the boat on the centre-half, who moved to Italy in 2018 to link up with Juventus and their academy.
      Chelsea and PSG were also interested, but the Serie A giants moved fast to secure the talent – paying around £215,000 to secure the services of the then Romania U16 captain.
      “My brother called me and told me there’s a good young player [in Romania] and I sent him to see with his own eyes,” Florin Manea, the agent who brokered the transfer, told TMW.
      “He confirmed that initial impression by telling me he is a star, so I quickly reported to Juventus.
      “After about an hour, Matteo Tognozzi, Juventus’ chief scout, called me to say that Radu impressed everyone. Other teams were interested too, but the Bianconeri really wanted him.
      “He asked me, ‘Where can I become a great central defender?’ Chelsea wanted him too, but that’s why he chose Juventus.”
      Dragusin worked his way up the ranks at JuventusCredit: AP
      Centre back Dragusin idolises Juve legends Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo BonucciCredit: Getty
      Following the legends
      In 2020, Dragusin told Juventus TV: “I am inspired by Van Dijk, as well as Bonucci and Chiellini.”
      It was the latter two that he would get the opportunity to learn from in Turin.
      After making his way through the youth ranks, he was called up to the first team for a game against Lazio.
      A month later he made his debut in a Champions League tie against Dynamo Kyiv, coming on as a second half substitute.
      But, despite signing a four-year contract and being highly thought of, he consistently found himself on the fringes of the first eleven.
      Loan spells at Sampdoria and Salernitana hindered his progress, which convinced the Old Lady to offer Dragusin to Serie B side Genoa with an obligation to buy at the end of another loan.
      It was that move at the start of the 2022-23 season that would be the making of him.
      Starring role
      Dragusin took all the plaudits as Genoa gained promotion from Serie B.
      Incredibly, he missed just 45 minutes of a tiring campaign – contributing to his club’s impressive defensive record of conceding the second least in the division.
      After leaving Juventus, Dragusin became a key player for GenoaCredit: Getty
      Dragusin celebrates winning Serie B with IonaCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      And he managed to find the net four times, as his aerial prowess proved to be a threat from set-pieces.
      His impressive form alerted Romania boss Edward Iordănescu, who called him up to the international set-up for all of his nation’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.
      It would prove to be a successful period for Romania, who topped their group over favourites Switzerland.
      With Dragusin at the heart of the defence, the Romanians conceded just five times in their 10 games.
      Starring in Serie A
      The stopper has continued to progress with his side cementing their place in Italy’s top flight.
      His development has been aided by coach Alberto Gilardino, a once prolific marksman for Parma, AC Milan, and Fiorentina.
      Dragusin said: “Gilardino has given us a lot confidence in our abilities, he told us to play with heart and give everything on the pitch.”
      Stopper Dragusin has proven to be one of Serie A’s most impressive competitorsCredit: Getty
      Dragusin celebrates scoring against Inter in Genoa’s final game of 2023Credit: Reuters
      That was in evidence in Genoa’s final game of 2023, before the winter break.
      The underdogs secured a vital point against Inter Milan to move seven points clear of the relegation zone.
      It was Dragusin who displayed that fighting spirit, netting an equaliser.
      Beautiful missus
      Away from the pitch, Dragusin is ably supported by his stunning girlfriend, Iona.
      Not much is known about how the pair met.
      However, they both appear on each other’s Instagram pages from 2021.
      She is an inspiring architect, who is studying at The Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urban Planning in Bucharest.
      When she’s not, she is living the life of a football Wag.
      On game day, you will find her cheering on her beloved in the stands.
      Gorgeous Iona lives the life of a WagCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      Iona is Dragusin’s biggest fanCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      Brunette beauty Iona is studying to be an architectCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      Iona will be a big fan of London’s architecture when she moves to our shoresCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
      The artsy brunette looks and plays the part, dressing in designer fur coats and taking luxury holidays.
      Read more on The Sun
      Their next port of call is London, where she will be able to indulge her love for shopping and iconic architecture.
      While Dragusin’s game under Postecoglou will, no doubt, continue to improve. More