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      in Soccer

      Man Utd target Ruben Amorim outfoxed Arteta with amazing tactical display… but lost to Erik ten Hag twice

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      MANCHESTER UNITED managerial target Ruben Amorim already has experience of getting the better of some of the Premier League’s top managers.The Sporting Lisbon boss appears to be in pole position to replace Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot-seat, after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday.Ruben Amorim put on a tactical masterclass to knock Arsenal out of the Europa League in 2023Credit: AlamyMikel Arteta’s side were unable to get the better of SportingCredit: AFPAmorim may have never managed in the Premier League, but his tactics have already come up trumps against some of the division’s best managers.Most notably, his Sporting side saw off Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the Europa League last 16 in 2023.Sporting knocked the Gunners out of Europe with some intelligent tactics that pushed Arteta’s side to the limit and ultimately knocked them out on penalties.Amorim’s side managed a draw in both fixtures, a 2-2 game at home and a 1-1 effort at the Emirates.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd although they didn’t win in regulation time, it was Amorim’s tactics that impressed the most.Sporting played with a back three when in possession to throw numbers forward and allow Marcus Edwards time to shine.Before dropping into a back five when the Gunners attacked, stunting the efforts of Arsenal’s forward line by keeping their shape and stepping up towards the half-way line.And there was a familiar face pulling the strings and orchestrating the rotations in the middle of the park for Sporting in the second leg too – Man Utd’s summer arrival Manuel Ugarte.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim’s Sporting played a high line with five at the back when out of possessionCredit: UEFASporting opted for a back three when they had the ballCredit: UEFANew Man Utd man Manuel Ugarte helped pull the strings in the second legCredit: GettyUgarte, alongside Pedro Goncalves, continuously rotated in and out of position to drag Arsenal’s players out of place and create pockets to play into.However, Ugarte was sent off for two yellow card offences later in the game.Man Utd want Ruben AmorimBut it’s not just Arteta that Amorim has experience against with the 39-year-old taking on a number of other Premier League bosses.The gaffer found himself facing Oliver Glasner’s Eintracht Frankfurt side in the Champions League back in 2022 – winning one game 3-0 and losing the other 2-1.Glasner is now the Crystal Palace manager.While Amorim’s tactics against Pep Guardiola have also had mixed returns, earning a 0-0 draw with Man City in the Champions League round of 16 and also losing 5-0 in the other leg.Perhaps the most concerning thing about Amorim’s record against Premier League managers is his efforts when he took on Erik ten Hag.Going head to head with Ten Hag’s Ajax side in 2021 saw Amorim’s Sporting concede NINE GOALS in two games.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Portuguese side lost 5-1 and 4-2 to Ajax, against a team that featured now-Man Utd stars such as Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui.Amorim has also faced Tottenham during his time as Sporting manager, winning 2-0 and drawing 1-1 to a Spurs side managed by Antonio Conte.Erik ten Hag beat Amorim’s side twice as Ajax bossCredit: PAAmorim couldn’t beat Pep Guardiola’s Man CityCredit: AFPAmorim record vs Premier League managersHere’s a look at Amorim’s record against Premier League managers and clubs…MIKEL ARTETA – ARSENALSporting 2-2 ArsenalArsenal 1-1 Sporting (4-6 penalties)ERIK TEN HAG – AJAXSporting 1-5 AjaxAjax 4-2 SportingOLIVER GLASNER – EINTRACHT FRANKFURTE. Frankfurt 0-3 SportingSporting 1-2 E. FrankfurtPEP GUARDIOLA – MAN CITYSporting 0-5 Man CityMan City 0-0 SportingTOTTENHAM (managed by Antonio Conte)Sporting 2-0 TottenhamTottenham 1-1 Sporting’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.” More

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      in Motorsport

      The six major rules drivers need to comply with to get F1 Super Licence or be banned from competing in races

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      FORMULA ONE drivers may all have their own flair and temperament on the track.However, from seven-time world champions like Lewis Hamilton to rookies such as Franco Colapinto, every driver in the motorsport has one thing in common: an FIA Super Licence.F1 stars like Lewis Hamilton need an FIA F1 Super Licence to competeCredit: GettyAcross the vast and incredibly diverse world of motorsport, all sorts of licences are issued for different events.However, for F1, the FIA – the governing body of global motorsport – demands a full top-level Super Licence.Drivers must strictly adhere to the rules of the licence or face a race ban, as was the case with F1 star Kevin Magnussen earlier this season.Below we go through the rules and fundamental requirements that tie every F1 driver and F1 aspirant together, as detailed in the International Sporting Code:READ MORE IN F1Must be at least 18 years oldThe first requirement for the Super Licence is a simple one, be at least 18 at the time of their first race.That being said, exceptions to this rule have been granted for those aged at least 17.The reason for this exception is explained as follows in the Appendix L, Article 5 of the Sporting Code: “At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a Free Practice Only Super Licenceat the age of 17 years old.”Max Verstappen is the only case of this exemption being made, with his appearance at the age of 17 years and 166 days old at the Australian Grand Prix in 2015 making him the youngest driver in F1 history.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHolder of an International Grade A competition licenceThe second requirement is that drivers have an International Grade A competition licence.The Grade A licence is earned through competition in lower grade competitions such as F2, F3, karting, or Rally cars.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? This system was introduced in 2021 and came into force from 2022.The then-FIA Safety Director, Adam Baker, said: “This represents one of the biggest changes to the FIA International Driver Licence structure for a decade, and is the culmination of more than two years of hard work between the sporting departments within the FIA, the FIA Sport Commissions and a working group of National Sporting Authorities.”Pass an FIA theory testThe third point in the code is as follows: “The driver mustsuccessfully complete a question session regarding the most important points of the International Sporting Code and of the F1 Sporting Regulations.”For any later requests, the team must certify they have held a briefing with the driver about the most important points in the International Sporting Code.Completed at least 80% of each of two full seasons of any of the Championships reported in Supplement 1 of the regulationsA driver cannot hope to stand in F1 without a strong foundation of experience in the junior single-seater categories.That is why at the first time of application, drivers must have completed at least 80 per cent of two full seasons of Championship specified in Supplement 1 of the regulations.These series include, but are not limited to, F2, F3, IndyCar, Formula E, FIA WEC/Hypercar, DTM, Nascar and F1 Academy.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. Accumulated at least 40 licence pointsHowever, it is not simply enough to race in the lower levels.Drivers must accumulate a total of 40 licence points over the previous three seasons of racing.Different series yield different award values. For example, winning the championship in both IndyCar or F2 gives a driver the full 40 points they would need to be eligible to enter F1.Beyond this, F2 is the most rewarding series for licence points, with a driver even finishing in 10th able to acquire three licence points.However, drivers such as Oliver Bearman have been allowed to compete in F1 without a full F2 season under their belt due to performing well in series below such as F3, with the aggregate over the last three seasons coming into play.The requirements are slightly reduced for returning F1 drivers like previously seen with Fernando Alonso, with the licence points required put down to 30.Drivers coming back must have completed at least 300km in a representative F1 car “consistently at racing speeds” over no more than two days and completed not more than 180 days prior to the application.Renewing F1 stars are also considered for a renewal “at the sole determination of the FIA to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability in single-seater formula cars”.Not accumulating 12 penalty pointsA 12-month probation period comes into play after a driver is issued a licence, with the FIA able to take away the licence at any time if standards are not being met.Once drivers have a licence, they must then stay within the rules and avoid earning 12 penalty points on their licence.Magnussen failed to do this earlier in the season and was subsequently banned from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.The Dane was the first to fall foul of this penalty point ban rule, but that saw his penalty points reduced to zero.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe move to the penalty system was introduced in 2014 with an eye on targeting repeat offenders who cause crashes. Causing a collision is worth three penalty points against the Super Licence.Following the Mexico Grand Prix, Alonso sits on eight points along with none due to expire until the end of March 2025, while Verstappen’s double penalty incident with Lando Norris saw him net two points and move up to six penalty points.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      in Soccer

      Mats Hummels, 35, goes public with Victoria’s Secret model, 25, at Ballon d’Or after split from former ‘Wag of the Year’

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      MATS HUMMELS went public with his stunning new girlfriend at last night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.The Germany defender was dressed to impress in a black tuxedo and was pictured arriving with gorgeous model Nicola Cavanis.Mats Hummels hit the red carpet with his new girlfriend Nicola CavanisCredit: GettyIt was the first time they had been seen in publicCredit: GettyNicola is a model who has worked for Victoria’s SecretCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe is ten years younger than HummelsCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAHummels, 35, and the beauty ten years his junior were seen holding hands as they hit the red carpet.Nicola stunned in a figure-hugging pale dress and was all smiles with her new man.It was the first time they had been seen together in public after several reports in the German press that they were dating.Nicola, who started her career as a model as a teenager, shot to fame in her homeland after starring in a Nivea advert in 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe has since represented brands like Victoria’s Secret, Puma, MCM, New Yorker and Tchibo.Nicola also has a huge following on social media, boasting 1.9 million on Instagram, 500,000 on TikTok.Despite being born in Bavaria, she does not support Hummels’ former club Bayern Munich, and is instead a fan of Augsburg.Hummels is with Nicola following his split from wife Cathy Fischer in 2022.Most read in FootballNicola Cavanis is a social media star with millions of followersCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAThe beauty supports AugsburgCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAHummels with his ex Cathy FischerCredit: Bongarts – GettyThey were married for seven years and they have a son named Ludwig, 6.The 36-year-old used to pose for Playboy and was named Germany’s Wag of the Year in 2013 when Hummels was at Borussia Dortmund. Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’She also once admitted to being open to kissing anyone, saying: “I love to snog when I’m drunk. The sex is irrelevant, I don’t care.”I also kiss women in such situations. Then I just want to snog.”Asked about how many people she has slept with, she added: “I can count them with one hand. “I don’t open my castle to anyone. To me, this is a very private matter.”Hummels, who now plays for Roma, came 29th in the Ballon d’Or last night.Meet Mats Hummels’ stunning Wag Nicola CavanisMats Hummels is now dating glamorous model Nicola Cavanis despite the pair having a ten-year age gap.They went public on the red carpet at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.Despite the defender coming 29th, fans said he got the “real trophy”.She has millions of followers online and she regularly posts stunning professional photos on her social media, along with images from her day-to-day life.Nicola, who works for “Munich Models Germany”, also revealed her contract states she cannot get a haircut without telling her company. She is also banned from getting any tattoos.Nicola added: “I have to coordinate with them whether I can go to the hairdresser.”I can’t just go on vacation, I have to cancel so that they can plan the appointments.”I’m also not allowed to just get tattoos.” More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League cult hero Emmanuel Adebayor offered brand new career as a politician after retirement from football

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      Emmanuel Adebayor has been invited to swap penalty boxes for ballot boxes – by becoming a politician.The striker spent 11 years in the Premier League with Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Crystal Palace.Emmanuel Adebayor has been urged to become a politicianCredit: AFPAdebayor hung up his boots last year after a career that saw him star for teams such as Manchester City and ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – GettyTogo international Adebayor retired last year after a spell with home-country club Semassi.The 40-year-old took part in his testimonial game in capital city Lome at the weekend.Yawo Date, the president of Togolese opposition party Comite d’Action Pour Le Renouveau, has now urged Adebayor to join them.Known as CAR, the party’s name means Renewal Action Committee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDate declared: “It’s a good thing that our brother Adebayor has celebrated his testimonial game.”But now he has finished with sport he needs to get involved in politics.”And the ideal party for him to campaign with is the CAR. I invite him to join us.”With him on board we can continue the political struggle for freedom in Togo.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”In Adebayor we see an example of perseverance and success.”He embodies the kind of ambition and dynamism that Togo’s young people want from their political leaders.”Ballon d’Or winner who was president of his country reveals surprise Premier League team he supportsAdebayor has also played for Real Madrid, Metz, Turkish sides Istanbul Basaksehir and Kayserispor, plus Paraguayan outfit Olimpia.Arsenal signed him from Monaco in 2006, and he made 142 Gunners appearances – scoring 62 goals – before joining City in 2009. More

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      in Soccer

      Ballon d’Or chief explains to Real Madrid why Vinicius Jr didn’t win as star misses out on whopping bonus from club

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      BALLON D’OR chief Vincent Garcia has explained why Vinicius Jr missed out on the award.The Real Madrid star finished as the runner-up to Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the running.Vinicius Jr missed out on winning the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyManchester City star Rodri claimed the prize on Monday eveningCredit: APLos Blancos were left fuming with the Brazilian’s snub and released a blunt 52-word statement in response.The LaLiga giants claimed that the organisation and Uefa “do not respect” the club.The club also refused to attend the event in Paris due to their anger over the result.However, Garcia has now explained one reason why Vinicius Jr may have missed out on the top price.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe believes the success of Real’s Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal may have cost the Brazilian.His argument is that the votes that the 2nd and 4th placed stars would have received votes instead of Vinicius Jr.He said: “Obviously, Vinicius surely suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top five because, mathematically, that took away some points from him.”This also sums up Real Madrid’s season, which took between three and four players, and the judges shared their decisions with them, which benefited Rodri.”Most read in FootballThe split of votes for Real players allowed for more room for Rodri to be named the winner.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGarcia added: “We were very clear with them [Real Madrid] and with all the other clubs.”This year, the winner and the prizewinner were not going to be notified.Emi Martinez and his stunning Wag are booed mercilessly at Ballon d’Or ceremony by France fans Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine”I thought that everyone had accepted but at the last minute, I don’t know why, they wanted to change the rule.”When Real Madrid made its decision, I’m not sure that there wasn’t some disappointment.”As a result of Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Jr missed out on a cash reward from Real.The winger would have been handed a bonus of £833,000 from his club if he had won the award.Vinicius Jr would have also been the first Brazilian to lay his hands on the individual trophy since 2007, when Kaka won it.He has spoken out since the snub and claimed that he will be a winner in the future.He wrote on X: “‘I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to Real’s boycott of the event it left one award uncollected.Last season’s Champions League winners were not able to collect their Club of the Year award.All winners of the Ballon d’Or this century2024: Rodri, Man City and Spain2023: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and Argentina2022: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid and France2021: Lionel Messi, PSG and Argentina2020: Not Awarded2019: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2018: Luka Modric, Real Madrid and Croatia2017: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2016: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2015: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2014: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2013: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2012: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2011: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2010: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2009: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2008: Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd and Portugal2007: Kaka, AC Milan and Brazil2006: Fabio Cannavaro, Real Madrid and Italy2005: Ronaldinho, Barcelona and Brazil2004: Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan and Ukraine2003: Pavel Nedved, Juventus and Czechia2002: Ronaldo Nazario, Real Madrid and Brazil2001: Michael Owen, Liverpool and England2000: Luis Figo, Real Madrid and Portugal More

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      in Soccer

      Hollywood icon trolls Real Madrid with subtle gesture as she poses with Barcelona stars at Ballon d’Or ceremony

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      A HOLLYWOOD icon trolled Real Madrid with a cheeky subtle gesture as she posed for photos with Barcelona stars at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.A host of Barca stars headed to Paris for the annual gala evening at the Theatre du Chatelet.Natalie Portman took a cheeky dig at Real Madrid alongside Barcelona starsCredit: X @FCBarcelonaThe actress dazzled on the red carpet at the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyAnd trio Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi even posed on the red carpet with an Oscar-winning superstar.The footballers were all smiles alongside Natalie Portman, who even dropped a savage dig at Barca’s arch-rivals.Portman, 43, could not resist the fun and held up four fingers to the cameras.That appeared to be a thinly-veiled reference to the weekend when Barca smashed Real Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu. READ MORE ON BALLON D’OROlmo, Yamal and Cubarsi burst into laughter when they realised what Portman had done.And fans on social media could not get enough of it either, after Barcelona posted the video on their X account and it racked up 5million views by Tuesday lunchtime. One said: “Lmao no way she pointed out four reminding of El Clasico score.”Another wrote: “She’s pointing 4 😂😂😂”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third added: “She reigns supreme, cementing her place among the football greats with this remarkable achievement.”A fourth quipped: “W Portman.”Didier Drogba’s wife Alla suffers ‘yellow card offence’ as Ballon d’Or fans spot awkward red carpet momentAnd a final user simply commented: “Queen.”Portman is a huge football fan and even formed her own women’s team – Angel City FC – in 2022.However, she was in Paris last night to present the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the world’s best female footballer.She handed over the prestigious gong to Aitana Bonmati as the Barcelona and Spain star defended her title ahead of club team-mates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo.In fact, seven of the top 30 female footballers to make the list play for Barcelona – while Lucy Bronze left in the summer for Chelsea. And there was plenty more success for Barcelona, too, as the ladies’ team were named Women’s Club of the Year. Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and UkraineYamal and Olmo were the only men’s Barca star on the men’s Ballon d’Or top 30 list as they finished eighth and 13th. However, 17-year-old Yamal did collect the Kopa Trophy for the best young player as Cubarsi came fifth. To top it off for Barcelona, their rivals Real Madrid’s fancied trio of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal all missed out on the Ballon d’Or behind Rodri.And that triggered a boycott from the furious Los Blancos.They told AFP: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”Emi Martinez made it back-to-back Yashin Trophy successes – despite being BOOED on the red carpet – while Carlo Ancelotti was named Men’s Coach of the Year as Emma Hayes took the women’s gong. Portman presented the Ballon d’Or Feminin to Barcelona star Aitana BonmatiCredit: AFPBarca were crowned Women’s Club of the YearCredit: GettyDani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi were all smiles in ParisCredit: Reuters17-year-old Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best young playerCredit: AFP More

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      Ballon d’Or winner who was president of his country reveals surprise Premier League team he supports

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      FORMER Ballon d’Or winner George Weah has revealed which Premier League team he supports.Weah, 58, was present at last night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony having won the award himself in 1995.George Weah has revealed the Premier League club he grew up supportingCredit: GettyWeah won the Ballon d’Or in 1995Credit: GettyThe retired striker had a glittering career that saw him win the league at both AC Milan and PSG.While he also ventured into the Premier League with spells at both Chelsea and Manchester City during the twilight of his playing days.But despite representing two Prem sides, and even winning the FA Cup with Chelsea, Weah supports a completely different side in England’s top flight.The 75-time Liberia international revealed that he’s actually a Tottenham Hotspur fan.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWeah told the crowd at the Ballon d’Or ceremony that he grew up supporting Spurs, and explained that Harry Kane is one of his favourite players these days thanks to his time in north London.He said: “That’s [Harry Kane] one of the players that I love. I’m a fan of Mr. Kane.”Well, he played for my team. I’m a very big fan, because I believe that he’s a very strong and very clever striker.”And I support Tottenham, since I was a kid. And I love him.”Most read in FootballWeah pointed out Harry Kane as one of his favourite Ballon d’Or nominees, explaining that he grew up as a Spurs fanCredit: DAZNHarry Kane smiled on as he heard Weah’s gushing assessment of himCredit: DAZNWeah admitted to his Spurs upbringing despite formerly representing rivals ChelseaCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWeah’s career never saw him make his way to Tottenham and represent his boyhood club, but it certainly was one that plenty of other players would be envious of.Although his life after nine domestic trophies might be even more impressive than his football career.I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who spent nine forgettable months in the Premier League – now I’m my country’s presidentUnbelievably, Weah went on to serve as the president of his home country of Liberia.The retired pro was the 25th president of the African nation and served in office from January 2018 until January of this year.Weah is also the father of Juventus and USA national team winger Timothy Weah.While he is also the uncle of New York Red Bulls full-back Kyle Duncan.Weah previously served as the president of LiberiaCredit: AFPHe is also the father of Juventus star Timothy WeahCredit: GettyWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Emi Martinez and his stunning Wag are BOOED mercilessly at Ballon d’Or ceremony by France fans

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      EMI MARTINEZ and his wife were mercilessly BOOED as they arrived at the Ballon d’Or.But the Argentine, 32, had the last laugh as he was handed the Yashin Trophy again.Emiliano Martinez was booed on his way into the Ballon d’Or ceremonyCredit: Reddit/ 7BET_UKThe goalkeeper arrived with his wife in ParisCredit: Reddit/ 7BET_UKThe Argentine looked pretty sullen and serious during the walkCredit: Reddit/ 7BET_UKThe pantomime villain is hated by French fans following his antics in the 2022 World Cup final. Not only did he put in a superb performance and play his genius mind games in the penalty shootout, Martinez riled up the France supporters even more with his provocative celebration with the Golden Glove trophy.Martinez was crowned Yachin Trophy winner in 2023 following his World Cup exploits.And on his return to Paris on Monday night, he was given another hostile reception. READ MORE ON BALLON D’ORThe Aston Villa stopper, decked out in a black tuxedo, headed down the red carpet holding hands with his glamorous partner Mandinha, who opted for a flowing red number.However, the boos were clear to hear – and neither of them particularly seemed to see the funny side. Martinez did give a brief thumbs-up – but whether that was genuine or a sarcastic response to someone out of shot was uncertain. The couple then posed for photos before heading into the Theatre du Chatelet for the prestigious awards ceremony. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd once inside, Martinez was confirmed as the world’s best goalkeeper for the second year running after helping Villa into the Champions League and winning the Copa America with Argentina.He pipped the likes of Spain No1 Unai Simon, Real Madrid stopper Andriy Lunin and Gianluigi Donnarumma to become the first goalkeeper to defend the crown.Didier Drogba’s wife Alla suffers ‘yellow card offence’ as Ballon d’Or fans spot awkward red carpet momentWho are these famous footballers?In the overall Ballon d’Or award, Martinez finished 18th in the vote – ahead of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Antonio Rudiger, Cole Palmer and others.However, it was Rodri who collected the top men’s award after his exploits with Manchester City and helping Spain win Euro 2024. Rodri beat Real Madrid trio Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal plus Erling Haaland and home-favourite Kylian Mbappe in the vote.His compatriot Lamine Yamal came eighth but secured the Kopa Trophy for the best young player aged 21 or under.The 17-year-old starred for Spain at the Euros and became the third Spaniard in four years to collect the gong – following Pedri, Gavi and then Bellingham. In the Ballon d’Or Feminin for women’s football, it was more success for Spain as Aitana Bonmati collected her second trophy on the bounce. Emiliano and Mandinha posed for pictures on the red carpetCredit: GettyHe received the Yashin Trophy and was presented it by Argentine team-mate Lautaro MartinezCredit: AFPMartinez angered French fans with this celebration after the 2022 World Cup finalCredit: GettyBallon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine More