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      in Soccer

      Meet Kylian Mbappé, the £100m striker who’s England’s World Cup ‘enemy number one’ and can sprint like Usain Bolt

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      IF England are going to win the World Cup they need to stop the quickest, most expensive and deadliest striker on the planet – Kylian Mbappe.The top scorer in Qatar can challenge Usain Bolt for pace and has raked in more than £100million this year.
      If England are going to win the World Cup they need to stop the quickest, most expensive and deadliest striker on the planet – Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
      The young Mbappe with childhood hero and French World Cup legend Thierry Henry
      The then 19-year-old striker celebrates with the World Cup trophy following France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Final victory over CroatiaCredit: Getty
      And the 23-year-old powerhouse is so important to France that President Emmanuel Macron begged him not to quit Paris St Germain for Real Madrid this summer.
      But he is far from infallible.
      Booed at this year’s Ballon d’Or football awards ceremony in Paris, the divisive young star has chinks in his armour, on and off the pitch.
      Mbappe has missed a couple of crucial penalties, including one that saw France crash out of Euro 2020.
      READ MORE ON MBAPPE
      He has reportedly fallen out with teammates, developed a Ronaldo-like superiority complex, demanded the use of private jets and has been accused of hypocrisy.

      Mbappe made several ethical stands while at the same time turning down the move to Real Madrid this summer, after Paris St Germain’s Qatari owners — who are linked to alleged human rights abuses — offered him £156million to stay at the club.
      This was a player who organised a national-team revolt against sponsorship by the fast food firm KFC and French gambling website BetClic.
      Such double standards tarnished the image of a sporting genius who, during the 2018 World Cup final, high-fived an anti-Putin pitch invader from Russian protest group Pussy Riot in front of the despotic Russian president — a gesture for which he deserved a lot of credit. Mbappe also gave all his earnings from that controversial tournament to charity.
      Most read in Football
      Chelsea trial
      Prior to the even more tarnished World Cup in Qatar, he said: “I want to be more than just the guy who shoots the ball and goes to his yacht and takes his money.
      “Sometimes people think I have to just play football. But I think not. I think the world has changed.’’
      Mbappe was born in the troubled Parisian suburb of Bondy, to Cameroonian dad Wilfried, a football coach, and mum Fayza, a handball player of Algerian heritage.
      At six Mbappe witnessed disaffected youths torching patrol cars as they rioted against police harassment. But his parents knew from early on that their son had the talent to escape such problems.
      By the time he was 11 a host of top teams wanted him to join their youth sides, with Real Madrid and Manchester City among them.
      He had a trial for Chelsea three years later, but the club wanted him to return for a second try-out because they weren’t convinced by his willingness to defend.
      Mbappe’s forceful mum Fayza, now 48, reportedly told the scout: “My boy won’t be coming back. If they want him, they have to take him now or in five years’ time they will be coming back to buy him for €50million (£43million).”
      And some say that insult still rings in his ears today. A family friend said: “It’s quite possible that Kylian himself has a bit of a downer on what was said about him in England all those years ago.
      “This might well give him a bit of extra determination to beat the English on Saturday.” With the Premier League ruled out, in 2015 Mbappe’s dad, now acting as his agent, decided he should sign with Monaco instead — which happens to be a tax haven. The young star received a signing bonus of £345,000.
      Five years ago his mum almost convinced him to sign for Liverpool because she was a fan of the Merseyside team, but instead he decided to join PSG in France for £166million. 
      Leaked documents revealed Mbappe asked for 50 hours of private plane use every year as part of the deal.
      In Paris he showed how quick he could be, clocking up speeds of 23mph during one match.
      That’s very close to the 26mph that Usain Bolt reached in his world record-breaking 100m sprint in 2009.
      But what turned Mbappe into a global sports star at the age of 19 was when he became only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final, when France beat Croatia 4-2.
      He was named the young player of the tournament for his four-goal tally.
      After that, Mbappe was linked to a string of models such as French beauty Emma Smet and Belgian catwalk star Rose Bertram, but he preferred not to talk about his love life.
      That is perhaps understandable, given the vile abuse he received from rival fans at this World Cup. Argentinian supporters in Qatar made rude references to him and a transgender model called Ines Rau, with whom he was spotted at the Cannes Film Festival this summer.
      Young Kylian meets another idol, Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Viral Press
      Mbappe’s dad, acting as his agent, decided he should sign with Monaco — which happens to be a tax haven
      Mbappe was linked to a string of models such as Belgian catwalk star Rose Bertram, aboveCredit: rose_bertram/instagram
      He has also been linked with French model Emma Smet, but he has preferred not to talk about his love lifeCredit: Getty
      Mbappe has spent a fortune on a string of flash cars, including two Ferraris, and a huge apartment in Paris. At the same time he has set up a charitable foundation that aims to help 98 children — a nod to his birth year, 1998 — to achieve their dreams in fields such as maths.
      He also congratulated England star Marcus Rashford on his efforts to give more free school meals to British children.
      But that campaigning streak has caused tension during this World Cup. Mbappe did not want to be photographed near the tournament sponsor Budweiser’s logo because he disapproves of alcohol and he has refused to give media interviews.
      Such demands would perhaps have more impact if it wasn’t for the fact that Paris St Germain are bankrolled by Qatar.
      The oil and gas-rich nation has been criticised for locking up homosexuals and treating foreign workers so poorly that more than 6,000 are estimated to have died while working on the infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup.
      Witch doctor
      Mbappe has not uttered a word against his club’s paymasters, who view him as their poster boy.
      This year he has also been caught up in an explosive row between France teammate Paul Pogba and his brother Mathias.
      There were wild claims by Mathias that midfielder Paul had used a witch doctor to put a curse on Mbappe. Mathias tweeted to Mbappe: “It’s never good to have a hypocrite and a traitor near you.”
      There are also rumours that Mbappe has lobbied against the tactics at PSG, who again failed to reach this year’s Champions League final, and campaigned for Brazilian superstar teammate Neymar to leave. 
      When Mbappe missed a penalty in August the pair argued after another spot-kick was awarded by the referee.
      Legendary French midfielder Emmanuel Petit hit out at Mbappe, saying: “He annoys everyone today. He makes it personal all the time. 
      “He even puts himself above the institution. Has everything that has happened in recent months gone to his head?” 

      The youngster denies interfering in team affairs, saying: ‘’That’s not my job. I don’t want to do this because I’m not good at it. I’m good on the pitch.”
      What he doesn’t deny is wanting to join Real Madrid and holding contract negotiations with the Champions League title holders.
      That led to him being barracked by PSG fans on more than one occasion.
      But Macron rang the star striker to change his mind.
      The President told him: ‘I want you to stay. I don’t want you to leave now. You are so important for the country.’
      Throughout the protracted negotiations Mbappe has his mum standing in his corner.
      After one journalist dared to say her son had reneged on the Real deal, she tweeted to him: ‘When we don’t know, we shut up.’
      Coming into this World Cup he certainly had a lot to prove.
      His tame spot kick in a crucial shoot-out against Switzerland in the Euros last summer meant that France crashed out.
      Understandably, Mbappe was outraged by the racist hatred he received for missing the penalty.
      So much so he even considered quitting the national side, saying: “I cannot play for people who think I’m a monkey”.
      In Qatar, Mbappe has shut up his critics and the bigots.
      Having scored five goals in this tournament, including two unstoppable efforts against Poland this week, the forward now has netted nine times at a World Cup.
      That’s more than legends Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      It’s not surprising that France’s sports newspaper L’Equipe had a headline ahead of the quarter-final against Gareth Southgate’s side declaring “God save Notre King” alongside a photo of Mbappe.
      Read More on The Sun
      On Saturday, England fans will be praying that our goalie Jordan Pickford does the saving.
      At six Mbappe witnessed disaffected youths torching patrol cars as they rioted against police harassmentCredit: Getty
      The star’s father Wilfried Mbappe and mother Fayza LamariCredit: Getty
      Mbappe pictured living the high life in CannesCredit: Goff
      The star with model Emma SmetCredit: Mega
      Celebrating a goal with Giroud against Poland on SundayCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Christmas is coming and England are in the World Cup quarter-finals

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      THE pulsing rhythm of Freed From Desire filled the clammy desert air and plastic cups of Bud Zero were launched skywards.The stadium in Al Khor echoed to an “Eng-ger-land, Eng-ger-land” wall of noise.
      The stadium in Al Khor felt like Wembley in the sand as England beat SenegalCredit: PA
      Jude Bellingham celebrates with team mates after England’s first goalCredit: Getty
      After nearly 40 minutes of incessant Senegalese drumming it was England making the noise as Jordan Henderson opened the scoring.
      Close your eyes and it was like Wembley in the sand as the Three Lions roared past their African opponents.
      Freed From Desire, Gala’s eurodance hit, is the tune England chose to play when they find the net in Qatar.
      After Henderson’s opener, Three Lions fans changed the lyrics to sing: “Hendo’s on fire, your defence is terrified.”
      Read More on England
      Goals either side of half time from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka released any tension the Three Lions supporters might have had and the party could begin.
      As the clock ticked towards full-time, there was a chorus of Jingle Bells with the words: “Oh, what fun it is to see England win away.”
      There were even a few Santa hats in the crowd.
      Christmas is coming and England are in the World Cup quarter-finals.
      Most read in Football
      Bukayo Saka celebrates with Phil Foden and Harry KaneCredit: Getty
      England fans dressed as Three Lions at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al KhorCredit: PA
      England players celebrate with fans after they sealed a place in the Quarter-finalsCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      England match was only going in one direction as singer Louis Tomlinson roared on Three Lions at Boxpark

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      JUBILANT fans knew England’s World Cup campaign was only going in one direction when they soaked 1D’s Louis Tomlinson with beer as the Three Lions scored.The football-mad former boyband star squeezed into the packed fanzone at Boxpark, Wembley, North London, to roar on Gareth Southgate’s men as they dispatched Senegal last night.
      Louis Tomlinson squeezed into the packed fanzone at Boxpark in North London to roar on Gareth Southgate’s menCredit: Simon Jones
      Pints flew into the air as Jordan Henderson shattered the nation’s tension with his opener, before Harry Kane’s first goal of the tournament lifted the roof.
      Manager Tom Brodie, 28, punched the air at the fanzone in Newcastle as England scored.
      He said: “It might be the middle of winter and rainy up in Newcastle, but plenty of pints and an England win made it feel like a Saturday night in summer.”
      At the Luna Springs pub, Birmingham, engineer Chris Mitchell, 22, said: “It’s coming home, it has to be.
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND VS SENEGAL
      “It’s weird being cooped up inside instead of outside in the sun like normal, but who cares when we win like that?”
      Human resources worker Dan Hall, 35, watched at the Test Match Hotel, Nottingham.
      He said: “We couldn’t make it to Qatar, but the pub has been packed for every England game and we’ve really roared the lads on.
      “Apart from the fact there is a Christmas tree in the corner, it could almost be like watching a summer World Cup in the pub.”
      Most read in Football
      Emma McClarkin, boss of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “The beer has been flowing, and fans have been showing up to cheer on England.” More

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      in Soccer

      Chesney Hawkes celebrated in Qatar after last-gasp sprint to the England match & roared: ‘It’s coming home’

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      LUCKY charm Chesney Hawkes celebrated in Qatar last night after a last-gasp sprint to the match as he roared: “It’s coming home.”The One And Only singer made kick-off with minutes to spare thanks to The Sun’s military-style operation to get him from Skegness to cheer on the Three Lions.
      Chesney Hawkes celebrated in Qatar after a last-gasp sprint to the match
      Chesney at The Sun’s HQ where he had a singalong with boxing champ Tyson FuryCredit: Simon Jones
      Chesney returned to the UK after the Wales game for a pre-arranged gig at Butlin’sCredit: Doug Seeburg
      We launched Operation Sun And Only to get Chesney back to Qatar after his rousing half-time performance
      The 3,400-mile, 23-hour dash saw him sweep into the desert state with just his hand luggage and a guitar — and an excess baggage-sized goodwill message for England’s heroes.
      And together with 8,000 jubilant Lionhearts Chesney, 51, was punching the air in delight at the final whistle in the Al Bayt stadium as Gareth Southgate’s men roared into the quarter finals.
      He said: “England were amazing tonight. I was delighted to make it back and it was all down to The Sun. I’ll have to stay on in Qatar now. With the Three Lions playing out of their skin I reckon we can go all the way.”
      We launched Operation Sun And Only to get Chesney back to Qatar after his rousing half-time rendition of his 1991 hit helped inspire England to a thumping 3-0 win over Wales.
      Read More on Chesney Hawkes
      The players were also keen for him to return with West Ham’s Declan Rice declaring: “We’re pals now and we’ve got to get him to the games. We’ll get him singing The One And Only at every half-time. Hopefully we’ll get him back to No1 as well.”
      Chesney had to return to the UK after the final Group B game against Wales for a pre-arranged gig at Butlin’s in Skegness, Lincs.
      He went there via a stop-off at The Sun’s HQ, where he had a singalong with boxing champ Tyson Fury.
      Chesney went down a storm in Skegness as part of a 90s Reloaded show with DJ Judge Jules and S Club 7’s Jo O’Meara.
      Most read in Football
      As soon as he was off stage Berkshire-born Chesney raced to the Sun’s car to hot foot it back to his London base for three hours’ sleep.
      He then leapt into another Sun car to Heathrow for the 8.35am flight to Doha and had another nap on the plane.
      The Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300 touched down at 17.50 local time and Chesney raced through customs and to yet another waiting Sun car for the last leg of the journey, the 69,000-seater Al Bayt Stadium.
      The Sun’s Special Ops team had to weave our way through the traffic to deliver Chesney to the stadium shortly before kick-off — to the delight of England fans.
      He whipped out his guitar and performed a quick rendition of his best-known song to huge cheers from the fans, who hope he’ll be our lucky mascot all the way to the final.
      PE teacher Stef Carte, 37, of Leeds, said: “I knew he’d be our lucky mascot once again.”
      And Matt Harris, 40, of Warrington, Cheshire, added: “We love Ches and couldn’t believe it when we bumped into him at the stadium.”
      Chesney, who now lives in LA with model wife Kristina, 47, and their three children, said: “I am ecstatic. I’m a massive Three Lions fan and it means so much to me.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m also a big West Ham fan and spent quite a bit of time chatting to Declan Rice at the Wales match.
      “I will be here to cheer on the boys in the quarter final and beyond. I am delighted that I have been adopted by the team as their lucky mascot.”
      Chesney went down a storm in Skegness as part of a 90s Reloaded show with DJ Judge Jules and S Club 7’s Jo O’MearaCredit: Doug Seeburg
      Chesney raced to the Sun’s car to hot foot it back to his London base for three hours’ sleepCredit: Gary Stone
      Chesney leapt into another Sun car to Heathrow for the 8.35am flight to Doha and had another nap on the plane
      Chesney raced through customs in Qatar and on to the 69,000-seater Al Bayt StadiumCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney said: ‘I am ecstatic. I’m a massive Three Lions fan and it means so much to me’ More

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      in Soccer

      Raheem Sterling’s terrified family inside home when armed thugs broke in & stole £300k of watches while he was in Qatar

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      ENGLAND’S Raheem Sterling raced back from the World Cup yesterday after an armed raid at his mansion.Terrified fiancée Paige Milian, 27 — at home with their two kids — raised the alarm when the gang took watches worth £300,000.
      Sterling, 27, raced back from the World Cup after an armed raid at his mansionCredit: Tim Stewart
      Terrified fiancée Paige Milian, 27, was at home with their two kidsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Raheem Sterling may return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter-final against France despite having lost £300,000 of watches in the horrific break-inCredit: Rex
      Sterling told FA chiefs he had to go home. News that he’d left the squad broke shortly before the last-16 clash with Senegal.
      Sterling, 27, may return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter-final against France.
      Boss Gareth Southgate said: “He is dealing with a family matter. I had quite a bit of time with him this morning but I have had to pass that on to other people to help him with that.
      “He will go and deal with that matter and we will have to take it from there.”
      READ MORE ON STERLING
      The raid at Sterling’s home, less than 15 minutes from Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey, happened on Saturday night.
      It is not known if property developer Paige confronted the raiders or whether they fled when they realised someone was in.
      The gang may have thought she and the couple’s sons, aged five and three, were still in Qatar.
      Before England’s first game she posted pictures of the two boys on a cruise ship in Doha, and she was tagged in social media images with cocktails.
      Most read in Football
      A family source said: “This was terrifying for her and obviously traumatic for all the family.
      “Raheem will have been beside himself with worry when he heard.
      “To be away when your partner and children are at home when an armed gang breaks in is beyond words.
      “It looks like about £300,000 of watches have been taken. The police were there several hours.”
      The boss of a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised crime has warned of a rise in raids on stars due to gangs scouring social media feeds.
      Supt Carl Williams, of Operation Opal, said: “In today’s world where many wealthy individuals are active on social media their significant public profile can help make them targets.
      “Their high-value possessions are often on display as well as information about their plans.”
      The FA said last night: “Raheem is not available for selection for the Three Lions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”

      ADDITIONAL reporting by Thomas Godfrey More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury reveals biggest fear after enjoying post-fight burgers with beaten rival Derek Chisora

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      TYSON Fury chewed the fat with beaten Derek Chisora — and revealed he is scared of spiders.The world heavyweight champion had a burger with Chisora after battering him on Saturday night.
      Tyson Fury took on Derek Chisora last night, winning the fight
      Fury now has fellow champ Oleksandr Usyk in his sights before he hangs up his gloves
      On fight night, Fury wore the England shirt The Sun gave him the day beforeCredit: Simon Jones
      Fury, 34, also pondered the future — which does not include a stint on I’m a Celebrity.
      Asked if he would do the ITV1 show, he said: “I turned it down because I don’t like bugs, creepy crawlies, snakes, rats, lizards. Anything that moves on the floor I turn into a boy. It’s not for me.”
      On fight night, Fury wore the England shirt The Sun gave him the day before when he paid a visit.
      He now has fellow champ Oleksandr Usyk in his sights before he hangs up his gloves.
      READ MORE BOXING NEWS
      He said: “I think I’ve got one more year and then I’ll become a used car salesman.”
      He also revealed he wants to hang out with King Charles.
      Fury said: “I’ve not met the King yet. I’m sure I’ll get an invite to this coming New Year’s Eve party!” More

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      in Soccer

      Sun mascot Harry Mane steals the show ­during a dance-off with Senegal fans ahead of World Cup knockout game

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      SUN mascot Harry Mane stole the show yesterday ­during a dance-off with Senegal fans.The Senegalese supporters have been entertaining the crowds at Doha’s main souk with traditional dance and music.
      Sun mascot Harry Mane stole the show yesterday ­during a dance-off with Senegal fansCredit: Dan Charity
      Jewellery worker Coumba told Sun girl Eleanor Sharples she hought Senegal would winCredit: Louis Wood
      But the biggest cheer came when Harry joined them.
      Alhadji Diedhiou, 39, danced with Harry and said: “I love your lion. Our team are known as the Lions of Teranga so it is fitting we play the Three Lions next.”
      Meanwhile, The Sun on Sunday flew the St George’s flag over Africa’s tallest statue, the 52m Africa­n Renaissance monument in Dakar, the capital of Senegal.
      But jewellery worker Coumba told Sun girl Eleanor Sharples it would not stop Senegal winning.
      READ MORE SUN EXCLUSIVES
      Only a few hundred fans have made the trip from West Africa to Qatar but they have been making plenty of noise each night with their routines.
      Sidy Sagna, 47, said: “We are famous for our atmosphere before, during and after the match. We will create an ambiance in the stadium and we will win.”
      Given the limited numbers of their fans at the World Cup, the team has called on all Africans to support them in the last 16 clash with England at the Al Bayt stadium tomorrow night.
      Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly, 31, Senegal’s captain, said earlier: “I’m calling on all Africans to come together, because that’s how we’re going to move forward.
      Most read in The Sun
      “We support all the African teams and I think they support us too. That’s really nice. We heard the fans throughout the match – we’re going to need them for the upcoming games.” More

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      in Soccer

      England’s lucky charm Chesney Hawkes in race against time to make it to World Cup round of 16 match

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      ENGLAND’S lucky charm Chesney Hawkes is in a race against time to get to the World Cup round of 16 match today — but he has The Sun on his side.The singer, 51, inspired the Three Lions into walloping three second-half goals against Wales by performing his 1991 hit The One and Only at half-time.
      Chesney Hawkes is in a race against time to get to the World Cup round of 16 matchCredit: Doug Seeburg
      Even England ace Declan Rice said he hoped England could “get him singing at every half-time”.
      He also paid a visit on Friday to The Sun’s HQ to sing a duet of One and Only with boxer Tyson Fury.
      The first stage of Operation Sun and Only to get Chesney to Qatar swept into action last night — as he jumped in our cab to Heathrow following a gig at Butlin’s in Skegness, Lincs.
      West Ham fan Chesney said: “The whole thing has just been a whirlwind — hearing one of my heroes Declan name-checking me in the England press conference was just amazing.
      Most read in World Cup 2022
      “I never claimed to bring England good luck but anything I can do as a fan, to get the crowd going and help the side, I’ll do it.”
      He has 19 hours to get from his gig to the match as England take on Senegal.
      Sing Along tonight
      I am the one and only, oh yeah
      Call me, call me by my name or call me by number
      You put me through it
      I’ll still be doing it the way I do it
      And yet, you try to make me forget
      Who I really am, don’t tell me I know best
      I’m not the same as all the rest
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me
      I’ve been a player in the crowd scene
      A flicker on the big screen
      My soul embraces one more in a million faces
      High hopes and aspirations, and years above my station
      Maybe but all this time I’ve tried to walk with dignity and pride
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me
      I can’t wear this uniform without some compromises
      Because you’ll find out that we come
      In different shapes and sizes
      No one can be myself like I can
      For this job I’m the best man
      And while this may be true
      You are the one and only you
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me More