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      Notoriously harsh critics L’Equipe name England star in team of the World Cup… but only ONE player gets a rating above 7

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      NOTORIOUSLY harsh football critics L’Equipe have named England star Bukayo Saka in the World Cup Team of the Tournament… and only gave one player above a SEVEN.Arsenal ace Saka was one of England’s shining lights in their World Cup campaign, scoring three goals in their run to the quarter-finals.
      England’s Saka has been named in L’Equipe’s Team of the TournamentCredit: PA
      Mbappe (left) was given the highest tournament rating, followed by World Cup winner Messi (right)Credit: Getty
      L’Equipe’s tournament ratingsCredit: l’Equipe
      But they were dumped out by France in a narrow 2-1 victory.
      Argentina won the winter edition of the tournament after defeating World Cup 2018 champions France in the final.
      The two sides couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes of football.
      The 3-3 draw saw Argentine greats Angel Di Maria and captain Lionel Messi score.
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      While France legend-in-the-making, Kylian Mbappe, became the second-ever player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
      Argentina then held their nerve in the penalty shootout, running out 4-2 winners, collecting their third-ever world title.
      And notoriously harsh football critics, L’Equipe, have put together their Team of the Tournament.
      But only one player was given above a SEVEN and it wasn’t World Cup-winning captain Messi.
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      France star Mbappe was given a 7.17 overall score for the Qatar World Cup – the highest in the team.
      The 23-year-old scored eight goals, picking up the Golden Boot.
      Messi, meanwhile, was given the second highest rating of 6.71 after scoring seven, assisting three, and winning the tournament.
      Morocco captain and ex-Wolves ace Romain Saiss came in at third with an overall score of 6.60.
      He is joined in defence by Morocco team-mate Achraf Hakimi with a score of 6, Josko Gvardiol on 6.43 and Marcos Acuna picking up a 6.25 rating.
      That back four sits in front of goalkeeper of the tournament, Dominik Livakovic, who single-handedly stopped pre-tournament favourites Brazil from marching into the semis.
      The Dinamo Zagreb ace was rated at 6.57.
      In midfield, World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez was given a 6.40, while Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat and Croatia icon Luka Modric were each given 6.29.
      Saka joined Messi and Mbappe in attack with a 6.50.
      L’Equipe’s World Cup final ratings were just as harsh, with Barcelona ace Ousmane Dembele being brutally slammed.
      Dembele lasted just 41 minutes as he was subbed off for Randal Kolo Muani with France 2-0 down.
      Dembele was totally ineffective with his one-on-ones against Argentina left-back Nicolas Tagliafico.
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      However, his worst moment came in the 23rd minute as he fouled Di Maria in France’s box to give away a penalty for Messi’s opener.
      L’Equipe refused to give him a match rating. More

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      How France could line up in 2026 World Cup with XI predicted including Chelsea-bound Christopher Nkunku & Kylian Mbappe

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      FRANCE could have an exciting new look at the 2026 World Cup.Didier Deschamps’ men suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Argentina during yesterday’s final in Qatar.
      Kylian Mbappe is set to become France’s main central striker at the 2026 World CupCredit: Splash
      And reports claim Zinedine Zidane is now set to lead a new wave of stars for the next World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
      Players including Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud could be done with international football by the time it rolls around.
      Meanwhile, the likes of Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele will be sweating over their places after dismal performances against Argentina.
      Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman looks at how France could potentially line up at the 2026 World Cup…
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      GK – MIKE MAIGNAN (AC MILAN), 27
      Unlucky to miss this World Cup after suffering an injury having become Serie A’s top stopper.
      Has gone from strength to strength since winning the Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2020.
      And he is the natural successor to outgoing captain Lloris.
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      How France could look at the 2026 World Cup
      RB – BENJAMIN PAVARD (BAYERN MUNICH), 26
      A breakout star in France’s 2018 triumph, he found himself dropped for Kounde after the first group game.
      But a centre-back can never do the job of a natural right-back properly, and Pavard may get the chance to reclaim his spot under Zidane.
      CB – IBRAHIMA KONATE (LIVERPOOL), 23
      Impressed in starts against Australia, Tunisia and Morocco but was axed for yesterday’s final.
      Konate is already excelling as a modern-day defender and should ease into France’s XI as he also takes over Liverpool’s backline.
      CB – WILLIAM SALIBA (ARSENAL), 21
      Was hoping to see more action in Qatar as he spent most of time warming the bench.
      But Saliba is already a Premier League star and his chance with France is sure to come soon.
      LB – THEO HERNANDEZ (AC MILAN), 25
      Had a stinker in the final but on his day is one of the best wing-backs around.
      Provides a natural attacking threat which should give him the nod over brother Lucas of Bayern.
      Aurelien Tchouameni won’t forget his penalty miss in a hurryCredit: Getty
      CM – AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI (REAL MADRID), 22
      Will be out for revenge after blasting spot-kick wide of Emi Martinez’s goal.
      Already running the show at Real Madrid and will continue to grow into N’Golo Kante’s role for France.
      CM – EDUARDO CAMAVINGA (REAL MADRID), 20
      Is on the cusp of becoming Tchouameni’s Real midfield partner and will undoubtedly carry that link into the national team.
      Has everything in his locker to become a complete midfielder and is certain to be one of Zidane’s favourites.
      RW – RANDAL KOLO MUANI (EINTRACHT FRANKFURT), 24
      Almost an unknown before bursting onto world’s biggest stage yesterday.
      Will rue his wasted late chance in injury time but could be set to take advantage of Dembele’s awful performance.
      Christopher Nkunku is likely to be a Chelsea player by the time 2026 rolls aroundCredit: AFP
      AM – CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (RB LEIPZIG), 25
      Injured in training on the eve of the tournament, he is now set to join Chelsea in a mega-money move.
      Nkunku is a true goalscoring threat from deep and is ready to take charge of the No10 role.
      LW – MARCUS THURAM (GLADBACH), 25
      Almost became the first father-son duo to win a World Cup after dad Lilian.
      Exciting blend of pace and power could help him nail down spot on left wing.
      ST – KYLIAN MBAPPE (PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN), 23
      Probably the best player on the planet after making history with first World Cup final hat-trick since Geoff Hurst in 1966.
      Read More on The Sun
      Moving from the wing to natural No9 position should result in even more goals by time Mbappe crosses the Atlantic.
      And he’s definitely another who won’t forget the sting of losing the biggest game in football. More

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      Gary Neville blasted by No10 over political rant likening UK strike response to Qatar human rights abuses during final

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      RISHI Sunak today put the boot into Gary Neville for comparing the Government’s treatment of nurses to Qatar’s brutal use of migrant workers.The PM told the ex-Man United star to stick to football after he hijacked ITV’s World Cup final coverage to rant about Ministers “demonising” striking NHS medics.
      Gary Neville has been slammed for launching into a political rantCredit: ITV
      The PM told the ex-Man United star to stick to football after he hijacked ITV’s World Cup final to rant about about Ministers ‘demonising’ striking NHS medicsCredit: Rex
      Labour-supporting Neville said they were paid a “pittance” and likened them to the appalling exploitation of migrants by the Gulf state. 
      He said: “We can never accept that in this region or any other region and it is just worth mentioning we’ve got a current government in our country that are demonising rail workers, ambulance workers and terrifyingly nurses.”
      But on a military trip to Estonia PM Sunak told the Mail: “I think when most people are tuning in to watch Gary Neville they want to hear about the football and watch the football. They don’t want to discuss politics.”
      His official spokesman added that Neville’s comments were “clearly not legitimate or appropriate”.
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      Nurses are taking a second round of strike action this week after Ministers rejected union demands for an “unaffordable” 19 per cent pay rise.
      They join rail workers, border force, civil servants and bus drivers on picket lines over pay rows.
      Neville also engaged in a war of words with Tory MPs who blasted him for making the comparison. 
      Red Wall Conservative Lee Anderson said: “Another party political broadcast by a millionaire… Talk about football Gary and keep your nose out of politics. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
      Most read in The Sun
      The defender-turned-pundit snapped back: “I’m glad you’re p***** off. The biggest set of charlatans to ever be in power!”
      The World Cup in Qatar – that ended yesterday with Argentina as champions – has been dogged by scandals from allegations of corruption to outrage over the country’s human rights practices.
      Thousands of migrant workers have reportedly died in the Qatari construction industry since the World Cup was awarded to them in 2010.
      During the punditry Neville said: “The working system of Kafala which obviously through football the conversation has started and it’s been removed here now in Qatar but it is abhorrent and we should detest low pay, we should detest poor accommodation and working conditions.
      “We can never accept that in this region or any other region and it is just worth mentioning we’ve got a current government in our country that are demonising rail workers, ambulance workers and terrifyingly nurses.
      “In our country we’ve got to look at workers’ rights but when football goes, we have to pick up on workers’ rights wherever it goes because people have got to be equal and treated equal.
      “We can’t have people being paid an absolute pittance to work, we can’t have people in accommodation that is unsavoury and disgusting. It shouldn’t happen here.
      “That shouldn’t happen here with the wealth that exists. 
      “But it shouldn’t happen with the nurses in our country either where our nurses are having to fight for an extra pound or two pound.”
      Thousands of migrant workers have reportedly died in the Qatari construction industry since the World Cup was awarded to them in 2010.Credit: PA More

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      Argentina star Emiliano Martinez reveals why he performed X-rated celebration with World Cup Golden Glove trophy

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      ARGENTINA penalty shootout hero Emiliano Martinez has lifted the lid on his X-rated celebration with the Golden Glove trophy.The 30-year-old held the award in front of his privates while leaning back and pulling an odd face.
      Emiliano Martinez caused controversy with his X-rated celebrationCredit: Getty
      Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez was superb during the World Cup, helping his side win shootouts over Holland and France.
      He also produced an incredible stop to deny Randal Kolo Muani a last-gasp winner for France in extra time of Sunday’s final.
      The stopper was presented with the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper of the tournament during the trophy ceremony.
      After shaking hands with various Fifa representatives, Argentina goalie Martinez performed the X-rated gesture.
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      And he later revealed the exact meaning behind the crude celebration.
      He told Argentinian broadcaster TyC Sports, via Bild: “I did it because the French booed me.
      “I can’t relate to their arrogance.”
      Martinez’s comments come despite him dancing on the pitch after Aurelien Tchouameni missed his penalty in the shootout.
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      He also unsportingly threw the ball away from Tchouameni before the France man missed from the spot.
      Later on, Martinez mocked hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappe by demanding a minute’s silence for the “dead” France star in Argentina’s dressing room.
      Martinez and Co had quite the party after the lifting the trophy, with Messi dancing holding a $10million cheque and one person even diving head first into a wheelie bin.
      But Chris Sutton slammed Martinez for his “despicable” actions.
      He told the Mail: “I wasn’t overly enamoured with Martinez’s antics in the shootout.
      “I thought it was a pretty despicable thing to do (throwing the ball away). I can understand the mind games and heat of the moment you do whatever it takes.
      “But I thought that was totally unnecessary. If you’re Tchouameni walking past Martinez (in the guard of honour) you probably feel like biffing him one.”
      Chris Sutton slammed Martinez for his penalty shootout anticsCredit: Getty More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo stays silent on social media after arch-rival Lionel Messi wins World Cup with Argentina

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has stayed silent on social media following Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory.The Argentine star has been a long-standing rival of Ronaldo as both have challenged to be considered the best player in the world.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has not posted on social media since Lionel Messi won the World CupCredit: Rex
      Messi was the first of the pair to win a World CupCredit: Getty
      Messi seemingly settled the debate as he netted a brace in the final against France to help Argentina on the way to their first title in the tournament since 1986.
      The World Cup was also Messi’s first of the kind and means he has completed his trophy cabinet.
      Before the tournament, the two rivals had both won league titles, Champions Leagues, as well as one international tournament each.
      Messi won the Copa America in 2021, five years after Ronaldo won the Euros in 2016.
      READ MORE ON RONALDO
      While footballers from across the world hailed Messi for his achievements such as Brazil star Neymar and England and West Ham midfielder Deland Rice.
      The midfielder tweeted: “Lionel Messi. The Best Ever.
      “We will never see a player like Messi ever again”.
      However, Ronaldo has not posted anything on social media, with his last post on Instagram coming on December 11 and his last tweet coming on December 9.
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      Last month, Ronaldo opened up on his relationship with Messi.
      During his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, he said: “Amazing player is magic, top… 
      “As a person, we share the stage 16 years, imagine, 16 years. we share. So, I have great relationship with him. 
      “I’m not friend of him in terms of, what I mean friend is the guy who was with you in your house, speaking on the phone, no, but it’s like a teammate. 
      “He’s a guy that I really respect the way he always speak about me. 
      “Even his wife or my wife, my girlfriend, they always respect, and they’re from Argentina. My girlfriend is from Argentina. So good. 
      “What I am going to say about Messi? A great guy who does great things for football.” More

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      Best XI of World Cup stars in line for January transfers including Enzo Fernandez and Josko Gvardiol

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      THE World Cup can be used as a platform for players to force a move elsewhere when they return to their clubs.And the 2022 edition in Qatar is no different, with world renowned talents and unknown quantities making their mark on the tournament.
      Josko Gvardiol was one of the standout defenders at the tournamentCredit: Getty
      A best XI made up of World Cup stars that could move in January
      Enzo Fernandez was an integral part of Argentina’s World Cup triumphCredit: Alamy
      It will undoubtedly go down as Lionel Messi’s competition after he led Argentina to World Cup glory in remarkable fashion on Sunday.
      And it will also be remembered for all the off-pitch controversies, most prominently Qatar’s human rights abuses.
      But there are plenty of other stories to come out of this World Cup – not least the plethora of players who may well have put themselves in the shop window amid links away from their current sides.
      SunSport has taken a look at the best possible XI from those who impressed for their national teams and could secure a transfer in January.
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      GK: Dominik Livarkovic
      Dominik Livarkovic helped Croatia to TWO penalty shootout victories in QatarCredit: Getty
      Dinamo Zagreb keeper Dominik Livarkovic, 27, showed himself to be a penalty specialist as he led Croatia to shootout victories over Japan and Brazil.
      He also conceded just one goal in five matches before their 3-0 defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals.
      Manchester United were reportedly linked with him before choosing Martin Dubravka in the summer.
      Now his performances in Qatar could see the Red Devils return for him in January.
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      RB: Josep Juranovic
      Celtic defender Josep Juranovic, 27, was perhaps the standout right-back in Qatar.
      The Croatia, who produced a remarkable display in their quarter-final win over Brazil, is being eyed up by the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
      But Premier League sides Everton and West Ham are also keeping tabs on him and will have been blown away by his displays over the past few weeks.
      CB: Harry Souttar
      Harry Souttar was superb for Australia in their run to the last-16Credit: Reuters
      This is one not many would have seen coming.
      Stoke City’s Harry Souttar, 24, produced some majestic performances for Australia on their way out of the group.
      Premier League clubs are thought to be circling for him, but the Championship outfit have now slapped a £25million price tag on his head.
      CB: Josko Gvardiol
      Irrespective of what Messi did to him in the semi-final, Croatia’s 20-year-old centre-back is a superb talent.
      Josko Gvardiol was perhaps Croatia’s standout performer at a World Cup in which they finished third – showcasing his physicality and skill on the ball time and time again.
      He has been linked with a £45m move to Chelsea, but Manchester City and Real Madrid are also in the hunt.
      LB: Antonee Robinson
      Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, 25, was sensational for USA during their high-energy World Cup campaign.
      They were eventually outdone by Holland in the last-16, but Robinson’s performances have been enough to create interest from AC Milan.
      CM: Sofyan Amrabat
      Morocco’s best ever World Cup campaign was typified by the performance of midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
      The 26-year-old has been with Fiorentina since 2020, but could now be poised for a big-money move to Liverpool in the coming weeks.
      Sofyan Amrabat was imperious in the Morocco midfield throughout the tournamentCredit: Getty
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      CM: Azzedine Ounahi
      Alongside Amrabat in the heart of Morocco’s midfield was Azzedine Ounahi.
      The 22-year-old currently plies his trade for Ligue 1’s bottom club Angers.
      You do not imagine he will be there for much longer following his imperious displays in Qatar, with Leicester eyeing up a £39m move.
      CM: Enzo Fernandez
      The Young Player of the Tournament award went to Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
      The 21-year-old came into the side during the group stage and scored a beauty against Mexico.
      He then went on to play a key role in them lifting the trophy and could now be set for a move away from Benfica as Liverpool, Man Utd and Man City are all thought to be interested.
      RW: Hakim Ziyech
      Hakim Ziyech has made very little impact on the Chelsea team in recent times.
      But in the space of a month he showed more for Morocco than he has over two years for the Blues.
      Now AC Milan are stepping up their interest for the 29-year-old forward – even if it is only on a loan deal.
      ST: Goncalo Ramos
      Very few outside of Portugal had heard of Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos before this World Cup.
      Now, after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo and scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland, everyone knows his name.
      The 21-year-old is being linked with a January move to Man Utd.
      Read More on The Sun
      Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the last-16Credit: Reuters
      LW: Cody Gakpo
      Cody Gakpo was a major transfer target of Manchester United’s in the summer but Erik ten Hag failed to get a deal over the line.
      The Ajax man, 23, has since gone on to score three goals at the World Cup and boosted his price tag to £43m. More

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      Emiliano Martinez slammed for ‘despicable behaviour’ by Chris Sutton in Argentina’s World Cup final win over France

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      EMILIANO MARTINEZ has been slammed by Chris Sutton for his “despicable” behaviour in Argentina’s World Cup final win over France.The Aston Villa goalkeeper had a game to remember as he saved Kingsley Coman’s penalty in the shootout.
      Chris Sutton has blasted Emi Martinez for his behaviour during the World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Martinez had one or two unsporting moments on the pitch before making a crude gesture afterwardsCredit: Alamy
      That was just moments after an incredible stop to deny Randal Kolo Muani a last-gasp winner in extra time.
      Martinez had a second reason for celebrating at the final whistle as he was also awarded the Golden Glove for Qatar 2022.
      But he managed to overshadow the moment by performing a crude gesture in front of millions glued to their TV screen.
      Later on, Martinez mocked hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappe by demanding a minute’s silence for the “dead’ France star in Argentina’s dressing room.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Yet his most controversial moment came while still on the pitch.
      After saving Coman’s penalty, Martinez then proceeded to play some elaborate mind games on Aurelian Tchouameni.
      As the Real Madrid star prepared for his kick, Martinez unsportingly threw the ball away, forcing Tchouameni to wait longer at the spot.
      And when the time came for the penalty, the midfielder inevitably blasted his effort wide of the post, prompting Martinez to perform a dance in front of Argentina supporters.
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      This did not sit well with former player Sutton, who described Martinez’s actions during the shootout as “despicable.”
      Expressing his sympathy for Tchouameni, Sutton told the Mail: “I wasn’t overly enamoured with Martinez’s antics in the shootout.
      “I thought it was a pretty despicable thing to do (throwing the ball away). I can understand the mind games and heat of the moment you do whatever it takes.
      “But I thought that was totally unnecessary. If you’re Tchouameni walking past Martinez (in the guard of honour) you probably feel like biffing him one.
      “I didn’t like that at all but I can understand Martinez in that moment trying to win a World Cup.
      “But he didn’t just chuck it a couple of yards away, he launched it 15, 20 yards away. I really felt for Tchouameni in that moment. 
      “That wasn’t on. It would have been interesting if Martinez had been booked for that because he got one on the next penalty.” More

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      Salt Bae slammed for pestering Lionel Messi & touching trophy in ‘pathetic’ scenes after Argentina World Cup final win

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      SALT Bae has been slammed for his “pathetic” pestering of Lionel Messi to get a selfie and touching the World Cup after Argentina’s win.The celebrity chef, whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, somehow got himself in among the winning team and managed to get selfie with Lionel Messi as he celebrated his team’s triumph.
      Salt Bae badgered the superstar until he relentedCredit: Twitter
      Salt Bae broke Fifa etiquette by handling the World Cup trophyCredit: instagram
      Lionel Messi posed for a selfie with the celebrity chefCredit: instagram
      But in the run up, he was seen badgering the superstar and repeatedly grabbing his arm until the player relented and posed for a picture.
      The chef was slammed on Twitter as “pathetic” for his attention seeking antics, which were also described as the “cringiest thing ever”.
      “The man’s just won the World Cup literally minutes prior and this ‘celebrity’ is feeling he’s entitled to get his attention,” said one Twitter user.
      The fury continued after he posted pics on Instagram of him holding the 18-carat gold trophy, worth £17 million, a privilege reserved for the winning team and heads of state.
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      “You shouldn’t touch the Cup. You’re not a champion,” was one comment.
      Another furious Instagram user said he was “unfollowing” the Turkish chef.
      “You shouldn’t have touched that trophy only the players and staff who worked their asses off to become champions have that right.
      “You only want attention.
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      Continuing the theme one post read “this is the time for players who have worked hard and not for celebrities to hang around and take selfies for their own promo”.
      Salt Bae isn’t the only celebrity to have fallen foul of Fifa etiquette.
      Rihanna was pictured holding the prize back in 2014 and later revealed she had kissed and posed for a selfie with the famous trophy.
      Salt Bae sparked fury before the World Cup after bragging about a £140,584 bill at his high-end restaurant.
      A single steak from the evening was over £1000, and the group spent almost £115,000 on wine alone.
      The backlash came amidst the worst cost-of-living crisis seen in decades, as inflation soars and millions struggle to pay for food and rent.
      Salt Bae shot to fame in 2017 when a video of him lovingly preparing a steak by theatrically sprinkling a handful of salt crystals, quickly went viral.
      Nusret quickly became a celebrity in his own right, cooking for celebrities like David Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio, and DJ Khaled.
      He opened his first Nusr-Et steakhouse in Istanbul in 2010.
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      The brand grew, and he opened restaurants across the Middle East, including in Ankara, Doha and Dubai.
      In 2021, he opened the first London Branch of the chain in the posh area of Knightsbridge. More