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      Girona 0 Liverpool 1: Salah scores from spot and Alisson returns to help Reds keep 100% Champions League record

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      YOU really have to spare a thought for Caoimhin Kelleher – he must be the only pi**ed off person under Arne Slot at Liverpool.Despite helping his team storm to the top of the table in both England and Europe over the last two months, winning 10 games and drawing two, the Irish keeper was booted out of the team the moment No.1 keeper Alisson was fit.Mo Salah’s penalty was the only goal of the game as Liverpool edged a nervy encounter in GironaLiverpool fans were delighted to see Alisson back in business between the sticks after a lengthy injuryEx-Man Utd midfielder Donny van de Beek conceded the penaltyCredit: GettyCaoimhin Kelleher was dropped back to the bench after Alisson was declared fitKelleher, who has made it known he wants to leave Merseyside, was forced to sit on the bench here in Catalonia and, predictably, watch Alisson prove why he is surely the best keeper in the world.On a night when Slot’s team under-performed, Alisson proved there was no rustiness in his game with five key saves. Slot’s surprisingly toothless attack was helped by VAR on the hour when it spotted that former Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek had stood on the heel of Luiz Diaz.Mo Salah, who barely got a kick all night, delivered a textbook penalty meaning that of Liverpool’s last 23 goals, 20 of them have come in the second half.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAlisson has delivered some exceptional performances for Liverpool in the Champions League over the years. He will never beat the stoppage time save from Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik in December 2018 which kept Liverpool in the Champions League – and they went on to beat Tottenham in the final.But Alisson has proved that six years later, he has got even better and the only worry are his dodgy hamstrings.There were also moments against the third best team in Spain last year when the 32-year-old was just as good with his feet, playing tight passes with his defenders and at one stage, delivering a brilliant chip over the head of an onrushing player.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKelleher’s mistakes against Newcastle in the Prem last week came at the worst possible time before Alisson’s returnDespite Kelleher’s fine displays – his only blip was against Newcastle six days earlier – and Alisson was always going to be parachuted back into the team.And he now finds himself back in a team that have still only lost once all season. Mo Salah drops yet another hint about leaving Liverpool win days after admitting he was ‘more out than in’ Four points clear in the Premier League and now looking certain to finish in the top eight of the Champions League. This means they will miss the play-off round with two matches to be played in February.Crucially, the second leg of the games will be played before Liverpool’s scheduled Prem trip away to Manchester City on February 23.While Slot’s team will be able to put their feet up in that week, City – potentially – have a play-off game.Nevertheless, it looks as though City are out of the title race and Liverpool will take some stopping in all competitions.Prime Alisson is back as he put in a Man of the Match performance in SpainSlot also has the added bonus that he will be able to rest any players with aches and strains for the remaining group matches against Lille and PSV Eindhoven in JanuaryBut the Dutchman will be mildly concerned about the performance from his team. In a crowd of around 10,000 – restricted as Uefa do not allow temporary seating – there were just 492 Liverpool fans .To qualify with points, fans had to have been to 27 European away matches including Spartak Moscow in September 2017. Talk about dedication.One player making his 235th Liverpool appearance was Joe Gomez and remarkably, he is still looking for his first goal.He was denied the moment he must be dreaming of in the fourth minute when Paulo Gazzaniga, who had stints at Spurs and Southampton among others, showed good reactions to push a header over the bar.Gazzaniga then kept out a well-hit drive from Darwin Nunez who was then guilty of wasting a couple of other chances in the first half, particularly one before the break. It was exactly the sort of performance from Nunez which makes him such a frustrating player.Joe Gomez was handed a rare start from SlotThe penalty was awarded after Van de Beek stepped on Luis Diaz’s footAlisson was forced to stop former Spurs star Bryan Gil on several occasionsThe best chance of the first game – until the goal – came in Girona’s first attack. Unfortunately for the home team, fell to Daley Blind although it will come as no surprise to United fans that he completely missed the ball from six yards.Alisson saved the follow-up from Alejandro Frances and then threw out a desperate arm to avoid being beaten at his near post by Miguel Gutierrez.The Brazilian kept out an effort from an offside-looking Bryan Gil but his finest moment came before the break when he used both his hands to keep out a decent strike from former Watford midfielder Yaser Asprilla. Just seconds into the second half, Alisson was at it again, saving at his near post to keep out Arnaut DanjumaGirona’s defence certainly had few problems dealing with the Liverpool attack, who looked to have run out of ideas when Diaz fell to the ground after tangling with Van de Beek.Ex-Man Utd star Daley Blind missed the best chance of the first halfFrench referee Benoit Bastien told Diaz to get up as he thought it was a dive. Yet after Andy Robertson’s shot had been saved for a corner, VAR checked over the clash.Bastien was called over to the screen and did not take long before pointing to the spot and Salah stuck away the penalty by sending the keeper the wrong wayREAD MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool avoided any late dramas for yet an 18th win in 21 matches for Slot. When he landed on Merseyside, at no stage did he think it would be this easy. More

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      Four Man City stars including Haaland and Grealish ‘miss penalties against NO KEEPER’ in bizarre training live stream

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      MANCHESTER CITY stars including Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish missed penalties in training… despite NO GOALKEEPER being between the sticks.The Cityzens have struggled for form in recent weeks and now fans have another reason to mock the team.Erling Haaland clipped the post with his effortCredit: Manchester City FCC via X formerly TwitterJack Grealish was also wayward with his effortCredit: Manchester City FCC via X formerly TwitterCity are back in Champions League action on Wednesday as they travel to Juventus, and they decided to live stream a training session.Plenty of fans tuned in to see the stars put though their paces – but the eagle-eyed among them noticed FOUR players completely miss the target with practice penalties.Phil Foden stepped up first and blazed over from 12 yards, before Ilkay Gundogan clipped the post.Grealish then emulated Foden with his attempt before Haaland also appeared to hit the post.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is possible the City stars were attempting to hit the woodwork with their efforts, but that did not prevent fans from poking fun.One reacted saying: “That team is cursed 😂 Enjoy the Championship.”Another added: “They actually might be cursed 😂😂😂”A third wrote: “I’m crying man 🤣”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another commented: “Nooo wayyyy!!! 😂”City have won just one of their previous nine matches and face two more huge games this week in Juventus and Manchester United.’Who the f*** do you think you are?’ Man City told after ‘making outrageous bid for Lionel Messi by accident’ More

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      Cause of West Ham star Michail Antonio’s horror crash wasn’t booze or drugs, cops say – as striker remains in hospital

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      COPS have ruled-out drink and drugs as causes of West Ham star Michail Antonio’s horror crash, sources claim.Officers are working on the basis no third-parties were involved in the moments before the £260,000 wrecked Ferrari FF was wrecked in Essex, on Saturday.Michail’s Ferrari FF hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on SaturdayCredit: GettyMichail miraculously survived the horror crash with only a fractured legCredit: Steve BellHe was stuck in the wreckage for nearly an hour before being airlifted from the siteCredit: UKNIPIn a tribute to their team mate West Ham players wore Michail Antonio shirts ahead of their game with WolvesCredit: PAAnd there has been no suggestion of excessive speeding – raising the spectre Antonio’s miracle escape could be a freak accident.A source said: “Drink and drugs have already been ruled out, and officers are not currently looking for anyone else.“There is no smoking gun as far as cops are concerned right now – but they have to investigate because the smash was so serious and caused such extensive injuries.“Just because cops are involved doesn’t mean a crime has been committed.”Read more SportSkid-marks show Antonio was driving uphill from Theydon Bois to Waltham Abbey, when his motor slid off the road.The crash took place at 12.50pm on Saturday as the front end of Storm Darragh swept across the country – with locals saying the route can be treacherous with run-off, in heavy rains.The wreck of Antonio’s rare supercar was said to be in a tight-security lock-up – rather than the usual compound cars involved in crashes around the M25 in Essex.Sources said it was set to be kept there in case investigators needed to examine it as part of an investigation into the star’s shocking near-miss.Most read in FootballThe striker was continuing to recover from surgery to a broken leg on Tuesday, amid fears the fracture could shorten the 34-year-old’s career.Dog walker Samuel Woods, also 34, told how Michail was seriously dazed when he saw him trapped in the ripped-apart motor.Major update on Michail Antonio as West Ham star undergoes surgery after horror Ferrari crashSamuel told The Sun: “I said to him, ‘Hello’ to see if anyone was alive. He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’ I couldn’t believe what happened.”The driver’s side of the high-powered car was ripped apart by the impact with a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday. Michail was sent flying across the interior to the passenger side.Drivers reported seeing smoke pouring from the motor.The star was trapped inside the supercar for almost an hour in the wreckage before being airlifted from the scene.He had to be cut free from the 2011 Ferrari FF and was rushed to hospital.Cops have appealed for dashcam footage in a bid to understand the lead-up to the smash.They said an investigation by its Roads Policing Unit had been opened.In a heartfelt tribute, Hammers stars wore shirts featuring Antonio’s name and number ahead of their clash with Wolves at London Stadium.Team-mate Jarrod Bowen said: “Mic has been longer than I have, everyone loves him. He’s a big character in here.”Those few hours on Saturday were difficult. He’s not just a team-mate he’s a friend of ours, he’s been a friend of ours for many years. A dad as well to beautiful children.”And you see the support, I just want to say thank you for all the support from everyone.”Michail moved to West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £7 million,READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since become the top Premier League scorer for the East London club, with 68 goals in 268 games. The athlete also co-hosts the BBC’s Footballer’s Football podcast alongside Callum Wilson from Newcastle.Michail Antonio’s incredible riseBy Jon BoonThe outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…” More

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      in Boxing

      Moment Floyd Mayweather is attacked by mob in ‘row over Israel-Palestine’ while he was jewellery shopping in London

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      BOXING legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather is attacked in the street as he went shopping in Central London – amid fears he was targeted over his support for Israel.A mob descended on the undefeated ex-champion and his entourage as the bling-loving king of the ring went shopping in posh Hatton Garden.Floyd Mayweather gets into an altercation at Hatton Garden tonightThe former boxing champ was clearly angered at events that had unfoldedEarlier Mayweather was seen browsing in shopsMayweather and his team then got in their car and leftMayweather, who was dressed in a green jacket, looked angry as he and his security were followed in the capital.The 47-year-old was confronted by a mob as his bodyguards bundled him out of a top jewellery store and into a waiting black 4×4.A source close to Mayweather insisted that at no point during the chaos was the fighter touched.They added “the crowd used racial slurs” towards him.Read More in SportOne witness, who declined to be named, filmed the incident after it spiralled out of the store and into the street.He told The Sun: “There were maybe about eight to ten people involved in going after him, and about 20 or 25 watching on.“Mayweather’s security team were outnumbered. “Someone said that Mayweather had been shopping when he was asked why he supported Israel. He doubled down and said he was proud to support the Jews.Most read in Boxing”Then someone took a swing at him because of that. It looked very targeted. “He was bundled out of the shop but by then there were multiple people trying to hit him, and pushing his security guards.” The eyewitness continued: “Floyd took a few hits during it, but his security was trying to push people back.“I couldn’t really see Floyd trying to throw any punches back. His guards were just trying to get distance between him and them. “They got him into a car and tapped the roof two times, then it sped off. Clearly they were desperate to get him out of there.“It was over within two minutes.”Floyd Mayweather, 47, flashes wads of cash before flying out to exhibition fight against John Gotti III on private jetIt is feared Mayweather was targeted by pro-Gaza supporters over his staunch backing of Israel.The attack came days after the boxer launched the Mayweather Israel Initiative, which he says will give every orphan in Israel a free birthday present. Mayweather has also visited the Middle East and in October branded Israel his “home away from home”.In one of the videos a man can be heard saying: “You’re not gonna believe this man.”Money Mayweather just got punched up bro.”Mayweather appeared to be followed by a group of men as he and his security team walked towards a black car.With tensions rising, the ex-boxing champion then got into his car as they drove off amid ugly scenes.In another video, Mayweather was seen browsing in a store with expensive watches and jewellery on show.Mayweather was one of the first major Western stars to visit Israel in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 attacks last year, when 1,200 Israeli civilians were slaughtered by Islamic terrorists.In February the boxer was confronted by a pro-Palestinian activist during a press conference in Las Vegas to launch his new vape brand.His security team reportedly confiscated a Palestinian flag from an audience member – prompting loud chants of “Free Palestine”.During a visit last month, Mayweather joined Israel Defense Forces troops at a military base, where he hosted a barbecue. And he was a guest of Netanyahu, 75, at a private meeting to discuss the history of Israel. Mayweather wrote online: “It was an honour to meet with you today.“Your strength and courage are unmatched, and your commitment to protecting the Jewish people and citizens of Israel is truly inspiring. Keep using your voice and never back down.“This week in Israel has been deeply emotional for me.“Visiting injured soldiers, meeting families of fallen heroes, and connecting with the people of Israel has been a humbling experience.”Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 36, but he has continued to box in exhibitions.The boxing legend boasts an incredible array of wealth, including the tallest commercial building in the USA as one of NINE skyscrapers that he owns.His other business ventures also include the ownership of boxing and fitness gyms around the world, a NASCAR team and a 26,000-square-foot skate park facility.Mayweather also has a foundation welfare cause set up since 2009 which provides a range of services such as free food and learning opportunities for youngsters.It comes after reports the boxer splashed out more than £300million ($400m) for a set of New York apartments.READ MORE SUN STORIESMayweather has a vast business empire including property, cars and watches.However, he is set to add to that empire after agreeing a mega-money deal for a block of Manhattan apartments.Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions despite retiringCredit: USA Today SportsMayweather and his security were pushed back by an angry mobFloyd Mayweather has visited Israel this yearCredit: Twitter More

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      Top flight referee sacked for failing to turn up to match ‘after he was drugged by escort the night before’

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      A REFEREE has been sacked after failing to turn up to a match after allegedly being drugged.Mexico top flight ref Rosario Cardenas has not officiated a match since missing a fixture between Monterrey and Tigres in October.Rosario Cardenas has been sacked following an investigationCredit: GettyCardenas was set to be the fourth official for the clash but did not turn up – supposedly due to an incident that happened the night before.He was suspended by the Mexican Referees Commission pending an investigation, which has now concluded and resulted in his sacking.A statement read: “In order to ensure transparency and compliance with the protocols, this Commission informs that, following the investigation, it has decided to terminate the contract of the referee Rosario Guadalupe Cárdenas for non-compliance with the Arbitration Rules.”The Commission initially explained Cardenas absence from the match was down to “medical reasons”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut former referee Francisco Chacon has since claimed Cardenas was absent due to his actions the night before.He suggested Cardenas hired a woman to come round to his hotel room, and she subsequently drugged and assaulted the official.Chacon said: “It turns out that Mr. Rosario Cardenas decided to hire a companion one day before the game.”He took her to his hotel where he was staying, and there he was drugged and assaulted, which is why he did not make it to his game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That was the ‘medical reason’.”Mexican newspaper Record reported the official had been found to have violated the ‘ethical and professional values’ of Mexican Football Federation, with a source stating an investigation remains ongoing into the reports Cardenas had been assaulted by a sex worker.Roy Keane was one of the most difficult players I ever refereed – he was in my face before I got the yellow card out More

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      Ange Postecoglou set for fiercest reception yet after boos against Bournemouth and Chelsea – and NOT from Tottenham fans

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU is braced for a red-hot reception in the Europa League on Thursday – and NOT from Tottenham fans.After enduring personal abuse at Bournemouth last Thursday and more jeers after the Chelsea capitulation on Sunday, the big Aussie now returns to Glasgow.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is facing a hostile environment by Rangers fansCredit: RexPostecoglou was booed by Tottenham fans after the games with Bournemouth and ChelseaCredit: GettyPostecoglou remains beloved by Celtic fans after winning FIVE trophies in two years – and catching the eye of Daniel Levy.But after snatching the Premiership title from Rangers in two glory-laden years in Scotland, he’ll know exactly what to expect when Spurs arrive at Ibrox for the Battle of Britain.Celtic legend Frank McAvennie told SunSport: “The Rangers fans will give him pelters.“He’ll know that and he’ll know there will be a little bit of humour in there, too.Read More on Football“He’ll be getting the old ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ chants.Ange will take it and he’ll understand why he’s getting it.“Spurs have been magnificent in 20-minute spells – then lost the games.“The players have let him down. They have been guilty of not concentrating for 90 minutes and leaking goals.“But Ange will relish going back to Ibrox for a big game – and one he’ll need to win. I can’t see the Tottenham fans having it if they don’t beat Rangers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter the 4-3 home loss to Chelsea – when they led 2-0 – Postecoglou was cut to 4/1 to be the next Premier League manager to be axed.It’s all a far cry from his two-year spell at Celtic, when we won the Double in his first season and the Treble in 2022/23.Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham’s 4-3 loss to Chelsea Those triumphs – and previous title wins in Australia and Japan – convinced Levy he was the right fit for North London.But his journey to the East End of Glasgow was a far more complicated route filled with plenty of twists and turns.With Neil Lennon gone and Steven Gerrard having ended Hoops’ hopes of a tenth straight title, the Celtic hierarchy wanted a big-name boss in the summer of 2021.They doggedly pursued Eddie Howe, who had left Bournemouth and was yet to join the Saudi revolution at Newcastle United.A deal for Howe appeared close, only to collapse at the last minute and leave Celtic looking elsewhere for a saviour.Postecoglou was in the J-League with Yokohama F Marinos, one of the City Group’s network of clubs.Ange’s Celtic successHe had worked closely with City Group recruitment guru Mark Lawwell, son of Peter – then Celts’ chief executive and now chairman.And Postecoglou’s dynamic style of play ticked several boxes for the Celtic board and their fans.McAvennie recalled: “I was delighted with everything Ange did at Celtic.“Yes, we’ve now got Brendan Rodgers but I still think of Ange from time to time.“And I’m sure Ange thinks of his time at Celtic, too. It did him the world of good.“The pressure of having to win every game at Celtic probably prepared him for the pressure he’s now under at Tottenham.Rough start“People talk about him being in trouble if he loses this game but the same could be said for Rangers manager Philippe Clement.“If he loses to Tottenham then loses to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden on Sunday, the heat will be on him.”Postecoglou faced three Rangers bosses in two years in Glasgow, with Gerrard quitting for Aston Villa, Giovanni van Bronckhorst axed despite winning a Scottish Cup and reaching a Europa League final then Michael Beale appointed.Ironically, he didn’t enjoy the same swashbuckling start as at Spurs 16 months ago.He was knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by a mediocre Midtjylland team before losing his league opener at Hearts.He lost his first trip to Ibrox, albeit he won there later in the season as Celts edged closer to the title – his only victory in four trips across Glasgow.’We Never Stop’By then, he’d returned to the J-League to inject pace and purpose into the side with Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda all signing.Cameron Carter-Vickers had arrived from Spurs, initially on loan, to stiffen the defence in front of Joe Hart.Portuguese winger Jota and Denmark midfielder Matt O’Riley were bought for £8million and later sold to Al-Ittihad and Brighton for £50m.Postecoglou’s ‘We Never Stop’ mantra was adopted by the Hoops’ faithful and became a slogan which underlined every success.McAvennie added: “Ange changed the team completely. He signed players who stepped up to the mark.“He got together with Peter Lawwell at the start and everything just clicked.“We’d never have known about Kyogo, Hatate or Maeda without Ange.“The same could probably be said about Jota, who was in Benfica’s B team. He changed everything about Celtic for the better.”Alas, things have now gone from bad to worse for the big Aussie at Spurs.READ MORE SUN STORIESDefeat in Glasgow would be tougher to take than the rocky reception he’s guaranteed from Rangers fans.But as McAvennie says: “Being a West Ham man myself, I couldn’t care less about Tottenham…”Rangers fans remember Postecoglou’s success with rivals CelticCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Ultimate Formula 1 drivers rich list as Max Verstappen pulls clear of Lewis Hamilton with record-breaking salary

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      IT’S the most expensive sport in the world, so it’s no surprise top Formula 1 drivers boast eye-watering salaries.The likes of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris certainly enjoy a life in the fast line – with supercar collections, huge mansions and beautiful women.Max Verstappen was crowned a four-time world champ in Las Vegas last monthGeorge Russell with stunning girlfriend Carmen Montero MundtSunday saw the end of the 2024 season and Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes as he heads to childhood heroes Ferrari in the New Year.But all the drama has come away from the track, with Verstappen and Russell at war over an incident at the penultimate race of the campaign in Qatar on December 1.The Red Bull driver accused Russell of being “two-faced” with the stewards, while the Brit threw out “bullying” accusations back.Ahead of the off-season, we reveal the drivers at the top of the rich list – as the top 10 earners collected an estimated £248m combined.READ MORE F1 NEWS10) PIERRE GASLY £9MPierre comes from a family heavily involved in motorsportsPierre, 28, who made his debut in 2017, drives for Alpine and comes from a family heavily involved in motorsports.His salary was bumped up to £8m this season, with £1m in bonuses as he signed a contract extension in June to keep him with team until 2026. Pierre’s brand partnerships include headphone brand Blomm and Berger, The Grid, Destination Grand Prix, and Crypto Gaming.He is said to be dating Italian Caterina Masetti Zannini, who shares many of her lavish trips with Pierre on Instagram.Most read in Motorsport9) CARLOS SAINZ £15MSainz has been replaced by Hamilton after a great final season with FerrariF1 Bianca BustamanteThe Spanish ace was paid a reported £8m a year by Ferrari, who he joined in 2021 after successful stints with Renault and McLaren.And he is promised £9m in performance related bonuses, which he surely wrapped up with 27 podium finishes in 2024.But the 30-year-old has joined Williams after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton.Endorsements include Playstation, lager brand Estrella and German helmet manufacturer Schuberth.Away from the track he still feels the need for speed and his luxury car collection includes a McLaren 720S worth £800k and a £750K Ferrari 812.Time is of the essence too – with a high end watch collection worth millions, including a Roger Dubuis timepiece worth USD £205,000 and a Franck Muller watch worth £200,000.8) SERGIO PEREZ £15.3MSergio’s future at Red Bull is under threatSergio, 34, may not be the highest-paid driver on the grid, but he’s been amassing an impressive fortune since his debut in 2011.His estimated £62.4million net worth, which includes an £9.4million salary from Red Bull, makes him one of the richest athletes in the world.The Mexican signed a two-year contract extension in June, but he was nowhere near competitive for the rest of the season, slipping to eighth in the standings just a year after he finished as the runner-up to team-mate Verstappen. This has left his Red Bull future under threat.Checo reportedly owns a multi-million dollar 15,000-square-foot mansion in Mexico and supercars including a Bugatti Chiron, which cost around £2million.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon7) OSCAR PIASTRI £17MOscar Piastri has backed up his rookie season this yearThe 23-year-old is one the babies on the track, having come through the Renault Sports Academy and started his F1 career in 2021.As such, he actually earns LESS than the aforementioned drivers in salary (£5m) – but his staggering £13m in bonuses sees him climb the list.After a strong rookie season in 2023, Piastri was even better this year, claiming the first two Grand Prix victories of his career in Hungary and Azerbaijan and finishing fourth in the driver standings. He is set to race at least two more years for McLaren after signing a contract extension in September 2023, just days before he secured his first podium finish.The future is bright to the Aussie as he helped McLaren clinch their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years.6) GEORGE RUSSELL £18MGeorge Russel’s has shot up through the ranks in recent yearsRussell is now the No1 driver at Mercedes after Hamilton’s exit – but he’s internal dominance this year had proved that anyway – as he signed an extension in August 2023.He now bags £11.7million a year from Mercedes, with a reported £7million in bonuses.Teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 18, will step into Hamilton’s iconic shoes.Russell finished sixth in the standings and won two races, missing a third victory only because of a disqualification at Spa.5) CHARLES LECLERC £21MThe Frenchman earns £11.7m in salary at Ferrari as he welcomes HamiltonCredit: GettyLeclerc, who finished third in the driver standings this year, will welcome Hamilton to Ferrari next season.The Frenchman earns £11.7m in salary and his bonuses almost match that at £10m.He was part of another memorable tandem at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 27-year-old took part in Friday’s practice session alongside his 24-year-old brother, Arthur—a Ferrari development driver—making them the first siblings ever to drive in F1 as teammates.4) FERNANDO ALONSO £21.5MThe 42-year-old owns homes in Oxford and SwitzerlandTwo-time world champion Fernando Alonso, 42, signed a new deal with Aston Martin in 2023 after finishing fourth in the standings.The Spanish star earns £18million in salary, while performance add-ons amount to around £3million. Unsurprisingly, Alonso likes his cars – he owns over 300 and some have even been put on display in the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex in Spain.The racer owns homes in Oxford and Switzerland, as well as an apartment in a 52-storey building in Dubai.3) LANDO NORRIS £27MAfter claiming P1 in the final race at Abu Dhabi, Norris declared: ‘Next year is my year’Norris wasn’t quite able to overtake Verstappen for the drivers’ title, but achieved 13 podium finishes this year.He did, however, take home a reported £9.4million in wages, and surely earned his whopping £18m in bonuses, as McLaren landed an unexpected constructors’ championship.Lando was born into wealth through dad Adam – who amassed a £205million fortune – and mum Cisca, from Belgium.After claiming P1 in the final race at Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Norris declared: “Next year is my year”.2) LEWIS HAMILTON £45MLewis Hamilton used to earn the most on the gridAfter years of dominance at Mercedes, Hamilton was the highest-paid driver in F1 – his contract with netted him £43million each year, and he’s estimated to be worth £270.9million.That figure is set to soar far higher, too, after it was revealed he will join the Scuderia in 2025 in a shock deal worth £100million.But the wage gulf between Hamilton and Verstappen has expanded after the changing of the guard moment in 2021.The seven-time world champion has numerous endorsement deals with the likes of Puma, Sony, Police, and Tommy Hilfiger.Hertfordshire-born Lewis, 39, is said to be raking in an additional £16.6million from these sponsorship deals.He also owns a £49.1million penthouse in New York, according to GQ, and a £19.1million six-bedroom home in London.1) MAX VERSTAPPEN £59MVerstappen is F1’s highest-paid driver on the trackUnderstandably, for the third straight year, Verstappen is F1’s highest-paid driver on the track.With estimated 2024 earnings of £59million, including a series-record £47million in salary to go with £12million in performance bonuses.The Dutchman had to wait until the season’s third-to-last Grand Prix, in Las Vegas, to lock up the championship, four races later than when he clinched in 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs he’s only 27, industry experts predict his estimated £165million fortune will increase in the coming years.Last week, the Red Bull No.1 announced he is expecting a baby with partner Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time F1 champ Nelson Piquet.The F1 driver announced the happy news with this picture on social media More

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      Stunning Sydney Thomas hints she’s returning as a ring girl for first time since going viral at Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson

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      SYDNEY THOMAS has hinted that she could be returning to ring girl duties this weekend.The university student, 21, shot to fame last month by working as one of five ring girls at the Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul bout.Sydney Thomas recently visited MiamiCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasThe student and model posted a series of snaps from her tripCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasSydney recently celebrated turning 21Credit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasSydney poses for a snap with a palCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasSydney subsequently gained a huge fanbase, now boasting more than 800,000 on Instagram.Last night she raised hopes that she could be back in the ring this Friday, by promoting a DAZN card.She posted a promo for the Most Valuable Promotions event taking place in Orlando this Friday night.The main event will see Wanna Walton take on Erik Hanley in a super welterweight bout.READ MORE ON SYDNEY THOMASSydney wrote: “MVP fight night this Friday in Orlando. Tune in live on @DAZNboxing.”The popular ring girl attends the University of Alabama, based in Tuscaloosa.This means that Orlando would be just a 90 minute flight away.Sydney also posted a link to tickets for the event, which is set to take place at the Caribe Royale resort.Most read in BoxingSydney posted a promo for this Friday night’s fight cardCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasShe shot to fame working as a ring girl at the recent Tyson-Paul cardCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasThe model gathered a huge social media following during the eventCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasSince shooting to fame, Sydney has kept her followers up to date with her busy schedule.She recently celebrated turning 21 with a trip to Miami, subsequently posting a photodump.Stunning Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson ring girls oil up as they share behind-the-scenes video of Netflix fight Sydney also confirmed that she is single, having broken up with her ex-boyfriend earlier this year.In addition to being a student and working as a ring girl, she is part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ hype squad.While she has also worked as a catwalk model.Sydney posed with balloons during her recent birthday celebrationsCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasThe University of Alabama student is a sports fanaticCredit: X/itssydneythomasSydney now has more than 800,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram/ @iamsydneythomasFans adore the American’s social media contentCredit: Instagram/iamsydneythomas More