More stories

  • in

    Inside growing football careers of Cristiano Ronaldo & Wayne Rooney’s SONS – so will they renew dads’ rivalry on pitch?

    THEY are Rooney and Ronaldo 2.0 – a decent chip, flick or shot off the old block.Proving nature is as strong as nurture in football, both Kai Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo Junior have emerged as genuine young footballing talents.Kai Rooney scored the extra-time winner for Manchester United under-15s against Manchester City in a Premier League cup competitionCredit: ErotemeRonaldo Jnr has been called up for Portugal’s under-15 squadCredit: Instagram @cristianojr.xSo might the lads renew the old international rivalry that saw their dads face off in the famous Winkergate World Cup drama?Their sons have gone some way to prove they’ve got what it takes to reach the pinnacle of football.On Tuesday Ronaldo Jnr — in the youth team with his father’s Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr — was called up for Portugal’s under-15 squad.His chuffed dad posted on Instagram: “Proud of you, son!”READ MORE ON KAI ROONEYMeanwhile, Kai scored the extra-time winner for Manchester United under-15s against Manchester City in a Premier League cup competition last week.Dad Wayne wrote on social media: “Proud of @kairooney.10. Great comeback from his team last night and an extra-time winner always special. Keep working hard son.”Former England and Manchester United player Wayne Rooney with son KaiCredit: InstagramFootie superstar Ronaldo poses with his son Cristiano Ronaldo JuniorCredit: InstagramIt came after Kai recently scored a brilliant solo goal for United’s under-17s against Spain’s Real Sociedad — despite being only 15.Both of the footie star dads are clearly feeling that swell of emotion that affects parents across Britain as they trek to muddy, windswept pitches to cheer on their offspring.Most read in FootballSo will these clearly talented lads emerge from the giant shadows cast by their footie legend fathers?Fans who sang “there’s only one Cristiano Ronaldo” had to change their tune when the five-time Champions League winner named his first born after himself.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr follows in dad’s footsteps with incredible free-kick in training session with Chelsea starRonaldo Jnr, 14, is a mini-me lookalike of his old man, complete with rippling six pack.Born to an American woman in 2010, his former Real Madrid star dad has never confirmed who the mother is.At the time, he posted on X: “It is with great joy and emotion that I inform I have recently become father to a baby boy.“As agreed with the baby’s mother, who prefers to have her identity kept confidential, my son will be under my exclusive guardianship.”‘Worst feeling’Ronaldo Snr would later add: “Some points in life are private and people have to respect the privacy.“When Cristiano is going to grow up, I am always going to say the truth to him because he deserves it, because he is my son.”Soon Junior was embarking on a football career of his own as his father played at some of the biggest clubs in global football.And, like clever-dick dads across Britain, Ronaldo Snr can’t help but show his son how it’s done.On his YouTube channel last year he posted a video called Cris v Cris with both trying to curl a free kick around a wall and into the goal with the strapline, “Who did it better?”CR7, as dad is nicknamed, may perhaps be football’s greatest of all time, but on this occasion his son’s effort looked more classy.Despite turning 40 in February, Ronaldo Snr recently admitted he would like to play in a professional game alongside his son.“I would like it,” he said. “It’s not something that keeps me awake at night but we’ll see.”England were facing Portugal in the World Cup Quarter final when Rooney was sent offCredit: AFPRonaldo responded with a theatrical wink to the Portuguese benchCredit: BBCRegarding his boy’s footballing career, he said: “He will follow his path, his career. I will be a proud father — I will be proud of what he wants to do.“If he plays, then ‘top’. If he doesn’t play, we tried. But it won’t be a problem either, in my opinion.”Known affectionately as Cristianinho — meaning little Cristiano — his son was in the youth team at Italy’s Juventus.Then, when his dad returned for a second spell at Manchester United in 2021, the youngster joined the Old Trafford youth academy.Playing alongside him in the under-12s was a skilful lad called Kai Wayne Rooney — born in November 2009.The pair made headlines when both scored against West Bromwich Albion’s youngsters in 2022.For United fans it recalled the Red Devils’ golden years when the names Rooney and Ronaldo were often on the score sheet.Their fathers landed a Champions League and three Premier League titles while both were at the club.But in 2006, in the midst of their fruitful partnership, Winkergate erupted. Rooney’s England were facing Ronaldo’s Portugal in the World Cup Quarter final in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.On 61 minutes — with the score at 0-0 — Rooney tangled with Ricardo Carvalho before stamping on the then-Chelsea defender.Ronaldo rushed in to remonstrate with referee Horacio Elizondo.Rooney shoved his clubmate away but the ref’s mind had been made up and a red card was flourished.Kai recently scored a brilliant solo goal for United’s under-17s against Real SociedadCredit: Instagram/kairooney.10Cristiano Ronaldo Junior has emerged as a genuine footballing talentCredit: InstagramRonaldo responded with a theatrical wink to the Portuguese bench.Rooney was left to stew in the dressing room as the ten-man England side were later knocked out on penalties.Now 39, the former Everton starlet called it the “worst feeling” he had experienced in football.The pair patched things up in the tunnel after the game and resumed their prolific United partnership.Then, with Ronaldo back at United, the relationship soured again.Rooney, sacked as Plymouth Argyle manager in December 2024, criticised his old team mate’s attitude after CR7 refused to come on as a substitute during a game.Ronaldo snapped back in a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan: “I don’t know why he criticises me so badly . . . probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level.‘He will be a star’“I’m not going to say I’m looking better than him. Which is true.”Then Ronaldo expressed surprise at Rooney’s comments after he revealed his old strike partner had visited him to pick up his children.CR7 added: “We’re here in my house, he picked up his kids here and he invited Cristiano (Junior) to go to his house to play football.“I really don’t understand people like that. Or if they want to be on a cover of the paper in the news or they want new jobs or whatever.”So could Ronaldo Jnr and Kai line up one day for a Winkergate rematch for Portugal and the Three Lions senior teams?Like Junior, the Rooneys’ eldest son certainly has precocious talent.United fans loved it last month when Kai scored against Real Sociedad. Latching on to a long ball with a deft first touch, he outpaced a defender yanking on his shirt before finishing with his left foot.One fan wrote on social media: “Plays exactly like his dad, with aggressiveness and power”.Kai’s mum Coleen, 39, has revealed that there are downsides to having a famous footballer dad.He told me he was just fuming as the goalkeeper was saying ‘Your dad’s s***’, and he got dead angry.Wayne RooneyShe said on I’m a Celebrity: “Kai told Wayne to stop coming to football games when he played grassroots tournaments and stuff because he used to get swarmed and he couldn’t even watch the game.”And the mum-of-four revealed opponents had barracked Kai over his footballing icon father.Speaking to the Stick to Football podcast, Coleen explained: “A few years ago, I remember Kai took a penalty at St George’s Park. He stepped up and just skied it.“Afterwards I asked him how he could take a penalty like that, and he told me he was just fuming as the goalkeeper was saying ‘Your dad’s sh*t’, and he got dead angry.“It doesn’t happen to him very often, but it did then, and you can see in some games where they give you a little push.“He’s strong-minded, though, and usually shrugs it off.”Last year Kai signed a sponsorship deal with Puma and later appeared on a poster for the footwear brand alongside Dua Lipa and Kyle Walker.Like Ronaldo Jnr, he will need drive and determination alongside undoubted talent to reach the top.Read More on The SunIn truth, both lads could achieve half as much as their dads and still carve out glorious careers.Just leave the winking and red mist to your fathers. More

  • in

    Man Utd goalkeeper André Onana has Lamborghini Urus impounded for having no insurance after £350k motor pulled over by police

    MANCHESTER United goalkeeper André Onana had his £350,000 Lamborghini Urus impounded for having no insurance.The 29-year-old, who has made a string of gaffes this season, must now act quickly to get cover or the luxury motor could be crushed.Police pulled over André Onana’s Lamborghini Urus on Wednesday morning while one of his pals was at the wheel in Gtr ManchesterCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Manchester United goalkeeper’s £350,000 motor was impounded for having no insuranceCredit: GettyOnana, above in the Lambo another time, must act quickly to get cover or the luxury motor could be crushedCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkePolice pulled over the vehicle at on Wednesday morning while one of his pals was at the wheel in Hale Barns, Gtr Manchester.The car was flagged as uninsured on an ANPR camera before being loaded onto a transporter and taken to a police pound. Cameroon international Onana has 14 days to prove he owns the Lambo and has insurance, otherwise it can be auctioned or destroyed.A source said: “Onana has made a few errors this season and insuring his car properly seems to be the latest one.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Onana signed for United from Inter Milan for £50million in 2023 and has made almost 100 appearances for the club, winning the FA Cup in his first season.But he has come under the spotlight for a series of howlers.His wife Melanie, 35, was robbed of a £62,000 Hermes handbag and a Rolex watch in March as she left an upmarket Italian restaurant in Cheshire. A man will stand trial later this year for robbery.Onana is not the first United star to have a car impounded.Most read in FootballIn 2021, we told how then-midfielder Paul Pogba had his £300,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith seized as it had Monaco-registered plates.The Frenchman was handed three points with a £220 fine and ordered to pay £85 costs at Tameside magistrates’ court. Ajax keeper Andre Onana ‘in car crash’ on way to Cameroon camp for World Cup playoff clash against Algeria He then racked up thousands more in storage fees for leaving the vehicle in the pound for months.A car can be seized if an officer has grounds to believe the driver is uninsured or is not driving in accordance with their licence.Cameroon international Onana has 14 days to prove he owns the Lambo and has insuranceCredit: ZenpixRYAN’S CARPOOL By Alex West WREXHAM co-owner Ryan Reynolds has revealed a player once asked him to book a rental car.The Deadpool actor, 48, left, says he contacts new signings personally, leaves his info and urges them to call him if they need help.An unnamed Red Dragons ace with motor problems took the offer a bit too far. Reynolds said: “One player did call to ask me to rent him a car.“I said, ‘When I said call me for anything, I meant a kidney’. I didn’t mean, ‘How do I get you a Hertz rental?’. Let’s try Google next time.” More

  • in

    Quick-witted Roy Keane makes brutal three-word joke about Eni Aluko row that leaves Ian Wright in stitches

    ROY KEANE’S quick wit left Ian Wright in hysterics as he made a joke about the row with Eni Auko.Wright was the target of comments by the former Lioness over his involvement in women’s football.Roy Keane made a quick-witted joke on the OverlapCredit: YouTubeHe left the whole panel in hystericsCredit: YouTubeThe joke about the row between Eni Aluko and Ian WrightCredit: GettyAluko, 38, made the accusation that Wright was “blocking” the pathway for women in football punditry.She has since apologised for her comments, but Wright refused to accept it in an impassioned Instagram video.Keane has been able to put a smile on Wright’s face with a quick joke about the situation.He made the quip in the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by SkyBet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJill Scott was explaining that she does not work too much in the women’s side of the game.To which razor-sharp Keane quipped: “Because of Ian?”The whole panel burst out in laughter, including Wright, who was in stitches.Keane hilariously remained completely composed, almost as if he was expecting Scott to give him more than just “no” in her answer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLast week, Aluko stepped down from hosting at the Women’s Football Awards following the row.Wright has urged the public to “move on” from the incident.’Were we not good enough-‘ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes cheeky dig at David Beckham over 50th birthday snubHe has been supported by the pair’s employer, ITV, as the broadcaster released a strong statement backing the Arsenal legend.Steph Houghton has also shown her support for Wright as she stated his commitment has been “unbelievable.”Keane was on good form during the podcast as he also made a cheeky dig at David Beckham.The former Manchester United star insisted that Beckham “forgot” to invite him to his 50th birthday. More

  • in

    Tyson Fury to have crunch comeback talks after luxury Bahamas holiday as £300m Anthony Joshua fight looms

    TYSON FURY is set to hold talks over a sensational ring return when he comes back from holiday.The former two-time heavyweight champion hung up his gloves in January, just a few weeks after his second-straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last December.Tyson Fury has seemingly performed a U-turn on his fifth retirement, which he announced a few weeks after his second loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYFury’s U-turn has given fresh hope of a Battle of Britain with Anthony JoshuaCredit: REUTERSFury will hold talks with promoter Frank Warren once he’s back from his holiday in the BahamasCredit: PABut the Gypsy King seemingly ended his fifth retirement from the sport last week with a scathing social media rant at the undefeated Ukrainian.Fury’s public U-turn has reignited hopes of him finally sharing the ring with Brit rival Anthony Joshua.And promoter Frank Warren plans to speak with the Wythenshawe warrior when he’s back from his luxury Bahamas holiday.The Queensberry Promotions chief told The Daily Mail: “When he comes back from his holiday, we’ll talk.READ MORE ON TYSON FURY”But I’m not going to call him about fighting. That’s going to be his choice.”If he wishes to fight on, then fine. If he doesn’t, so be it.”He’s been a magnificent servant for British and world boxing – a two-time world champion who’s done everything asked of him.”Fury and Joshua, 35 and 36 respectively, have twice agreed to fight one another but have frustratingly yet to share the ring.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Warren believes it’ll be relatively easy to make the long-overdue Battle of Britain for a third time.The veteran promoter said: “It’ll be about whether Tyson wants to do it, and whether AJ wants to do it.Tyson Fury training TWO TIMES a day as speculation ramps up over £300m comeback fight against Anthony Joshua”AJ is still active and wants the fight – it’s the one that never happened. Everybody wants to see it.”Fury and Joshua, however, won’t be fighting any time soon as the latter is set to undergo surgery on a niggling elbow injury. More

  • in

    Arsenal condemn racism in statement after fan filmed making sickening slurs towards PSG supporters in vile video

    ARSENAL have strongly condemned a vile video showing one of their fans shouting racial slurs at a PSG supporter.The incident took place last night as the Gunners were beaten 2-1 in the Champions League semi-final second leg.An Arsenal fan was videoed shouting racial slurs at a PSG fanCredit: https://x.com/IliesDjtThe Gunners have released a statement on the matterCredit: https://x.com/IliesDjtA video seemingly filmed during the game shows an Arsenal fan racially abusing his French counterpart.In the shocking clip that has gone viral on social media, a man hurls sickening abuse at the home end and angrily points at them.The supporter goes on an X-rated rant, unleashing a volley of racist and homophobic abuse.Towards the end of his foul-mouthed rant, the man then points to his chest and clenches his fist.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal are aware of the incident and have released a statement on the matter.It read: “We strongly condemn all forms of racist and homophobic discrimination. “We are working to identify the individual in the video and we will take the strongest possible action.”Arsenal released a similar statement after the first leg due to a video emerging of supporters aiming monkey noises and gestures at PSG players.Most read in Champions LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

  • in

    Chelsea hand start to Reggie Walsh, 16, who is doing his GCSEs and becomes youngest debutant in 58 years vs Djurgarden

    CHELSEA have handed a start to a 16-YEAR-OLD doing his GCSEs against Djurgarden.Reggie Walsh was named alongside the likes of Reece James, Jadon Sancho and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.Reggie Walsh was named in the starting XI for Chelsea against DjurgardenCredit: PAHe made a sub-appearance in the first legCredit: GettyWalsh, 16 years and 200 days, is currently in Year 11 at school and is the Blues’ youngest debutant since Ian Hamilton in 1967.The midfielder is currently in the middle of his GCSEs and may have had to skip out on some revision in order to play.Manager Enzo Maresca has spoken about the decision to hand the dream start to the teenager.The Italian claimed that Walsh has “something” and is confident in his ability.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “His talent is very good.”Technique is fantastic. I really like him. Between the lines is good, you can see immediately he has something.”For sure at 17, 18, he needs to work hard and continue. I like also the personality, he’s worked with us during the season.”He’s not shy, he’s asking for the ball, he’s shouting and talking. I like it, he’s a good player.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSChelsea went into the Conference League semi-final second leg in a strong position.The West London outfit romped to a 4-1 win against the Swedish side at the 3Arena last week.Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke lead Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after win over LiverpoolIn the first leg, Walsh made his European debut as he came on as a late sub for Tyrique George.The Blues took a four-goal lead in the match through Sancho, Noni Madueke and a brace from Nicolas Jackson.However, the minnows did get one back through Isak Alemayehu Mulugeta in the 68th minute.Former Chelsea star Joe Cole asked Maresca about Walsh on TNT Sports.Maresca claimed that the youngster “almost had the quality” of Cole as he sang his praises. More

  • in

    ‘Damn she’s savage’ – Awkward moment reporter raises eyebrow at Arteta claim as new interview emerges after PSG loss

    MIKEL ARTETA raised one reporter’s eyebrows with a bold claim he made in a live TV interview after Arsenal’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.The Spaniard was adamant his side were the better team over the two legs, despite losing both games in a 3-1 aggregate defeat.Mikel Arteta left reporter Anita Jones unconvinced after a bold claimJones pressed Arteta for answers and appeared to doubt his responsesCredit: GettyFans loved her no-nonsense approachCredit: GettyJones is a reporter for CBS SportsCredit: GettyHe also suggested PSG had their goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to thank for the win, saying he was the man of the match in both legs.But CBS Sports reporter Anita Jones quickly corrected the Arsenal boss live on air, pointing out that Achraf Hakimi had in fact got the award after netting the winner in Paris.The interview continued awkwardly as the reporter began to press Arteta further.The Gunners chief repeated the claims he made in his post-match press conference that coaches on the opposition bench had admitted Arsenal were the better team, which PSG boss Luis Enrique later denied.READ MORE IN ARSENALAnd Jones was quick to quiz Arteta on who it was he had spoken to.She asked: “Who did you speak to sorry?”A surprised Arteta dodged the question, instead explaining why his team lost, suggesting they did not have enough quality in the attacking box.Jones again asked: “Who was it that you spoke to?”Most read in Champions League”A few people of them,” replied Arteta.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesJones then said wryly: “Oh and they shared that opinion.”Fans love the exchange and the no-nonsense approach from the reporter.This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-finalOn reacted saying: “Damn, she’s savage.”Another added: “That woman has more balls interviewing him than any other interviewer, fair play to her for sticking it to him.”And a third wrote: “This is comedy gold. The way she pushes him and you just can see how he is straight up lying.”Arteta also made the claim Arsenal have been the best team in this year’s Champions League.He said: “I don’t think there has been a better team in the competition so far.Read More on The Sun”But we are out tonight and we deserve much more in both games.”But this competition is about the boxes, the strikers and a goalkeeper, who was their best player in both games.” More

  • in

    Nine Athletic Bilbao stars got trapped in lift in strange ‘mishap’ reveals coach Ernesto Valverde before Man Utd clash

    ATHLETIC BILBAO have suffered further woes ahead of their clash with Manchester United – after player were stuck in a LIFT.The Champions League-chasing Basques were hammered 3-0 at San Mames last week, leaving them with it all to do at Old Trafford in the Europa League.Ernesto Valverde revealed nine of his players got stuck in a lift at the weekendCredit: EPAAthletic Bilbao are looking to turn around a three-goal deficit at Old TraffordCredit: GettyShould they achieve a miracle comeback, they will play the Europa League final against Bodo/Glimt or Tottenham at their own stadium.But boss Ernesto Valverde revealed that things took a farcical turn at the weekend.He said: “How is the team? I saw it very well.”We had a difficult match against Real Sociedad and a mishap.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Nine players were trapped in the lift, which had a capacity of eight people. “But we got them out before the match and managed to earn a draw.”Bilbao’s preparations for this game at Old Trafford have also not been helped by the absence of three of their star players.Brothers Nico and Inaki Williams have stayed at home along with attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who has scored 15 LaLiga goals this season.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Valverde insisted Athletic have not simply given up on the tie, with all three players ruled out due to injury.He commented: “If any one [of them] could have been here, they would be here. ‘Were we not good enough-‘ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes cheeky dig at David Beckham over 50th birthday snub”Because this game is the most important of the season right now.”I don’t understand the question. You talk to the doctor and the players, but there’s not much to decide. Those who are injured can’t play.”The Basques will also be without Dani Vivian after his red card in last week’s game. More