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      Ballon d’Or 2024 LIVE RESULTS: Rodri crowned winner as Real Madrid BOYCOTT show after Vinicius Jr SNUB – latest updates

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      MANCHESTER CITY and Spain midfielder Rodri has been crowned the winner of the Ballon d’Or!But the result followed a day of huge controversy as Real Madrid BOYCOTTED the ceremony after learning Vinicius Jr was to be snubbed for the top prize.While England and Bayern Munich ace Harry Kane won the Gerd Muller Trophy for best striker for the past season, sharing the award with Kylian Mbappe.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow all the latest with our live blog below…Rodri injury latestManchester City star and 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has been ruled out for the rest of the season.The midfielder suffered a knee injury during last month’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal and required surgery.City boss Pep Guardiola then confirmed the Spain international won’t play again this term.The 28-year-old attended the Ballon d’Or ceremony on crutchesCopy linkCopiedVinicius reactsReal Madrid star Vinicius Jr finished second in the Ballon d’Or shortlist behind eventual winner Rodri.Vinicius didn’t attend the ceremony along with the entirety of Real’s club as they claimed they were being “disrespected” by the fact their star forward wasn’t winning.The Brazil international, though, appears to have been motivated to become “10 times” better.I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.Vinicius JrCopy linkCopiedWhy Real didn’t attendReal Madrid opted not to attend the Ballon d’Or awards after it became apparent Vinicius Junior would miss out on the top men’s prize.Real claimed the outcome of the Ballon d’Or shows the organisation and Uefa “do not respect” the club.Los Blancos also claimed one interpretation of the criteria should have led to their star right-back Dani Carvajal winning the award.If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.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.Real MadridAFPCopy linkCopiedMoment Rodri wonRodri got emotional once hearing his name from George Weah, who was presenting the Men’s Ballon d’Or winner.The midfielder received a warm applause from the entire venue after a stunning campaign with Manchester City and Spain.The 28-year-old thanked his girlfriend and his family during his acceptance speech.The Spain international also praised his team-mates on club and international level.Copy linkCopiedTop 3And here’s the Ballon d’Or’s top three finalists.Real Madrid ace Dani Carvajal finishes fourth with team-mates Vinicius Jr second and England star Jude Bellingham third.Rodri wins the award, while team-mate Erling Haaland makes it to fifth place.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrRodri says he “feels well” amid his ongoing knee injury, which sidelined him for the rest of the season.The Manchester City stat didn’t share details but insists he is already working hard to return to action.Copy linkCopiedRodri wins Ballon d’OrRodri has become only the third player to win the Ballon d’Or other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi since 2007.The Manchester City star joins a closed club with Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrRodri also thanks Spain team-mates Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal after their Euro 2024 triumph.Carvajal is absent after Real Madrid boycotted the event.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrRodri is dedicating the Ballon d’Or to his girlfriend and family.The Manchester City star started talking in English but continues in Spnish.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrRodri wins the Men’s Ballon d’Or!!!Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Dani Carvajal complete the top five with Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrGeorge Weah singles out Harry Kane in the audience as his favourite player.Weah will soon name the men’s Ballon d’Or winner.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrGeorge Weah is taking to the stage to present the Men’s Ballon d’Or winner.It is expected that Manchester City star Rodri will win it with Real Madrid pair Vinicius Jr second and Jude Bellingham third.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrNatalie Portman congratulates Aitana Bonmati and calls her a “hero”.Portman also urges fans to buy tickets for women’s matches.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’Or Aitana Bonmati wins the Women’s Ballon d’Or award!Back-to-back wins for the Barcelona star!Copy linkCopiedBallon d’Or Academy award winner Natalie Portman will award the women’s Ballon d’Or winner.Portman is a massive football fan that has attended a number of Premier League matches.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrReal Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wins the Men’s Johan Cruyff award.That means Emma Hayes and Ancelotti are the best women’s and men’s managers of the year.The Italian tactician is the first Real star to be awarded an individual honour during the club’s collective absence.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’Or Emma Hayes wins the Women’s Johan Cruyff award!The USA manager couldn’t attend the ceremony and issued a recorded acceptance speech.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrJohan Cruyff getting honoured at the Ballon d’Or awards/Johan’s son Jordi accepting the award on his behalf.He is joined by Hristo Stoichkov.Copy linkCopiedNumber 5Erling Haaland (Manchester City).The star striker is quite low despite a staggering goalscoring return!Copy linkCopiedNumber 6 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain last season – Real Madrid this season)Copy linkCopiedNumber 7 Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)Copy linkCopiedBallon d’Or Time for the Socrates Award, which goes to Jennifer Hermoso!The Spain superstar that won the World Cup last year!Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrAston Villa star Emi Martinez has won the Lev Yashin award!Martinez is the best goalkeeper of the year and will be accepting the award from his Argentina team-mate Lautaro Martinez.Dibu wins his second consecutive award after helping Villa achieve Champions League qualification for the first time ever and lifting his second Copa America trophy in a row.Copy linkCopiedBallon d’Or It is now time for the Lev Yashin award.Lautaro Martinez will be presenting the award, why?No goalkeeping legends available for the Ballon d’Or? Not all of them played for Real Madrid…Copy linkCopiedBallon d’OrEngland captain Harry Kane and Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe win the Gerd Muller trophy.They both scored 52 goals apiece last season, but only one of them will be accepting the award on stage.Mbappe is not there as there is absolutely no representative from Real tonight.Los Blancos are boycotting this year’s award ceremony as they understand Vinicius Jr won’t be winning the award.Copy linkCopied More

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      Rodri wins Ballon d’Or after stunning season with Man City and Spain as Real Madrid boycott ceremony over Vinicius snub

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      REAL MADRID boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony as Rodri beat Vinicius Jr to football’s top individual gong.The injured Manchester City star, who needed crutches to collect his award, was crowned the best player on the planet in a shock announcement on Monday night.Man City star Rodri has won this year’s Ballon d’OrCredit: ReutersThe Spaniard is officially the best player on the planetCredit: AFPThe injured ace arrived at the glittering ceremony on crutchesCredit: ReutersRodri was escorted to his trophy by host and Chelsea legend Didier DrogbaReal Madrid, who were named Team of the Year, snubbed the ceremony after Vinicius Jr finished secondCredit: GettyHarry Kane finished 10th as he won the Gerd Muller Trophy for top scorerCredit: ReutersLamine Yamal came eighth while also scooping the Kopa Trophy for best youngsterCredit: APBrazilian winger Vinicius had looked a shoe-in for his first Ballon d’Or trophy after leading Real to an incredible league and European double last season.The ace was widely predicted to become the latest Los Blancos champion of this century following Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldo Nazario and Luis Figo.However, it emerged on Monday afternoon that Man City hero and Spain Euro winner Rodri was instead being crowned football’s new king.The tearful anchorman later received his prize from legendary striker George Weah at a glittering ceremony snubbed by Real in Paris, with teammate Erling Haaland joining him in the top 10.READ MORE SPORT STORIESRodri, who ruptured his ACL earlier this season, was aided by Chelsea legend and host Didier Drogba up the steps before delivering an emotional speech.Thanking his family and teammates, Rodri noted: “It’s a very special day, for me, my family and my country. I try to improve every day, try to level up my game.”I am just trying to take care of myself. Rest, enjoy the free time with my family and come back stronger.”Vinicius came in second, with Real’s England superstar Jude Bellingham completing the top three ahead of Dani Carvajal and Haaland.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPosting after the event on X, Vinicius said: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”Elsewhere, seventh-place Lautaro Martinez was sandwiched between Kylian Mbappe and 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who also won the Kopa Trophy for best youngster.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’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 UkraineWhile recently retired Toni Kroos and England captain Harry Kane, also joint-winner of the Gerd Muller Trophy with Mbappe for top scorer, took ninth and tenth respectively.The result marked the first time in the last decade that the Ballon d’Or did NOT go to a Real Madrid player after they had won the Champions League.The snub to Vinicius is said to have left Florentino Perez “furious”, with Real’s president cancelling his club’s appearance at tonight’s ceremony despite them being named Team of the Year.Reports even claimed City chiefs were the ones to inform their Real counterparts of the decision.Vinicius scored six and assisted four more in just ten Champions League games as Real won their 15th European crown last term.The Brazilian even scored the second in the 2-0 final win over Borussia Dortmund.Vini Jr was also involved in 20 goals in just 26 LaLiga games last season.And Real reportedly accused organisers of showing disrespect in their decision to award the Ballon d’Or elsewhere.Jude Bellingham came third as Kylian Mbappe also finished in the top 10Credit: AlamyRodri’s Man City teammate Erling Haaland came fifthCredit: GettyPhil Foden finished one place behind Kane in 11thCredit: GettyReal also felt if there was to be another winner, the Ballon d’Or should have gone to Dani Carvajal after he added the Euros trophy to his domestic double.A statement read: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.”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.”As well as cancelling any appearance by the club and their players at Monday’s event, Real also took the axe to their in-house TV channel.It’s claimed Los Blancos had put FIVE hours aside for a Ballon d’Or special this evening.Emi Martinez was named the top goalie in world footballCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti was not present to collect his Manager of the Year awardCredit: GettyEmma Hayes was the Women’s Manager of the YearCredit: ReutersBarcelona’s Aitana Bonmati was named Women’s Player of the Year againCredit: ReutersElsewhere, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer came 25th in the final standings, one spot ahead of Arsenal’s Declan Rice.Gunners pal Bukayo Saka came 21st, with Man City ace Phil Foden finishing 11th.Aston Villa goalie Emi Martinez was once again handed the Yashin Trophy.While Carlo Ancelotti was named Men’s Manager of the Year.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, now with the USA, won the Women’s equivalent.While Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the second year running as her club were named Women’s Team of the Year.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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      Didier Drogba’s girlfriend Gabrielle suffers ‘yellow card offence’ as Ballon d’Or fans spot awkward red carpet moment

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      DIDIER DROGBA’S girlfriend Gabrielle Lemaire was nearly struck in the face as she made her way down the Ballon d’Or red carpet.Chelsea icon Drogba, 46, was in attendance to host Monday night’s ceremony in Paris, where Manchester City star Rodri picked up the top prize.Didier Drogba walked the red carpet with girlfriend Gabrielle LemaireHe met journalist and co-host Sandy Heribert and went to take a picture with herAs Heribert stretched out her dress she almost struck Gabrielle in the faceHe dressed up for the occasion, wearing a cream blazer and black bow-tie.Drogba’s partner Gabrielle wore a stunning white dress for the event.But she suffered an awkward moment with journalist Sandy Heribert – who presented the Ballon d’Or awards alongside Drogba.As Sandy ushered Drogba towards the cameras for a picture with the Ivory Coast legend, the reporter stretched out her flowing dress.READ MORE ON BALLON D’ORIn doing so, it almost hit Gabrielle in the face but she quickly ducked out of the way.The clip circulated on social media as fans reacted.One said: “Yellow card offence.”Another, mistaking Gabrielle for his wife, added: “Is no one going to talk about what Sandy Heribert did to Drogba’s wife?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDrogba and Gabrielle are often seen together at eventsCredit: GettyDrogba has hosted the Ballon d’Or awards four timesCredit: GettyWhile a third replied: “Straight red 🤧.”Drogba and Sandy presented Monday’s awards for the fourth time – having previously done so in 2019, 2021 and 2023.Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott’Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony after learning Vinicius Junior was missing out on the men’s award.Rodri collects his award More

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      Roy Keane posts brutal 14-word message after Man Utd sack Erik ten Hag to bring dismal tenure to an end

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      ROY KEANE posted a brutal 14-word message after Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday.The Dutch gaffer was given his marching orders today following Sunday’s dismal defeat at West Ham, with Ruud Van Nistelrooy made interim boss.Roy Keane posted a brutal message after Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd exitThe Dutchman was fired on Monday after United’s defeat at West HamCredit: RexTen Hag had won just four matches all season before Sir Jim Ratcliffe sent him packing.And United now look set to land an immediate replacement in Ruben Amorim.It remains to be seen if a deal can be done in time for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Leicester.But that hasn’t stopped Keane from firing off a brutal message on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Red Devils legend took to Instagram with a new post showing him staring into the camera on a rainy day.Keane showed off his trademark glare as he protected himself from the elements with a waterproof jacket.However, it was his 14-word caption that sent shivers down the spine.Keane said: “In good teams, coaches hold players accountable.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“In great teams, players hold players accountable.”Keane’s assessment of the situation at United delighted fans.’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedUnited are in talks to make Ruben Amorim their next bossCredit: EPAOne said: “Announce Keane as United manager.”Another declared: “Best captain ever.”One noted: “Agreed, the players need to take responsibility too.”Another added: “What I’d give to have you in your prime back in our team.”Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would also have been a popular and gettable option – but England got in there first.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Ballon d’Or in awkward moment as Real Madrid leave award UNCOLLECTED with boycott confirmed

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      BALLON D’OR were forced into an awkward moment as Real Madrid failed to collect their award.The Spanish giants were named Club of the Year after winning LaLiga and the Champions League.Real Madrid left their award uncollectedCredit: ReutersBut not a single club representative was present as Real Madrid boycotted the awards ceremony, with an awkward silence in the room as host Didier Drogba read out their name as winners.He added: “Congratulations to them,” before moving on swiftly.Real Madrid boycotted the show Vinicius Jr missed out on the top prize to Rodri.The winger was amongst the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or following an impressive campaign in which he scored 24 goals and registered 11 assists.But Vinicius Jr was not even in attendance to see his rival walk on stage to collect the prize, nor were any of his team-mates or coach Carlo Ancelotti, who failed to collect his Coach of the Year gong.Drogba said in response to his absence: “I’m disappointed my former coach is unable to be here to collect the award.”Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is reportedly furious Vinicius has been overlooked.The club also believe they are “not respected” – convinced that if not Vinicius Jr, then Dani Carvajal should win the award.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother Real star Jude Bellingham finished third in the voting.A Real Madrid player last won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 when Karim Benzema was named the world’s best player.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’ More

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      Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott’

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      FOOTBALL’S biggest stars arrived in style at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night – apart from those from Real Madrid.Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, 28, was pictured on crutches as he made his way down the red card with partner Laura Iglesias.Rodri attended the Ballon d’Or with partner Laura IglesiasCredit: AFPHe arrived on crutches following his ACL injuryCredit: ReutersEngland captain Harry Kane wore a bow tie for the occasionCredit: ReutersReal Madrid legend Luis Figo was in Paris for the ceremonyCredit: ReutersChelsea icon Didier Drogba arrived with partner Gabrielle LemaireCredit: AFPBarcelona and Spain superstar Lamine Yamal gave a beaming smile to the camerasCredit: PAThe Euro 2024 winner, who is nursing an ACL injury, won the Ballon d’Or ahead of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.Real Madrid confirmed nobody from the club would be present at the ceremony after they accused organisers and Uefa of “not respecting” the 15-time European champions.It led to an awkward moment as the LaLiga giants were named Men’s Club of the Year – with no one present to collect the prize.But the event at Paris’ Theatre du Chatelet was still packed with a host of star names.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBayern Munich and England forward Harry Kane, one of 30 players nominated for the men’s award, was in attendance as he wore a suit and bow-tie for the occasion.He was eventually named tenth best player in the world and picked up the Gerd Muller Award alongside Kylian Mbappe for the top striker in world football after scoring 52 goals last season.Barcelona and Spain superstar Lamine Yamal was another snapped arriving ahead of picking up the Kopa Trophy for Best Young Player. Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo came third in that category after his stunning breakthrough season, with Real Madrid’s Arda Guler named runner up.Most read in FootballUnited forward Alejandro Garnacho turned up with partner Eva Garcia, while Aston Villa and Argentina keeper Emi Martinez posed with wife Amanda.Among the ex-players in attendance were ex-Barcelona, Real Madrid and Portugal star Luis Figo, Chelsea icon Didier Drogba, former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse and Champions League legend Clarence Seedorf.And it was not just footballers and their partners who showed up for the awards.Kane receives the Gerd Muller Trophy from Germany legend Karl-Heinz RummeniggeCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKopa Trophy nominee Alejandro Garnacho and partner Eva Garcia arrivedCredit: PAIt was not just footballers in attendance as actress Natalie Portman showed upCredit: ReutersAston Villa and Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez and wife Amanda looked thrilled to be thereCredit: PALautaro Martinez and wife Agustina Gandolfo were snapped looking glamorousCredit: ReutersEuropa League-winning star Ademola Lookman was another notable face on the red carpetCredit: EPAFormer Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse was in attendance in an eye-catching blazerCredit: AFPChampions League legend Clarence Seedorf with partner Sophia MakramatiCredit: ReutersHollywood A-lister Natalie Portman was another famous face at the ceremony.The Ballon d’Or is voted for by a panel of journalists representing the top 100 nations in the Fifa rankings.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’Vinicius, who scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists last season, was one of six Real Madrid stars who made the shortlist for the men’s award.He was joined by Carvajal, Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger.Vinicius was the favourite to scoop the award, but Rodri’s win led to Real Madrid boycotting the event.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey 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.”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.”Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Ruben Amorim breaks silence on Man Utd job as Sporting Lisbon manager says ‘I was already expecting this’

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      RUBEN 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.Ruben Amorim is being linked with the Manchester United jobCredit: GettyTen Hag, 54, was dismissed on Monday morning following a dismal start to the season.Just hours later 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] and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”Amorim was speaking ahead of his side’s cup match against Nacional on Tuesday.His team sit six points clear at the top of Portugal’s Primeira Liga and are unbeaten in their opening three Champions League games.Since taking over in 2020, Amorim has won 170 of his 237 matches in charge of Sporting.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has won two league titles and two cups – and was linked with the Liverpool job earlier this year before Arne Slot was named as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement.Amorim was also tipped to join Chelsea amid uncertainty over Mauricio Pochettino’s future.Erik Ten Hag SACKED by Man United – here are the SIX candidates to replace himWest Ham were another English club interested in his signature prior to Julen Lopetegui’s arrival.Who could replace Ten Hag at Man Utd?ERIK TEN HAG has finally been put out of his Manchester United misery – but who will be the manager to lead them into the future?Ruud van NistelrooyThe Red Devils legend, 48, is no stranger to the pressures of Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games for Man Utd and helped them to the 2002-03 Premier League title.The striker also starred for another monster club, Real Madrid, as a player before going into coaching.The 70-cap ex-Holland international managed PSV’s youth team before landing the senior job for the 2022-23 season.Van Nistelrooy landed a coaching job under Ten Hag earlier this year and is said to have done a superb job working with the clubs strikers behind the scenes.And now he will have the chance to show what he can do in a live ‘interview’ of sorts.How long the club will give him is another matter.Ruben AmorimThe Sporting Lisbon boss has been heavily linked with the job in the immediate aftermath of Ten Hag’s sacking, with United said to be in advanced talks. It will cost them a rumoured £8m in compo to prise him away from the club he has led to two league titles. However, despite the strong links, nothing is for certain with 39-year-old Amorim.He was spotted flying into London amid talk of succeeding David Moyes at West Ham but nothing came of it.He was also said to be nailed on to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, while he was reportedly in line to get the Chelsea gig before Mauricio Pochettino got the nod. Gareth SouthgateThe former England boss, 54, has long been linked with the Man Utd job.The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender has gone on to enjoy great success as a manager – albeit without getting his hands on a major trophy.Southgate managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 before taking on the England Under-21s job between 2013 and 2016.The 57-cap former Three Lions international then took the senior national job, replacing Roy Hodgson.Southgate brought the nation together as he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, as well as the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.However, he left his role in the summer following the defeat to Spain and was replaced by Lee Carsley on an interim basis.Thomas Tuchel – another boss long linked with the Old Trafford job – will take over the reins in 2025.Southgate has been out of club management for 15 years and a portion of England fans were frustrated by what they deemed a defensive style.However, his ability to largely galvanise the fan-base and deal with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in sport with real class would be a huge asset for United.Edin TerzicEarlier this month, SunSport revealed Edin Terzic is the shock name on United’s list to replace Ten Hag.German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.He has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.Terzic, 41, did his coaching badges in England, where he was friends with fellow United target Graham Potter, and then worked as Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at West Ham.He rose to the top in Germany during two spells at Dortmund before he walked away in June.Graham PotterThe English boss, 49, has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April 2023.Potter excited fans with his attacking approach at Brighton before he was poached by the Blues.However, he failed to lift Chelsea out of their funk and was given his marching orders.Potter’s fans include Manchester City mastermind Pep Guardiola.And there’s no doubt the ex-OstersundS FK and Swansea boss would get United playing on the front foot, something Old Trafford fans have long craved.Kieran McKennaCruelly denied a playing career due to injury, the former Tottenham youth prospect has excelled as a coach.McKenna, 38, worked as Under-18s coach at both Spurs and Man Utd before landing the top job at Ipswich Town.The young boss incredibly guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, guiding them from League One back to the Premier League, ending the club’s 22-year absence.McKenna was quickly added to a host of clubs’ wish-lists, including Man Utd, according to reports.But Ipswich reacted swiftly to offer him a new, long-term contract.However, his side are yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League games, with four wins and five defeats.McKenna has Ipswich playing exciting, expansive football – something Man Utd fans crave.The big question now is whether McKenna opts to jump ship or stay loyal.Xavi and Thomas Frank are also three names very much believed to be in the running. 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      Ruud van Nistelrooy is Man Utd legend who spectacularly fell out with bosses and quit PSV job before taking a gap year

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is set to take the helm at Manchester United following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.The legendary Red Devils striker was brought in during the summer as a part of Ten Hag’s backroom staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over as interim Manchester United managerCredit: The TimesHe has now been in coaching for more than 10 yearsCredit: AlamyHe oversaw the club’s dismal start to the season as an assistant coach, with Man Utd winning just four of 13 games in all competitions.On Monday morning, it was confirmed Ten Hag had been dismissed.Van Nistelrooy will take interim charge of the team while the search for a permanent successor is ongoing.But what has happened so far in the 48-year-old’s coaching career to lead him to this point?READ MORE ON MAN UTDRetirement and first steps in coachingVan Nistelrooy retired from playing in 2012 having scored 384 goals in 662 games for club and country.He played for some of the biggest sides in world football including Man Utd and Real Madrid – and aimed to take that experience into coaching.He joined PSV in 2013 and began working with their U17s side, before he became the head coach of the reserve team three years later.During that time, he also spent a period as an assistant to Holland manager Guus Hiddink.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn 2018, Van Nistelrooy succeeded former team-mate Mark van Bommel as manager of PSV’s U19s.While holding that position, he was also recruited by Holland boss Ronald Koeman for the country’s Euro 2020 campaign – where he worked as assistant manager.Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy caught in heated conversation during Man Utd’s draw at Villa First high-profile job in managementIn March 2022, Van Nistelrooy replaced Roger Schmidt as manager of PSV’s first team.He narrowly missed out on the Eredivisie title to Ajax, finishing two points adrift.He then guided the club to trophy wins in the Johan Cruyff Shield and KNVB Cup in the 2022/23 campaign.But they again came up short in the Eredivise as Feyenoord claimed the title.Van Nistelrooy resigned with one game left of the league season after a falling out with staff members at PSV.Marcel van der Kraan, sports editor of Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, told BBC Sport: “There was a breaking-down in the relationship between him and the assistants.”He stuck to his principles.”It is also understood as many as six PSV players made their dissatisfaction towards Van Nistelrooy known to the board. Who could replace Ten Hag at Man Utd?ERIK TEN HAG has finally been put out of his Manchester United misery – but who will be the manager to lead them into the future?Ruud van NistelrooyThe Red Devils legend, 48, is no stranger to the pressures of Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games for Man Utd and helped them to the 2002-03 Premier League title.The striker also starred for another monster club, Real Madrid, as a player before going into coaching.The 70-cap ex-Holland international managed PSV’s youth team before landing the senior job for the 2022-23 season.Van Nistelrooy landed a coaching job under Ten Hag earlier this year and is said to have done a superb job working with the clubs strikers behind the scenes.And now he will have the chance to show what he can do in a live ‘interview’ of sorts.How long the club will give him is another matter.Gareth SouthgateThe former England boss, 54, has long been linked with the Man Utd job.The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender has gone on to enjoy great success as a manager – albeit without getting his hands on a major trophy.Southgate managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 before taking on the England Under-21s job between 2013 and 2016.The 57-cap former Three Lions international then took the senior national job, replacing Roy Hodgson.Southgate brought the nation together as he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, as well as the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.However, he left his role in the summer following the defeat to Spain and was replaced by Lee Carsley on an interim basis.Thomas Tuchel – another boss long linked with the Old Trafford job – will take over the reins in 2025.Southgate has been out of club management for 15 years and a portion of England fans were frustrated by what they deemed a defensive style.However, his ability to largely galvanise the fan-base and deal with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in sport with real class would be a huge asset for United.Edin TerzicEarlier this month, SunSport revealed Edin Terzic is the shock name on United’s list to replace Ten Hag.German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.He has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.Terzic, 41, did his coaching badges in England, where he was friends with fellow United target Graham Potter, and then worked as Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at West Ham.He rose to the top in Germany during two spells at Dortmund before he walked away in June.Graham PotterThe English boss, 49, has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April 2023.Potter excited fans with his attacking approach at Brighton before he was poached by the Blues.However, he failed to lift Chelsea out of their funk and was given his marching orders.Potter’s fans include Manchester City mastermind Pep Guardiola.And there’s no doubt the ex-OstersundS FK and Swansea boss would get United playing on the front foot, something Old Trafford fans have long craved.Kieran McKennaCruelly denied a playing career due to injury, the former Tottenham youth prospect has excelled as a coach.McKenna, 38, worked as Under-18s coach at both Spurs and Man Utd before landing the top job at Ipswich Town.The young boss incredibly guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, guiding them from League One back to the Premier League, ending the club’s 22-year absence.McKenna was quickly added to a host of clubs’ wish-lists, including Man Utd, according to reports.But Ipswich reacted swiftly to offer him a new, long-term contract.However, his side are yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League games, with four wins and five defeats.McKenna has Ipswich playing exciting, expansive football – something Man Utd fans crave.The big question now is whether McKenna opts to jump ship or stay loyal.Ruben Amorim, Xavi and Thomas Frank are also three names very much believed to be in the running.Gap yearVan Nistelrooy had a number of managerial offers on the table after leaving PSV.Instead, he passed up those opportunities and took a gap year in an attempt to develop his coaching knowledge.He travelled to Real Madrid, Boca Juniors and River Plate to see how various clubs work.Van der Kraan added: “He’s not a proud man in that way, he’s not arrogant. He wanted to bounce his own ideas off others.”On his dream football trip, he went to all the big games. He spoke to Martin Demichelis, the River Plate manager, for hours and hours about coaching.”He also went to experience the football culture. He told me he walked through La Boca in Buenos Aires and saw ‘The eternity of Maradona’ painted on the walls in tribute to the Argentina legend, who died in 2020. He said: ‘You need to win the culture of an area.'”At Man Utd, it’s probably more vital than at any other club in England that you know the culture of the club, of the area, and Ruud does.”Style of playHe returned to coaching in the summer as Ten Hag’s assistant but is now being asked to step up to the top job after just a few months.Van Nistelrooy’s style of play is described as “realistic”, not “super attacking” but with a degree of “venom”.As PSV boss, his side scored 126 goals and conceded 60 in 51 games.READ MORE SUN STORIESMan Utd fans will be given their first insight into his style when they host Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.His opening Premier League game in charge will come at Old Trafford on Sunday when they face Chelsea. More