The Sun Newspaper

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      From a super tattooed model to the brainbox psychologist, meet the glam French WAGS taking on England

      by

      BEHIND every good striker is a dedicated Wag cheering on from the sidelines.Never mind France’s Kylian Mbappe taking on England on Saturday, these are the French wives and girlfriends taking on our very own Wags.
      Englands WAGs will be facing off with the glam French WAGs on SaturdayCredit: PA
      From glamorous influencers to brainbox scientists, we ask who has the upper hand in the battle of the Wags?
      THE ADVENTUROUS ONES
      AC MILAN defender Theo Hernandez’s Italian girlfriend breaks the mould for Wags.
      Heavily-tattooed Zoe Cristofoli, 26, has more than a million Instagram followers and has modelled in music videos and also owns her own tattoo parlour.
      Zoe Cristofoli breaks the mould for WAGsCredit: Instagram @zoe_cristofoli
      Her passion for inking started young, as she apparently got her first tattoo at just 15.
      Read more on Wags
      Now most of her body is covered.
      Designs include her mother’s face, a snake and the word “love”.
      She met left-back Hernandez in 2020 and gave birth to their baby boy – thought to be named Theo Junior – in April this year.
      Theo Hernandez’s Italian girlfriend owns her own tattoo parlourCredit: Getty
      GUNNERS keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s fiancee Georgina Irwin regularly travels to many far-flung locations.
      Most read in Football
      But it’s not down to her footballer partner – it’s all part of her job as a flight attendant.
      Georgina Irwin may go to far flung locations – but that’s thanks to her job as a flight attendant
      The 26-year-old works for British Airways and often posts pictures of her trips – including to Mexico and the Maldives – on her Instagram.
      She doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty, either.
      Pundit Jamie Redknapp recently told how Georgina came to his rescue when on the same a flight after his son Raphael had an explosive nappy.
      Georgina is engaged to Gunners keeper Aaron RamsdaleCredit: Getty
      THE SECRETIVE ONES
      ARSENAL midfielder Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson is notoriously private, only appearing publicly to cheer on her man.
      The pair are thought to have started dating in late 2020 but have kept their relationship secret until recently.
      Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson is notoriously private, only appearing publicly to cheer on her man
      The 22-year-old does not share pictures of Saka and her – but last month she uploaded a picture of herself with a masked man who is believed to be the 21-year-old England star.
      The pair don’t even follow each other on social media.
      The pair are thought to have started dating in late 2020 but have kept their relationship secret until recentlyCredit: Getty
      MARSEILLE’S Matteo Guendouzi and wife Maelle seem to have married in 2020 – but little else is known about the beauty.
      The ex-Arsenal player met the model in London in 2019 and is believed to have proposed shortly afterwards.
      They had a daughter in May last year who they called Mayleen.
      Matteo Guendouzi and wife Maelle got married in 2020Credit: Instagram
      The couple welcomed a daughter in May last year called MayleenCredit: Getty
      THE BRAINBOXES
      FERN Hawkins, married to Man United captain Harry Maguire, proved her smarts by getting a first-class honours degree in science and physiotherapy in 2017.
      She and Harry were teen sweethearts from Sheffield.
      Fern Hawkins has a first-class honours degree in science and physiotherapyCredit: Refer to Caption
      They got engaged in Paris in February 2018 before getting married this year in a £500k bash in France.
      They have two girls, Piper and Lillie.
      Fern and Harry Maguire were teen sweethearts from Sheffield and have two daughtersCredit: Getty
      KEEPER Hugo Lloris’s wife Marine has two masters degrees – one in psychology and another in human resource management.
      The 36-year-old has used her skills to start her own kids clothing brand, Manege en Sucre, which has fans including Jessica Alba.
      Marine Lloris has two masters degrees – one in psychology and another in human resource managementCredit: llorismarine_off/instagram
      Marine and her Spurs star husband have daughters Anna-Rose and Giuliana plus son Leandro together.
      They recently celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary.
      Marine and husband Hugo Lloris just celebrated their tenth wedding anniversaryCredit: Getty
      THE INFLUENCERS
      WITH a glamorous and established modelling career, Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood is one of our top Wags.
      She started modelling aged 13 after being scouted while out with her mum.
      Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Atwood started modelling aged 13Credit: Getty
      Last year she scored a lucrative deal with online shop Boohoo thanks to her 158,000 Instagram followers.
      She has been with Jack since they were 16 and led the other player’s partners on a raucous £20k night out after England’s 6-2 Iran win.
      Jack and Sasha started dating when they were 16Credit: Getty
      WEST HAM keeper Alphonse Areola’s wife Marrion, 34 isn’t just a pretty face – she’s a Gwyneth Paltrow-style wellness guru.
      Alphonse Areola’s wife Marrion is not just a pretty face but a Goop style wellness guruCredit: areola.marrion/instagram
      Her website offers health, fitness and lifestyle advice for a £7 a month fee – and with 108,000 Instagram followers she’s surely making a euro or two.
      She married Alphonse in 2014 and together they have three young daughters – Ayva-May, Ayleen-Grace and Aymma-Lyse.
      Marrion married Alphonse in 2014 and together they have three daughtersCredit: Getty
      THE GIRLS NEXT DOOR
      RAHEEM STERLING’S fiancee Paige Milian, 27, met the Chelsea midfielder when she was working at JD Sports.
      Low-profile Paige quit her job to live with him in Liverpool after he transferred from QPR’s academy.
      Paige Milian met Chelsea midfielder Rahem Sterling when she was working at JD SportsCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      But the couple recently hit headlines when intruders broke into their Surrey home where they live with sons Thiago and Thai-Cruz.
      It caused Sterling to fly home and miss England’s 3-0 win against Senegal but he’s due back in Qatar today.
      Paige left her job to live with him in Liverpool after he transferred from QPR’s academyCredit: Getty
      ATLETICO Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann’s Spanish wife Erika Choperena, 32, was a student teacher when she met her husband, who was playing for Spain’s Real Sociedad.
      But Erika, who shuns the limelight, refused to go out with Antoine for over a year.
      Erika Choperena, was a teaching student when she met Madrid’s Antoine GriezmannCredit: Instagram / @eri_chope
      The couple met in San Sebastian when Antoine was playing for Real SociedadCredit: Getty
      She went on to graduate as a child psychologist and also runs kids’ clothing line Duzama.
      The couple now have three young children.
      THE GLAM MAMS
      MANCHESTER United left-back Luke Shaw is thought to have been dating his partner Anouska Santos since 2017 but only occasionally post a glimpse into their life together on social media.
      Anouska Santos has her own jewellery business Treats StudiosCredit: anouskasantos/instagram
      Londoner Anouska, 30, had son Reign in November 2019 and little Storie in May this year.
      As well as being a full-time mum, Anouska finds time for her jewellery business Treats Studios.
      Anouska and long term partner Luke Shaw have two adorable little childrenCredit: Getty
      JENNIFER has been married to Olivier Giroud – who has just become France’s all-time top goal-scorer – for 11 years.
      Read More on The Sun
      But in 2014, The AC Milan star, who was playing for Arsenal at the time, was caught cosying up to a model in pictures that leaked on the internet and he was forced to make grovelling public apology to his wife.
      They have four children together, Jade, Evan, Aaron and Aria.
      AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud has been married to Jennifer for 11 years and together they have four little onesCredit: Instagram
      In 2014, Olivier was caught cosying up to a model in pictures that appeared on the internetCredit: Getty More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans rejoice as France’s lucky cockerel mascot deserts them before World Cup clash

      by

      THREE Lions fans are crowing because France’s lucky cockerel mascot has deserted them.French supporters reckon victory is assured if rooster Balthazar crows tomorrow morning — but they face defeat if he keeps quiet.
      England rejoices as it still has Chesney Hawkes and our own Harry ManeCredit: Dan Charity
      Balthazar was at earlier matches in Qatar but is now thousands of miles away on the Cote d’Azur after owner Clement Tomaszewski, 74, returned home
      He was at earlier matches in Qatar but is now thousands of miles away on the Cote d’Azur after owner Clement Tomaszewski, 74, returned home with him.
      He will be back if France get past England — but we still have Chesney Hawkes and our own Harry Mane.
      The One and Only singer was adopted as a lucky charm when England beat Wales 3-0 after he sang on the pitch at half-time.
      Nineties heart-throb Chesney, 51, said: “I’ll bring as much luck as possible to the England team.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “Lots of players are superstitious so any lucky mascot that can help could be worth their weight in goal.
      “Thankfully, I’m still here while Balthazar is all the way back in France.”
      Clement, from Antibes in the South of France, hit back: “I may not be there but we’ll still win.
      “We have the best players. I’ll be back to Qatar for the semi-final and final.”
      Most read in Football More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England ace Kyle Walker hopes to have Kylian Mbappe in his back pocket in World Cup quarter-final clash

      by

      SPEEDY England defender Kyle Walker can have Kylian Mbappe in his back pocket tomorrow night — thanks to a bit of jean-ius fashioned by The Sun.Kyle, 32, will be given the tough job of tackling the flying French forward in the World Cup quarter-final.
      England fans are hoping Kyle has what it takes in the locker to match the speedy French front line
      France’s pacey winger, Kylian Mbappe, could be a handful for the English defenceCredit: Getty
      While Kyle and his team-mates ironed out their plans, supporters both in Qatar and back home are gearing up for the big gameCredit: Getty
      So to encourage him to give Mbappe the bum’s rush, we produced jeans emblazoned with three lions and the name Kyle Walker Jeans Co.
      Under the label, Mbappe peeks out of the pocket — a sure sign the French will be legging it from the tournament after an England stitch-up.
      Last night fan Paul Elliott, a 50-year-old building contractor from Kent, said: “I’d love a pair of these.
      “Everyone will be praying Kyle has a belter of a game.”
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND VS FRANCE
      Daniel Embleton, a 42-year-old risk manager from London, added:
      “The jeans are great fun. Let’s just hope the message comes true.”
      While Kyle and his team-mates ironed out their plans, supporters both in Qatar and back home geared up for the big game — and hopefully a march to the final.
      And preparations in the England camp were give a double boost by forward Raheem Sterling and singer Robbie Williams.
      Most read in Football
      Raheem, 27, returned to the training base following a dash to his Surrey family home, plundered by raiders who snatched jewellery and watches worth £300,000.
      And pop star Robbie, 48, put on a VIP show and singalong of hits including Angels at their Souq Al Wakra Hotel.
      He posted a snap of himself with stars Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford, and wrote: “I’m at the England camp with the lads. How lucky I am?”
      Midfielder Kalvin Phillips said of the poolside gig: “There were a couple of duets but I’m not going to name names. They were very good duets, to be fair.
      “And we had the chance to chat to him. He’s an unbelievably talented person but also a really nice person. He got along with everyone.
      “It was a pleasure to have him. Knowing how big he is in the world and how well he’s doing, it’s an honour to have met him and spoken to him.”
      Kieran Trippier added: “In these little moments, everyone’s buzzing around the place and to hear him sing. It was a great moment for everyone going into a big game.
      “He was brilliant. It’s the first time I’ve ever met him. I’ve got say he’s a great guy. Really down to earth, really humble guy.”
      There was also an emotional goodbye as the Three Lions squad stars said thanks to their guardian angel — head of security Tony Conniford.
      He is leaving the FA after nine years with the team. Kalvin said: “It was a good night in general. We said farewell to Tony. For me, he has been one of the guys I have always gone to when needing help. He is a massive part of the England set-up as well.”
      An FA spokesman said of Robbie’s visit: “It was just a private performance within an outdoor area of the team hotel — arranged via the players and enjoyed by all.”
      Last night the atmosphere was ramping up in Qatari capital Doha as a 10,000-strong army of lionhearts began arriving.
      Pop star Robbie, 48, put on a VIP show and singalong of hits including Angels at their Souq Al Wakra Hotel
      Here’s Robbie’s World Cup eleven
      At home, the game is set to give another vital shot in the arm to the UK’s struggling hospitality sector, beset by cost of living woes.
      Read More on The Sun
      Analysis from small business insurance provider Simply Business suggests UK pubs could get a £155million boost from the tournament as a whole.

      KYLE Walker paid tribute to a tragic pal yesterday, posting a snap of himself with “caring and loving” footie agent Dominic Yarwood on what would have been his birthday. Dominic went missing aged 32 last December and was later found dead in woodland. An inquest in May gave a verdict of suicide. More

    • 138 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City striker Erling Haaland’s name tops list of difficult-to-pronounce words

      by

      MAN City striker Erling Haaland’s name gave pundits as many nightmares as he did defences this year.The Norwegian ace, 22, tops a league table of difficult-to-pronounce words.
      Man City striker Erling Haaland’s name has topped a list of difficult-to-pronounce wordsCredit: Getty
      Rishi Sunak’s name was also on the list after US President Joe Biden called the PM, Rashid SanookCredit: Alamy
      Many fans and commentators call him Halland, not Haa-land.
      Other top 2022 tongue-twisters included Rishi Sunak — with US President Joe Biden calling the PM, Rashid Sanook.
      US actor Steve Carell struggled with CBeebies (see-bee-bees) when guesting on the BBC channel.
      In June, ex-PM Liz Truss mispronounced Taoiseach, the head of Ireland’s government, as “tea sock”, not the correct, “tee-shock”.
      Most read in Football
      The British Institute of Verbatim Reporters, which handles subtitles, compiled the list for language site Babbel.
      Babbel said: “Many of the words are rooted in languages other than English, so it’s great to see them entering our vernacular.” More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m the real Kylian Mbappe and I live in Leicester – I’m backing England to beat France

      by

      ENGLAND were tipped to beat France by Kylian Mbappe — a teenage student from Leicester.Kylian, 16, is a second cousin of the PSG superstar, 23, who aims to break Three Lions hearts in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.
      Kylian Mbappe, who is a second cousin of the PSG superstar, tips England to beat FranceCredit: Louis Wood
      Kylian Mbappe aims to break Three Lions hearts in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-finalCredit: Getty
      Left-footed Kylian plays too and said: “I’m the real Kylian Mbappe and am backing England.
      “If Gareth Southgate called me up I’d stop Mbappe. I’m pretty fast like him. It must run in the family. And I’m a decent defender.”
      English Kylian was born in Paris to Steeve, 46 — cousin of Mbappe’s dad Wilfried.
      The sports studies student added: “My dad and family are all supporting France but I’m behind England. All my friends are Three Lions-mad.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “And if I’m honest, I’m more English than French now.
      “I speak better English, I’ve lived here for longer, I love baked beans and Greggs.
      “I’d pick a sausage roll over a croque monsieur any day.”
      While his cousin earns £650,000 a week and owns a £3million flat in Paris, Kylian makes £6.50-an-hour washing dishes at The Frame pub and lives in a £350,000 three-bed semi in Braunstone Town.
      Most read in Football
      His namesake drives a £500,000 Ferrari 488 Pista while the Brit has a £5-a-day bus ticket.
      Teen Kylian, whose mum lives in France, added: “I’ve never had any trouble from my name. All my friends knew me before Mbappe was famous, so I’m still Kylian to them.”
      He plays left-back for club side Friar Lane & Epworth FC and said: “Other teams must take a second look when they see me on the team sheet.
      “Maybe they think it’s a joke.”
      He added: “I only realised my name was so crazy when I was watching TV and saw this young Monaco player called Kylian Mbappe. I told my dad and he said, ‘Yes, that’s the son of my cousin’. I found it funny but it’s a real honour. I would love to meet him one day.”
      Dad-of-two Steeve grew up with cousin Wilfried in Cameroon.
      He added: “When my son was born I didn’t even think about the name. I picked Kylian because I liked the meaning (little warrior).
      Kylian, 16, with his dad SteeveCredit: Louis Wood
      Flying Frenchman Mbappe has already scored five goals in the tournamentCredit: Getty
      “It was only when I went with Wilfried to watch his son, we thought the coincidence was hilarious. I would not swap my boys for the world and I have the real No1 Kylian Mbappe.”
      Yesterday The Sun told how Mbappe himself is an England fan — after draping his waxwork in Three Lions memorabilia. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Three Lions’ Kyle Walker vows to give French superstar Kylian Mbappe a run for his money in World Cup showdown

      by

      THREE Lions speed merchant Kyle Walker yesterday vowed to give French flier Kylian Mbappe a proper run for his money in Saturday’s World Cup showdownThe England full back, 32, said: “I’m not going to roll out the red carpet for him and tell him to go and score. It’s do or die.”
      With a top sprint speed of 23.48mph, Kyle Walker virtually matches Mbappe (23.50mph) for pace – and will be a key man in England’s defenceCredit: Getty
      Flying Frenchman Mbappe has already scored five goals in the tournamentCredit: Getty

      The 23-year-old French ace has himself said of gritty campaigner Kyle: “He is one of the rare players who make me suffer.”
      Manchester City star Kyle can put the brakes on the Paris Saint-Germain superstar, who has already scored five goals in Qatar.
      With a top sprint speed of 23.48mph, Walker virtually matches Mbappe (23.50mph) for pace.
      The pair’s duel has become the focal point of a potentially epic quarter-final clash at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND V FRANCE
      Kyle insisted yesterday: “This game is not England v Mbappe. The game is England v France. 
      “If we lose we go home. He’s not going to stand in my way of hopefully winning a World Cup for my country.” He added: “Do I understand the focus on Mbappe? Of course I do. 
      “I understand what I need to do and that’s obviously to stop him. 
      “It’s probably easier said than done but I don’t underestimate myself. I’ve played him before and I’ve come up against great players with England, Man City and other clubs. 
      Most read in Football
      “I have to give him the respect he deserves but not too much because he’s playing England and we can also cause them problems.”
      The rivals – who are both 5ft 10in tall — have faced each other four times in the past while playing for their clubs in the Champions League and a friendly. The results are level at two wins each.
      Mbappe has only scored once playing against Kyle — and that was in a 2-1 defeat in November. Statistics show Walker has been dribbled past just three times in his last 24 England games.
      The England full back, 32, said: ‘I’m not going to roll out the red carpet for him and tell him to go and score. It’s do or die’Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Walker and Mbappe duel in a Champions League match from 2021Credit: Getty
       Wily Kyle — who has 74 international caps — also told how his superior experience could be the key to thwarting Mbappe.
      He said: “You have to use a little bit of nous – you can’t be a speedboat without a driver.
      “You need to obviously use your brain when needed and I can’t get as tight to him as I probably would with some other players.
      The pair’s duel has become the focal point of a potentially epic quarter-final clash at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al KhorCredit: The Mega Agency
      “France versus England has always been a great game and a great battle. . . . and you are going to get another one on Saturday.”
      Kyle refused to accept that the Three Lions will be the underdogs against the world champions. 
      He said: “don’t see an outright favourite or an underdog. I see two very good teams that are going to go toe-to-toe.”
      Mbappe missed training on Monday and was spotted in an injury recovery room. But France said he rejoined the squad yesterday and is likely to fit to play.
      Read More on The Sun
      Before England beat Senegal 3-0 in their last match, Match of the Day host and ex-Three Lions ace Gary Lineker suggested resting Walker to save him for battle with Mbappe.
      He said Kyle is “just about the only full-back on the planet that can compete with Kylian Mbappe — and that is the French team”. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kylian Mbappe transforms into Three Lions fan as Sun lands first blow ahead of England v France World Cup quarter final

      by

      ENGLAND supporters living in Paris cheered on The Sun yesterday — as French superstar Kylian Mbappe was transformed into one of them.We landed the first blow ahead of Saturday night’s last-eight tie — draping Mbappe’s waxwork in England colours.
      Kylian Mbappe was transformed into an England fanCredit: Paul Edwards
      Sunman Joe Hadden draped Mbappe’s waxwork in England coloursCredit: Paul Edwards
      Mbappe with his waxwork likeness at the Grevin Museum in ParisCredit: AFP or licensors
      There was more bad news for France yesterday as Mbappe, 23, missed training with a suspected ankle inury, sparking fears he could miss the quarter-final.
      Sun man Joe Hadden yesterday evaded security at Paris’s Grevin Museum to deck out the striker’s effigy in a Three Lions scarf and hat, with a St George’s flag wrapped around his waist.
      English ex-pats in Paris said Mbappe’s Three Lions makeover suited the £250million PSG striker, who has banged in five goals already in the tournament.
      Property developer Kyle Bridges, 37, who has lived in the French capital for two years, said: “That’s brilliant work by The Sun. They’ve been giving us loads of stick so we’ve got to give it back to them.”
      Read More on World Cup
      Bugsy’s Bar bartender Luke Blackford, 23, added: “Great of the Sun to do it on their own soil. He looks better than ever in an England scarf.”
      They were also confident of England’s chances of getting to the semi-finals, bolstered by players who have played in overseas leagues, including Jude Bellingham, Eric Dier and Kieran Trippier.
      Kyle, who was in English boozer The Bowler, said: “We’ll smash them, I have absolutely no doubt about it.
      “The players know how much this fixture means to the fans.
      Most read in Football
      “Lads like Bellingham, Dier and Trippier have played abroad.
      “They know what it’s like to be the only Englishman in the room.
      “There’s an understanding of what it means to be English amongst these boys that we haven’t seen before.’’
      Luke also believes they can beat the reigning world champs, though he is dreading the aftermath, regardless of the result in Qatar.
      He said: “We’ll beat them 2-1. My French mates think they’ll win but I can’t see it.
      “Either way, France is the worst country to be in for this – if we win they’re not going to be happy and if they beat us they’re going to be even more condescending.”
      Mbappe became the youngest person to be immortalised in waxwork when the Grevin Museum unveiled his statue in 2018, aided by the man himself.
      The striker is one of the quickest players in the world, clocking around 23.6mph.
      Read More on The Sun
      However if he plays he is likely to be up against speedy England defender Kyle Walker, who has recorded a speed of 23.5mph.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped for Portugal’s last-16 tie against Switzerland last night, following his unhappy reaction at being subbed off in their previous game against South Korea.
      Mbappe missed training with a suspected ankle inury, sparking fears he could miss the quarter-finalCredit: Getty More

    • 288 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chesney Hawkes aiming to give England’s World Cup rivals France the hump — by belting out The One and Only on a camel

      by

      LUCKY mascot Chesney Hawkes aims to give World Cup rivals France the hump — by belting out The One and Only on a camel.And the One and Only singer went further by declaring: “I’m going to stick my neck out and say that England are going to win.
      England’s lucky mascot Chesney Hawkes aims to give World Cup rivals France the hump — by belting out The One and Only on a camelCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney was adopted by the England players as their lucky mascot after performing his 1991 hit during half-time of the final Group B clash with WalesCredit: The Sun
      As well as entertaining locals outside Qatar capital Doha, 51-year-old Chesney showed off his football skills on top of 200ft-high sand dunesCredit: Dan Charity
      “It won’t be easy as the French are a very good team, but so are we. Come on England!”
      As well as entertaining locals outside Qatar capital Doha, 51-year-old Chesney showed off his football skills on top of 200ft-high sand dunes.
      Camel owner Ali Hussein, 32, said: “Chesney is a great guy. He can come and ride my camel again any time he wants.
      “I hope England win on Saturday and go on to win the whole tournament.”
      READ MORE ON EGLAND
      Chesney was adopted by the England players as their lucky mascot after performing a rousing rendition of his 1991 hit during half-time of the final Group B clash with Wales — heralding a 3-0 second-half thrashing.
      The Sun then ensured he got to the Senegal game.
      Now he wants tournament bosses to allow him a repeat performance against France.
      Fifa insist a French singer would have to be found too.
      Most read in Football More