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    Football stars are ‘super-clever’, study claims…putting old sterotype to bed

    FOOTIE stars are “super-clever”, according to a study — putting an end to stereotypes of stupidity.They have “exceptional cognitive abilities” and are better at mental planning, focus, memory and decision-making.Football players are ‘super-clever’, a study claimsCredit: GettyThis is honed by working out when to pass, dribble or shoot while quickly predicting what other players will do.Teams from Oxford University and Sweden’s Karolinska Institute compared 204 top-flight male and female players from Sweden and Brazil to 124 regular people.Writing in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Dr Petrovic said: “Our study demonstrates that elite soccer players significantly outperformed others in memory, problem-solving and planning tasks.“The ability to plan several steps ahead in a quickly changing environment may be one of the most crucial processes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Being an elite player may not solely depend on athletic capacities and instead, it may be crucial to have a deep understanding of the game, process information quickly, and make decisions faster than others.”Dr Petrovic added: “They might have a superior ability to perform under pressure.”Similar studies have found above-average intelligence in other athletes including volleyball, basketball, chess and ice hockey players, as well as in elite musicians.Study co-author Professor Leonardo Bonetti, from Oxford University, said footballers might keep their unintelligent reputation because many are not book-smart.Most read in FootballHe added: “Even if they are clever, they are not educated – most stop at high school, possibly before.“This might be related to lower knowledge, not lower intelligence.”Ben Doak gives hilarious answers at Middlesbrough Q&A More

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    David Beckham picks up philanthropy award for work with vulnerable children at Davos summit

    DAPPER footie hero David Beckham is on the ball yesterday at the World Economic Forum’s gathering of the super-rich.Becks, 49, chatted to US TV anchor Sara Eisen after accepting an award for his work improving the living conditions of children.David Beckham chatted to US TV anchor Sara Eisen after accepting an award for his work improving the living conditions of children at the WEF summit in DavosZelensky spoke at the event in SwitzerlandCredit: EPAThe Unicef Goodwill Ambassador told the audience in Davos that girls are “held back” by discrimination.He said he wanted his daughter Harper, 13, to have the same life chances as her three older brothers.Becks said: “Girls need opportunities. They need collective action and they need investment.”Also speaking at the 55th annual WEF meeting in Switzerland yesterday was Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.READ MORE ON THE BECKHAMSBeckham also recently revealed the highly contrasting reasons he and his mum idolized the same Manchester United legend.Becks as a kid had his eyes on his hero’s technique – while Sandra’s eyes were on the player’s thighs!The ex-England skipper “always waited outside” Old Trafford – to get the icon’s autograph.But when it came to watching on the pitch he regularly shared moments of awestruck wonder with his mum.Most read in FootballThe former Red Devils midfielder, 49, named ex-striker Mark Hughes as the object of his obsession.BBC Wales showed a clip of Becks as a wide-eyed child explaining to an interviewer: “I’m looking forward to seeing Mark Hughes and the stadium.”David Beckham reveals unlikely Man Utd idol and admits mum Sandra couldn’t get enough of his thighs More

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    Amateur footie team set unbelievable record after all ten outfield players scored in a 10-0 win

    AN amateur footie team believe they have set a world record after all ten outfield players hit the back of the net in one match.Sharp-shooters AFC Eastfield routed league strugglers Pocklington 10-0 in their biggest ever win, but they also achieved a unique feat when all players scored a goal.An amateur footie team believe they have set a world record after all ten outfield players hit the back of the net in one matchAFC Eastfield is based in North YorkshireThe club is now checking with Guinness World Records in a bid to get their historic win recognised.The team, from Scarborough, North Yorks, celebrated wildly at full-time — except for club secretary Stephen Crosby, who had promised to buy every player a pint if they could reach double figures and keep a clean sheet.At 9-0 I was offering our players £20 for an own goalClub secretary Stephen Crosby who had promised pints all round for a 10-0 winStephen, 64, told The Sun: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think they’d do it.“We were 3-0 up at half-time which was a pretty nice cushion to have.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“The manager told the lads to put the pressure on them in the second half and to push on — and they did.“It’s not like our keeper had nothing to do. Pocklington broke forward a few times.“We kept rattling the goals in. By the time we were 9-0 up, I was offering our players £20 to score an own goal.”The first was scored by Ryan Herrington, with Chris Hannam and Brad Cawkwell also on the scoresheet before half time.Most read in FootballIn the second half, Martyn Kelly, Brad-Lee Craggs, Conor Fiddy and Cailum Webster took the score to 7-0 before Billy Lawson and Omer Issa Yousef helped the side reach 9-0.And in the 75th minute, striker Rio Scott headed the tenth goal into the net.Steam train bizarrely interrupts amateur football matchStephen, from Scarborough, said it was even more remarkable as the team lost all 18 league matches last season.He added: “We almost folded twice as we were so demoralised. In the end, the league collapsed and we were moved to the East Riding County League.”Of their win, he said: “I don’t think any side has had all ten outfield players score in one game. It’s unheard of.”Arbroath’s 36-0 demolition of Bon Accord in 1885 is the biggest win recognised by Guiness World Records — but only six different players scored.Nine scored as Liverpool thrashed Norwegian side Strømsgodset 11-0 in a European Cup Winners’ Cup match in 1974.And the Reds also had eight players hit on target in 1989 as the Anfield giants beat Crystal Palace 9-0.But AFC Eastfield reckon they are the first side to have all ten outfield players score.Ryan Herrington scored the opening goalChris Hannam scored the second goalRio Scott scored the record breaking goalOmer Issa Yousef was man of the match More

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    New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman, 51, ‘goes house-hunting’ with girlfriend, 43, five years after being widowed

    NEW Match of the Day host Mark Chapman smiles as he appears to go house-hunting with his girlfriend.Chappers, 51, was seen looking in estate agents’ windows in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, with Clere Collier, 43.New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman appeared to go house-hunting with his girlfriend Clere CollierCredit: BackGridChapman window shopping in ManchesterCredit: BackGridPals say he has found happiness with Clere, five years on from being widowed.Blonde Clere regularly posts loved-up snaps of them together on social media and their relationship is flourishing.In October last year, when Mark celebrated his 51st birthday, Clere gushed over her man on Instagram, calling him “my one love”.Posting an image of the couple together as they went on a country walk, she wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.READ MORE ON MARK CHAPMAN“So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”Last week the BBC announced Mark as the next MOTD presenter alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.The trio will replace footie legend Gary Lineker, 64, who leaves at the end of the season.Chapman is already one of the BBC’s hardest working presenters, currently hosting Match of the Day 2 as well as fronting a range of programmes on Radio 5 Live.Most read in FootballHe also hosts the BBC’s Champions League highlights and fronts Sky Sports’ Carabao Cup coverage.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayA covered up Mark eyeing up a new homeCredit: BackGridKelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan have been announced as new Match of the Day presentersCredit: PAPals say Chapman has found happiness with her five years on from being widowedCredit: BackGridMark’s wife Sara dies aged 44 after a long illnessCredit: Twitter More

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    Chelsea goal ace Cole Palmer signs megabucks deal with Amazon to star in Three Lions documentary

    GOAL ace Cole Palmer has signed a six-figure deal with Amazon to star in a Three Lions documentary.The four-parter will chart England’s next generation — including the Chelsea star, 22.Cole Palmer has signed a six-figure deal with Amazon to star in a documentaryCredit: GettyFilming has begun with the series, which follows the England squad, due for release in springFilming has begun, with the series due for release in the spring.A source said: “This is an exciting project for everyone.“Amazon were desperate to land Cole. He’s one of the hottest properties in the world. The series will lift the veil on his life so far, feature exclusive footage, and help him connect with fans on a new level.“But it won’t just be about Cole. Other England players of the future have also signed up.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEREngland are among the favourites to lift next year’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.New boss Thomas Tuchel took over at the start of the month from Gareth Southgate, who encouraged his young stars to speak about their hopes and dreams.Sources said the Football Association were consulted and approved the project.One source added: “They know how important players like Cole will be if England are to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy.Most read in Football“It’s important they allow a relationship to form between the players and fans. The FA saw the fruits of that under Southgate and want it to continue.“Cole is intensely private but a balance has to be struck, given how special a talent he is. He’s excited and wants fans to get to know him. He’s just a normal kid.“He loves football and is a whizz on Fifa in his spare time.”Cole recently trademarked his shivering goal celebration and made moves to own the term “Cold Palmer” to use to sell products.Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea star More

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    Man City boss Pep Guardiola held ‘tense’ crisis talks with wife before signing new contract blamed for marriage split

    MAN City manager Pep Guardiola held crisis talks with his wife shortly before he signed the new contract blamed for their marriage split.Title-winning Pep, 54, flew to Barcelona for dinner with Cristina Serra in October, with onlookers saying the couple looked “tense”.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola held crisis talks with his wife shortly before he signed the new contract blamed for their marriage splitCredit: GettyThe pair met as teensCredit: GettyPep signed a two-year extension to his deal with the reigning Premier League championsCredit: GettyA waiter at Bodega Sepulveda, Pep’s favourite restaurant in the city, said: “He came in with his wife about three months ago.“They sat in the corner and things looked a little tense between them. He was talking animatedly.“We were all shocked to hear that they had split.”After returning to the UK, Pep signed a two-year extension to his deal with the reigning Premier League champions — taking his stay to 2027.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe had been widely expected to quit the club after nine successful years.And influential Spanish journalists Laura Fa and Lorenza Vazquez claimed that his decision was behind the break-up.They said: “She takes the decision when he decides to extend his contract with Manchester City because in the previous months Pep had been preparing his departure from the club.“We know one of his objectives was to leave and move to the United Arab Emirates.Most read in Football“People around him were beginning to say goodbye to him because he wasn’t going to renew his contact.“That decision not to renew was helping bring him closer to his wife.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transfer“But when he decided to stay and extend his contract, Cristina decided enough was enough and it was her that decided to end the marriage.”Vazquez said: “It’s been a carefully considered decision the couple discussed over several months.“They continue to have a cordial and affectionate relationship. No one else is involved. There are no third parties.”Cristina, 52, had moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion business five years ago, while Pep stayed in Manchester to manage the City team.The couple met in 1994, married in 2014 and have three children together.The troubled pair met at Bodega Sepulveda, Pep’s favourite restaurant in BarcelonaCredit: Darren FletcherThe couple snapped this yearCredit: RexThe two pictured in 2013 in MunichCredit: Bongarts – GettyGuardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson’s emotional visits to Man Utd legend Denis Law at nursing home in weeks before his death revealed

    SIR Alex Ferguson visited Man United legend Denis Law up to three times a week at the nursing home where his dementia-hit friend died on Friday, aged 84.The club’s former boss, 83, who lives near the Cheshire home, was a regular to see his fellow Scot.Sir Alex Ferguson visited Denis Law in his final daysCredit: RexSir Alex and Denis in 2005Credit: AlamyFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.Sir Alex will be in attendance at United’s game on Sunday as a number of tributes are played to the striker, which will culminate in a minute’s applause.A source said: “The club have some really nice touching tributes to Denis.”There will be a lot of sadness but also moments of laughter, because Denis loved his football and loved life.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA statement from the club on Friday said: “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed.“With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.”Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”United trio David Beckham, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were among figures from around the world of football to pay their respects to the Scot.Most read in FootballBecks wrote on his Instagram page: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.“Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”Sir Alex Ferguson hails late Man Utd secretary Kath Phipps after her funeralFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Best and CharltonCredit: Getty More

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    From quirky diets and raps to secret baby and THAT obsession with Hannah Montana – inside weird world of Erling Haaland

    A GOAL machine with the flowing blond locks of his Viking heritage, Erling Haaland likes to tell rivals to “stay humble”.Now — after landing a deal that dwarfs anything seen before in British football — he may need to heed the advice himself.Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in ParisCredit: GettyErling pictured relaxing on a sunshine breakCredit: InstagramToddler Erling was destined to be a footballerCredit: InstagramErling pictured yesterday after signing until 2034Credit: instagram/erlingThat’s because the attention that comes with such a huge contract will propel Haaland, 24, and his 21-year-old partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen into fame’s premier league.A source close to the couple said: “They are going to be a bigger than the Beckhams. They will be the wealthiest, most famous couple in the world of football.”Backed by Abu Dhabi petro dollars, Manchester City have signed Haaland on a new reported £500,000 a week, nine-and-a-half-year deal.Pre-tax, that’s £260million before his lucrative endorsements and win bonuses are factored in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL That’s around £71,000 a day, nearly £3,000 an hour and 83p per second.The minimum wage for ordinary folk rises to £12.21 an hour in April. Haaland earns that in 15 seconds.It takes Haaland six seconds to earn the cost of a pint and just under two and half days to make enough to afford a new Ferrari ­Portofino M Convertible.City are said to have backdated the deal to the start of the season which means Haaland will pocket £3.25million in wages he is owed since then.Most read in FootballTellingly, the striker said yesterday: “Now I am City no matter what.”For the Manchester club still awaits the verdict after being charged with 115 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.Erling Haaland talks about his contract extension at Man City to 2034 Possible sanctions include a points deduction or even relegation from England’s top division.‘We’re like any couple’It means that Haaland could be turning out at Millwall’s New Den or Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium rather than Anfield or Old Trafford with his deal that stretches to 2034.One fan tweeted: “By the time his contract ends, I’ll have grandkids, and they’ll still be watching him pad his stats against Burnley!”The deal comes after Haaland and glamorous Isabel had their first child shortly before Christmas.Although the couple are said to live quietly at their six-bed Cheshire mansion, they enjoy spending the wealth they have amassed.They pair have taken lavish holidays including breaks in Marbella, where Haaland owns a £6million villa, and on a yacht in Capri, Italy.He’s been pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama set. In 2023 he was caught using his mobile phone at the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV.Just before Christmas, Isabel spent more than £6,000 at ­Selfridges. Her items included a £2,700 Gucci bag, a £1,670 backpack and a £950 Gucci hoodie in the online spree.Details of Isabel’s spending blitz emerged after blundering Selfridges staff sent her receipt to another customer by mistake.Isabel and Haaland first met when they both played in Byrne, Norway, at the local football youth academy.Haaland seems to have retained at least some of the down-to-earth nature of a lad from a small town.Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video, in which he wore white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation poseCredit: instagram/erlingThe ace on holiday in Capri, Italy, with Isabel last yearCredit: BackGridThe pair larking around on the tripCredit: BackGridDuring his first weeks at City he was spotted shopping at Sainsbury’s. He later mocked those who expressed surprise at seeing him in a regular supermarket by tweeting: “At M&S. Bought a bag of Percy Pig. Don’t tell anyone.” Isabel has said: “We just want to live our lives without too much fuss. At the end of the day, we’re just like any other couple.”Now I am City no matter whatErling HaalandNot every other young couple starting a family will earn £260million in the next decade, of course.A source said: “Isabel absolutely loves sport and football — that’s how they met. “She’s amazingly fit as well as stunningly beautiful and the brands are going to be all over her — not just sporting names but beauty too.”Haaland plugged his monster new deal with an Instagram video for his 38.5million followers. Fans saw him in nothing but white shorts, sitting cross-legged in the snow in a meditation pose that he has used as a goal celebration.Ethereal music plays before the star says: “I’m here to stay.”One fan posted: “My day is made! Thank you Erling.”Another added: “Stay humble.”It’s a reference to Haaland’s “stay humble” advice to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after City’s 98th-minute ­equaliser against the London club at the end of September.Let’s be clear. The reason Haaland is being paid this obscene amount of money is because he’s worth it.Arguably the greatest striker in the world’s best league, his goal record at City is astonishing. He is one of the reasons why the Premier League is sold around the globe — from Laos to Uzbekistan and the Pacific islands — for £10.4billion in TV rights.Arriving at City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £51.2million, he scored 52 goals in all competitions — including a single-season record of 36 in the Premier League. That season the team won the league, FA Cup and Champions League to land the Treble.Last season he scored 38 goals in 45 appearances and he has 21 goals already in this campaign as he goes for a third straight Golden Boot in the ­Premier League.Haaland said yesterday: “For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fans.”The £260million deal is a ­defining moment for a sport which has deep roots in working-class communities in the 19th Century mill towns of Lancashire.Players who turned out for Accrington and Preston North End when the Football League began in 1888 would scarcely believe the riches now drenching the game.When Everton signed Nick Ross from Preston that year, he was paid £10 a month. Haaland will earn that in around 12 seconds. By the late 1960s players still earned comparatively little, despite drawing huge crowds.When City club legend Mike Summerbee signed from Swindon Town in 1965, his wages increased from £35 to £40 per week.Yet Haaland’s salary is relatively paltry compared to global sport’s top earners.Baseball star Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Dodgers is pocketing £57.4million a year over a ten-year contract.Juan Soto from the New York Mets picks up £41.8million over 15 years, totalling £627million. And Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez has a £60million-a-year deal with broadcaster DAZN for five years, while Formula 1’s Max Verstappen is earning £45million per year over six years with his team Red Bull.For two and a half years as a City player I have been winning loads of trophies, playing good football, having so many great moments together with the whole club and with the fansErling HaalandWith skin like white marble and shoulder-length blond hair, Haaland is the archetypal Norseman.Yet he was born on July 21, 2000, in Yorkshire, where his father — Norwegian international Alfie Haaland — was playing for Leeds United.In the mid-1990s Alfie had ­married Gry Marita Braut — a Norwegian heptathlete — and had children Astor, a finance student, Gabrielle, a healthcare assistant and Instagram personality, and finally Erling.Erling’s Yorkshire birth made him eligible to turn out for England’s Three Lions.In 2000 Alfie signed for ­Manchester City, where he would remain for three years.A simmering feud with hardman midfielder Roy Keane would come to a head in April 2001 when the Manchester United star brutally raked his studs into Haaland senior’s leg.The United man was sent off for the tackle, which was revenge for Alfie accusing him of feigning an injury — which was in fact career-threatening — more than three years previously.Keane would later write in his autobiography: “I f***ing hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***.”Bad blood still lingers.United fans goad Erling with chants of “Keano” — and Keane hasn’t spared his criticism.The pundit told Sky Sports: “In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”‘I’m super-happy, proud’Alfie was said to be “really p***ed off” with the comment.When Alfie’s Premier League career ended in 2003, the family returned to his home town of Bryne in Norway.Young Erling loved running and was a natural athlete. Aged five he is said to have broken the world standing long jump record, leaping 1.63 metres.In front of goal he’s the best in the world, but his general play for such a player — it is so poor. He’s almost like a League Two player.”With ten members of his extended family who were professional footballers, he was drawn to the game and proved a natural.Joining Byrne’s football academy aged five, Haaland met Isabel, another football-mad youngster.The new mother once said: “We were just kids, kicking a ball around without a care in the world.“We were inseparable on the pitch. We didn’t know it back then, but those moments were the foundation of something much ­bigger.”In 2016 he and two friends from Norway’s youth team released their own hip-hop song on YouTube under the name Flow Kingz.Calling himself “Lyng”, Haaland raps in a baseball cap and hoodie while pretending to flip burgers and bouncing on a trampoline.His lyrics include: “I even look good when I eat”.It’s just as well his football career took off.Signing to Molde in 2017, the club put the 6ft 3ins gangly youth on a high protein diet — including reindeer steaks — to bulk him up.After moves to Red Bull Salzburg and Dortmund, he arrived in Manchester.Yesterday Haaland said: “I’m super happy, proud.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m looking forward to staying here for a long time.”The next decade will certainly bring him untold riches and, just maybe, a spell playing Championship football.Erling with Oasis star Noel GallagherCredit: Tim StewartThe star pictured pairing a £300,000 watch with a Burberry pyjama setCredit: Tim StewartErling lifting the Champions League trophy with Isabel in 2023Credit: GettyThe pair having a private moment under the flagCredit: Getty More