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      Sofyan Amrabat opens up on Man Utd exit and says ‘you’ll have to ask Mr Wilcox’ before adding ‘I hope they lose’

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      SOFYAN AMRABAT has revealed that Erik ten Hag wanted to keep him at Manchester United – but the Old Trafford hierarchy had other ideas.The midfielder also sent a cryptic message to club chief Jason Wilcox ahead of United’s visit to Fenerbahce in the Europa League tonight.Fenerbahce loanee Sofyan Amrabat has opened up on his Manchester United exitThe Morocco international revealed that Erik ten Hag wanted to activate his loan dealAmrabat spent last season on loan at Old Trafford from Fiorentina and racked up 30 appearances across all competitions. He impressed towards the end of the campaign, producing an excellent performance in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.But that was the last time he would wear the United shirt.On his exit, he told The Mail: “I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best but not for Thursday. I hope they lose.”The Morocco international was then asked if he’d like to share anything else about his departure.To which he cryptically responded: “The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr Wilcox.”Wilcox, 53, is the technical director at Carrington who has overall responsibility for “football performance, recruitment and operations”.Most read in FootballAmrabat cryptically directed the blame for his failed moved towards Man Utd technical director Jason WilcoxFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTen Hag wanted to activate the option to permanently buy Amrabat for £21m but the United echelons thought otherwise, opting to go for Manuel Ugarte from PSG for £51m instead.Despite a strong performance in the FA Cup final, ongoing injuries meant that he did not start a single Prem game between Christmas and the end of April.Sofyan Amrabat looks shocked after receiving gift off young Man Utd fan in ‘beautiful’ momentAmrabat expressed his desire to join United on a permanent basis after falling in love with the city and the club in an otherwise difficult season.In fact, Amrabat reportedly refused to train with his Fiorentina teammates in a bid to try and force through a return to M16.United mulled over the prospect of re-signing the 28-year-old but a deal failed to materialise.He joined Fenerbahce on loan in August and is set to feature in Thursday’s Europa League tie against his former side.Amrabat will join another Old Trafford outcast in Fred, under former United boss Jose Mourinho, who lifted the Europa League with the Prem giants in 2017.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mFred revealed that he was also emotional when United sold him to Fenerbahce for £13m last summer.He told The Mail: “It was tough because we had adapted to life in Manchester and my wife was pregnant. But football is like this and Fenerbahce supported me a lot.”When the Europa League draw pitted Fenerbahce – who beat United 2-1 in their last encounter eight years ago when Mourinho was manager – against the Reds, Fred was straight on WhatsApp to his former team-mates.He revealed: “I messaged Bruno Fernandes saying ‘We will kill you’ and he responded that ‘No, we will kill you’.”But then my friend got a red card against Porto so he won’t play with us.” He admits there is still a tinge of sadness seeing United struggle.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “They are not in the best moment but I support them.”I’m upset when they don’t get good results or don’t play well but against us, it’s different. On Thursday, they can’t play well.”Fred spent five seasons at United after signing for £50m under Jose MourinhoMan Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

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      Sunderland fans in hysterics as captain Luke O’Nien ‘auditions for WWE’ in post-match brawl at Luton

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      SUNDERLAND captain Luke O’Nien left fans in stitches after launching himself into a post-match brawl against Luton.The Black Cats came from behind to claim a 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road thanks to goals from Chris Rigg and Romaine Mundle.Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien left fans in hysterics on Wednesday nightCredit: RexO’Nien leapt into the post-match brawl between Sunderland and LutonCredit: XHis jump into the fight was compared to a WWE wrestling moveCredit: XThe three points maintains their impressive start which sees them top the Championship table.But the victory was not without incident after the final whistle.A melee ensued between both sets of players, with members of the coaching staff also getting involved.Skipper O’Nien, 29, then flew into shot as he launched himself over a number of bodies and on top of the fighting.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe centre-back came through the academy of Luton’s bitter rivals Watford.And Sunderland fans were loving the way he reacted to the brawl in “absolutely mad” fashion.One said: “Royal Rumble winner heading in over the top rope.”Another added: “@LukeONien loves it and we love him.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third replied: “Yes but he’s OUR kind of mad 🤣.”While a fourth responded: “Might as well jump…”Chris Rigg talks about his journey to becoming a player for Sunderland O’Nien was one of four players booked for the incident alongside team-mate Jobe Bellingham and Luton pair Tom Holmes and Carlton Morris.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man City break Man Utd’s impressive Champions League record due to Uefa loophole as fans left fuming

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      MANCHESTER CITY have set a new record for the longest Champions League unbeaten streak… despite going out of the competition to Real Madrid last season.Pep Guardiola’s side sealed the impressive feat by trouncing Sparta Prague 5-0 at the Etihad last night.Man City trounced Sparta Prague at the EtihadCredit: RexThe win made it 26 “unbeaten” in the Champions League for City.They won the competition in the 2023-24 season to achieve a remarkable Treble.City’s Champions League defence came to an end in the quarter-finals last term, when they were knocked out by Real Madrid.The first leg in Madrid finished 3-3, before the Spanish giants triumphed on penalties in Manchester following a 1-1 draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs both games finished level within regulation time, Uefa view them as draws – despite City losing the tie.This means that in Uefa’s eyes, Guardiola’s men have broken the record of 25 Champions League games unbeaten previously set by Manchester United.Sir Alex Ferguson’s side achieved the feat between 2007 and 2009, winning the 2007-08 competition in Moscow before finally losing to Barcelona in the following year’s Rome final.City’s win last night also saw them claim the unbeaten run record across all Uefa tournaments, taking into account their Super Cup win in 2023.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUefa’s report read: “With tonight’s victory, Manchester City have set a new Uefa competition matches record of 27 games unbeaten.”This passes Espanyol’s previous mark of 26, achieved between 2006 and 2019, with City having last been beaten in a Uefa fixture by Real Madrid in May 2022.”Pep Guardiola says part of him will leave Man City when Txiki Begiristain goes Man Utd fans on social media were left unhappy with Uefa’s verdict.One wrote on X: “Wrong !!!! They lost to real madrid in the champions league last season hahaha community note incoming.”While a posted: “Can’t accept stats like this when they didn’t win the competition last season. They lost in a penalty shootout. Yes, technically not a match lost but they went out. Knock out football has to have a winner and a loser. That’s the game.”A third blasted it as “a nonsense stat”.And another added: “They haven’t. Stop this rubbish. They lost in the UCL semi final last season.”City’s last recognised defeat in Uefa competitions came in their dramatic 2021-22 semi-final against Real Madrid.Riyad Mahrez’s goal had given them a 5-3 lead on aggregate, before Rodrygo’s double in the 90th and 91st minutes stunned City and took the tie to extra time.Karim Benzema then scored a penalty five minutes into extra time to consign City to a 6-5 aggregate defeat.City have so far gathered seven points from nine available during this year’s revamped League Phase.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey drew 0-0 with Inter Milan at home on matchday one, in a repeat of the 2023 final.Goals by Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and James McAtee saw them trounce Slovan Bratislava 4-0 on matchday two, prior to last night’s 5-0 thumping of Sparta Prague.Man City ratings vs Sparta PragueBy Ken LawrenceMANCHESTER CITY put in a five star performance as they romped to victory over Sparta Prague.The Citizens ran out 5-0 winners at the Etihad with Pep Guardiola’s side bagging four goals in the second half.Phil Foden gave the hosts the perfect start as he fired in the opener inside just three minutes.Erling Haaland also got himself on the scoresheet in the second half.The Norweigian striker had plenty of attempts to score, but it was his improvised finish in the 58th minute that found its way past Peter Vindahl Jensen.John Stones made it three with a brilliant looping header to add to his solid performance at the back.Haaland got his second in the 67th minute to make it 44 in the Champions League.Matheus Nunes was also impressed as he netted from the spot in the closing stages, which added to his two assists.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of Pep Guardiola’s side…Stefan Ortega – 5Almost a spectator, but at least it wasn’t cold or pouring down.Nathan Ake – 5Back after injury and unlucky to have City’s second chalked off.Manuel Akanji – 5Training games against his own team-mates are far harder than this was.John Stones – 7Followed his winner against Wolves with another towering header.Rico Lewis – 6The young multi-tasker produced a typical all-action displayMatheus Nunes – 7He claimed two assists and bagged his first-ever Champions League goal from the spot late on.Savinho – 5Supposed to be the new Samba man but didn’t dance that great.Ilkay Gundogan – 7The midfielder cruised through the 100th Champions League game of his career.Bernardo Silva – 6Quiet, effective and a non-stop cog spinning the City wheel.Phil Foden – 7It was a slick early finish in only his fourth start of the season, but the spark faded.Erling Haaland – 9Even Pep Guardiola couldn’t quite believe his amazing airborne strike before he added his second.SubsMateo Kovacic (for Bernardo Silva 69) – 5Couldn’t have had an easier task by the time he emerged.James McAtee (for Gundogan 69) – 5A few minutes of Champions League experience with no strain.Josko Gvardiol (for Ake 74) – 5Just a pleasant walk in the park….Ruben Dias (for Stones 74) – 5He won’t have minded stretching his legs for a bit.Nico O’Reilly (for Haaland 81) – 5The young attacker replaced a living legend. More

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      Jack Grealish beams as he and Sasha Attwood are seen out for the first time with baby Mila and dog Skye

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      PROUD dad Jack Grealish beamed as he and Sasha Attwood enjoyed a family day out with their new baby girl and pet pooch.Sasha and Jack welcomed little Mila in September and took to Instagram earlier this month to announce their happy news.Jack beams as he visits a farm shop with his growing familySasha glowed as she dressed comfortably for the outingThe footie ace laughs as he scoops up their pet poochNew mum Sasha looked over the moon during their family day outAnd they were seen looking over the moon as they visited a local farm shop this week.New mum Sasha glowed as she dressed comfortably in a black tracksuit. She pushed her baby daughter in a grey and black pram. Meanwhile Manchester City midfielder Jack was equally casual in a puffer jacket, joggers and designer trainers.More on Jack GrealishThe couple – who have been together for 10 years – welcomed Mila just hours before Jack lined up for Manchester City to play Newcastle on September 27.Describing his hectic 24 hours days later, the England favourite told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Obviously had a little girl last Friday. It was the best moment of my life, as you can imagine.”I don’t really know how to explain it. You feel so many good moments in your life, but that just tops everything.”It was an unbelievable day, because actually Sasha had a scan on the Friday morning and then she realised she was going to come a few weeks early, so I had to leave training on the Friday.Most read in Football”I got the train up to London and then it happened on the Friday afternoon. I stayed there obviously for two or three hours, and then I had to get a plane all the way to Newcastle.”I arrived at probably gone midnight at the hotel and, yeah, I was playing the next morning at 12:30 at Newcastle away. It was an unbelievable 24 hours.”Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clashJack and Sasha announced Mila’s arrival with a black and white photo of the tot gripping a finger with the words “Mila Rose Grealish 27/09/24.”The couple only revealed they were expecting in July, with a snap of Jack cradling Sasha’s blossoming bump.Jack has since opened up on the hectic 24 hours that saw him become a dad for the first timeJack and Sasha have been together for 10 yearsCredit: Instagram More

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      in Motorsport

      Son, 9, of Lewis Hamilton rival begins following in the footsteps of famous F1 dad

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      KIMI RAIKKONEN’S son is beginning to follow in the footsteps of his dad after tasting success on track.Robin Raikkonen is set to compete in his first international kart racing competition.Robin Raikkonen has made a good start to his racing careerCredit: Instagram @robinacematiasDad Kimi Raikkonen won the 2007 F1 ChampionshipCredit: AFPHe qualified for the race by winning the Swiss National Championship this year.Robin, 9, is ready to take on the event at Circuito Internazionale Napoli, Italy, with an Instagram account in his name writing: “Ready for the Grand Finals!”The youngster picked up a trophy and a huge ticket confirming his place in the Grand Finals, with his race set to take place this week.Raikkonen, 44, is happy with his son’s progress and is pleased he is having fun behind the wheel.READ MORE IN F1He said of Robin’s progress: “Ah, he’s enjoying.“Everything is going nicely. We’ll see. If something comes or not, who knows? But he’s having fun – that’s the main thing.”Raikkonen has settled into retirement since retiring at the end of the 2021 season and he has worked as a mechanic for Robin.The Finn competed in 349 F1 races between 2001-09 and 2012-21, winning 21, and raced for the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Sauber.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁He won the 2007 Championship – the last Ferrari driver to do so, beating Lewis Hamilton to the title by just a point.Hamilton then got the better of Raikkonen the following year as he won his maiden F1 Championship.Argentina Formula 1 star Franco Colapinto enjoys a moment with fans at Austin Grand PrixF1 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.  More

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      in Soccer

      ‘This guy isn’t real,’ say Chelsea fans as new signing breaks Neymar’s record in Brazil

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      CHELSEA fans have been left gushing over new signing Estevao Willian after he broke a record held by Neymar.The teen sensation has earned the nickname “Messinho”, and it appears to be with good reason.Estevao Willian has left fans stunned ahead of his transfer to ChelseaCredit: GettyHe has broken a record held by NeymarCredit: GettyThe Brazilian winger has been in impressive form for Palmeiras, with 16 goals to his name this season in all competitions.But a goal and assist in his most recent Brazilian Série A game against Juventude has seen him eclipse Neymar’s record for most goal contributions in the competition for an under-17.He now has a total of 18, made up of ten goals and eight assists.Neymar’s record was set back in 2009, and saw him contribute a total of 16 goals and assists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of completing his transfer to Chelsea next summer, worth up to £53million, fans have been left stunned by his talent, and a clip showing he maybe won’t stay down as often as Neymar either.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “This Estevao guy isn’t real.”Being able to be that good on the ball and make the right decisions almost every time, having the burst to go past players on the wing and having the awareness to do it centrally and make runs in behind and finish too.”A second said: “Estêvão Willian is a warrior.”Most read in FootballNeymar breaks down in tears and reveals ‘each day I am away is a day of suffering’ after injury hellA third said: “The talent of this guy is crazy.”Another said: “Defenders will suffer next season.”Neymar has also heaped praise on the prodigy, saying: “Congratulations Estêvão Willian for breaking the record!” He continued: “I hope you continue shining & enchanting people with your football.”Neymar, 32, achieved his record with Santos before joining Barcelona in 2013. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he had an underwhelming spell, before joining Al Hilal where he has struggled with injury. More

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      Football fans admit soaking themselves in beer and smashing phones… take the test to find out if you’re a diehard

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      FOOTIE fans have admitted to soaking themselves in alcohol and smashing up their devices during games – but what type of supporter are you?From how many matches you watch – live or on the TV – to how often you take part in fantasy football leagues, discover which category you fall into in this quiz.Take the test to see what type of footie fan you areReal Madrid fans create a wall of white shirts and flagsAnswer these questions and discover if you really are a diehard fan, or merely a spectator.It comes as research found a third of football fans are so passionate about the sport they have soaked themselves in beer, ripped clothing – and even smashed their phones.Some 36 per cent admit they have encountered a football fail when celebrating a goal being scored.The study was commissioned by tech brand, HONOR, which wrapped an entire bar in the centre of Barcelona in bubble wrap for fans watching Barca take on Bayern Munich – to ensure no mishaps happen.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA spokesperson for the brand said: “Football fans are arguably the heart and soul of the game.”Their passion, dedication and unwavering support can create an atmosphere unlike any other, both in the stadium and beyond.“Whether cheering from the stands or watching from home, fans fuel the excitement, making every match a spectacle of unity, pride and love for the sport.“However, our research shows that this passion can sometimes lead to all sorts of funny mishaps – often involving personal belongings.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe poll of more than 1,000 supporters of the beautiful game also found pouring an entire drink over themselves (12 per cent), ripping a favourite item of clothing (eight per cent), and smashing their phone screen (seven per cent) were among the top mishaps.More than four in 10 (41 per cent) admit to often getting carried away with the excitement during a football match.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’But 64 per cent say these fails were totally worth it, just to see a goal being scored.The study also found 14 per cent of fans are less concerned about their belongings when celebrating during a match.Although 12 per cent say they are more susceptible to damaging their personal things when watching their football team.Items which have been victims of these celebrations include drinks (19 per cent), food (13 per cent), and keys (10 per cent).Flares are often lit at Borussia Dortmund and St. Pauli matches in the BundesligaAnd one in ten have thrown their phone in the air, according to the OnePoll.com data.The spokesperson for Honor added: “Despite these football fails, it seems fans think it’s all worth it in the end to see their favourite team score a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Nothing can beat the roar of the crowd and the thrill of seeing the ball hit the back of the net.“It’s a surge of adrenaline and pride that stays with you long after the match ends and is what makes football the beautiful game that it is.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’

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      AN incredible video has shown how the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy is beautifully handcrafted.The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. Fans were in awe after spotting how the Ballon d’Or trophy is madeTwo brass plates are soldered together by a distinguished French jewellerThe ball is then immersed in gold and engravedThe Ballon d’Or trophy – which, as its French name suggests, takes the form of a golden ball – is worth somewhere in the region of £2,400.It is made with two brass plates which are soldered together to create the shape of a football, before lined markings are drawn on the outside.Afterwards it’s dipped in gold and engraved with the “Ballon d’Or” logo.The final touch is a layer of pyrite crystals – which gives the trophy a stunning rock like appearance.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIncluding its pyrite base, the award measures 31 cm in height and 23 cm in diameter and weighs just over 7 kg. The coveted prize, awarded to the world’s best footballer, is handmade by a team at French Jewellery House Mellerio dits Meller.It is a meticulous process that takes more than 100 hours to complete – which amounts to about four days.And fans were blown away by it’s simple, yet careful, design.Most read in FootballIt takes more than 100 hours to finishThe final touch is a layer of crystals on a pyrite baseFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne social media user wrote: “Why does it feel so weird? It’s something so prestigious, and it’s made just like that.”While another said: “Wow amazing!”Karim Benzema shows off incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Ronaldo snub as he’s tipped for career changeA third added: “This is crazy seeing how it’s actually made.”One more replied: “I never realised it’s hollow inside, but it makes perfect sense.”What is the Ballon d’Or?The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football since 1956.This prestigious trophy is awarded to the world’s best footballer of the year and is a true work of art – just like the players who earn it.This year, Uefa — European football’s governing body — will help organise the award for the first time.Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or trophies won – eightWho are the favourites?Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Manchester City’s Rodri are favourites to lift this year’s prize on Monday. Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal have also been nominated.Lionel Messi leads the way with eight Ballon d’Or wins between 2009 and 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has five. The pair have dominated the men’s award in recent history but, for the first time in 21 years, neither has been nominated.Who decides the Ballon d’Or winners?The Ballon d’Or is decided by 100 journalists, one from each of FIFA’s 100 top-ranked member nations (top 50 for the women’s award). Each journalist makes their top 10 pick from the 30-player shortlist and there are different point values for each.READ MORE SUN STORIESFirst: 15 pointsSecond: 12 pointsThird: 10 pointsFourth: Eight pointsFifth: Seven pointsSixth: Five pointsSeventh: Four pointsEighth: Three pointsNinth: Two pointsTenth: One pointEarning the most points wins you the Ballon d’Or. In the unlikely event of a tie, the winner would be decided by first-place votes. More