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      Who is Barcelona and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas?

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      ALEXIA PUTELLAS is widely regarded as one of the best female footballers in the world.The sports star will represent Spain at the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when her team take on Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses.
      Alexia Putellas of Spain will represent her country at the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World CupCredit: Maja Hitij – FIFA
      Who is Alexia Putellas?
      Alexia Putella is a Spanish and Catalan professional football player.
      She was born on February 4, 1994 in Mollet del Vallès, Barcelona.
      Putellas played basketball as a child but became interested in football when she started school and joined a club when she was seven years old.
      She played for Sabadell from 2001 until 2005, moving to Barcelona girls’ youth team for a year afterwards.
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      From 2006 until 2011 she was a part of the Espanyol girls’ team before moving to Valencian club Levante.
      In 2012 she joined Barcelona’s senior team and has remained with the squad ever since.
      Sadly, Putella’s father Jaume Putellas Rota passed away shortly before she joined Barcelona.
      With the La Liga side Putellas has won seven league titles, seven Copas de la Reina, and two UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies.
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      In 2021 the star won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Award, the Ballon d’Or Féminin, and The Best FIFA Women’s Player, becoming the first player to win all three in the same year.
      She achieved this feat once again in 2022.
      Nike-sponsored Putellas has gained the nickname “La Reina”, meaning the Queen, from fans.
      She has been awarded the Creu de Sant Jordi, one of the highest civilian orders in Catalonia, making her one of only three footballers to receive the honour.
      Lionel Messi and Johan Cruyff are the other players to achieve this.
      When did Alexia Putellas join the Spanish national team?
      Putellas has played for the Spanish national team since she was a teen.
      She began playing for Spain’s youth national team at 15 and earned her first cap for the senior team in 2003, when she was 19 years old.
      Putellas has represented her country at the 2013 European Championship finals, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2017 UEFA Women’s Euros and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      In 2022 she became the first player to reach 100 caps with Spain’s national women’s team.
      Putellas was one of fifteen Spanish players who wrote letters to Spain’s football federation in September 2022, threatening to quit if manager Jorge Vilda was not fired.
      Despite the revolt against Vilda, she was called up by the coach for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
      What is Alexia Putellas’ salary?
      Putellas reportedly earns around £300,000 annually.
      She has an estimated net worth of almost £1.2million.
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      Putellas has amassed this fortune through her career as a player and as her sponsorship and brand deals.
      As well as her deal with Nike, the player has been a brand ambassador for big names like Oakley, Spotify and Mango. More

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      Is the Women’s World Cup trophy made of gold and how much is it worth?

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      THE 2023 Women’s World Cup is set to culminate in a face-off between Spain and England.The football squads will compete at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, with the hopes of bringing home the coveted trophy for their team – and their country.
      Spain and England will compete for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup trophyCredit: Isabel Infantes/Shutterstock
      What is the Women’s World Cup trophy made of?
      According to FIFA, the Women’s World Cup trophy is made of sterling silver but is covered in 23 karat white and yellow gold.
      The trophy measures 47 centimetres and weighs 4.6 kilograms.
      The award’s design features a spiral with a football at the top.
      There is also a cone-shaped platform at the bottom of the trophy, where the names of past winners of the tournament are displayed.
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      FIFA states that the composition of the trophy symbolises “the athleticism, dynamism and elegance of women’s football”.
      The trophy was designed by William Sawaya for the 1999 Women’s World Cup, held in the USA.
      It was handcrafted in Milan, Italy.
      The current trophy is the second iteration of the Women’s World Cup prize.
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      The first trophy was only awarded at the first two Women’s World Cups in 1991 and 1995.
      It had to be replaced after it was stolen in 1997 from the Ullevaal stadium in Oslo following Norway’s 1995 win.
      How much is the trophy worth?
      According to reports, in 2015 the Women’s World Cup trophy had an estimated value of around £23,000 in 2015.
      The Men’s World Cup trophy, meanwhile, was valued at £227,000 in 2022.
      That trophy is made up of 6.175 kilograms of 18 karat gold.
      Which teams have won the most Women’s World Cup trophies?
      The United States is the team that has won the most Women’s World Cup tournaments.
      They have lifted the trophy four times, in 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019.
      The US squad has also had the most top four finishes at the tournament, having made it to the semi-finals eight times.
      They also have made five appearances in a Women’s World Cup final, making them the team with the most final appearances.
      Germany have won the Women’s World Cup the second-most times.
      They have two victories to their name, having been crowned champions in 2003 and 2007.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Lionesses have never secured World Cup glory but have reached the semi-finals twice, in 2015 and 2019
      Their 2023 opponents, Spain, will also be winning for the first time if victorious at the World Cup final. More

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      ‘To think I will be playing in a World Cup final is a pinch-me moment’, says England ace Alessia Russo

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      ALESSIA RUSSO used to dream of scoring in a World Cup final during lively kickabouts in her hometown in Kent. The future England star, 24. would run around in a garden with her mates in East Farleigh in Maidstone imagining herself in action at the tournament. 
      Alessia Russo is set to play in her first World Cup final when England take on Spain at the Stadium Australia in SydneyCredit: Reuters
      The England striker hopes to add her tally of three goals with the team hoping to make history with a first World Cup win on SundayCredit: Getty
      Russo hailed head coach Sarina Wiegman for setting high standards for her sideCredit: PA
      Tomorrow the striker will attempt to make her childhood dream come true when the Lionesses battle Spain for a chance to lift the trophy. 
      A match that Russo describes as “a pinch me moment” with England aiming to win the sport’s biggest prize for the first time. 
      The Lionesses striker, who has two older brothers Luca and Giorgio, said: “When I was a kid we used to play World Cup in the garden and we had to score to stay in.
      “I have such fond memories with the local kids and also my brothers and my youth teams.
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      “It looked like having fun and playing freely.
      “As a kid, growing up to think I would be playing in a World Cup final is a special feeling. A real pinch-me moment.”
      Russo’s last goal at this year’s tournament cemented England’s place in the final.
      The Lioness, who joined Arsenal as a free agent this summer, is in the running for the tournament’s Golden Boot along with pals Lauren Hemp and Lauren James. 
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      The trio have so far notched up three goals each.
      On whether she has a fancy celebration planned should she score in Sydney tomorrow, Russo added: “As far as celebrations go, you can see that mine aren’t planned or anything special 
      “But it’s just what happens in the moment. It’s normally a loud scream and hug whoever is near me.
      “Right now all I want to do is go out, put on a performance to be proud of and obviously to win. 
      “We started this tournament wanting to win seven games and this is the message.
      “This is the last one to go and we’re really locked in. 
      “You have the wise heads in Mary (Earps), Millie (Bright) and Lucy (Bronze) which is great because they’ve experienced a lot.
      “For players, obviously we’re all aware it’s a World Cup final and there’s that on the line.
      “But as soon as you cross the line it’s just a normal game. It’s what we love to do. 
      “It’s 11 v 11 and we have to win. As soon as we step out on the pitch, we know our job and what we need to do.
      “We’re aware it’s a World Cup final but we’ll just play our game.”
      Tomorrow’s match will see Lauren James available for selection following her two-game ban after her sending-off during England’s last-16 defeat of Nigeria. 
      And Russo, who began her senior playing career at Chelsea in 2015, believes the return of the Blues foward is a huge boost for the Euros champs. 
      The 28-capped Lioness said: “I’ve known Lauren since I was 12 at Chelsea. 
      “She’s a special, talented player. We want everyone fit and available is great. 
      “Tooney (Ella Toone) has stepped up as well so we have so many players who can come on and do a job. 
      “But to have a player as special as LJ back in the squad for the final is great. Everyone knows how impressive she’s been in this tournament.”
      Russo sees Lauren James as a “special talent” and this year’s final could the forward back in action for England following her two-match banCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses will be vying to triumph in their second major tournament final under Sarina Wiegman.
      And their boss will be guiding a team in a World Cup final for the second time in her managerial career. 
      England fans in Australia and at home will hope to see the Dutch coach steer her battle-hardened squad to back-to-back tournament wins. 
      For Russo, the Lioness chief has created a national set-up that is ultra competitive but also fun. 
      The England ace said: “Sarina is a winner. She sets the standards so high in training and she leads with real class. 
      “She’s honest and upfront and, as a player, I respect that. It’s nice to have honest conversations with the leader of your team.
      Russo and Lauren Hemp have been in fine form for the Lionesses bagging three goals each at the World CupCredit: Getty
      “It’s great for us because it’s so competitive and everyone is focused on one goal 
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      “But away from the pitch she lets us enjoy our time, relax and switch off which is important.
      She makes camp a really fun place to be.” More

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      Fortune teller predicts if Lionesses will win the World Cup using asparagus

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      A FORTUNE teller who used asparagus to predict the Lionesses will win the World Cup says Sunday’s final will be decided on penalties.Jemima Packington — the world’s only asparamancer — claims she can peer into the future by tossing spears in the air and reading the shapes they make when they land.
      Asparamancer Jemima is certain that the Lionesses will come out as winners on SundayCredit: SWNS
      She correctly predicted Brexit, Queen Elizabeth’s death and Harry and Meghan quitting the Royal Family.
      She forecast England’s glory at the end of last year.
      Jemima, 66, of Bath, said: “The asparagus told me we’re in for a tense final and the game will go to penalties.
      “But the Lionesses will come out as winners. I am sure of that.
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      “The asparagus could not reveal the score in normal time.
      “But I know it’s going to be an extremely exciting final.
      “We are in for a treat and I am confident of the girls bringing the trophy home.
      “I will be glued to the TV myself. I have been watching every game and they have done the nation proud.
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      “They are inspiring the next generation. It’s wonderful to see so many children into it too.
      “It really put women’s sport firmly on the map.” More

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      They’re straightforward, lack vanity, refuse to be sex objects & are effortlessly patriotic – why we love the Lionesses

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      WATCHING the Lionesses celebrating winning their place in the World Cup Final on Wednesday, I felt a sensation unfamiliar to me.It was like my nose was running — but a bit higher up and bringing with it a feeling of happiness not generally associated with a summer cold.
      The Lionesses refuse to be sex objects and are effortlessly patrioticCredit: Getty
      Could the young Lionesses make the old Wags look any less relevant?Credit: Getty
      I was crying! I never cry. I only ever saw my dad cry once — when Prince, our Alsatian, died.
      Why do the Lionesses make me cry?
      Their confidence, not built on the quicksand of vanity.
      Their refusal to be sex objects and/or victims at a time when the objectification and mental health of young women is at an all-time low.

      Their effortless patriotism when we’ve been told for such a long time that it’s the dirtiest of words.
      Their talent and teamwork at a time when the narcissistic and lonely life of the social influencer is held up as the surest way for ambitious girls to find fame.
      Could the young Lionesses make the old Wags look any less relevant?
      Having dreams, ambitions and passions that money can’t buy — and the self-respect that only paying your own way in life can bring — seems far more enviable than being the kept woman of a man who has to take off his boots in order to count up to 20.
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      If the Lionesses make Wags look bad, they make the male England players look worse.
      These alleged LGBTQ allies — led by “gay icon” David Beckham — were last seen wafting off to Qatar to give good PR to a country where migrant workers are treated like chattels, women are treated like children and homosexuals are treated like criminals.
      The Lionesses draw in multitudes turned off by the ugliness of the male game, with its inordinate share of spouse beaters, cat kickers and sexual assaulters within its ranks.
      All that hype and money — and they haven’t been able to get into a World Cup final for more than half a century.
      Football touches us because, more than any other sport, we can see the child inside the adult — the lack of accoutrements needed means that the poorest kid can access it.
      When a player scores, they react with the joy of a child, as do their friends to their fleeting triumph.
      It’s hard to see the exuberant kid in the over-paid and self-pitying male footballers — but very easy to see it in the Lionesses with their ponytails and bare-faced beauty.
      Their names — Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Mary Earps — carry echoes of our Dickensian heritage while also sounding like super-heroines from the future.
      They already sound like names on statues, even though they’re so young.
      When the Lionesses speak, they conjure up a sense of community which the money-mad and globalist male game has lost.
      And by community, I don’t just mean the country whose shirts they wear.
      I mean a wider female community stretching back into the past — the “Lost Lionesses” of the 1971 Women’s World Cup — and reaching into the future.
      Last year, when the Lionesses won the Uefa European Championship, I heard pre-teen girls yelling the players’ names, like war-cries while kicking a ball around on the public lawns at the end of my street.
      This year I heard a little girl adorably singing “Three Lions wearing skirts” in the local Pizza Express.
      This goes beyond football — it goes to the very heart of confidence for the next generation of teenage girls.
      I wonder how many “tomboys” will be stopped from taking the sad journey to the surgeon’s scalpel now that the Lionesses have shown us such a bold new way of being feminine?
      So I don’t really mind crying at long last, but I hope it stays limited to sport.
      I don’t want to start imitating a fire hydrant every time I see an injured dog on Instagram or spontaneously sobbing during ghastly “girly chats”.
      But, at 64, I finally understand why we get emotional when our team (and the Lionesses really are the first time I’ve thought of any team as being “mine”) wins — or loses, because either way, I can see myself snivelling lots tomorrow.
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      Not just because of what they represent for women’s football — but for women.
      As the Terminator almost said: “Men — I know now why you cry.” More

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      Karren Brady: If anyone still says women’s football is a second rate version of men’s they should think again – and hard

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      ENGLAND’S appearance in the Women’s World Cup final places it among our great international sporting triumphs.Win it against Spain on Sunday and the MBEs are practically guaranteed — and perhaps more.
      England’s women’s team is set for the World Cup Final against SpainCredit: Rex
      Boss Sarina Wiegman has worked wonders with the LionessesCredit: Alamy
      The fact we haven’t had such a triumph since Sir Alf Ramsey roamed the planet makes it a certainty that Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman will become the Netherlands’ most famous expat since Vincent van Gogh.
      And anyone who asks who VVG played for should bite their own ear off.
      Wiegman earns £400,000 a year which is less than a few elite male footballers receive for a week.
      England’ men’s manager Gareth Southgate is on £5million annually.
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      Tosh to the cash.
      Already European champions, our women players have proved themselves major athletes, enjoying their football and their success.
      Every woman in the England party has earned her fame.
      The Women’s Super League has already improved and professionalised the game here beyond the wildest dreams of 13 years ago, when it was founded.
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      No one should underestimate women’s football, insists Karren BradyCredit: Getty
      Average attendance last season had doubled from 2021-2022, reaching well over 5,000 a match — about 500 fewer than League Two and nearly 2,000 more than the National League.
      But women’s football is becoming so hot that numbers should increase greatly this season and a few WSL clubs might even get close to breaking even.
      That should bring smiles of relief to accountants because financing before the expected boom is costly, in the case of West Ham more than £1m of losses a year for our WSL team.
      Players are bound to be paid more, too.
      At present, Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, scorer of Australia’s only goal against England last Wednesday showed why, in a touch and 25-yard strike, at about £470,000-a-year is the highest paid player in the woman’s game. She may shortly be overtaken.
      Manchester City’s 5ft 4in Lauren Hemp, renowned for her impish humour, is paid about half the Kerr sum but in Australia she displayed touches at pace that are going to be worth a good deal more. Other English stars will also be boosting their bank accounts.
      No doubt the commercial world is prepared for a selling bonanza in boots and strips and, just as obviously in scarves, hats, tracksuits, trainers, and maybe even tattoos.Karren Brady on the Lionesses’ success
      While Saudi Arabia is hardly likely to start a women’s professional league, there are any number of countries with excellent leagues, the US, Canada, France and Germany among them, soon to be joined by Australia.
      Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway, Kiera Walsh and Rachel Daly are among the England contingent playing overseas where the rewards are at least as high as at home. And their value is soaring, too.
      No doubt the commercial world is prepared for a selling bonanza in boots and strips and, just as obviously in scarves, hats, tracksuits, trainers, and maybe even tattoos.
      There will also be plenty of payments for endorsements, TV and public appearances. And in a reverse wash from all of this positivity, agents will thrive.
      This rebooted game is an attractive prospect for any talented female player, so much so that should any newcomer think women’s football is a second rate version of the men’s game they should think again. And think hard.
      It’s football, plain and simple.
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      It’s also noteworthy that woman footballers don’t hide their sexual orientation as the men so guardedly do, setting a far better example that it’s OK to be who you are, and love who you want and feel safe and confident in being who they are.
      Yes, Viva the Lionesses and viva the woman’s game. More

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      England’s Lionesses set to become millionaires if they win World Cup on Sunday – here’s how

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses are set to be millionaires if they become World Cup champions.Branding experts believe that health, beauty, well-being and sport firms will be queueing up to offer the players “seven-figure sponsorship contracts”.
      England’s Lionesses are set to be millionaires if they become World Cup champions tomorrowCredit: Getty
      Experts believe that players such as Ella Toone could score seven-figure sponsorship contractsCredit: Getty
      More than seven million UK viewers tuned in to watch Wednesday’s 3-1 semi-final victory over Australia — with that number expected to top 12 million for the final against Spain.
      As Brits plan their match-watch parties, supermarket Aldi expected to sell more than 250,000 cans of beer and one million packets of crisps this weekend — and 45 bottles of Prosecco every minute.
      Each of the squad will take home a £211,000 bonus if they win tomorrow.
      But that could be just the beginning.
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      Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said: “This is the most ­fantastic opportunity for the Lionesses and the FA.
      “Marketeers are always on the lookout for high-profile athletes and in particular female athletes to endorse their products.
      “Emma Raducanu has done extremely well with commercial contracts on the back of winning the US Open and there’s huge potential for many Lionesses to cash in on winning the World Cup.
      “Doing so would be such a unique achievement that the potential riches are even greater.
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      “Apart from their existing sponsors, which may well have additional success bonuses built in, several of the high-profile players could expect to be earning seven-figure endorsement and sponsorship contracts on the back of a World Cup success.
      He concluded: “The Lionesses have a great image, are extremely personable and all communicate very well which will make them even more attractive from a marketing point of view.”
      The Sun can reveal that defender Lucy Bronze has tucked away the most cash of all the England squad.
      The Barcelona star, 31, has already amassed £197,832 in her firm LRTB Limited after signing deals with Pepsi and Visa.
      Captain Millie Bright has put away £70,467 in her company called Bright 4 Futures Limited, according to latest accounts.
      Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mary Earps has saved £49,458 in her firm Mary Earps Ltd.
      Goalkeeper Mary Earps has saved £49,458 in her firm Mary Earps LtdCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses were seen returning to the pitch for their penultimate training session, ahead of the finalCredit: PA
      Alex Greenwood has saved £24,510 and Lauren James has put away £14,590.
      Yesterday the Lionesses were seen returning to the pitch for their penultimate training session, ahead of the final.
      Snaps showed the team in action at Central Coast Stadium, near Sydney, as they get ready for the biggest match of their careers.
      Videos shared on the Lionesses’ Instagram page also showed the players on fitness bikes.
      Speaking about how training was going, striker Chloe Kelly, 25, told the latest episode of Lionesses Down Under: “It’s been exciting.
      “We’ve got smiles on our faces and are enjoying ourselves.”
      Last night England’s Dutch boss Sarina Wiegman, 53, said she was feeling “confident” for the final.
      She told Sky News: “First of all, I’m very excited.
      “I have a lot of confidence in our team. I think we’re in a very good place, everyone’s fit.
      “We really want to leave with that World Cup.
      “What we are focusing on is how we want to play.
      “We are going to do anything to be at our best and then hopefully that gives us the success we want.”
      She also committed her future to the Lionesses, saying: “I want to stay with England.”
      In another example of final fever, Thorpe Park in Surrey is to give Sunday’s first 23 visitors “fast track” passes to jump to the front of roller-coaster queues.
      And the Armed Forces sent good luck to the squad ahead of the match.
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      A message from HMS Medway at the Falkland Islands said: “We wish the Lionesses the very best this weekend.
      “Good luck, girls, it’s coming home!”
      Snaps have shown the team in action at Central Coast Stadium, near Sydney, as they get ready for the biggest match of their careersCredit: Getty
      England’s Dutch boss Sarina Wiegman has said she was feeling ‘confident’ for the finalCredit: Getty More

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      Where can I buy England Women’s World Cup final shirt?

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      ENGLAND are ready to take on Spain in the final of the Women’s World Cup.The Lionesses, overseen by manager Sarina Wiegman, have made it all the way to the last stage of the FIFA tournament with the support of the country behind them.
      England’s Alessia Russo is part of the Lioness squad taking on Spain at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023Credit: Stephanie Meek – CameraSport via Getty Images
      Where can I buy an England Women’s World Cup final shirt?
      If you want to show your support for England’s women’s national team at the final of the World Cup, it is possible to buy a shirt.
      Lioness shirts can be bought through on the official England website and through the Nike website.
      The kits are also available through Foudys, which describes itself as “the first and only official store in the world dedicated to women’s football.”
      Shirts are priced at £79.95 each, though the England store has strips that are personalised with the names of the players which cost a little more, at £94.95.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      England’s first kit is made up of the traditional white top with navy blue shorts.
      The away kit, meanwhile, is light blue.
      Both the home and away shirts are available to purchase.
      England will be wearing their light blue kit with white socks as they take on Spain in the World Cup final.
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      This is due to the fact that their white kit features dark blue shorts which are too similar to Spain’s.
      What other merchandise can I buy for the World Cup final?
      Nike has a range of other products that fans can purchase to support the Lionesses.
      The website sells a football jacket for £79.95, a t-shirt for £27.95 and joggers for £49.95.
      Foudys, meanwhile, also has various products that England fans can buy and wear for the big final.
      Their range includes socks for £6.99, a pullover hoodie for £84.95 and a zip-up jacket for £89.95.
      When is the Women’s World Cup final?
      The final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will take place on Sunday August 20.
      The match, held at Stadium Australia in Sydney, will start at 11am UK time.
      The England vs Spain game will be broadcast live across the BBC, with coverage on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Online, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
      On ITV, meanwhile, live coverage will be available on TV and online via ITVX. More