Una presenza storica: nessun presidente prima di lui

In pista con i due ferraristi anche l'australiano della McLaren

La saltatrice azzurra costretta a spostare l'esordio in un meeting italiano, perché in quello inizialmente programmato a Dusseldorf ci sarà l'esperimento della pedana libera

Follow all the action as Newcastle host Arsenal in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, live on talkSPORT.The Magpies hold a vital 2-0 lead heading into the return leg at St James’ Park thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.Since their first clash, a lot has changed for both clubs, with the hosts losing their last two home games to Bournemouth and Fulham.Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta‘s Gunners have cruised through the Champions League League Phase and smashed Manchester City 5-1.Kick-off at St. James’ Park set for 8pm.Team news to follow…talkSPORT commentary live stream HERE, app HERE.You can follow all of the action in our live blog below…

Il giocatore algerino ha raccontato il retroscena sull'approdo al Marsiglia

Influencer Paige Spiranac insists the WM Phoenix Open is good for golf and expects the Ryder Cup to be even rowdier. Spiranac is the queen of golf social media with four million Instagram followers – which is more than Tiger Woods. Spiranac is a former professional golfer who rose to fame as an influencer and modelGettyIn 2023, the American model was the second most-Googled name in golf, behind Woods but ahead of every other player in the game. Spiranac has made a multi-million dollar career out of growing interest to the sport.Speaking to talkSPORT at Super Bowl LIX‘s famous ‘Radio Row’, we asked whether all interest is good interest. The PGA Tour rolls into Arizona this week for the return of the WM Phoenix Open – and everything that comes with it. For one week only, the peaceful world of golf descends into drunken mayhem at TPC Scottsdale, particularly around the world-famous 16th hole.Last year, officials were forced to shut the gates and stop alcohol sales as the event got out of control. It is not everyone’s cup of tea – but Spiranac insists the WM Phoenix Open is exactly what golf needs to shift its stuffy reputation. “It’s morphed into this thing that is uncontrollable at times,” she told talkSPORT. “The misconception in golf is that it’s boring, it’s stuffy, it’s this elitist sport. “When the WM rolls around, it’s all about youth and having fun and it’s a really lively atmosphere. Golf is usually about silent claps and not being too loud.The WM Phoenix Open is always pure carnageGetty Images - GettyIt is golf’s answer to the darts at Ally PallyGetty“When players miss the green on 16, they get booed. You don’t do that in golf. “But it’s one of my favourite events to go to. You don’t want that every week in golf. “I think it’s fun to have a mix of that and the more conservative events.”She added: “People don’t even realise there’s golf going on. It’s a massive party. You’ve got Arizona State University and University of Arizona nearby – a bunch of young kids who want to have a good time.“I know people don’t love that kind of environment. But I think it’s good for the growth of the game.“Even if they’re going there to throw a couple back, and while they’re there they see some of the best players in the world, experience golf for the first time – that’s growing the game.Spiranac spoke to talkSPORT as part of our Super Bowl coverage in New Orleans“So many people in golf are so negative about everything. And we’re talking about what’s good and bad for the game. Overall, the WM is fantastic for the growth of the game.”Perhaps the only event in golf that rivals the WM Phoenix Open for boisterousness is the Ryder Cup – which heads to the cauldron of Bethpage Black in New York this summer.Fears have already been expressed about how hostile that event could get – and Spiranac thinks it could surpass the WM Phoenix Open. She continued: “I’m interested to see how the next Ryder Cup at Bethpage is going to turn out. It’s going to be very rowdy, perhaps even rowdier than TPC Scottsdale.“The New York fans – they show up!”

The Premier League may implement sanctions on players whose celebrations are considered to damage the reputation of the game.Excessive celebrations have been a hot topic of late with Myles Lewis-Skelly imitating Erling Haaland’s signature celebration during Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Manchester City last weekend.The teenager got revenge on Haaland, who claimed to not know who Lewis-Skelly was in the reverse fixtureGettyThe 18-year-old did not receive any punishment but the same cannot be said of Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye against Brighton, who received a yellow card after he netted the winner and flapped his arms like a seagull.The Premier League’s chief football officer, Tony Scholes, said: “There’s a balance. I think we all like to see celebrations. Some of the celebrations have been very funny, entertaining, but there’s a line.“Once it crosses over into mockery or criticism then we would need to deal with it.”If the Premier League were to introduce celebration regulations they would be following in the footsteps of the NBA and NFL.NFL referees have clamped down on prolonged celebrations, violent or offensive acts such as mimicking gunfire, sexually suggestive moves and taunting opponents.This can result in an on-field punishment or a hefty fine.Similar to the NBA where players can receive what is called a technical foul which comes after unsportsmanlike conduct.Receiving two in a game will result in the player being ejected from the match permanently. Phil Foden and Joshua Zirkzee who have their own signature gun celebrations will be the most likely to receive punishment for celebrations if the PGMOL were to clamp down on certain celebrations.Jamie Vardy has also been known to ridicule rival fans as he did against Tottenham last month after pointing to the Premier League badge in mockery of Spurs’ lack of trophies.Since last season this has been Foden’s go-to celebrationHe also imitated an Eagle after he scored against Crystal Palace in 2019 and did not receive a card.Usually celebrations do not lead to players clashing on the pitch but that was not the case for Neal Maupay last season.The Frenchman mocked James Maddison’s darts throw celebration which led to a passive aggressive exchange with the two holding each other and slapping their chests. Later the English international star posted a picture of Maupay on his Instagram doing the celebration, alongside the caption: “A short story… COYS”.Maupay commented under Maddison’s post: “Ahaha rent free,” with kissing emojis.

Caitlin Clark wants the WNBA to get even bigger.The 22-year-old was a featured guest at the annual Women’s Sports Awards where she backed the decision to expand the league into Kansas City.credit: @tmobilecenterCaitlin Clark did a Q&A at the Women’s Sports Awards[/caption]Clark, who is a lifelong Chiefs fan, spoke about how her and family would drive from their home in West Des Moines Iowa to Kansas to see the NFL team play, something she said made her love the city even more.When asked about bringing a WNBA team to the area, the basketball phenom referenced the popularity of the NWSL’s Kansas City Current.Current’s CPKC Stadium was built specifically for them, a first in women’s soccer history, with the team regularly enjoying sell-outs at home games and recently hosting the NWSL final in November.“Kansas City would be a good spot for it, obviously, it’s a great sports town that supports women’s sports,” Clark said on the WNBA expansion.“The way women’s sports and women’s basketball has taken off is truly incredible. This is just the beginning. It’s showing the world, not even just our country, how great it is and how fun it is to watch women’s athletics.“I, personally, have always been a fan.”Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is currently preparing for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, has previously expressed his desire to back any women’s basketball team in the city.“We want to get basketball to Kansas City,” the 29-year-old said in November.“The WNBA and the success that they’ve had this last season and these last few seasons, it’s kind of a no-brainer to try to get a WNBA team in Kansas City.”Mahomes’ comments came amid a wave of growth for the WNBA.The league is looking to expand to 16 teams by 2028, an increase from 12 in the 2024 season.Its 13th team, the Golden State Valkyries will join this year, while the 14th and 15th teams in Toronto and Portland will join in 2026.Patrick Mahomes expressed his desire to bring a WNBA to Kansas CityGettyClark is a Chiefs fan and was spotted watching a game with Taylor SwiftHowever, Mahomes will be acutely aware of the fact the cost of a WNBA team continues to rise. The Valkyries and Toronto’s ownership group paid $50 million this year while the Portland group paid $125 million.However, the QB has already said he wants a similar type of ownership to that of the NWSL Kansas City Current, which he is a minority investor in.“They’re going into the playoffs now and you see the support that they have,” he said.“So let’s try to get a WNBA team in here as well and kind of that same-type ownership group.”Kansas will have a fight to get the 16th WNBA team as commissioner Cathy Engelbert suggested there are more than a dozen teams who are interested.The WNBA returns on May 16 and it will look to have another record-breaking season after enjoying unprecedented success in 2024.

Per il campione del mondo frattura al quinto metacarpo della mano destra e altre fratture al terzo, quarto e quinto metatarso del piede sinistro

L'avvio dei test malesi segnato da una lunga serie di cadute, la più grave quella occorsa al campione in carica

Mario Balotelli, arriva l’annuncio ufficiale: il bomber ha scelto il suo futuro, ecco qual è Mario Balotelli è senza pace. Il bomber classe ’90 sta vivendo una situazione paradossale a Genova. Il centravanti è stato scelto dal precedente allenatore, Alberto Gilardino che l’ha voluto quasi a tutti i costi per risolvere il problema atavico per ... Leggi tutto Questo articolo Balotelli, l’annuncio ufficiale: il bomber ha scelto il suo futuro è comparso nella sua versione originale, prima sul sito SerieANews.

Former Premier League striker Emile Heskey has joined security services company, Octavian Security UK, as company director.Heskey will balance this new role alongside his duty as Head of Football Development at Leicester City Women, a position he has held since 2021.Heskey scored 60 goals for Liverpool, his highest tally at a clubGetty Images - GettyHeskey said: “I’m delighted to finally join Octavian. The company is a real route for progression for me. I first met Sukhi at school and we’ve really worked on this relationship for the last 15 years.“The business and corporate world offers great rewards for elite athletes and they share so many synergies with elite entrepreneurs. It’s my mission to encourage more athletes into the business world to not only learn, but also share their winning mindset and help businesses grow.”His new position was put into his eyeline by long-time friend and founder of Octavian, Sukhi Ghuman.Ghuman said: “This is a move that has been long in the making. What we will benefit from having Emile in the business is how an elite performer can bring with them the same DNA as a winner in the corporate world.“Emile understands from his days at the top of football that you need inner strength and determination to succeed, but that we also need to harness our skills and concentrate on our health if Octavian is going to continue to lead the way in our industry. I can’t wait to watch him make a huge impact on Octavian.”Octavian Security describe themselves as a “one of the world’s fastest growing forward thinking security and facilities management led businesses”.And the company operates not just within the UK, they have ties in the USA, Middle East, Africa and Turkey.Their LinkedIn page reads: “Octavian works alongside blue chip and public sector organisations to reduce loss, manage risk, provide manpower resource and generally protect their operations and interests.“Quality is the Group’s mantra, and Octavian openly invites relevant industry bodies to audit its services to ensure that it leads the market in offering superlative efficiency and professionalism to all clients.”Many former football players have delved into punditry or management including Thierry Henry and Wayne Rooney.Heskey has two sons – Jaden and Reigan – both playing for Manchester City’s youth teamsGetty Images - GettyOthers avoid the beaten track and pursue completely different career paths, including ex-Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who is a biochemical billionaire entrepreneur.Heskey added: “The business and corporate world offers great rewards for elite athletes and they share so many synergies with elite entrepreneurs.“It’s my mission to encourage more athletes into the business world to not only learn, but also share their winning mindset and help businesses grow.”This will be quite the switch up from his playing days from 1994 to 2016.Within those years he played for the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers.Across 748 career matches the striker netted 156 goals alongside 62 assists. He also represented England, earning his debut in 1999 and going on to earn 62 caps.

Follow all the build-up as Super Bowl LIX takes centre-stage this Sunday and the Kansas City Chiefs eye glory for a third straight year.Last season, the Chiefs became the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the New England Patriots in 2004.  Led by Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs made history, and now they’re looking to break new ground and become the first team ever to win three from three.Mahomes and co will take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in a rematch of NFL’s showpiece in 2023.Super Bowl LIX takes place on Sunday, February 9 at Caesars Superdome, New OrleansKick-off is expected at 6:30pm ET / 11:30pm GMTKendrick Lamar to star in halftime performancetalkSPORT commentary available HEREUK TV channels: ITV and Sky SportsSign up to talkSPORT BET and get a massive 50/1 on the team you back to win the Super Bowl – find out more hereYou can follow all the latest news in our live blog below… Read More on Super Bowl LIX Follow LIVE build-up to Super Bowl LIX here ‘Global intention’ – NFL commissioner stuns fans with announcement new team based outside of United States ‘I’m out there with him’ – Travis Kelce told brother Jason he will quit NFL if Chiefs coach Andy Reid decides to retire ‘Stupidest thing I’ve done’ – Die-hard Eagles fan Kevin Hart was rejected by security trying to drunkenly storm Super Bowl stage Patrick Mahomes vs Tom Brady after first seven years as a starter reveals there’s only one winner in quarterback debate Who is performing the Super Bowl halftime show and who will be singing the National Anthem? How to follow Super Bowl 2025 – TV channel, live streaming and talkSPORT coverage for NFL showpiece FOLLOW – talkSPORT End Zone YouTube Channel brings you all the latest news, views and analysis OFFER – See all Super Bowl odds and bet boosts over at talkSPORT BET BUY HERE – Brewdog launches new beer to celebrate Super Bowl 2025

Un parallelo iridato.

Spaventoso incidente durante i test in Malesia. Il campione del mondo ha riportato fratture alla mano destra e al piede sinistro per il violento impatto con l'asfalto. Dopo lo spavento il messaggio sui social: Non è il miglior inizio della stagione 2025! Ma 'Martinator' torna sempre più forte!".

Il pilota cinese ha al suo attivo tre stagioni complete nel Mondiale con il team Sauber

Il difensore inglese si è subito messo a disposizione di Thiago Motta

L'allenatore dei lariani si appresta ad affrontare i bianconeri nell'anticipo del venerdì

Le società possono apportare diverse modifiche per inserire i nuovi acquisti. C'è tempo fino al 6 febbraio

Ange Postecoglou shed light on his Zoom call that helped convince Mathys Tel to join Tottenham.The 19-year-old arrived at Tottenham on deadline day to finalise a six-month loan deal from Bayern Munich in a deal that could be made permanent in the summer.Tel joined Spurs on loan with an option to buy late on deadline dayThis came despite Tel rejecting an initial approach from Spurs chairman Daniel Levy just three days earlier.Manchester United and Arsenal both showed an interest in the French starlet after he rejected Spurs but it was Postecoglou who managed to resurrect the move and give Spurs some much-needed firepower.Postecoglou was asked about the intricacies of the transfer in his press conference ahead of Thursday’s crunch Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Liverpool at Anfield, live on talkSPORT.Pressed on whether Tel had rebuffed Spurs’ initial advances, Postecoglou said: “People need to understand we’re talking about a 19-year-old player with a major decision, it’s not so much about rejecting us or anyone.“He wanted to be comfortable with the decision. He didn’t want to be pushed in a certain direction, credit to him.The Australian continued: “I had a conversation with him, and purely around the football and that I think he’ll find a great place here in terms of where he is in his career.“We’ve shown irrespective of age, he’ll get an opportunity and the way we play will suit him and what we have in the next few months and beyond it’s a perfect fit.“It’s right that it took as long as it did so he’s comfortable with it. That he took so much time and was diligent, and made the decision when he had options.“It means the right mentality, right player, he’s ambitious, with self-belief and self-confidence and feels he can reach the very top.”Although a forward by trade, how Tel is likely to be deployed at Spurs remains a mystery.Spurs boss Postecoglou poured cold water on suggestions Tel initially rejected SpursGettyThe France star could be thrown straight into the action at Anfield on ThursdayGettyThe France under-21 international boasts the ability to play either through the middle or in a wide position, handing the Spurs boss some much-welcomed versatility.Quizzed on whether he is planning to play Tel as a central striker at Anfield, Postecoglou said: “Oh mate, Archie [Gray] wanted to be a central midfielder, so who knows where Mathys will end up.“Look, he’s got the attributes to play, I think, as a nine for sure, but he’s played wide really successfully as well.“That’s the beauty of him coming into us, at the moment we’re going to need him probably in all of those areas because it’s fair to say, as much as we’ve got issues at the back, we’ve probably got bigger issues in the front third at the moment, we’re missing three wingers and our striker.“I get people are still dismissing the fact that tomorrow night (against Liverpool) we’re still gonna have nine, maybe ten first-team players out of our starting line-up, so having Mathys who can play both wide and central…“Richy’s (Richarlison) doing great for us at the moment, but again he’s coming off not playing for a while and we’ve got to be really careful with him.“Sonny’s playing all the time, we’ve got Mikey [Moore] he’s a 17-year-old, we’ve got Deki (Dejan Kulusevski) who can play in there, so having him we can play either side. I reckon in the short term until we get some numbers back, I think he can fill all three roles.”

Snooker star Shaun Murphy tore into an ‘epidemic’ he believes has recently plagued the sport.Given the length of some matches, players will inevitably need to use the bathroom.Murphy hit out at the concerning number of players taking bathroom breaksGettyHowever, Murphy believes the toilet breaks are no longer being used for their intended purposes.Instead, the 42-year-old believes it’s now ‘good old-fashioned gamesmanship’.“We have to talk about the epidemic of toilet breaks that are spoiling snooker action,” Murphy said on The Onefourseven podcast.“It is now getting ridiculous, guys. It is getting totally out of hand. It is ridiculous how many times players are leaving the arena to go to the loo.“And here’s where it gets spicy, because most of these exits from the arena have got nothing to do with players needing to go for a wee, it’s good old-fashioned gamesmanship.“My opponent last week went to the toilet after the first frame of the match, then after the fifth frame after the interval.“You’ve had 20-odd minutes to be ready to play. What’s going on? It’s getting ridiculous. It’s a joke.”Murphy also believes the increased number of bathroom breaks being taken detracts from the viewing experience for spectators in the venue and watching on TV.“Remember the old days when the BBC used to take absolute pelters for the amount of afternoon sessions that had to go off from live and onto the red button,” Murphy said.“I spoke to someone very high up about this and they said the biggest contributing factor was the amount of unscheduled breaks the players took.Murphy believes the constant bathroom breaks are damaging snookerGetty“I think it’s ruining the game, I’ve got to be honest, I think it’s one of the biggest blights on our sport.“I go to the theatre quite a lot, imagine if you went to see a show and 15 minutes in the lead said, ‘Sorry guys, I’m just going to nip off.’“It can’t happen in any other form of entertainment. It’s totally ridiculous.”Thankfully for Murphy he was not unsettled by rivals taking curiously-timed bathroom breaks during his epic run to win the Masters on January 19.Murphy beat Kyren Wilson 10-7 to take home the title along with a cool £350,000.The 42-year-old’s winnings are the highest in the Masters‘ 50-year history, having risen by £100,000.Murphy began 2025 in excellent form as he took out the MastersGettyMurphy also scooped up £15,000 thanks to hitting a maximum break in his semi-final win over Mark Allen.It meant Murphy became just the sixth person to hit the iconic 147-break in tournament history.Unfortunately Murphy could not maintain the momentum at the German Masters as he bowed out in the third round to China’s Yuan Sijun.Murphy returns to action on February 11 in the first round of the Welsh Open.

Manchester City are back in FA Cup action this weekend as they travel to east London to take on League One side Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road on Saturday lunchtime.bet365 are offering new customer £50 in free bets when they bet £10 on any of the football across the season, which can be claimed by following this link*.bet365Bet £10 and get £50 in free bets with bet365[/caption]BET365 – Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets – CLAIM HERE*Manchester City will head back to the capital this weekend desperate to get back to winning ways after suffering a humiliating 5-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend, a result which saw them drop out of the Champions League positions.Pep Guardiola’s side have now lost two of their last four matches, conceding nine goals in those defeats, ahead of their FA Cup clash against fourth tier opposition, where they will likely rest several of their star players with a Champions League tie against Real Madrid coming just four days later.The Citizens, four-time defending Premier League champions, currently sit down in fifth in the standings, two points off the top four in what was a disastrous middle third of the season for the club, with only 13 league matches of the season remaining.The Manchester side have reached at least the semi finals in all but one seasons since Guardiola first took charge of the team in 2016, with the Spaniard having lifted the trophy on two occasions. It’s been 10 years since the club were knocked out before the fifth round of this competition. Are you ready to play at the best football betting sites?Standing in their way of a place in the draw for the fifth round are a Leyton Orient side currently in the midst of a League One play-off battle.Richie Wellens’ side have lost just one of their last 12 league games, winning nine of those in a run which has seen them leap from 21st in the table, just one point above the relegation zone, into the top six and the fourth and final play-off spot for potential promotion.The Os did fall to defeat in their most recent outing thought, a 1-0 defeat at home fellow play-off candidates Stockport, and will be hoping not to fall to successive home defeats against Greater Manchester opposition in back to back weekends.The east London side will fancy their chances at a huge upset against a wounded Manchester City team in their first appearance at this stage of the FA Cup in 14 years.Leyton Orient have won only once against Manchester City in the last 116 years, though the two teams haven’t met since a second division league clash finished 2-2 back in 1966.How to watch Leyton Orient v Manchester CityLocation: Brisbane Road, LondonDate and time: Saturday 8th February 2025, 12:15pmHow to watch: BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website Free Bet Offers Check out all the best betting offers available from our partners Claim Free Bets here 18+ gambleaware.org T&Cs ApplyFree bet offer – Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets – CLAIM HERE*T&Cs: Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs applyCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Most read in Betting Wigan vs Fulham prediction, odds, betting tips and how to watch Coventry vs Leeds United prediction, odds, betting tips and how to watch BetMGM Premier League Darts betting tips: Week 1 predictions  Super 6: Win £500,000 jackpot on Sky Bet's free to play predictor on the FA Cup talkSPORT betting tips – Best football bets and expert advice for Wednesday 5 February Newcastle United vs Arsenal predictions, odds and betting tips

Carlos Alcaraz has made his stance clear on who is the best tennis player in the world.The Spaniard responded to comments from Serena Williams‘ ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou who went viral for his opinion on Jannik Sinner.Carlos Alcaraz won the last final between the pair in BeijingIn January, Sinner continued his red-hot form when he won the Australian Open, securing his third Grand Slam inside 12 months.Sinner is ranked as the world No.1 and most see him as the best player on the ATP tour as his meteoric rise has seen him win 80 of his last 86 matches.Although this did not stop debates about who is better being reignited after Mourtagolou, claimed that Sinner “is not above everyone.”“Everyone sees Sinner as the best player in the world right now, but I don’t agree,” he wrote on Instagram.“Jannik is not above everyone, I don’t think he is above Carlos. When Carlos is at his best, there is a real match, and I’m not sure who is going to win, and nobody can say who will win.“Carlos won some big ones against him. I think Jannik and Carlos are above everyone else. The difference is, they have a different type of game.”These bold comments from the man who mentored the best female tennis player of all-time hold some weight and they quickly reached Alcaraz, who is in Rotterdam ahead of the ATP 500 tournament.The Spaniard was humble when confronted with the claim, and he was quick to shut down the discussion by making it clear who is number one right now.“Jannik is the best right now,” Alcaraz said. “He has lost only four or five matches in the past year, so it is crazy people say who’s better out of us.”Sinner’s dominance on the court is felt by every opponent who has faced him as the Italian has won his last 21 matches, something the four-time Grand Slam champion recognised.Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz enjoy a good relationship off the courtJannik Sinner has won the last two Grand Slams available“But for me, I think for a tennis player, we have to face Jannik and he is winning everything he is playing,” the four-time major champion added.“He is focused every time, so I think he is the best. Every tournament he plays, he makes the final or lifts the trophy.”Alcaraz also reflected on his disappointing Australian Open exit, where he lost in a four-set thriller to Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.“I really wanted to win the tournament and felt I was able to but Novak played an unbelievable match,” the 21-year-old said.“Facing Novak in the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam is the worst thing. It was a pretty good match. I have tried to take the good things about that match and will look ahead now.”The two-time Wimbledon champion is into the round of 16 in Rotterdam, a tournament he will want to win, after defeating familiar foe Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6 (3) 3-6 6-1.

Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has explained why a proposed move for Alejandro Garnacho ultimately fell through.The Manchester United forward was heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford during the winter transfer window, with the Serie A side at one point appearing favourites to land his signature.Garnacho has struggled to nail down a starting berth this seasonGettyGarnacho emerged as a major target for the Italian outfit following the departure of star player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain, who entered into negotiations with the Red Devils.Chelsea were also considering making an audacious swoop for the Madrid-born star.Having fallen out of favour after Ruben Amorim’s arrival, the Argentine was reportedly open to leaving the club, with concerns over where he would fit into the new head coach’s system.Ultimately a move never materialised, with Napoli‘s offers falling well below United’s £60-£70million asking price.And sporting director Manna has now revealed that the two sides were unable to reach an agreement due to Garnacho’s steep wage demands.Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said: “Garnacho is a player that we like and we have liked. We discussed and met Garnacho even before Kvara left.“We made an important offer to United, we got very close.“The player wanted to leave the Premier League in January, because in July it’s different, he wanted to be satisfied financially, something that we can’t do at the moment.”Manna explained that Napoli were unprepared to break their wage structure to bring the 20-year-old to Naples.He continued: “We don’t want to and I don’t even think it’s right when there’s an average salary in the dressing room and you put a young player who earns a higher salary.“It’s not right towards the others who are doing important things.”GettyNapoli’s interest in Garnacho intensified after Kvaratskhelia’s £59m departure to PSG[/caption]GettyGarnacho is yet to score under new Man United head coach Ruben Amorim[/caption]According to Capology, Garnacho’s currently earns a weekly salary of £50,000 at Old Trafford.And while this wage would not see him enter into Napoli’s estimated top ten earners, reportedly led by Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, it would appear the winger was targeting a significant pay rise.Rumours that Garnacho was prepared to leave United first emerged after he was dropped by Amorim for the Manchester derby in December, alongside the recently departed Marcus Rashford.Since the Portuguese coach’s arrival in November, he has started in ten of his 19 games in charge, and is yet to score.In January, Amorim admitted that ‘anything could happen’ regarding a potential exit for the young star, with Chelsea and Tottenham also said to be interested in him.Despite ongoing speculation, Garnacho has returned to the fold in recent weeks, starting three of United’s last four league games.Garnacho has scored 23 goals in 122 games in all competitions for the Red DevilsAnd as speculation over his future at the club died down towards the end of the transfer window, Amorim then heaped praise on the youngster for his response to his Manchester derby omission.Speaking in a press conference last week, he said of Garnacho: “He changed right away since that game against Manchester City.“The way he understands things, he understands that I just want to help him and I just want to win games.“He changed in everything – the approach when I talk to him, the way he recovers, he understands sometimes I’m a different coach and that I’m demanding in my way.“Sometimes it’s hard with the first impact because it’s a different type of coach. He understands [now] that it’s never in a bad way – it’s always for him.“I think all the merit is for Garnacho. He is improving and we want to continue to improve with Garnacho.”

L'ex ciclista, 48 anni, aveva fatto perdere le sue tracce da lunedì. Da qui la denuncia della famiglia, prima del lieto fine

A Verano Brianza, prima del match Folgore Caratese-Breno di Serie D, si rivedrà il volo del rapace

Eddie Hearn insists Anthony Joshua vs Martin Bakole is not ‘signed’ despite Ben Shalom claiming otherwise.On Saturday night, following Adam Azim’s victory over Sergey Lipinets at the OVO Wembley Arena, Shalom told talkSPORT that Joshua and Bakole had agreed terms for a blockbuster showdown in Congo.Hearn claims there have been no conversations about Joshua vs BakoleMark Robinson/MatchroomSpeaking to talkSPORT’s Spencer Oliver at ringside, Shalom said: “The promoter of Martin Bakole, that’s what I want to be known as.“The number one heavyweight in the world…“It’s done. I’m hearing he’s signed and we’re off to the Congo.”Bakole then stoked the flames further by reiterating that the match-up was over the line during an appearance on talkSPORT Breakfast on Wednesday morning.However, Joshua’s promoter, Hearn, claims there hasn’t been a single conversation about that fight.“The social media rumour mill is always probably 10 per cent true,” he told the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel.“The latest one, someone sent it to me on Saturday.“‘Bakole-Joshua is done and signed.’ We’ve not had one conversation about that fight.“I’m not ruling it out but it’s not ever been a conversation. I don’t know where that one came from.“I also saw one last night saying Joshua-Wilder is done for June 7. I haven’t had one conversation about that fight.Bakole wants to fight Joshua in CongoGetty“I spoke to AJ yesterday for the first time in a few weeks and he’s actually in really good spirits.“He’s buzzing, he’s doing an Underarmour commercial and back in the swing of training.“So it is my thoughts that we will meet in the next week or so and we will move forward.“His Excellency does like the Deontay Wilder fight.“I think he will be watching extremely closely on February 22 for Dubois against Parker and then we will see what happens with Mr. Fury.”Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh was preparing a lucrative offer for the long-awaited all-British showdown between Joshua and Tyson Fury in 2025.Shalom told talkSPORT Joshua vs Bakole was ‘done’ over the weekendBut those plans were put on hold when Fury announced his retirement.His promoter, Frank Warren, believes Fury has hung up his gloves for good, although Hearn is still holding out hope that he may go back on his decision.“I mean on Tyson Fury, they could phone us today and we could make the fight today,” Hearn added.“Obviously, he is retired at the moment and if he actually is then good luck to him.“But that fight could get made in one phone call. We will see.” Follow talkBOXING on social media talkBOXING is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us on social media for big breaking boxing news, exclusive interviews and the best bits from our talkBOXING YouTube show.Like our Facebook page HERE Follow us on Twitter HERE Sign up for our WhatsApp channel HERE

After signing on loan from Manchester United just days ago, Marcus Rashford’s first-ever Aston Villa shirt is now available to buy.It was announced on Saturday evening that Marcus Rashford had made a shock transfer from his lifelong club Manchester United to Aston Villa.Marcus Rashford signs for Aston Villa on loan and will wear the number 9 shirtInstagram / avfcofficialAston Villa Adidas Home 24/25 Shirt with Rashford printing, £95BUY HEREFans can snap up the Aston Villa Adidas Home 24/25 Shirt with Rashford printing at Fanatics, priced at £95.Made by Adidas, the shirt marks the club’s 150th anniversary with an “AV150” sign-off at the rear of the collar and a classic 3-Stripe motif runs around the collar and shoulders in the club’s classic claret and blue colours.Crafted with AEROREADY technology, this shirt wicks away moisture, meaning it’s perfect for those heated moments as Villa continue their Champions League campaign.At the rear of the shirt, you’ll find Rashford’s name and number 9 printed in contrasting white text.The kit is available in XS – 3XL sizing for men, but Fanatics also offers Women’s sizing and Kids’ sizing complete with Marcus Rashford’s cosign.Both the shirt and the player could even make a debut this weekend as the Lions look to take on Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park for a fourth-round FA Cup clash.Rashford will now play in claret and blue instead of redGetty Images - GettyMarcus Rashford could make his debut against Tottenham Hotspur this weekendGetty Images - GettyAston Villa Adidas Home 24/25 Shirt with Rashford printing, £95.00BUY HEREAfter limited game time amid fallouts with the Red Devils’ latest coach, Rueben Amorin, Rashford made the loan move, saying, “I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me, but Aston Villa was an easy decision.”Following the surprise transfer of Jhon Duran to Al Etihad, Rashford has now inherited the number 9 shirt at the West Midlands-based club.While the 27-year-old has only signed until the end of the season at Aston Villa, there is a £40 million option to buy clause in the contract.Regardless of how long Rashford spends at the club, there is no doubt in my mind that fans of both the player and Aston Villa will be hankering to get their hands on this historic piece of kit.So, don’t miss out and get your hands on Aston Villa’s Adidas Home 24/25 Shirt with Rashford printing while stocks last.For more sports, health and fitness deals and buying guides, check out our dedicated talkSPORT shopping hub.

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw’s return to action has hit a speed bump, talkSPORT understands.The 29-year-old has been hit with a small setback in his recovery process and is expected to miss the Red Devils’ FA Cup fixture against Leicester City on Friday.Shaw can’t catch a break amid another injury setbackGettyHowever, United anticipate Shaw will be back in training next week.The 29-year-old has missed the Red Devils’ last 16 games, with his last appearance coming in a 34-minute cameo against Everton on December 1.All up, Shaw has played a total of just 98 minutes across three games this season for United, with each appearance coming off the bench.Coincidentally, they were the first three games of Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim‘s tenure.But when Shaw was absent from United’s trip to north London for a midweek Premier League clash against Arsenal in December, it sparked fears he had been injured again.Shaw confirmed the unfortunate news in an emotional Instagram post, with the injury believed to be muscular.It was also understood to be a different issue to the calf strain he sustained during pre-season training and kept him sidelined until his first appearance of the season against Ipswich Town on November 24.News of Shaw’s setback comes after star centre-back Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off in the 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday.The Argentine was in tears as he exited the field and is set to be out for the remainder of the season with a suspected torn ACL, talkSPORT understands.It marks the second time Martinez has sustained a major knee injury whilst at United, having been sidelined for eight weeks in February 2024. This was the other knee to Martinez’s recent injury.GettyAmorim will be without Martinez for some time[/caption]Martinez sustained the injury when he came off second-best while challenging for the ball with Palace forward Ismaila Sarr.He immediately signalled to the United bench he was in serious discomfort and needed to be taken off.With Shaw’s setback, Martinez’s injury and Tyrell Malacia allowed to join PSV Eindhoven on loan for the rest of the season, Amorim is light on left-sided defensive options.However, he does have Patrick Dorgu, who United signed for £29million from Serie A side Lecce in the January window.The highly-rated Dane was wanted by Italian giants Napoli and Juventus last summer, but United snapped him up and helped Lecce make their most expensive sale in club history.A left-back who later developed into a left wing-back, Dorgu will be expected to hit the ground running as United technical director Jason Wilcox sung the 20-year-old’s praises.Dorgu could make his United debut as soon as FridayGetty“Patrick is a really exciting talent; his strong defensive and attacking attributes, adaptability and work rate will make him a key part of Ruben Amorim’s squad,” Wilcox said.“Patrick has had a superb start to his career, and at the age of just 20, we know he will continue to develop under the guidance of our excellent coaching team.”Having been paraded in front of the Old Trafford faithful on Sunday ahead of the defeat against Palace, Dorgu could make his United debut on Friday against Leicester in the FA Cup, live on talkSPORT.

talkSPORT have you covered with free horse racing tips and free bets on Thursday’s fixtures at Huntingdon, Doncaster and Ffos Las.Tom Lunn has gone through the cards, form, going and much more to help guide your horse racing betting choices.talksporttalkSPORT BET have you covered with Tom Lunn’s racing tips on all the day’s action![/caption]talkSPORT BET – Bet £10 Get £30 free bets – CLAIM HERE*Thursday racing tipsHUNTINGDON1.45: Califet En Vol 15/8 (1pt)2.20: La Renommee 7/2 (1pt)4.05: Fortune De Mer 4/5 (2pts)DONCASTER2.45: Shanagh Bob 5/1 each-way (1pt)Califet En VolSolid form behind The New Lion at Newbury back in November and more progression is on the cards.That second place has worked out very well too and enough to hope that this horse can go on and win next time out.Trainer Nicky Henderson has been in great form with some of his stars this year and Califet En Vol could be one of them, especially with his form behind the 3/1 shot for the Turner’s Novices’ Hurdle.La RenommeeBrides Hill beat La Renommee in January’s renewal of this listed Mares’ Chase at Huntingdon in 2024.It was an impressive victory confirming her odds-on favourite price.However, on her first run back for this season she failed to deliver the 2/5 price placing third of four behind the same horse and Fantastic Lady.She’s still rated much higher than the rest of the mares and should be a nice price at 5/4, but is she to be trusted after a third place finish?La Renommee won well on return to 2m4f having previously only been at 3m this season, last going over 2m4f here in January 2024.I’ve backed this seven-year-old plenty of times before and given the price, it might be best to back her to put in another huge effort like she often does.Tom Lunn’s Horse Racing P/LFrom November ’24: +64.2ptsFrom May ’24: +218.15ptsFrom July ’23: +430.71ptsFortune De Mer7lb higher than the rest of his rivals due to a win last time out in listed bumper company.He reversed the order from the prior race when placing second to the same horse so clearly should be considered to go well here for the Skeltons.He has the experience over plenty of other rivals and should be able to win this comfortably if he doesn’t bump into a star.Shanagh BobLooked to be one to follow over the longer trips this season but hasn’t quite justified that potential yet, and is now reverting back to hurdles and down in trip to two and a half miles.He’s 5/1 so dropping down to a Class 3 handicap chase is a very attractive price – especially each-way.All odds correct at time of writingtalkSPORT BET – Bet £10 Get £30 free bets – CLAIM HERE*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamCare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet £10+ on Horse Racing at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get 6x £5 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs Apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

Frank Warren insists Tyson Fury is ‘happy’ with life after boxing.‘The Gypsy King’  left fans with their heads in their hands after retiring from the sport for a fourth time last month.Fury hung up his gloves following two consecutive losses to UsykGettyIn doing so, he walked away from the long-awaited all-British showdown with Anthony Joshua while Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh was preparing an offer.Several members of the boxing fraternity believe Fury has merely hung up his gloves as a means of driving up his purse for a lucrative clash against AJ.However, Warren insists money wouldn’t be his primary motivation for returning to the ring.“I’ve not bothered him and I’ve certainly not spoken to him about fighting again,” Fury’s promoter told the Ariel and Ade show on Tuesday.“And if he does, that’s got to be his choice. He’s a very, very wealthy guy, he’s made a serious amount of money.“He doesn’t need, financially, to fight. If he does fight, it’s because he’s got a fighting heart.“Obviously he’ll get well paid if he does fight. But he’s got a fighting heart.”Fury walked away from boxing after back-to-back losses at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk.The Ukrainian slickster edged past Fury in a tight inaugural encounter via split decision in May 2024 before widening the margin to a unanimous decision victory in their December rematch.Three weeks later, Fury took to social media to announce his retirement, and Warren isn’t expecting his client’s stance to change.Warren doesn’t expect Fury to reverse his retirementGetty“Can he walk away from the sport? He says he has,” Warren added.“And at this moment in time, he said to me, he’s really in a good place and that he’s very happy.“And that, for me, is important that he is happy and that he’s in a good place. He’s been one of the best two heavyweights of the 21st century.“And I just want him now to enjoy his family and his life. He had a hard year last year.“Three training camps one after another, one fight got cancelled because he got the cut eye.“He needs now to go enjoy his life and enjoy being with his family, which is what he’s doing.” Follow talkBOXING on social media talkBOXING is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us on social media for big breaking boxing news, exclusive interviews and the best bits from our talkBOXING YouTube show.Like our Facebook page HERE Follow us on Twitter HERE Sign up for our WhatsApp channel HERE

Tottenham could become Mohamed Salah’s favourite opponents on Thursday night.The Liverpool forward will face Spurs at Anfield in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.Salah could reach a personal milestone against SpursGettyGettySpurs lead the semi-final following last month’s first leg[/caption]Salah will be key to his side’s chances of overturning their first leg deficit.Spurs won last month’s opening leg 1-0 in north London thanks to Lucas Bergvall’s late strike.However, the contest remains in the balance ahead of the second 90 minutes on Merseyside.It could also prove to be a historic night for Salah if he can get on the scoresheet more than once.The 32-year-old currently has 14 goals in 22 matches against Spurs during his career.Only Manchester United have conceded more goals to Salah, with the Egyptian scoring 16 times against the Red Devils.His strikes against Spurs have come for Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina and Liverpool, including two goals in the Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December.Salah also scored against Thursday’s opponents at Anfield back in May.A brace on Thursday night would see Spurs tied with United as his favourite opponents, whilst a hat-trick would move them clear by one goal.As well as his scoring record, Salah has also won 13 of his 22 meetings with Spurs, losing only four times in total.GettySalah has scored 14 goals against Spurs in his career[/caption]The Liverpool star was frustrated in the first legGettyThe winner of the tie will face either Newcastle or Arsenal in the final at Wembley Stadium on March 16.Salah has been in devastating form under Arne Slot in what could be his final season at Anfield.In 33 appearances across all competitions, the former Roma forward has scored 25 goals and provided 17 assists.However, those include just one goal in his three Carabao Cup matches this term.He is expected to start once again, with Trent Alexander-Arnold the only notable injury absentee for Slot.Meanwhile, Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have all recently returned to full fitness in another boost for the Reds.

Il casting del Milan per quello che sarà l’allenatore del prossimo anno: nel mirino di Ibrahimovic ci sono due allenatori italiani sulla cresta dell’onda Il Milan ha fatto la voce grossa sul mercato, portando a casa una serie di rinforzi che hanno reso la rosa più competitiva e, soprattutto, più adatta alle idee di Sergio ... Leggi tutto Questo articolo Milan, dopo gli acquisti l’allenatore: due italiani stuzzicano Ibra è comparso nella sua versione originale, prima sul sito SerieANews.

The Kansas City Chiefs can make NFL history with an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl triumph.Patrick Mahomes takes on the Philadelphia Eagles after reaching the season finale for the fifth time in six years.GettyMahomes is carrying the weight of history on his shoulders[/caption]Their potential accomplishment already has been branded the three-peat — a phrase which has been uttered countless times this season.Mahomes and Co. have been trying to downplay it, insisting that they are taking things one game at a time so as not to get ahead of themselves.But just days out from the showdown in New Orleans, a report claims the Chiefs have been caught looking beyond the Eagles.Legendary NBA coach Pat Riley trademarked the phrase three-peat at the start of the 1988-89 season after winning consecutive championships.His team, which featured all-time greats Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, was swept 4-0 by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals but four seasons after losing to Detroit, his foresight paid off.Riley reportedly ‘owns six trademarks to various forms of Three Peat,’ meaning he has the rights to use it on everything from jewelry to backpacks and beverages.Riley cashed in as Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won a third straight title in 1993.MJ did it again between 1996 and 1998 and the former Lakers boss was also rewarded by the New York Yankees’ third consecutive MLB triumph in 2002 – the year Los Angeles finally sealed its own treble with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.A report from cllct.com says Riley has struck a deal with the Chiefs for the use of the phrase if they can beat the Eagles.Riley’s attorney, John Aldrich, claimed any royalties would be paid to the Pat Riley Family Foundation.GettyJohnson’s Lakers fell one series short of a three-peat[/caption]GettyJalen Hurts and the Eagles stand in the Chiefs’ way[/caption]A source within the licensing industry told cllct that licensees usually pay a 10 to 15 percent royalty on the wholesale price.As Philadelphia’s coaches and players look for any extra motivation — they may have just found it.They will now be hoping Chiefs fans ignore Travis Kelce‘s warning from 2023.It has become a playoff tradition for rivals to dress up the iconic statue of one of Philadelphia’s favorite sons, Rocky Balboa.Down the years, Rocky has sported the colors of the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.The Eagles won every contest, but Washington Commanders followers didn’t listen and dressed up the fictional boxer’s statue anyway. Read More on Super Bowl LIX Follow LIVE build-up to Super Bowl LIX here ‘Global intention’ – NFL commissioner stuns fans with announcement new team based outside of United States ‘I’m out there with him’ – Travis Kelce told brother Jason he will quit NFL if Chiefs coach Andy Reid decides to retire ‘Stupidest thing I’ve done’ – Die-hard Eagles fan Kevin Hart was rejected by security trying to drunkenly storm Super Bowl stage Patrick Mahomes vs Tom Brady after first seven years as a starter reveals there’s only one winner in quarterback debate Who is performing the Super Bowl halftime show and who will be singing the National Anthem? How to follow Super Bowl 2025 – TV channel, live streaming and talkSPORT coverage for NFL showpiece FOLLOW – talkSPORT End Zone YouTube Channel brings you all the latest news, views and analysis OFFER – See all Super Bowl odds and bet boosts over at talkSPORT BET BUY HERE – Brewdog launches new beer to celebrate Super Bowl 2025That didn’t work out well for them as Saquon Barkley torched their team for 60 yards on the first offensive play of a crushing win to set up a trip to New Orleans.After watching the Niners lose the NFC Championship in 2023, Kelce had seen enough.“Right now, Chiefs (fans), do not touch the f****** Rocky memorial,” he said on his ‘New Heights’ podcast.“Do not do that, alright? Definitely don’t put an 87 on there. Do not do that.”The Chiefs fanbase took note and went on to claim the Vince Lombardi Trophy over Jalen Hurts‘ Eagles — the first of their back-to-back titles.With the three-peat on the line, Philadelphia fans may decide to take matters into their own hands.Travis’ brother Jason — one of the best players ever to represent the Eagles — thinks the statue hijinks might be an inside job.“I am convinced there is a Philadelphia fan who is putting these shirts on the Rocky statue just to get everybody all fired up, and it’s working,” he said on New Heights. “It’s working tremendously, so keep doing it.”Follow our brand new talkSPORT NFL page on Facebook as we bring you all the build-up to the Super Bowl, plus live coverage

Wigan take on Fulham in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon as the 4th Round presents some interesting ties between Premier League and EFL sides.Wigan vs Fulham best betFulham over 2.5 goals – 6/5 on Paddy PowerWigan vs Fulham oddsFind the latest match odds for Wigan vs Fulham on Paddy Power. Odds are subject to change.Wigan – 10/1Draw – 5/1Fulham – 1/5Get free bets on the football action!Wigan vs Fulham predictionThis is the first ever FA Cup meeting between Wigan and Fulham, where the hosts have won both of their previous cup games in the League Cup in both December 2002 and September 2003.Fulham are unbeaten in the last 19 meetings in all competitions against Wigan though, winning eight and drawing as many as 11 which does seem to be a solid bet for this upcoming clash.The FA Cup is made for this kind of clash and Wigan have won the FA Cup before, beating Man City at Wembley Stadium in the 2012/13 season.They remain the last team below the Premier League to have won the FA Cup with Arsenal, Man United, Chelsea, Man City and Leicester winning the last 11 years.Fulham have gone through 14 of their last 16 FA Cup ties against lower divisions though, including each of their last five.Wigan have lost three FA Cup games against Premier League opponents and their last win was in the fifth round of the competition in the 2017/18 season.Wigan vs Fulham betting tipWigan are a huge price to beat the strong Premier League side that Fulham have become recently.The Latics sit down in 16th position down in League One far down from Fulham’s 9th in the Premier League.The games have come thick and fast recently which could mean Fulham put out a lesser side against Wigan, resting a few key players.However, their next game is against Forest the week after so they should put out a fairly strong side with just a handful of changes.Meaning Fulham could be convincing winners away from home against the former FA Cup champions.Fulham over 2.5 goals – 6/5 on Paddy PowerHow to watch Wigan vs FulhamLocation: DW Stadium, Wigan, England.Date & Time: Saturday, 8th February 2025, 3pm.TV Channel: N/A.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

Former Premier defender Nicky Hunt revealed the gruelling details of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United debut.In August 2003 Sir Alex Ferguson green lit the signing of Ronaldo for £12m from Sporting Lisbon, a then record for a teenager in England.Ronaldo scored 103 Premier League goals for Man UnitedAFPAnd on 16 August the winger made his debut as a substitute in a 4-0 home win over Sam Allardyce‘s Bolton Wanderers.Ronaldo was matched up against Nicky Hunt who played right-back.Speaking on Ronaldo’s birthday today, Hunt told talkSPORT: “Making your debut at Old Trafford, it’s something you dream about.“There was speculation about this wonderkid that Man United and Alex Ferguson had signed.“He came on at 1-0 and the rest they say is history after that. “That’s the only way to stop him, foul him. I think I hit him twice in the first five minutes and he just brushed it off and got straight back up.“I was in for a tough 25 minutes. When you’ve hit somebody as hard as you can and they just stand back up and give you a little wink as to say yeah is that all you got.”The Red Devils won that game 4-0 thanks to a brace from Ryan Giggs, one goal from Paul Scholes and another from Ruud van Nistelrooij.During the 2003/04 campaign Ronaldo appeared 29 times for Man United in the Premier League and netted 4 goals.It would take him until the 2006/07 season to net double figures, when he scored 17 in 34 league appearances.Ronaldo also won three league titles under Sir Alex FergusonGettyAn improvement testament to the hard work Ronaldo put in as Hunt said.“In my era when I was playing there were players who got to the training ground early before anybody else but not at 6am like Ronaldo did at Manchester United,” he proclaimed. “That just separated him from everybody else.”An attitude and habit that led the Portuguese international to being arguably the best player of all time alongside Lionel Messi.A comparison thanks to his later move to Real Madrid where he stayed for nine years, before a stint at Juventus and return to Manchester United in 2021.He currently is still playing professional football in top condition at Saudi Arabia club Al-Nassr.“Each time I came up against him, he did get better,” continued Hunt.  Ronaldo career stats Sporting Lisbon (2002-03): 31 games – 5 goals Man United (2003-09) and (2021-22): 346 games – 145 goals Real Madrid (2009-18): 438 games – 450 goals Juventus (2018-2021): 134 games – 101 goals Al Nassr (2023-): 89 games – 81 goalsRonaldo had his best season at Man United from 2007 to 2008 when he secured the golden boot with 31 goals.A season which earned him his first Ballon d’Or. An award to add alongside his Champions League, three league titles, two league cups and an FA Cup at Man United.The former Bolton player detailed: “He was predominantly right footed so I’d show him down the line on his left. That’s the only thing you can do against a player like that. Just show him into the bodies where we have three in midfield compared to Man United’s two. “Try and get help from your teammates because you know It’ll be difficult to mark him 1v1.”An opinion held by the majority of full-backs unlucky enough to face off against Ronaldo.

The fourth round of the FA Cup takes place this weekend, kicking off on Friday night with Manchester United hosting Leicester at Old Trafford in an all Premier League clash.Betfred are offering new customers £50 in free bets when they bet £10 on any of the action, an offer which can be claimed by following this link*.BETFREDNew customers can bet £10 and get £50 in free bets with Betfred[/caption]BETFRED: Bet £10 and get £50 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*Manchester United head into their FA Cup fourth round clash having seen their three-match winning streak come to an abrupt end with a 2-0 defeat at home against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled in the Premier League of late, winning just two of their last eight matches which has left the Red Devils struggling down in 13th place, five points off the top half of the table heading into the final third of the season.The Manchester side have fared better in the cup competitions though, finishing third out of 36 in the Europa League to seal their place in the last 16, and started their FA Cup title defence with a penalty shoot out victory against Arsenal at the Emirates. Are you ready to play at the best football betting sites?Leicester make the trip to Old Trafford having lost eight of their last nine Premier League matches, a run which has seen Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side drop back into the relegation zone, currently two points adrift of safety.The Foxes have lost 13 of their last 18 matches in all competitions, and face Arsenal in their next league game after Friday night’s FA Cup bout with defending champions Manchester United, with the club needing results quickly to avoid an instant relegation back to the Championship.The East Midlands side lifted the FA Cup trophy for the first time in their history under Brendan Rodgers back in 2021, but have an up and down time since, reaching a European semi final the next season, being relegated the following year before earning promotion back to the top flight in 2024.Manchester United have won each of their last four games against Leicester, and have already met twice this season having also been drawn against each other in the Carabao Cup, and on both occasions the Red Devils were managed by the current Foxes boss on a caretaker basis following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.How to watch Manchester United v LeicesterLocation: Old Trafford, ManchesterDate and time: Friday 7th February 2025, 8pmHow to watch: ITV1, STV, ITVX, STV PlayerBetfred – Bet £10 get £50 in Free Bets – CLAIM HERE*Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamCare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.begambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.

Things are looking good for tennis star Alex de Minaur both on and off the court.After recent getting engaged to British No.1 Katie Boulter, he’s now impressive with a new look physique.GettyThe current world No.8 has been put himself through a brutal body transformation which appears to be paying off[/caption]The Australian has been going through a body transformation in hope of improving his performance and it’s fair to say that his commitment is paying off.De Minaur is now sporting a ripped physique which was clearly visible as recently as last month’s Australian Open.Fans were quick to flock to social media to comment on the star’s impressive new look.The 25-year-old has shown clear signs of an increase in muscle mass – an aspect of his frame that he had vowed to change.Last year, he revealed that he had added around seven kilograms of muscle to his body over the past three years.He recently said: “Each year is different. You look at the year as a whole. What you want to work on, what you want to improve.“This year we are trying to bulk up, put on a little more muscle to get more strength and more speed on my serve and groundstrokes, all these things. It is all combined. I don’t diversify my training in any way. I do everything every day.“At the start of pre-season, (I was spending) 2.5 to three hours in the gym, then two hours on the court afterwards. Essentially, depending on the day, you might double up on some sessions.“Normally, in week one or week two, you do a lot more training and essentially get to the point where you don’t want to wake up in the morning, because you don’t want to deal with what is ahead of you.”His new-found strength has had a positive impact on his serve and the stats are there to prove it.De Minaur initially set out his objective to add more muscle to his frameGettyGettyHis recent look is testament to the work he has put in off the court[/caption]At the 2018 Australian Open his average serve speed came in at 167kph on his first serve and 147kmph on his second.Whereas, at the recent United Cup, he served at an average of 204kph on his first serve and 167kph on his second.“Physically, I’ve gained a lot of muscle, a lot of strength,” he told reporters at last year’s French Open. “My groundstrokes are not probably best suited for clay, I don’t play with too many revolutions on the ball, that’s where the strength comes in.“It allows me to maintain a pretty strong average rally ball that helps me hurt my opponents and not get pushed around. I think in the past, when I was a little bit lighter, I definitely felt like the bigger, stronger guys could really push me around and bully me around the court.”Off the court, De Minaur and Boulter have been in a relationship for close to five years.The pair announced their engagement in an Instagram post in December alongside the caption: “We’ve been keeping a small secret.”Boulter is De Minaur’s biggest support when he pair are on tourkatiecboulterThe pair announced their engagement in December[/caption]De Minaur recently admitted that while getting to grips with the demands of being a top sportsman has posed its challenges, Boulter has helped him relax away from the court.“It definitely does help the weeks that I’m with Katie. It makes it a lot easier to be so far away from home. They are long stints,” he told the ATP.“I mean, a lot of time on the road. For me, it’s quite important to try to do stuff wherever we are.”Asked what the pair get up to in their free time, the world No. 8 added: “It is important to try and go out for dinners, go out for coffees, try to make life as normal as you can. And enjoy the time with the people you have.“Whether it’s friends, whether it’s players, your own team. For me, that’s the best way to make time go quicker in these long stints.“Because ultimately there’s the tennis side of things, it’s always going to be intense and stressful and a lot of focus needed for that, but as soon as you step off the court, try to immerse yourself in the different cities, the different activities, restaurants, coffees, and just live as much of a normal life as you can.”

Corinthians and Netherlands forward Memphis Depay has been handed a four-month suspended prison sentence for drink driving.The former Manchester United No.7 didn’t attend his sentencing at the Monaco Criminal Court on Tuesday morning, or opt to send a lawyer to represent him.Depay is currently playing in Brazil after impressing at Euro 2024GettyThe incident took place on August 6, 2024 at 5:38am when Depay was stopped in his Rolls Royce for ‘risky driving’ according to the Monaco public prosecutor’s office.Monaco-Matin reports that he was stopped by the police at the Place d’Armes and they requested a breathalyzer test which showed he had an alcohol level of 1.01mg per liter of exhaled air, or more than 2g of alcohol per liter of blood.Along with the four-month suspended prison sentence, Depay was handed a €9000 fine and banned from driving in Monaco for two years.RMC Sport add that this is harsher than the usual required sentence of a one-month suspended prison sentence, €2000 fine and ban from driving in Monaco for six months.The 30-year-old, who apologised at the time of his arrest, now has two weeks to appeal the decision.Depay is known to be a car fanatic, and once got himself in trouble for driving to a United reserve game in a Rolls Royce.At the time of his arrest, Depay was a free agent having mutually agreed to terminate his two-and-a-half-year contract with Atletico Madrid a year early.Depay previously played at Barcelona where he won LaLiga, and also Lyon in France.Before that, Manchester United signed him from his first professional club, PSV Eindhoven, for £25million in 2015.Depay was signed by countryman Louis van Gaal but after seven goals in 45 games he featured only eight times under Jose Mourinho the following campaign and eventually left.Depay is currently playing for CorinthiansGettyDepay arrived at United with big expectations but Mourinho wasn’t a fanGetty Images - GettyDespite his well-travelled playing career, Depay has been a reliable asset for the Netherlands national team, scoring an impressive 46 goals in his 98 caps, featuring in two World Cups and two European Championships.With iconic Brazilian side Corinthians since September, Depay scored seven in 14 in his first half a season, finishing seventh in the league while making the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil and Copa Sudamerica.

The NBA’s trade deadline threatened to come and go without fuss but has now become one of the most memorable in history.The dust is still settling on the sport after Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis were swapped in an earth-shattering trade last weekend.LeBron addressed criticism that the trade does not suit himGettySlovenian star Doncic has headed west to join the Los Angeles Lakers in California, with his rival replacing him at the Dallas Mavericks.News of the shock deal sent the basketball world into meltdown, with it marking the first time that two reigning All-NBA players have been traded for each other midseason.The fallout has been equally immense, with even LeBron James having to answer questions on his future following Doncic’s arrival.With Jimmy Butler’s situation remaining unresolved in Miami, it’s no hyperbole to suggest the 2025 trade deadline could be one of the most consequential in NBA history.When is the NBA Trade Deadline?The 2025 NBA trade deadline is on Thursday, February 6.It will close at 3pm Eastern Time, which will be an hour earlier for Central Time, and 8pm for UK fans.After the deadline, trades are no longer permitted during the season.A player must be waived on or before March 1 in order to retain his postseason eligibility for a new NBA team, with the exception being those on a 10-day contract.Stars placed on waivers then have until the final day of the regular season (April 13) to sign for their new team to feature in the playoffs.The 2025 NBA Draft will be held across June 25-26.Doncic is being traded to the Lakers, while Davis will head to the MavsGetty2025 NBA trade deadline trackerCharlotte HornetsAcquired: Phoenix 2029 second-round pick.Traded: Denver 2030 second-round pick.Chicago BullsAcquired: Guard Tre Jones, forward Kevin Huerter, center Zach Collins and a 2025 first-round pick.Traded: Guard Zach LaVine and Sacramento’s 2028 second-round pick.Waived: Guard Chris Duarte and forward Torrey Craig.The Bulls acquired Huerter, Collins and Jones (pictured) in a three-team dealGettyDallas MavericksAcquired: Guard Max Christie, forwards Anthony Davis and Caleb Martin, Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick and cash.Traded: Guards Luka Doncic and Quentin Grimes, forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, Philadelphia’s 2025 second-round pick, and Dallas’ 2025 second-round pick.Los Angeles ClippersAcquired: Guard Patrick Mills and center Drew Eubanks.Traded: Forward PJ Tucker, center Mo Bamba, and 2030 second-round pick and cash.Doncic and Davis are part of one of the biggest trades in NBA historyGettyLos Angeles LakersAcquired: Guard Luka Doncic, forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris and cash.Traded: Guards Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino, forward Anthony Davis, a 2029 first-round pick and LA Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick.Oklahoma City ThunderAcquired: Denver’s 2030 second-round pick.Traded: Phoenix’s 2029 second-round pick.Philadelphia 76ersAdded: Guard Quentin Grimes, Mavericks’ 2025 second-round pick.Traded: Forward Caleb Martin.Sacramento KingsAcquired: Guards Sidy Cissoko and Zach LaVine, Charlotte’s 2025 first-round pick (protected 1-14), San Antonio’s 2027 first-round pick, Minnesota’s 2031 first-round pick, Chicago’s 2025 second-round pick, Denver’s 2028 second-round pick (protected 31-33) and 2028 Sacramento’s second-round pick.Traded: Guards De’Aaron Fox and Jordan McLaughlin and forward Kevin Huerter.The Kings landed LaVine and, three first-round draft picksGettySan Antonio SpursAcquired: Guards De’Aaron Fox and Jordan McLaughlin.Traded: Guards Sidy Cissoko and Tre Jones, center Zach Collins, Chicago’s 2025 first-round pick, Charlotte’s 2025 first-round pick (protected 1-14), a 2027 first-round pick, Minnesota’s 2031 first-round pick, Chicago’s 2025 second-round pick and Denver’s 2028 second-round pick (protected Nos. 31-33).Utah JazzAcquired: Guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, forward PJ Tucker, LA Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick, Dallas’ 2025 second-round pick, LA Clippers’s 2030 second-round pick and cash.Traded: Guard Patrick Mills, center Drew Eubanks and cash.

The San Francisco 49ers have a huge decision to make this offseason.The Niners made the Super Bowl in 2024 and had expectations of returning to the big game this year.Many of the 49ers’ best players, including Christian McCaffrey, were injured for most of this seasonGettyBut that optimism quickly faded as injuries decimated their roster and they limped to last place in the NFC West with a 6-11 record, missing out on the playoffs.Now, they’re at a crossroads with quarterback Brock Purdy, who’s in line for a very tidy payday.Purdy was the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, earning himself the nickname “Mr. Irrelevant”.But “Mr. Irrelevant” soon became “Mr. Relevant”, leading the 49ers to two NFC championships and one Super Bowl appearance before missing out on this year’s postseason.Purdy has been one of the biggest bargains in the league over the past few seasons, playing on a rookie contract which has paid him less than $1 million per year.However, he is now eligible for a contract extension, and all reports suggest he is looking to be among the highest, if not the highest, paid quarterback in the league.Some estimates have Purdy receiving up to $60 million a year, more than Super Bowl LIX quarterbacks Jalen Hurts ($51m per year) and Patrick Mahomes ($45m per year), and level with the NFL’s highest paid signal caller, Dak Prescott.NFL legend Shannon Sharpe reacted to those reports, making it clear he’d be unwilling to part with that much cash for a player of Purdy’s talents.“Hell nah,” Sharpe said on his Nightcap podcast.“All I know is, I’m not getting him [Purdy] anywhere near $50 million a year.“I’d give you about $35-40 million.Shannon Sharpe doesn’t think Purdy is worth $50m a yearYouTube@NightcapShow_The Niners have a big decision to make with several other stars also commanding big contractsGettyCo-host Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson countered Sharpe’s point, suggesting the Niners may have no choice but to pay Purdy the money.“You have no-one to replace him,” Johnson pointed out. “You have no choice.”“That quarterback position is very important,” he added.“Sometimes if you want it bad enough, you will overpay for it.”“I’m not paying him no $50 million,” Sharpe responded. “That ain’t happening.” Read More on Super Bowl LIX Follow LIVE build-up to Super Bowl LIX here ‘Global intention’ – NFL commissioner stuns fans with announcement new team based outside of United States ‘I’m out there with him’ – Travis Kelce told brother Jason he will quit NFL if Chiefs coach Andy Reid decides to retire ‘Stupidest thing I’ve done’ – Die-hard Eagles fan Kevin Hart was rejected by security trying to drunkenly storm Super Bowl stage Patrick Mahomes vs Tom Brady after first seven years as a starter reveals there’s only one winner in quarterback debate Who is performing the Super Bowl halftime show and who will be singing the National Anthem? How to follow Super Bowl 2025 – TV channel, live streaming and talkSPORT coverage for NFL showpiece FOLLOW – talkSPORT End Zone YouTube Channel brings you all the latest news, views and analysis OFFER – See all Super Bowl odds and bet boosts over at talkSPORT BET BUY HERE – Brewdog launches new beer to celebrate Super Bowl 2025A five-year extension could see Purdy receive a $300 million payday.Giving that much money to a quarterback who keeps getting elbow injuries for a 49ers team that is already facing injury issues, chemistry problems, and other large contracts could prove problematic.If Purdy is signed to a contract that will pay him north of $60 million annually, there might not be enough to go around for everyone else.The 49ers are already one of the deepest teams in football.But you can’t pay everyone, with the likes of Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk all commanding serious fees of their own.Chiefs quarterback Mahomes is earning $45m a year after restructuring his dealGettyPurdy has had injury issues of his ownGettyHence the organization being at a crossroads, as explained by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero on The Rich Eisen Show.“He’s eligible for a contract extension starting at the end of the regular season, which is in all likelihood going to be the end of the season as a whole for the 49ers,” Pelissero said.“Next year is a contract year. If a deal is going to get done, I would anticipate it is at the top of the quarterback market for all the reasons I just said.“That’s Dak’s (Prescott) number. That is $60 million per year. “Are the 49ers willing to go to that, or are they going to be in a situation where you could have a standoff with your starting quarterback into the offseason?“Based upon his production, based on the playoff success, I’m sure he feels like he deserves to be paid at the top of the market.”Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is the highest paid player in the NFL at $60m a yearGettyPurdy reportedly wants to have his new deal done before training camp.The 49ers, meanwhile, refer to draw out negotiations in the hope of finding a win-win for players and the organization.Pro Football Talk’s Chris Simms’ believes that the 49ers need to play hardball if they’re to get bang for their buck on Purdy.Outwardly, at least, the franchise is calm about the situation, with 49ers general manager John Lynch recently speaking about the ongoing negotiations between both parties.Lynch said: “I think what we know about Brock is that he’s our guy. We have interest in Brock being around here for a long, long time.“He’s done so much for our organization; he’s won big games and had a little tougher task as we all did this year with some of the things that happened throughout the course of the year.“We just never could string games where we were all together and through that, he continued to lead, he continued to play at a high level, so we have every interest in him being around.“We’ll have some time here in the coming weeks to sit together and put our whole plan together.“That’s obviously a priority, that position, and we’ll give it that attention.”Follow our brand new talkSPORT NFL page on Facebook as we bring you all the build-up to the Super Bowl, plus live coverage

A star-studded line-up of athletes dominate the Met Gala committee this year.The annual fashion event aims to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and celebrities form part of a committee whose job it is to ensure the objectives are met.Angel Reese has opened up on her love of fashion in the pastAngel Reese will make a WNBA-first after she beat out basketball stars like Caitlin Clark to become the first female player to be on the Met Gala committee.The 22-year-old has rocketed to fame in the last 18 months after her initial breakthrough in April 2023 when she won the NCAA championship after beating Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the March Madness finalReese and Clark have both enjoyed immense success off the court.Indiana Fever star Clark was recently selected as TIME’s Athlete of the Year, while Chicago Sky forward Reese was featured on the cover of Vogue last month.However, it’s Reese who gets the nod for prestigious role as a committee member at the world’s biggest fashion event.The WNBA star will join Olympic track star Sha’Carri Richardson and seven-time gold-medalist Simon Biles on the celeb-filled panel.Meanwhile, NBA great LeBron James takes the role as honorary chair, and is joined by Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton as one of the four co-chairs.The announcement marks the return of the host committee tradition, which was binned for the last few years, but is back for the 2025 edition.The Gala, which will be held on May 5, follows a theme of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.“The Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition will present a cultural and historical examination of the Black dandy, from the figure’s emergence in Enlightenment Europe during the 18th century to today’s incarnations in cities around the world,” according to the Met.Lewis Hamilton, the seven time F1 champion and current Ferrari driver, will also be on the Meta Gala CommitteeLakers star James will be the honorary chair of the Met Gala CommitteeGettyThe cost of attending the biggest fashion event of the year is set to reach new highs, with reports suggesting a solo ticket costs $75,000, while a table is yours for $275,000.Each year, the Gala tends to keep its official guest list under wraps, allowing for surprises each time when the celebrities walk the red carpet.With athletes dominating the committee, we can expect to see even more of the world’s biggest sports star at the event.Other sports figures in the past have appeared at the Met Gala with Serena Williams, Dwyane Wade and Ben Simmons all spotted on the red carpet in the past.The photos taken of the celebrities walking up the staircase leading into the museum in elaborate outfits often go viral with some wild designs taking center stage in the past.The fashion and fundraising event consistently brings in eight-figure sums for the institute with large donations from the celebrities attending.In 2024, the Met Gala hauled in a record sum of more than $26 million. Reese, James, Hamilton and other stars will now be tasked with breaking the record again this year.

Former heavyweight world title challenger Alexander Povetkin is set to have 10 years’ worth of results wiped from his record.This comes after a drug probe uncovered the previously unreported presence of a banned substance in the Russian’s system.Povetkin challenged Klitschko and Joshua for the unified heavyweight world titlesGettyThe 45-year-old, who retired from professional boxing in 2021, tested positive for the Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) Ostarine in 2016 and received a one-year ban from the sport before returning to compete in several lucrative fights against Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte and David Price.However, a further investigation into systematic doping in Russian sports by the International Testing Agency (ITA) uncovered that Povetkin had also tested positive for Ostarine back in 2014.As a result, he has been slapped with a four-year ‘period of ineligibility’ while a decade’s worth of wins will be scrapped from his and his opponent’s records.Povetkin’s ban started on October 21, 2024 and will be in place until October 20, 2028.A statement from the ITA read: “After being notified of the case and informed of his procedural rights, the athlete decided not to challenge the anti-doping rule violation.“In addition, the athlete’s results from October 25 2014 until the start of the athlete’s provisional suspension on October 21 2024 have been disqualified, including the results obtained during a boxing match held on the night of October 24/25 2014.”The fight the statement is referring to is a 10th-round knockout win over Carlos Takam at the Luzhniki Palace of Sports in Moscow, Russia.Other boxers that will see their records improve are Hughie Fury, Mariusz Wach, Christian Hammer, Price, and Whyte, who all lost to Povetkin during the period in question.Whyte was famously knocked out by Povetkin in August 2020 by a booming left uppercut.At the time, ‘The Bodysnatcher’ was the WBC ‘interim’ title holder, and a victory would have secured an immediate shot at then-champion Tyson Fury.The Russian famously knocked out Whyte in 2020However, that result will be wiped following a drug probeMark Robinson/MatchroomThe stoppage loss delayed the all-British showdown, but Whyte got his revenge in the rematch by finishing his adversary in the fifth stanza, thus earning him his long-awaited clash with Fury.Whyte’s defeat to Povetkin in their inaugural encounter stands as one of only three losses in his professional career.But as a result of the investigation, his record is set to change from 31-3 to 31-2.Povetkins’s record, meanwhile, reads 36-3-1 at present.However, it is due to look very different in the coming months while his achievements, which include an Olympic gold at Athens 2004 and a WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title (2011 to 2013) will be marred by the ITA’s recent findings. Follow talkBOXING on social media talkBOXING is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us on social media for big breaking boxing news, exclusive interviews and the best bits from our talkBOXING YouTube show.Like our Facebook page HERE Follow us on Twitter HERE Sign up for our WhatsApp channel HERE

Andy Ruiz is back in the gym but his latest training footage has failed to spark the imagination of boxing fans.Ruiz fought Jarrell Miller in August 2024 ending a two-year hiatus from the ring, but it didn’t end well as he was perhaps fortunate to secure a draw against his heavyweight rival.Instagram - Andy RuizRuiz is back in the gym[/caption]The Mexican showed off a swollen hand at the final bell, and it was revealed afterwards that he had suffered a hand injury and faced an extended lay-off from the ring.Ruiz has fought just three times, including his draw with Miller, since his rematch defeat to Anthony Joshua in 2021, and was hoping to have an active period.But he looked a shadow of his lightning quick former self, and many bemoaned his lack of conditioning to face Miller.He is still determined to have a big 2025 however, confirming his injury is now healed.And the 35-year-old has now returned to the gym already just two days after his update.He posted training footage of himself crashing the heavy bag, his first punches since recovering from injury.But fans were left unimpressed by the workout footage, with one writing: “Wow, he’s finished.”One remarked: “Bro never stays in shape lol, looks far from optimum weight.”A fan continued: “Absolute wasted talent! What’s he had, about 3 fights since the Joshua win about 6 [sic] years ago?One comment even added: “Ruiz fight highlights are just him on a bag in the gym.Instagram - Andy RuizRuiz is back hitting a punch bag just two days after being cleared following injury[/caption]“Biggest opportunity squandered ever in modern day heavyweight boxing.”Others were less concerned, with one writing: “That’s that dark horse in the heavyweight division mark my words.”Another added: “Him and Deontay Wilder would be a good comeback fight.”While a final fan concluded: “Wanna see him rematch Miller, was beating him easily until he broke his hand.”Ruiz now has an uncertain future but will want to get his name back in the mix again, given the current depth of talent in the heavyweight landscape.A rematch with Miller is likely now off the cards despite the controversial decision.Ruiz hopes to have a big future ahead in 2025GettyRuiz could still be given an opportunity to prove his worth against some big names including Wilder.His former coach Manny Robles insists he needs to push himself towards any opportunities, including the high-profile cards in Saudi Arabia.“I think he would fight in this Saudi Arabia world title mix,” Robles said. “But where is Andy? That is the question.“I haven’t spoken to him or seen him in years. I have no idea what Andy is up to in all honesty.“But he should come back and take advantage of this opportunity that has been given to all the heavyweight fighters.“The opportunity to fight in Saudi Arabia and get in the mix, all these great heavyweight champions fighting each other.“A loss should not determine the career of a fighter, I don’t think he should be judged by that defeat.” Follow talkBOXING on social media talkBOXING is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us on social media for big breaking boxing news, exclusive interviews and the best bits from our talkBOXING YouTube show.Like our Facebook page HERE Follow us on Twitter HERE Sign up for our WhatsApp channel HERE

Taylor Swift’s romance with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce was the biggest non-football story of last season.What started out as an internet rumor quickly developed into the world’s hottest power couple, with Swift becoming a regular fixture at Arrowhead Stadium as she continues to cheer on her superstar tight end boyfriend.Swift has become a good luck charm for the Chiefs cheering on KelceGettyThe Grammy-award-winning superstar has been at 21 Chiefs’ games over the past two seasons, and has become quite the good luck charm.That run includes a brilliant playoff performance last year that culminated with a Super Bowl victory during former Eagles fan Swift’s first official year as a Chiefs fan.In games Tay Tay has attended this season, the Chiefs have gone a perfect 9-0 to take their record to 18-3 overall.Now, they’re into the Super Bowl on February 9, chasing an unprecedented three-peat with nothing but Philly standing in their way.Win or lose in the upcoming big game, Swift has gained legions of new football fans, and it appears Patrick Mahomes‘ dad is one of them.Patrick Mahomes Sr — who played in MLB for the New York Mets — outed himself as a Swiftie when asked about the singer last year.However, he’s not so much a fan of her music, rather, he just thinks she’s a great person.When asked in an interview about her relationship with Kelce, Mahomes Sr said of Swift, “She’s down to earth.”The elder Mahomes then recounted how he once introduced himself to her, but she already knew who he was after watching Netflix’s Quarterback docuseries, which follows his quarterback son and two other NFL signal callers during the 2022-23 season.“I actually walked up and introduced myself to her, and she said she knew who I was because she had watched the Quarterback series,” he said.Mahomes Sr said Swift was “down to earth”Getty ImagesSwift knew who he was after watching Netflix’s Quarterback seriesGettyDespite her global success, the elder Mahomes admits Swift is just a normal person“Every time I’ve hung out with her, she just acts like a normal person.”Mahomes Sr also added that Swift took the time to take photos with his daughters.Mahomes’ mother, Randi Mahomes, also appears to be a big fan of the ‘Bad Blood’ singer.In 2023, Randi, who split from Pat Mahomes Sr in 2006, shared several Instagram photos of her daughter Mia, Patrick’s half-sister, hanging out with Swift.“I love how sweet Taylor was to my girl!!” Randi wrote.Tay Tay appears to have endeared herself enormously to the Mahomes clan, regularly attending games with the quarterback’s wife, Brittany. Read More on Super Bowl LIX Follow LIVE build-up to Super Bowl LIX here ‘Global intention’ – NFL commissioner stuns fans with announcement new team based outside of United States ‘I’m out there with him’ – Travis Kelce told brother Jason he will quit NFL if Chiefs coach Andy Reid decides to retire ‘Stupidest thing I’ve done’ – Die-hard Eagles fan Kevin Hart was rejected by security trying to drunkenly storm Super Bowl stage Patrick Mahomes vs Tom Brady after first seven years as a starter reveals there’s only one winner in quarterback debate Who is performing the Super Bowl halftime show and who will be singing the National Anthem? How to follow Super Bowl 2025 – TV channel, live streaming and talkSPORT coverage for NFL showpiece FOLLOW – talkSPORT End Zone YouTube Channel brings you all the latest news, views and analysis OFFER – See all Super Bowl odds and bet boosts over at talkSPORT BET BUY HERE – Brewdog launches new beer to celebrate Super Bowl 2025The pair were at Arrowhead Stadium for the wild card matchup against the Dolphins last season, and could be seen swaying along to the tune of Swag Surfin’ by Fast Life Yungstaz.They enjoyed the action from a luxury VIP box and wore custom jackets to help withstand the icy conditions.The matching jackets — designed by Kristin Juszczyk, the wife of 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk — even had their respective significant other’s name and jersey numbers emblazoned on them.“Twinning & Winning,” Brittany wrote on Instagram to caption a series of photos with Swift.Swift is always at Chiefs games and even sports merch, but she grew up an Eagles fanGettyShe celebrated with Mahomes’ wife Brittany after the Chiefs booked their place in this year’s Super BowlGettySwift has continued to support the Chiefs this season as they aim to make NFL history.She recently took in a game with WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark, and took to the field to celebrate with Kelce after the Chiefs punched their ticket to Super Bowl LIX with an AFC Championship win over the Buffalo Bills.“Oh my god this is so insane. Look at this, this is not a real-life situation,” she could be heard telling Travis on the field.Swift is widely-tipped to make an appearance at the big game on February 9 in New Orleans, where she will no doubt be hoping to go two-for-two in Super Bowls as a Chiefs fan.Follow our brand new talkSPORT NFL page on Facebook as we bring you all the build-up to the Super Bowl, plus live coverage

Novak Djokovic has been dragged into the ongoing Davis Cup controversy.An incident involving the tennis icon five years ago has been compared to the altercation which ended a tie between Belgium and Chile.Djokovic has been dragged into the Davis Cup controversyAFPChile vs Belgium was overshadowed by an altercation on courtThe qualifiers first round tie at the weekend ended in contentious circumstances as Cristian Garin of Chile was disqualified.Garin had been facing Zizou Bergs when his opponent barged into him as he ran to celebrate with his team-mates.The Chilean protested the umpires call to hand Bergs a code violation before refusing to continue.His tirade ultimately saw him receive a point and game penalty which handed Bergs victory and meant Belgium claimed the match.The incident has now been compared to Djokovic’s own infamous exit from the 2020 US Open.After swiping a ball away in frustration during his fourth round match against Pablo Carreno Busta, the Serbian accidently struck a lineswoman.Djokovic was defaulted from the tournament as a result of the incident.Former world number one Andy Roddick has compared the two scenarios and claimed Djokovic should have ‘hit the opponent’.Speaking on his Served podcast, Roddick explained: “I will say, had Bergs done it to an umpire, he’d have been gone. But apparently you can do it to another player and it’s fine.”Co-host Jon Wertheim added: “If Novak Djokovic taps a ball and it happens to hit a lineswoman and he says, ‘listen, I didn’t intend anything’. It doesn’t really matter what his intent is.”Youtube / Served with Andy RoddickRoddick claimed Djokovic should have hit his opponent at the 2020 US Open[/caption]Djokovic was defaulted for accidentally striking a line judge with the ballgettyThis prompted Roddick to quip: “Yeah, he should’ve just hit the opponent.”Georgian player Nikoloz Basilashvili also referenced Djokovic as he reacted to the incident on social media.He wrote: “If Novak had done this, he would have been disqualified for life. WTF.”Chile’s Olympic committee have since expressed their ‘upset and incredulity’ over the incident against Belgium.Meanwhile, Garin later addressed the incident in both his post-match press conference and in an Instagram post, as he admitted he felt ‘devastated’.Belgium’s win means they have advanced to the qualifiers second round and will face Australia in September for a place in the Final 8.As for Chile, they enter World Group 1 for the conclusion of this year’s Davis Cup.

Keith Hackett has called for the PGMOL to draft in foreign referees to improve the standard of officiating in the Premier League.The former FIFA referee has been an outspoken critic of the current quality of top-flights officials.talkSPORTHackett has called for the PGMOL to draft in foreign referees[/caption]GettyThe former official has criticised the standard of Premier League referees[/caption]Hackett’s refereeing career saw him take charge of matches in the Football League and Premier League.He also oversaw two FA Cup finals during the 1980s and was an official at Euro 1988.After retiring, the 80-year-old later worked as general manager of the PGMOL.Hackett has now called for the refereeing body to recruit foreign referees for the Premier League.He told Breakfast: “You know, in my era, even when I was boss of the PGMOL, I spent £5m to improve the standard of refereeing. That figure is now over £33m.“So it’s not a financial problem. There are some referees on that list that I could say that if I was the boss, I’m not, I retired from it, would not be on that list because they’re not good enough.“I mean, I used the phrase that probably league players are not Premier League players. And that’s the difference.“You’ve got to be absolutely top of the game. We’ve only got two or three referees that I would consider good enough – that match the people of Jack Taylor, Gordon Hill, George Courtney and the likes of this world. I think that sadly we are in a dip.“It poses the question for me. We’ve got the best league in the world. We have the best players. We don’t have the best referees.“Therefore, it’s time we should consider importing referees and getting them on a plane and coming in and refereeing games and going back home. I think that that’s where we’re at at the moment.”GettyJarred Gillett is the Premier League’s only current overseas referee[/caption]So far this season, 22 different referees have officiated Premier League matches.Of those, only one has been from overseas, with Australia’s Jarred Gillett taking charge of six matches.Gillett has been a Premier League official since taking charge of his first match in 2021.The 38-year-old is only the second referee in the league’s history to have been born outside the UK.He is also the only Premier League referee ever to have been born outside the British Isles.VAR has come under-fire in recent weeks after Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off, only for referee Michael Oliver not be recommended to review the decision.Lewis-Skelly was sent off, only for it to be overturnedAFPThe red card was later overturned, but put VAR further in the spotlight.However, the Premier League believe its referees are setting a model for other leagues.It has reported just 13 mistakes made by VAR this season, down from 20 last campaign.On the statistics, Hackett added: “They’re marking their own homework. It’s as simple as that. They can produce statistics however they like.”

Floyd Mayweather continues to live up to his ‘money’ moniker with his latest purchase.During an illustrious professional boxing career stretching from 1996 to 2017, Mayweather amassed an estimated $1.2billion over the course of 50 fights (50-0).Mayweather has generated huge earnings from boxingGettyHe is well clear of his contemporaries as the highest-paid boxer of all time and continues to earn money-spinning paydays in exhibition bouts against MMA fighters, reality television stars and everything in between.Mayweather isn’t shy about flaunting his cash, in fact, it has become part of his personality.‘TBE’ lives a luxury lifestyle with mansions, supercars and private jets.And he has no intention of slowing down any time soon.One of his favourite purchases to make is watches.Mayweather boasts an extensive watch collection worth an estimated $100m that includes high-end brands such as Rolex, Richard Mille, and Audemars Piguet.His collection comes complete with custom watches, collaboration pieces, and a watch set with 945 gemstones. ‘TBE’s’ most recent extravagant acquisition is a Rolex Daytona ‘Eye of The Tiger’ chronograph that he shelled $400,000 on.The rare timepiece’s bezel is set with 36 trapeze-cut diamonds, while the lacquered black dial is also paved with diamonds.The Arabic numerals 15, 30, and 45 are made of yellow gold, as is the Rolex coronet, while the remaining hour markers are set with diamonds.Instagram - @BennydajewelerMayweather splashed out $400,000 on a Rolex Daytona ‘Eye of The Tiger’[/caption]A short video of Mayweather showing off the watch that he bought from New York jeweller ‘Benny The Jeweler’ was uploaded to the shopkeeper’s Instagram.“The money man is back,” said Mayweather.“I’m here in New York City with the one and only Benny the Jeweler. Benny, tell the people what you sold me today.”Benny responded: “Ok, we got the Eye of the Tiger factory on a full pavet bracelet.“We got the white tag with it too… You know what is going on out here.“Big money out here, big factory out here and we got more s*** on the way.”RolexThe watch is encrusted with diamonds and yellow gold[/caption]Mayweather’s latest spending spree comes five months after he dropped $1m on a four-piece Avi & Co Hue set.In doing so, the 47-year-old became the first person in the world to own all four gemstone-encrusted watches in the four different colours on offer (blue, pink, green, and red).It is reported that Mayweather couldn’t choose between the colours, so elected to buy all four in the hope that he could wear them on rotation. Follow talkBOXING on social media talkBOXING is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us on social media for big breaking boxing news, exclusive interviews and the best bits from our talkBOXING YouTube show.Like our Facebook page HERE Follow us on Twitter HERE Sign up for our WhatsApp channel HERE

Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas released a statement detailing his unhappiness with intrusions into his private life after he was spotted with a former adult star Claudia Bavel.The two were seen in public together last month sparking speculation of a relationship.Casillas began his senior career in 1999 at RealGettyAccording to The Daily Mail, Bavel on a Spanish television show called De Viernes accused the retired Real Madrid goalkeeper of ignoring her since the photographs of their meet were published. She called him ‘stingy and not at all generous’ as she claimed to have wanted a glass of wine and was told by Casillas to go to a supermarket and purchase a bottle.“If you ask me what Iker was like as a lover I would say better as a footballer,” Bavel said.In another interview released on Sunday, Bavel claimed that the 43-year-old discussed the possibility of having his third child.Casillas has reacted to Bavel’s comments in a statement on social media: “I have been involved in professional football since I was 14, a career that has given me many joys, perhaps the greatest and the one I am most proud of has been receiving enormous affection and support from the public. “However, it has also brought with it an interest in aspects of my private life that I have always wanted to keep out of the media spotlight, as they belong to my strictest privacy. “Despite this interest, I have NEVER negotiated with my private life, I have not granted any exclusives nor have I profited from what I consider more personal and reserved; what’s more, I have always asked for respect and I have kept myself away from gossip, rumours or speculation.“It is difficult to accept that, without any consideration, certain people go on programmes to talk about me or my environment. “Videos in bad taste are broadcast and anyone, without any knowledge of the matter, feels entitled to make comments, speculations and opinions of any kind about my personal life with absolute disregard, attacking my privacy and honour. “NOT EVERYTHING IS WORTH IT, not everything is worth it to gain an audience, not everything is worth it to obtain easy profit or fame as ephemeral as it is undeserved at my expense, at the expense of someone whose ‘notoriety’ is only due to many years of work and perseverance. Iker Casillas retired in August 2020 after suffering a heart attack in training with Porto“But, when I repeat, I have tried by all means to protect my privacy. The situation has reached a point where it is unsustainable and I will not allow any more interference in my private life or actions that violate or undermine my honour. “I am doing this for myself and for all those around me, who are directly and seriously affected, as those who carry out these actions without caring at all know and are aware of.”The Spaniard who won five league titles, three Champions League’s, two European titles and a World Cup in his illustrious playing career that spanned 16 years.He made 725 appearances for Real Madrid before he went to Porto in 2015.

Frank Lampard’s Coventry host Leeds United this evening, a club Lampard is all too familiar with.Since Lampard’s arrival, he has invigorated Coventry and four straight wins has pushed them in sight of the play-offs.Lampard has guided Coventry to four consecutive league winsGettyLeeds United are currently at the top of the Championship and hope to extend their lead to five points with a win.But this isn’t merely another Championship clash; it harks back to a rivalry with a bizarre backstory that cost one manager a heavy fine.The ‘Spygate’ incident sent shockwaves through English football, involving Leeds United and Derby County, where Frank Lampard was manager at the time. In January 2019, just days before Leeds were set to play Derby, a staff member from Leeds was caught acting suspiciously outside Derby’s training ground.After this, Leeds’ then-manager, Marcelo Bielsa, openly admitted to sending a staff member to observe every opponent they faced that season during training.This prompted Frank Lampard to remark on Leeds’ conduct leading up to their game as ‘unethical’.“I’ve never heard of going to a training ground on your hands and knees with pliers trying to break into private land to watch,” he said.Leeds subsequently beat Derby 2-0, with Lampard refusing to cite the ‘spygate’ saga as an excuse for his team’s performance.The EFL determined that Leeds had breached rules regarding fair treatment of rival teams.In response, Bielsa held an extraordinary news conference the week after the game, where he demonstrated to journalists the level of analysis that went into each opponent. Former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa caused a stir with his ‘spying’ tacticsHe said he ‘observed all the rivals we played against and watched the training sessions of all opponents’.This confession ignited widespread criticism, despite the absence of a specific rule prohibiting teams from observing their rivals’ training.This has since changed, with a new rule being enforced in June 2019 by the EFL, English Football League clubs are now banned from trying to watch their opponents’ training sessions 72 hours before a game.Lampard did his best to act unaffected by the whole saga, but his displeasure was clear.Leeds fans, of course, revelled in every moment—especially the two victories over Derby that came next.It felt as though they were dancing around in Lampard’s head, especially after Leeds claimed a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Play-Off semi-final at Pride Park.And there was only one song the away fans were singing throughout, to the familiar tune of an Oasis classic…Lampard’s Derby County beat Leeds to a play-off final spotGetty“All of the spies are hidden away.“Just try not to worry; you’ll beat us someday.“We beat you at home, we beat you away.“Stop crying, Frank Lampard.”Yet, much to Leeds’ disappointment, Lampard and Derby had the last laugh following a heart-stopping comeback against Leeds at Elland Road, a triumph that felt like so much more than mere progression to the Play-Off final.The EFL imposed a £200,000 fine on Leeds after the incident, a penalty that Bielsa took it upon himself to handle.“The sanction gave us £200,000—it is a financial sanction against the club, not against me, but I am responsible for it,” Bielsa said.“That is why I paid it from my pocket—the financial sanction.”Despite the Argentine’s admission of responsibility, Leeds fans remain undeterred, continuing to embrace the rivalry. It may come as no surprise if fans are spotted mimicking the ‘binoculars gesture’ that Leeds United’s sporting director Victor Orta flaunted after their victory over Derby, over 12 months after the incident.Orta’s bit of fun showed that the Leeds faithful hadn’t forgottenThe clash kicks off tonight at 19:45 at Coventry Building Society Arena, with the 11th-placed side hoping to knock the Whites off their kilter.

Cosa prevede il regolamento della Serie A in caso di arrivo in parità? Ci sono delle specifiche per scudetto, salvezza e corsa all’Europa: vediamole insieme Immagina di arrivare all’ultima giornata di campionato con due squadre in vetta alla Serie A, appaiate a pari punti. Lo scenario perfetto per un finale thriller, quello che ogni tifoso ... Leggi tutto Questo articolo Serie A, cosa succede se si arriva a pari punti? Quest’anno c’è una novità importante è comparso nella sua versione originale, prima sul sito SerieANews.

Super Bowl LIX is now less than a week away with the Kansas City Chiefs taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on Sunday night.talkSPORT BET are now offering new customers a huge Back Your Winner offer of 50/1 odds on either team, an offer which can be claimed by following this link*.PIck Your Super Bowl Winner at 50/1 with talkSPORT BETtalkSPORT BET – Back Your Super Bowl Winner at 50/1 for either team – CLAIM HERE*Simply sign up to talkSPORT BET and place your first £1 bet on either the Chiefs or Eagles to win on the money line.If you pick right, you will be awarded £50 in free bets!Super Bowl LIX PreviewThe Kansas City Chiefs head into Sunday night’s Super Bowl in New Orleans as the favourites for victory having finished the regular season with the joint-best record in the league with 15-2.Andy Reid’s side are looking to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Vince Lombardi trophies, and this will be their fourth Super Bowl appearance in the last five years, winning three.The Chiefs will be led by their superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes who is looking to win his fourth career Super Bowl title at the age of just 29, who led them to play off victories over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round followed by a narrow and controversial win over the Buffalo Bills in the Championship Round.Chiefs v Eagles will be a rematch of the Super Bowl from two years ago when the Missouri side won 38-35 in a high scoring game in Arizona, and Philadelphia will be desperate for revenge this time around.Nick Sirianni’s Eagles went into the play offs as the NFC’s number two seed, beating the Green Bay Packers and the LA Rams en route to the Championship game against a sixth seed Washington Commanders who had just shocked the top seeded Detriot Lions the previous week.The 14-3 Eagles were too much for the 12-5 Commanders though as the Pennsylvania side stormed to a 55-23 victory to reach their third Super Bowl in eight years, having last lifted the Lombardi Trophy back in 2018 with a win against the New England Patriots.The Eagles missed their starting quarterback Jalen Hurts for the last three games for the regular season with concussion and a broken finger, but the 26-year-old recovered in time to spark their play off run into life, culminating in Sunday night’s grand finale.Kansas City have won four of their last five matches against Philadelphia, including in the Super Bowl two years ago, but the Eagles did win their most recent meeting with the Chiefs, winning 21-17 at Arrowhead Stadium in November 2023. Pick your winner at 50/1 Pick a side to win and get a boosted 50/1! Claim Offer Here Terms: 18+ New customers only, Opt in and bet max £1 on Philadelphia Eagles OR Kansas City Chiefs – Moneyline by 23:30 on 09/02/25. Enhanced odds paid in Free Bets, which expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyHow to watch Super Bowl LIXLocation: Caesars Superdrome, New Orleans, LouisianaDate and time: Sunday 9th February 2025, 11:30pmHow to watch: ITV1, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports NFL, Sky Sports Mix, Sky Sports Ultra HDR, Sky Showcase, ITVX, STV, STV PlayertalkSPORT BET – Back Your Super Bowl Winner at 50/1 for either team – CLAIM HERE* Free Bet Offers Check out all the best betting offers available from our partners Claim Free Bets here 18+ gambleaware.org T&Cs ApplyT&Cs: 18+ New customers only, Opt in and bet max £1 on Philadelphia Eagles OR Kansas City Chiefs – Moneyline by 23:30 on 09/02/25. Enhanced odds paid in Free Bets, which expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Most read in NFL LIVE build-up to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans as Chiefs prepare to face Eagles Is Donald Trump attending Super Bowl LIX? Role in Fox coverage revealed for USA president 'Dirtbag' - Kelce and Mahomes play down pointed ref question but fans take issue Super Bowl suites at $2m set to feast on plush steaks and cocktails at $60 a pop How long is the Super Bowl? Average running-time, game length and half-time show details Chiefs players and billionaire CEO reveal the real Travis Kelce hidden from Taylor Swift

National League clubs are calling on the EFL to increase the number of teams being promoted from the 2025/26 season.At present, two teams go up from the National League to League Two each season – the champions and the play-off winners.More National League teams are hoping to follow in Wrexham’s footstepsGetty Images - GettyThat has been the case since 2003, but clubs are now pushing to increase that number to three as part of a new ‘3UP’ campaign.Recent success stories include Luton’s promotion from the National League in 2014, which culminated in them reaching the Premier League nine years later.More recently, Wrexham – owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – secured promotion back to the EFL in 2023, before securing a spot in League One via a second-straight promotion last term.talkSPORT host Jeff Stelling, who is also president of National League club Hartlepool United, has thrown his weight behind the campaign.He said: “It’s long overdue. I’ve heard so many times from people at the EFL, in higher positions, that we were on the brink of this change, and it’s never happened.“And I understand the difficulties, because if you’re a Football League club, you might see this a bit like turkeys voting for Christmas, but you need to take a longer view than that. The National League is, for all intensive purposes, League Three.“Most of the clubs are full-time. They’re well-funded, most of them. They’ve got quality players, and big crowds. Look at Rochdale vs Oldham last night, it got nearly 7,000.“York get nearly 7,000. Southend get 8,000. If we [Hartlepool] were back in the Football League, we’d be getting 5,000 every week. And I know that doesn’t give you an entitlement to be in the Football League, but it’s a pretty firm foundation.“All you’ve got to do is look at the quality. The teams that have gone up, Notts County, Stockport, Chesterfield, and Wrexham, obviously. That shows how ridiculously hard it is to get out of the division with one going up and one in a play-off.“Wrexham didn’t get out in their first attempt under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. They got to the play-offs and were beaten. Notts County got 107 points and didn’t go up automatically. I mean, it’s just ludicrous. It’s absolutely ludicrous.“And if you want to take that one step further, you look further up divisions, Luton – who are a Championship side now, Premier League last season, they struggled to get out of the National League under the present system.“And I think if you look at League One now, three of the top six have been in the National League recently. Stockport, Wrexham, and Leyton Orient have all been in the National League recently. They’re filling the top six places in League One. So there’s just no argument against it.”Stelling added: “Wrexham are the prime example, even before Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. They’re a big club, really, really well-supported club.“They had 15 years of trying to get back out of the National League into the Football League. It’s crazy. It stunts clubs’ growth.“Wrexham should have been flourishing in that time. Instead, they were banging their head against this glass ceiling in the National League, trying to get out.“It’s not as if the National League is all take, take, take – because obviously we know that if we get three places going up, there’ll be a third team to come down.Stelling’s beloved Hartlepool are currently 12th in the National LeaguetalkSPORT“But that adds a bit more jeopardy to League Two as well, doesn’t it? It improves that as a competition as well.“And if I was a League Two side now, among the Carlisles and the Morecambes and the Tranmeres of this world, I would imagine they’ll all be voting to say, yeah, definitely three come up, because if they go down, they’ll want a better chance of getting back up.“But for me, any of those sides in the Football League, they should be taking the longer view and saying, hey, look, this could happen to us. And if it does, we don’t want to be in a position where we’ve got virtually no chance of getting back.“If it took Luton five years, if it took Wrexham 15 years, we don’t want to be in that position. So, you know, we want to give ourselves a better opportunity.“And having three teams go up, probably with two up and then one from a play off, I just think it’s better for everybody all round.”If Wrexham go up this season, the Welsh side would be celebrating three consecutive promotions and then be playing in the Championship, one division below the Premier League.While critics will point to their financial might, it still represents a fairytale rise for the club.With 24 teams currently vying for just two promotion spots in the National League, the 72 National League teams and its North and South feeder divisions are part of a newly-launched ‘3UP’ campaign to make a change.The hope is that EFL clubs will vote to implement the change at their annual general meeting in June with the changes proposed to come into effect in the 2025/26 season.National League chief executive Mark Ives said: “Promotions have benefitted the vast majority of our clubs during this 21-year period, but a third spot – bringing the National League into line with the rest of the game – would be completely transformative.“The National League currently has 15 clubs that are former EFL clubs. These 15 clubs, along with the other clubs in the league, are being disadvantaged by this unfair structure.“They are being prevented promotion on sporting merit that they would otherwise deserve and benefit from under 3UP.”Just two of 24 teams currently secure promotion from the National League each yearNational LeagueThe National League’s chair Jack Pearce added: “Whilst we recognise and respect the EFL’s verbal support for the National League on three promotions, our clubs have now made it abundantly clear that they see no reason for a further delay on the official process.“Rick Parry, the EFL chair, has often said that ‘the EFL should look down as well as up’ so we’d now like that to actually happen.”The campaign’s timing is linked to the expectation that football’s independent regulator will be officially established at some stage this year.Talks over a ‘New Deal’ on television money between the Premier League and the EFL stalled last March. The regulator is set to be given backstop powers to impose a solution if the leagues cannot agree one.Pearce added: “[The regulator’s] overall stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport.“In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country. The majority of these clubs are over a century old and part of the fabric of their communities.National League chief Mark Ives believes the current system is unfairNational League“An extra promotion place for these clubs into the EFL would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.“We have been consistently told that the EFL support our 3UP position in principle but are reluctant to progress any changes whilst they are consulting with the IFR (regulator) and Premier League regarding their own redistribution of football income.“However, we believe the 3UP campaign goal is vital to the overall health of the game and the Government’s objectives – therefore it should be as high on the agenda as any other matter this year.“Otherwise, the National League’s needs are being overlooked during the IFR process, not least because the specific issues between the EFL and PL could potentially take years to reach a conclusion.”Talks over a ‘New Deal’ on television money between the Premier League and the EFL stalled last March. The regulator is set to be given backstop powers to impose a solution if the leagues cannot agree one.

Jorge Martin’s MotoGP title defence got off to the worst possible start with a painful crash in pre-season testing in Malaysia.The Spaniard, who shocked the motorsport world with an unprecedented title in 2024, was on his new Aprilia when he suffered two incidents on the first day of testing at the Sepang International Circuit.Martin’s Aprilia suddenly caught and sent him the other way@MotoGPThe Spaniard went flying through the air@MotoGPThankfully his head was OK despite smashing his helmet on the ground@MotoGPThe second crash was an awful highside, with Martin’s bike throwing him up and through the air with a damaging landing on the tarmac.The 27-year-old was taken to the circuit’s medical centre but then sent to the Aurelius Hospital nearby.There he was diagnosed with a right hand fracture and multiple fractures in his left foot and will spend the night in hospital before flying back to Europe for surgery.Martin’s face even hit the ground and his visor came off, but thankfully suffered no head trauma as he was cleared by an MRI and CT scan.Posting on social media, he wrote: “Not the best start of the 2025 season! But martinator always come back stronger!”Testing runs until February 7 before the season kicks off on February 28 in Thailand, and it’s unlikely that Martin will get back on his bike until then.The Madrid-born star only managed 14 laps on his new Aprilia RS-GP, meaning the chances of him getting up to speed for the start of his title defence are looking very slim.In 2024 Martin made MotoGP history when he incredibly became the first rider to win the world championship on a non-factory machine with Pramac Ducati.He beat two-time champion Pecco Bagnaia who had the full might of Ducati’s factory team behind him, with the title decided in a thrilling Barcelona finale.Naturally, it was assumed that Martin would step up to the main squad alongside Bagnaia in 2025.View Tweet: https://twitter.com/88jorgemartin?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwBut his path was blocked by six-time champion Marc Marquez, who jumped from Honda to set up one of the most anticipated title fights in history against his new Italian teammate.Martin was forced to land at Aprilia, one of the only teams who have been able to challenge Ducati’s complete dominance of MotoGP in recent years.And he isn’t the only one to struggle in Sepang either, with two other riders also taken out of testing on the first day.Fellow Spaniard Raul Fernandez and Italian Fabio Di Giannantonio both suffered heavy falls at the iconic circuit.That made it a trio who required surgery, ruling them out for the final days of testing.Day one ended with 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo topping the timesheets on his Yamaha.A positive sign after a horror season last year for the Japanese brand.

Liverpool take on Tottenham at Anfield on Thursday night for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi final clash, which Spurs lead 1-0 after the first leg.SBK are offering new and existing customers a 50% Correct Score winning boost for the game, which can be claimed by following this link*.SBK – 50% Correct Score winnings boost on Liverpool v Tottenham – CLAIM HERELiverpool have work to do on Thursday night if they want to reach the final of this year’s Carabao Cup after losing the first leg of their semi final 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Arne Slot’s side head into the second leg having won four of their last five matches in all competitions, their 2-0 win at high-flying Bournemouth on the weekend keeping them six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with a game in hand.Liverpool are the defending Carabao Cup champions after beating Chelsea in extra time in last season’s final, and this year are looking to lift the trophy for a third time in four years, and last year became the first team to lift it 10 times.View Tweet: https://twitter.com/Benjaminbloom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Are you ready to play at the best football betting sites?Tottenham have had a torrid season in the Premier League of late but have had enjoyment in the cup competitions, giving themselves a fantastic chance of reaching this year’s Carabao Cup final with their first leg victory over the runaway Premier League leaders in the semi.Ange Postecoglou’s side have strung together back to back wins following their 2-0 win over Brentford in Sunday’s London derby, which lifted his side up to 14th in the Premier League table.The north London side are still in the FA Cup and Europa League though as their bid for a first trophy in 17 years goes on, though they could make huge strides towards some silverware if they manage to hold onto their first leg advantage at Anfield on Thursday night.Spurs have won two of their last 12 Premier League games while Liverpool have lost only one in the league all season, coming way back in September, though their head-to-head over the last four games is level at two wins apiece.However, the north London side have won only once at Anfield since 1998, and are without a win in their last 14 visits, losing 10 of their last 13.How to watch Liverpool v TottenhamLocation: Anfield, LiverpoolDate and time: Thursday 6th February 2025, 8pmHow to watch: ITV1, STV, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HDR, ITVX, STV Player Free Bet Offers Check out all the best betting offers available from our partners Claim Free Bets here 18+ gambleaware.org T&Cs ApplySBK – Bet £10 and get £40 in free bets – CLAIM HERE***New and existing UK, IE & Malta customers only. Min £10/€10 first deposit. Get a 50% Winnings Boost on a Correct Score bet for Liverpool vs Spurs. Max stake £5, Min odds 4/1 (5.0). Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. 18+. BeGambleAware.org.**New UK customers only. Min £10 first deposit using Debit Card or Bank Transfer. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 2.0 and get a £10 Football Bet Builder token upon settlement. A £10 Multiple token, a £5 Horse Racing Multiple token and a £5 Football Bet Builder token will be credited after 24 hours. A further £10 Free Bet token will be credited 48 hours after the qualifying bet has been settled. Full T&Cs apply, 18+. BeGambleAware.org.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Most read in Betting Wigan vs Fulham prediction, odds, betting tips and how to watch Coventry vs Leeds United prediction, odds, betting tips and how to watch BetMGM Premier League Darts betting tips: Week 1 predictions  Super 6: Win £500,000 jackpot on Sky Bet's free to play predictor on the FA Cup talkSPORT betting tips – Best football bets and expert advice for Wednesday 5 February Newcastle United vs Arsenal predictions, odds and betting tips

Patrick Mahomes is carving out a Hall of Fame career before our very eyes.The Kansas City Chiefs star’s legacy grows by the game and now he stands on the verge of yet another Super Bowl ring – which would be a historic three-peat.Mahomes successfully navigated the playoffs once againGettyThe iconic quarterback, who has already been named in talkSPORT’s top ten list of best-ever QBs, will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday.Throughout the game, fans might notice Mahomes yelling before the snap – here’s what it all means.Why does Patrick Mahomes say ‘White 80’ and ‘Blue 80’?What the quarterback yells before the snap is known as the cadence and it’s incredibly important for a quarterback to orchestrate a team’s offense.The cadence is usually made up of a series of phrases or familiar set of words that let the offense know what play to run while also trying to catch defenses off guard.Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s “Here we go!” cadence became a particular talking point last season.One of the most common cadences heard from QBs – and one Mahomes may use in Sunday’s clash with the Eagles – is ‘White 80’.Essentially, ‘White 80’ means ‘get ready to go’.Mahomes will shout the phrase to tell his center when to snap the ball and to let the offense know he is ready to start the game.It helps everyone get in the correct position and lets the offense know that the signal-caller is happy with any late changes to the line of scrimmage or play call.Another common snap cadence Mahomes has been known to use is ‘Blue 80’.‘White 80’ and ‘Blue 80’ are just two of the cadences Mahomes has been known to useGettyCadences are a crucial part of running a successful offenseGetty‘Blue 80’ is usually a signal to notify teammates that the QB is about to attempt a deep pass.This is particularly relevant for wide receivers who can ready themselves for whatever route they’re about to run.It’s often used on big plays, Hail Marys and game-winning drives when a long throw is needed for extensive yardage.Timing is everything in gridiron football and a perfectly timed snap cadence like ‘Blue 80’ can make all the difference in a wideout making a catch or not.Some players may even throw in numbers – e.g. “blue 32, blue 32 set hit” – which refers to the coverage, in this case, coverage 2.However, quarterback’s snap cadences not only change from game to game, but within games too.“Banana,” “squash,” “Go Blue,” “Rolex,” “Awww Eddie!” and “can can” are other common Mahomes cadencesGettyThis is done to confuse the opposition who otherwise might work out what the cadences mean and be able to counter.‘White 80’ and ‘Blue 80’ are just two examples of snap cadences, but there are countless other quirky phrases that a quarterback might use ahead of a play.‘Banana,’ ‘squash,’ ‘Go Blue,’ ‘Rolex,’ ‘Awww Eddie!’ and ‘can can’ are just some of the pre-snap cadences fans think they’ve heard Mahomes say over the years.These could mean any number of things and are purposefully cryptic so rival teams can’t work them out.Other times quarterbacks might just scrap the cadences altogether and point to their helmet to signal that they intend to change the original play.There really is no rhyme or reason to cadences for those on the outside, but as long as the QB and his offensive unit are on the same page, that’s all that matters.Super Bowl LIX: talkSPORT coverage talkSPORT will live coverage of the Super Bowl from New Orleans.Will Gavin will be your play-by-play commentator, with NFL expert Gregg Rosenthal providing analysis.Our build-up will start at 10:30pm UK time, and there will also be a watch-a-long on the talkSPORT End Zone YouTube channel.There will also be a swathe of exclusive interviews in the week leading up to the Super Bowl, and talkSPORT.com will also have build-up and all the reaction.To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM. Read More on Super Bowl LIX Follow LIVE build-up to Super Bowl LIX here ‘Global intention’ – NFL commissioner stuns fans with announcement new team based outside of United States ‘I’m out there with him’ – Travis Kelce told brother Jason he will quit NFL if Chiefs coach Andy Reid decides to retire ‘Stupidest thing I’ve done’ – Die-hard Eagles fan Kevin Hart was rejected by security trying to drunkenly storm Super Bowl stage Patrick Mahomes vs Tom Brady after first seven years as a starter reveals there’s only one winner in quarterback debate Who is performing the Super Bowl halftime show and who will be singing the National Anthem? How to follow Super Bowl 2025 – TV channel, live streaming and talkSPORT coverage for NFL showpiece FOLLOW – talkSPORT End Zone YouTube Channel brings you all the latest news, views and analysis OFFER – See all Super Bowl odds and bet boosts over at talkSPORT BET BUY HERE – Brewdog launches new beer to celebrate Super Bowl 2025

Manchester United wingers have a hard enough time dealing with Cristiano Ronaldo comparisons without also sharing a birthday.12 years after the mastermind behind United’s Class of 92 likened Adnan Januzaj to CR7, the only similarities that remain today are that both will be celebrating on February 5.Januzaj broke onto the scene in fine style at UnitedgettyRonaldo is celebrating his 40th birthday, having established himself as one of the greatest footballers in history.CR7 was just a spotty 17-year-old when he signed for United in 2003, instantly taking the No.7 shirt on the opposite wing to Ryan Giggs.A decade later, another teenager was given a similar honour, with Januzaj inheriting Giggs’ shirt when the Welshman retired.The huge show of faith in the-then 19-year-old came after his rapid rise from academy talent to Old Trafford superstar.Sir Alex Ferguson once dubbed Januzaj ‘a beautifully balanced player’ and was earmarked as the legendary manager’s parting gift.Fergie gave the Belgian a spot on the bench in his final match in charge – the 5-5 draw at West Brom.The Scot said: “We know we’ve got a really special talent, but we’ll keep his feet on the ground. He’s going to be a top, top player.” Januzaj looked to have lived up to the hype when he burst onto the scene in his first United start in a 2-1 win over Sunderland.The attacker single-handedly completed the comeback from a goal down for his side, scoring twice, to spark a seven-game unbeaten run.David Moyes compared the teenager’s characteristics to Johan Cruyff and claimed his talent was akin to a young Wayne Rooney.Former Tottenham keeper Vigouroux was wowed by a young JanuzajtalkSPORTA lot has changed in the last 22 years of footballGetty“Along with Wayne Rooney, Adnan is the best young talent I’ve worked with as a manager,” Moyes told ESPN.“He’s a wonderful player gifted with great balance and the ability to go past people with ease.“When I see his poise on the ball he has characteristics of Johan Cruyff.”“Januzaj is outstanding and I think he is similar to Cristiano Ronaldo,” former United youth coach Eric Harrison said in 2013.Robin van Persie declared: “Over the years I’ve seen so many young players and I can honestly say that of all the young players I’ve seen he is right up there in the top one or two. He’s a special player.”Unfortunately for Januzaj, he fell out of favour under Moyes’ successor Louis van Gaal.Januzaj scored twice on his debut against Sunderland in 2013He explained to the Daily Mail in 2017: “There was not the same freedom. A winger needs that confidence, a manager telling you, ‘Go and take people on’. With him, it was a slow passing game.“For some it was difficult. You could see some players were not enjoying the football. The manager and I had many difficult meetings.“I was frustrated and everyone could see that I was not the same Adnan as the first year. I was sometimes even in the stands. When you work hard in training and then get left out, it’s hard for a young guy.“It was not only me. As a footballer, if you think too much on the pitch, it is never good. You need instinct in your play. When the ball came to us, we had to stop and think, ‘What are we going to do with it here?’, ‘I can’t lose the ball’.”Loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland failed to reignite his career and the writing was on the wall for the once-heralded star.England manager Thomas Tuchel, who was manager of BVB in 2015-16, suggested Januzaj ‘did not show the desire and attitude you need to progress at his age’.Januzaj failed to score for Borussia Dortmund in 12 appearancesHe left Man United in 2017 to join Real SociedadAFP or licensorsHe told Sportbild: “My feeling was that he never was completely with us, that a part of him always stayed in Manchester and he compared everything here with United.”Januzaj was later sold by Jose Mourinho, having played 63 games, scoring just three more times in a United shirt after that debut double.The 15-cap Belgium international enjoyed a brief career revival during a five-year spell at Real Sociedad but was released in 2022.He has since struggled to make an impact at Sevilla, being farmed out on loan to Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey and now La Liga strugglers Las Palmas.Januzaj has found the net twice for Las Palmas this seasonGettyHe was powerless to stop Mbappe and Bellingham running riot last monthGettyA sad sign of his decline was Januzaj being an unused substitute for a 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid last month, with Los Blancos boasting a team of superstars who have lived up to the hype around them as teenagers, including Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.There’s a parallel universe where Januzaj is among them, and Red Devils fans could have dedicated February 5 as a date to celebrate two of their greatest wingers of all time.“I don’t think I’ve seen a player, probably since Ryan (Giggs) who was as good as that, he was unbelievable,” said former United midfielder Nicky Butt in 2019.“In my eyes, he should have gone to be a world superstar.”

Rugby has witnessed a myriad of special players in its 200 year history.This includes the likes of Jonah Lomu, Barry John, Gareth Edwards, Mike Gibson, Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, Philippe Sella, Bryan Habana and Richie McCaw, but the greatest to ever play the game is Antoine Dupont, according to former Lions star Rob Kearney.England Head coach Steve Borthwick must quickly get a reaction from his players after last weekend’s defeat to Ireland in DublinGettyEngland have just two wins over Japan from their last eight internationals heaping pressure Borthwick and his misfiring team, and now they have to find a way of shackling the mercurial Dupont who has effortlessly switched from Olympic gold medal winning sevens star back to the 15-a-side game he dominates.Dupont’s latest masterclass was delivered in the 43-0 win over Wales, before his adoring fans at the Stade de France, becoming the first player in Six Nations history to produce a hat-trick of try assists in two separate matches (Four against Italy in 2021).This performance built an even stronger case for Dupont to be labelled the best ever, and Kearney told Virgin TV: “Everyone knows [Dupont’s] the greatest, certainly in my mind, he’s the greatest player I’ve ever seen or played against.“For me he’s the greatest to ever play the game. You compare him to the likes of Jonah Lomu, Richie McCaw or Dan Carter – Lomu did change the game but that guy was 6ft 5, big and super fast.“Dupont is the smallest guy on the field, and he’s still able to have this enormous impact.”The former Irish international continued: “He’s as strong as anyone, kicks off both feet, passes well, great rugby brain – there’s no faults to his game, he can do everything and he does it week in week out, every single time.”After England’s disappointing second half display in Dublin, which saw them concede 22 unanswered points in the 27-22 defeat to Ireland, England and Leicester Tigers’ Ollie Chessum was asked how they plan to stop Dupont this weekend.Chessum answered: “I don’t know, if I had the answers then I’d be one of the best paid coaches in the world. I suppose we’ve just got to treat it for what he is.“He’s an excellent player, but we’ve got excellent players in our team as well. We’ll bring our threats, I’m sure he’ll bring what he brings and we’ll see what happens on the weekend”Dupont is consistently delivering the kind of game changing moments that England have been asking Marcus Smith to offer, and now the Harlequins fly half comes up against the ultimate impact player in the irrepressible French No. 9 who could move into the fly half role on Saturday when Racing 92 scrum half Nolann Le Garrec enters the contest.England will come face-to-face with a true great of the game in Antoine DupontAFPIf England are to match Dupont’s magic they will look to Smith to provide the spark of inspiration even in the No. 15 shirt.Smith has turned Harlequins into a team to be feared with an attacking game that can conjure up tries from any range.A foot injury sustained against Ireland has removed Quins wing Cadan Murley from the team and it means Smith has to operate with players from other clubs who have not learnt to be constantly aware of the need to support his instinctive runs.The French team knows that anything is possible when Dupont has the ball, and their mindset is fundamentally different to England under Steve Borthwick, who is more comfortable with a structured approach to attack.France kick the ball as much as any international team which offers Smith counter attacking opportunities, however, that could also lead to the Harlequins star heading down blind alleys unless his team mates are equally switched on.Captain Maro Itoje and his players must find a way to nullify the Frenchman at Twickenham on SaturdayGettyEngland will have to produce their best performance since the 23-22 win over Ireland in last year’s Six Nations, or Dupont, a player referred to as ‘The Martian’ by his French teammates, will run riot at Allianz Twickenham on Saturday.

Sunderland host Watford in the Championship on Saturday afternoon as one of the few EFL ties amongst the FA Cup weekend.Sunderland vs Watford best betSunderland to win, Wilson Isidor to score – 7/4 on Sky BetSunderland vs Watford oddsFind the latest match odds for Sunderland vs Watford on Sky Bet. Odds are subject to change.Sunderland – 1/2Draw – 16/5Watford – 5/1Get free bets on the football action!Sunderland vs Watford predictionSunderland have won six of their last eight home games against the Hornets, including winning this fixture last season 2-0.Watford have won each of their last two league games against the Black Cats though, but face them away for the first time since October 2023.Sunderland are unbeaten at home against the Hornets since December 2015 when losing 1-0 in the Premier League.However, when it comes to the Championship the Black Cats are unbeaten in all 14 clashes against Watford.Sunderland vs Watford betting tipWatford don’t have a great recent form coming into this clash, losing six of their last eight, only picking up four points in this time.That’s seen them slump down in 12th as there’s so little between the sides from 5th to 14th – just five points.While the top four which Sunderland occupy, are miles ahead of their other play-off rivals, with the Black Cats just one place above Blackburn yet have 13 points in hand.The hosts are the odds-on favourites for a reason with a Sunderland victory looking more and more likely the more you read the stats.Especially as a draw looks out of the question as Watford have drawn the least of any side in the division with just five in 30 outings.Sunderland are also 2nd in the Home league table this year, going as many as 14 games unbeaten at home, with as many as nine wins.While Watford sit 17th in the Away league table with as many as nine losses, a stark difference to their far superior home form.Wilson Isidor is Sunderland’s top scorer this season with ten and could be a huge problem for the Hornets who’ve struggled to keep the goals out recently.Sunderland to win, Wilson Isidor to score – 7/4 on Sky BetHow to watch Sunderland vs WatfordLocation: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England.Date & Time: Saturday, 8th February 2025, 3pm.TV Channel: N/A.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Ethan Nwaneri uses a different changing room to his teammates due to his age.The 17-year-old came off the bench to net Arsenal’s fifth goal in their 5-1 demolition of Manchester City on Sunday.GettyEthan Nwaneri has impressed for Arsenal during what has turned out to be a breakout season for the winger[/caption]It was the latest in a line of impressive moments from the winger who is enjoying a breakout season in the Gunners’ first team.Nwaneri has now scored in back-to-back games having netted a superb effort in last week’s 2-1 Champions League win at Girona.But his brush with the club’s first-team stars has been a muted one so far as he is not allowed to change in the same changing room as his teammates due to a strict safeguarding policy.Premier League safeguarding rules state that players must be 18 or older to share a dressing room with the senior squad.“Ethan cannot be in our dressing room still, which is unbelievable,” Arteta explained. “He needs to get dressed somewhere else, even on match day.”Meanwhile, Arteta has pointed to Nwaneri’s long-standing friendship with Myles Lewis-Skelly as a catalyst for his recent success.The pair have been close friends since breaking into the club’s academy.“When you see those two [Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri] walking next to each other, talking to each other, there is a bond there and a chemistry there,” Arteta said ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle.“I imagine for them it is special because at the moment they are still in different dressing rooms.“So to have somebody close to him that has that trust, that confidence, that link, I think it is lucky.GettyLewis-Skelly and Nwaneri has continued their budding friendship which began in the Arsenal academy[/caption]“They are very lucky to have each other.”The duo have played key roles for the Gunners this season with injuries continuing to hamper Arteta’s squad.Their inclusion has undoubtedly ramped up their development and Arteta believes the pair have quickly earned the respect of their teammates.“What I’ve always said is how they feel about these young players when they come in,” the Arsenal boss added.“Do they trust them? Do they feel like they’re stronger with them? And that’s the feeling that I get when we give them that opportunity.“For me, they are ready in our eyes, but in the team’s feeling as well, they feel that they can be better with them.”GettyArsenal boss Arteta says Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are more than primed for the rigours of first-team football[/caption]Nwaneri has featured 22 times for the Gunners this term, registering seven goals.He has largely featured in the club’s cup competitions and will be hoping for another start in the crucial second-leg at St James’ Park.Nwaneri missed the first leg through injury but will be hoping his purple patch in front of goal can continue against the Magpies with Arsenal desperate to gain an early advantage in the tie.The Gunners start the game 2-0 down but will feel confident of overturning the deficit following their five-goal haul against City coupled with Newcastle’s mini-crisis at St James’ Park having lost their last two home games.

Coventry City host Leeds United in the Championship tonight and it’s set to be a close contest with both sides in excellent form.Coventry vs Leeds United best betsLeeds to win, under 2.5 goals – 3/1 on BetfairUnder 3.5 cards – 19/20 on BetfairCoventry vs Leeds United oddsFind the latest match odds for Coventry vs Leeds United on Betfair. Odds are subject to change.Coventry – 10/3Draw – 13/5Leeds United – 5/6Get free bets on the football action!Coventry vs Leeds United predictionThis is a tricky betting game as Leeds are odds-on and though look a sure thing being at the top of the table it’s poignant to see their recent form against Coventry.Coventry have won both of their last two home games in the league against Leeds. Though, they haven’t won three in a row since 1981.That said, Leeds have only lost three of their last 21 league games against Coventry but they do seem to struggle at the Coventry Building Society Arena.Coventry come into this in great recent form and are unbeaten at home in the last six games under Frank Lampard.Leeds are on a good run on the road, unsurprisingly considering they’re top of the table, keeping a clean sheet on three of their last four clashes.Leeds United are two points clear of Sheffield United in the Championship table and one team is surely going to have to halt their good run in general or good form against each other.Coventry vs Leeds United betting tipsThis will certainly be Lampard’s toughest challenge yet but they have done very well defensively since the former Chelsea captain took charge.Only conceding four in 2025 in the league in fact and Lampard has an up and down record against Leeds as a manager.In his first three games as manager he lost each against the Whites, but has since gone on to win three of his last four, drawing just once.A draw doesn’t seem too likely given the stats and context of what these teams are like recently.It leads me to think that Leeds will scrape a tough win with less than a couple of goals in the game.Coventry and Leeds have been doing well defensively and that’s likely to continue in this clash.Leeds have the third best disciplinary record when it comes to yellow cards this season with just 49 yellow cards so far and Coventry are one better off in both aspects with just 48 cards.You would think looking at this game that there could be a few but given they have among the lowest cards in the division, it might be worth adding a bet that supports their lack of yellow cards.Leeds to win, under 2.5 goals – 3/1 on BetfairUnder 3.5 cards – 19/20 on BetfairHow to watch Coventry vs Leeds UnitedLocation: Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry, England.Date & Time: Wednesday, 5th February 2025, 7.45pm.TV Channel: N/A.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

The new season of Premier League Darts gets underway this week in Belfast on Thursday night, with world champion Luke Littler looking to defend his title.talkSPORT BET are offering all customers £5 in free bets when they make four £5 bets on the darts this season, an offer which can be opted-in for by following this link*.talkSPORT BETtalkSPORT BET: Bet 4 x £5 on darts and get a £5 free bet – CLAIM HERE*This week sees the first of 17 consecutive Thursday nights of Premier League darts, touring across 15 cities in the UK and Ireland, as well Rotterdam and Berlin – with the season final coming from the O2 Arena in London on the 29 May.Luke Littler begins the defence of his Premier League Darts title this week as he takes on seven time champions Michael van Gerwen in the third quarter final of the opening night of the season at the SSE Arena in Belfast.Littler and MVG are the only two out of the eight competitors this year to have won the Premier League prior to this campaign, with the former having won on his debut season last year, beating the world number one Luke Humphries in the final.Thursday night sees Humphries take on Nathan Aspinall in the final quarter final of the evening in Week 1.Two newcomers join the eight in the competition this year, with World Championship semi finalists Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey replacing Michael Smith and Peter Wright, though both newcomers have each played in the Premier League before.The opening match up of the tournament sees Dobey take on Gerwyn Price who will be looking to improve on his seventh placed finish last season, and the winner of that tie will face either Bunting or Rob Cross in the first semi final of the night. Lucky Dip BRAND NEW FEATURE Check out this brand new betting feature at talkSPORT BET. Available across many different markets, take a spin on the wheel to see what selection you get at a set price. Will you be lucky and get the favourite at huge odds? Check it out here!All odds correct at time of writing.talkSPORT BET: Bet 4 x £5 on darts and get a £5 free bet – CLAIM HERE* talkSPORT BET App Download the talkSPORT BET app here Download the iOS app Download the Android app 18+ gambleaware.orgCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. TandCs apply. Begambleaware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*18+. Opt In. Place 4x £5 bets on any Darts market, at min odds (2.0). Offer expires at 23:59 UK time on 06.02.25. Get a £5 Free Bet to use on any Darts market. Free Bet expires within 3 days. Click for T&C’s. GambleAware.org

WWE fans could soon have a new McMahon to watch on screens if social media posts from a family prodigy are to be believed.Former chairman Vince McMahon has long departed the wrestling juggernaut he shaped into a billion-dollar entity, resigning from the board of parent company TKO in early 2023.Declan McMahon featured at WrestleMania 20 months after birthWWEHis departure came in the wake of horrific sexual assault and trafficking allegations levied against him – which he continues to deny – and brought to a halt his occasional appearances on WWE programming.His two children, Stephanie and Shane, had featured extensively on TV during the Attitude Era and beyond as well as holding executive roles but, despite cameos from the former including one at Royal Rumble earlier this month, neither now hold official positions with WWE.As such, viewers are consuming a McMahon-free product on screen in 2025 as the product is overseen by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, husband to Stephanie and son-in-law to Vince.It appears however, the McMahons could be back – in a fashion at least – thanks to an unlikely source. Shane’s eldest son and Vince’s first grandson, Declan, has hinted at an appearance in the company, and not for the first time.A running back for the NCAA Indiana Hoosiers, McMahon’s athletic ability is evident, and he’s been known to dabble in the family wrestling business from time to time. As a baby, he was thrust in front of the camera with his father and grandfather for the intro to WrestleMania 20 in 2004, and has stayed within touching distance ever since.As recently as this past weekend, he posted on X about being at the Rumble in Indianapolis, saying he ‘couldn’t wait’ to attend the show. Perhaps inevitably, fans were quick to ask the obvious – when is he going to start wrestling?He replied to one specific post on when he’d enter the Royal Rumble himself, hitting back with: ‘Soon,’ with a treble eyeball emoji. That simple post garnered over 250k views on X, and was seen by dad, Shane, who himself replied with a ‘thinking’ emoji of his own.A career in wrestling is certainly something the 20-year-old has considered. In 2023, he said he ‘would probably’ venture into the business – and even had a storyline idea in mind.Speaking prior to his grandfather’s WWE departure, he commented: “If I could only do one match, I tell my grandpa and my dad, I would want to do a match with my two brothers in a triple threat match. Probably Hell in a Cell, maybe jump off some cool s***.”He added: “Obviously I’m committed to football right now. I’m gonna get my college degree in a couple years. So I’m kind of just letting that pass, and then we’ll see.”Triple H is married to Declan McMahon’s aunt, Stephanie McMahonInstagram/dcmcmahonMcMahon is an NCAA footballer but has aspirations of WWE success in futureInstagram/dcmcmahonDeclan McMahon is the grandson of 79-year-old billionaire Vince, the former head of WWEInstagram: @dcmcmahon/GettyAs for his pitch? He outlined he’d have to be at the centre of it, explaining: “…[The] story’s already written, right? The rightful heir, the good-looking, the one who looks like Vince, right? “So. I think in the sense that you could play off the WrestleMania 20… You could play that off and just show that the new generation McMahon. has arrived.”A wrestling return for his grandfather now looks unlikely, and a comeback for his dad looks more feasible in All Elite Wrestling than it does WWE – though Declan seems to know what side his bread is buttered.In a further 2023 interview, he hit back hard when asked to choose between rival wrestling organisation AEW or TNA, slamming: “I don’t watch that crap.”He might need to now, of course – WWE announced a link-up with TNA earlier this year that has already seen a crossover of talent, while former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace recently signed a contract to join WWE.

All academy football coaches dream of working with a once in a generation talent.Very few, however, are able to realise this ambition, and even less boast mentoring two of English football’s biggest stars at the very start of their footballing journeys.GettyManchester City’s academy has produced two of English football’s brightest stars in recent years[/caption]This was the case for Nick Cushing however, who oversaw the development of both Phil Foden and Cole Palmer as young boys in the Manchester City academy.Best known for his work in women’s football, Cushing spent seven years in charge of City’s Women, where he won the Women’s Super League title, a FA Women’s Cup and two FA Women’s League Cups.He then transitioned into the men’s game, joining New York City FC as assistant in 2020, before serving as head coach from 2022 until 2024.But it was at the Citizens‘ academy where Cushing began his coaching career, mentoring the headline acts of Palmer and Foden, as well as Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Tommy Doyle, as pint-sized kids.With Foden now starring in an all-conquering City side, and Palmer becoming Chelsea‘s talisman after his 2023 arrival, Cushing joined talkSPORT to discuss his experiences with the gifted pair in their early days.And while the Blues hero may be the standout performer this term, with 14 league goals to Foden’s seven, this wasn’t always the case.Reflecting on the duo as youngsters, Cushing said: “Phil was very different. “Cole was a good player, but probably wasn’t the player that he is now in the sense that he’s over and above one of the best in the Premier League. Cole was very good.“Phil was always the best player. He was the best player at nine, he was the best player at 18. He went in the first team really early – he could train with the first team at 16. “So, Phil was very, very unique in the journey that he had.” GettyNick Cushing spent 12 years working at Manchester City, starting out in their academy in 2008[/caption]GettyHe won every domestic honour in charge of City Women between 2008 and 2013[/caption]GettyPhil Foden made his first-team debut aged just 17 after starring for the Citizens’ academy[/caption]It’s fair to say Foden has continued in a similar vein since breaking into the world of senior football.Still aged just 24, the Englishman is a six-time Premier League champion, and picked up the PFA Player of the Year award following his latest title win in 2024.Palmer was hot on his former teammate’s heels here, scooping the Young Player of the Year prize after registering 22 league goals and 11 assists in a stunning debut season at Stamford Bridge.And Cushing admitted there is no limit to what the 22-year-old can achieve in the future.The 40-year-old continued: “Someone like Cole that had incredible offensive ability, a real enthusiasm with the ball and plays the way that he plays. “I watched the game last night [Chelsea’s 2-1 win over West Ham] and he played very much as a nine-year-old like he does now.Cole Palmer has 53 goal involvements in 58 Premier League games for ChelseaGettyPrior to joining the Blues, he spent 13 years on City’s booksGetty“I think his potential is that he can go as far as he wants to go.”With Palmer renowned for his free playing style and ability to remain unfazed on the biggest of stages, Cushing believes this is what makes him destined for the very top.He said: “He is the exact same person now as he was when he was 10-years-old. Just a guy that’s obsessed with the game, a guy that plays with real freedom. He’s having fun when he’s playing. “That’s what his character was like when he was young, and I think that’s why he’s achieving what he’s achieving now.“Having a character like Cole’s means that you don’t really feel the pressure. You don’t really get too high, you don’t really get too low.“We talk a lot about coaches, we talk a lot about mentality and character and he’s one that’s got that real natural ability and mentality.”

“With a quarterback like Brady, going for the win is not that dangerous, because he’s not going to make a mistake.”Bill Belichick‘s great gift was knowing a clutch performer when he saw one — and it helped him make a decision in 2002 that unleashed over a decade of dominance.AFPBrady led a game-winning drive on his first Super Bowl appearance[/caption]Legendary former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is preparing for his first Super Bowl in the Fox Sports booth as the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles collide in New Orleans.He will share all the experience from a career that saw him claim the Vince Lombardi Trophy seven times back in the city where it all began.As hard as it is to imagine now, at one point the GOAT was a sixth-round pick looking to win his first title in a defiant message to the 31 teams who overlooked him in the 2000 NFL Draft.In his first season as a starter, Brady took on Kurt Warner’s legendary St. Louis Rams offense — known as the Greatest Show on Turf — as a scrappy underdog.He hadn’t set the world alight in the game but his team had the ball on their own 17-yard line with 81 seconds left and no timeouts – the score was 17-17.Belichick could have taken the pressure off his 24-year-old QB and asked him to take a knee – he decided to swing for the fences.Minus two spikes, Brady completed five or six passes for 53 yards to set up a 48-yard Adam Vinatieri field goal.“You’re looking at a team that has some f****** guts, man,” Rams defensive end Chidi Ahanotu said. “Brady never flinched, and they’ve got one hell of a gutsy coach.”“A game like this makes you trust in all those corny-sounding cliches,” former Patriots linebacker and current head coach Mike Vrabel said.“On paper you may not look as talented or as fast or as strong as your opponent, but if you get guys to buy into a system and fight to the bitter end, you can accomplish incredible things.”View Tweet: https://t.co/R0dVxUGlM3GettyBrady had to find Belichick to make an unusual request[/caption]GettyBelichick ended up winning five more with the Pats[/caption]After the win, Brady was invited to continue the Super Bowl tradition of announcing he was ‘going to Disney World’ and enjoying a free trip to Orlando.It forced him to seek out Belichick, who was enjoying a moment with family and friends in his hotel room.“Have a beer,” said the notorious disciplinarian in an exchange documented by Sports Illustrated.Brady asked Belichick for permission to miss the team flight home before enduring an awkward silence.“Of course you can go,” Belichick said. “How many times do you win the Super Bowl?”Little did they know… Read More on Super Bowl LIX Follow LIVE build-up to Super Bowl LIX here ‘Global intention’ – NFL commissioner stuns fans with announcement new team based outside of United States ‘I’m out there with him’ – Travis Kelce told brother Jason he will quit NFL if Chiefs coach Andy Reid decides to retire ‘Stupidest thing I’ve done’ – Die-hard Eagles fan Kevin Hart was rejected by security trying to drunkenly storm Super Bowl stage Patrick Mahomes vs Tom Brady after first seven years as a starter reveals there’s only one winner in quarterback debate Who is performing the Super Bowl halftime show and who will be singing the National Anthem? How to follow Super Bowl 2025 – TV channel, live streaming and talkSPORT coverage for NFL showpiece FOLLOW – talkSPORT End Zone YouTube Channel brings you all the latest news, views and analysis OFFER – See all Super Bowl odds and bet boosts over at talkSPORT BET BUY HERE – Brewdog launches new beer to celebrate Super Bowl 2025Brady is now right back where he started as a fresh-eyed newcomer despite being in his 11th Super Bowl.He may have seven rings and a $375 million contract, but being in the booth is a different beast and honing your skills in front of millions is a tough ask.Just like 2002, he has plenty of experience in his team to help out, including veteran producer Richie Zyontz, who is on his eighth trip to the big show.“We have all found that Tom is a helluva guy and a fabulous teammate,” Zyontz said. “He loves what he does in calling the games, is determined to be great. “At some point in the meeting, we just turn him loose and he provides everyone with such valuable insight to inform the broadcast. “I’ve seen him get better and better, improving every week. He has really become on point at the line of scrimmage, quickly pointing things out that a quarterback would see.“I really think he will be even better next year. He prepares like a maniac, and I believe with a season under his belt, he will re-calibrate that preparation a bit to be even more on point and precise with what he needs to enhance the broadcast. “Kevin Burkhardt on play-by-play has been such a big help to his development as well. Kevin is so willing to share and that makes everyone around him better.”Brady has walked the walk, now it’s time to talk the talk.Follow our brand new talkSPORT NFL page on Facebook as we bring you all the build-up to the Super Bowl, plus live coverage

Kevin Holland will face Gunnar Nelson in his next bout at UFC London on March 22.The fight marks Holland’s second of 2025 after he was submitted by Reinier de Ridder at UFC 311 in January in a bout that marked his tenth defeat in the promotion.Holland has fought 24 times since making his UFC debut in August 2018GettyNelson (right) has faced the likes of Leon Edwards during his careerGettyNelson, meanwhile, hasn’t fought in the octagon since submiting Bryan Barberena in the last time the UFC visited London back in March 2023.Leon Edwards won his trilogy bout against Kamaru Usman on that card, while Justin Gaethje secured a majority decision victory over Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event.Edwards is set to headline UFC London as he takes on Australian Jack Della Maddalena, who is unbeaten in his last 17 fights, winning 14 by stoppage.The former UFC welterweight champion last fought in July against Belal Muhammad at UFC Manchester where he suffered a unanimous decision defeat.Nelson is a former training partner of Conor McGregor, having emerged through the ranks from the same gym in SGB Ireland.He made his debut around a year before McGregor in September 2012 and has won ten of his 15 bouts in the promotion since.Nelson fought Edwards at a UFC Fight Night event in London back in March 2019, losing to the Birmingham native in the co-main event via split decision.Holland has just one victory in his last five bouts, with notable defeats to the likes of Della Maddalena and Michael Page.UFC London is shaping up to be a very solid card, with a light heavyweight clash between Jan Blachowicz and Carlos Ulberg also featuring.Liverpudlian fan-favourite Molly McCann is also set for her UFC return as she takes on Brazil’s Istela Nunes in what will mark her first fight since losing out at UFC Manchester in July.Edwards will headline UFC LondonGettyHolland and Nelson are set to fight on the main card too in the welterweight divisionJai Herbert (13-5-1), who spent 14 years as a scaffolder before transitioning into MMA, is also set for the card as he takes on American Chris Padilla (15-6) in a lightweight bout.Rising star Lone’er Kavanagh (8-0) has also been announced for the event as he aims to continue his unbeaten streak against Brazilian prospect Felipe dos Santos (8-2) in the flyweight division.Kavanagh left UFC President White gobsmacked in August last year when he knocked out undefeated prospect An Tuan Ho.Mick Parkin, the sparring partner of UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, is also confirmed to fight at UFC London as he takes on Marcin Tybura.

Mike Tyson feared he would be sued if he pulled out of fighting Jake Paul for a second time.The heavyweight legend made an unlikely full professional return against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul at the age of 58, and was outpointed in a blockbuster commercial event.Tyson had health issues in the build-up to facing PaulGETTYWidespread concern had plagued the build-up given the veteran’s age and health.He was originally forced to pull out from their original July 2024 planned date, after a flare up of his stomach ulcer left him in a bad way.Tyson was medically cleared to step in the ring in November, but was a shadow of himself and could barely muster a whimper in the contest.After the fight, ‘Iron Mike’ claimed he nearly died in the build-up requiring blood transfusions and medical treatment to return to a stable condition.It was a concerning admission, and boxing fans questioned why he simply didn’t just abandon the plans.But in a new interview with Fox Nation, he revealed exactly why he chose not to.He admitted: “I haven’t thought about that [if it weakened him].“I was worried about getting sued, you know, because I was like, God, they’re going to sue me if I don’t do this fight.“I had a bloody ulcer, like three inches. Kept bleeding and bleeding.“And I had to have, what, 10 blood transfusions. Each time I do this, I was like the same doing Roy Jones as doing this one.Luckily Tyson came from the fight unscathedGetty“My wife sees me screaming because my body is in so much pain. And I come home, I’m like, ah, ah. I promise I wouldn’t do this to myself.”Given Tyson’s alarming admissions, it is now highly unlikely that he will return to the squared circle again as he approaches the age of 60.He was able to avoid serious or permanent damage from his exploit, and earned $20million from the successful revenue-generating event.After financial ruin following his stellar professional career, Tyson is delighted to be financially stable and has already invested in a new property.The fight was a dull spectacle with Paul unable to stop the former undisputed champion, carrying his own issues.But ‘El Gallo’ admits he made it that to avoid inflicting serious injury on Tyson.It is likely Tyson has been seen in the ring for the last timeEsther Lin/MVPHe said: “I wanted to give the fans a show.“But I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.“There was a point where he was not engaging back, I could just tell his age was showing a little bit.“That violence war thing… that went away as the rounds went on. People just love to hate me. I intentionally say things for people to hate.“That’s what I like to do. If people want to see more… give me a couple of months. I tried to give the best fight I possibly could.“When someone’s just surviving in the ring, it’s hard to make it exciting. I don’t care what people have to say. It is what it is.” Follow talkBOXING on social media talkBOXING is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us on social media for big breaking boxing news, exclusive interviews and the best bits from our talkBOXING YouTube show.Like our Facebook page HERE Follow us on Twitter HERE Sign up for our WhatsApp channel HERE

Although I try to eat a healthy and varied diet, I often struggle to hit the recommended weekly intake of fruit and vegetables.After hearing about the AG1 daily greens powder from podcasts and athletes’ social media accounts, I was intrigued.AG1 green powder dissolves in water to make a frothy dark green drinkAG1 greens powder supplement, £79 / monthBUY NOWWell-known sporting fans of AG1 include F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Olympic gold medal-winning track and field athlete Allyson Felix, UFC commentator Joe Rogan and Ironman triathlete Timothy O’Donnell.Hollywood celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Hugh Jackman and Cindy Crawford are also fans.I wanted to see if drinking AG1 daily could quickly increase my fruit and vegetable intake and deliver a much-needed boost of vitamins and minerals.AG1 contains 75 ingredients, promising one scoop to deliver a huge amount of vitamins and minerals, natural plant compounds, and bacterial cultures.Nutrition experts now recommend eating 30 different plants a week, instead of the outdated ‘five-a-day’ servings of fruit and veg, with the focus being on variety to encourage a diverse gut microbiome.Research has shown that microbiome diversity can help protect against disease, improve metabolic and immunological functions, and slow down the body’s aging process.But as AG1 offers this at a price of £79 for a month’s serving, I couldn’t wait to try it to discover whether AG1 was worth it and see if I’d notice any health benefits.Navigate this articleAG1 quick summaryAG1 full reviewAG1 verdictWhere to buy AG1 in the UKHow I tested AG1I tested AG1 for a full month so I could fully assess whether there were any health improvements.I noted down how I felt in terms of gut health, skin appearance and overall energy levels before starting the test so I had a point of comparison.AG1 recommends mixing the powder with 250ml of water and drinking it on an empty stomach in the morning, which I did without fail for 30 days.During testing, I made no other changes to my diet or fitness routine to be sure that any health benefits were coming as a result of AG1 rather than anything else I’d introduced over that time frame.AG1 review: quick summaryWe tried AG1 greens powder for 30 daysAG1 greens powder supplement, £79 / monthBUY NOWProsBoosts energy levels in the morningImproved skin in 30-daysReplaces the need to take multvitamin pills and probioticsCertified by an independent quality and safety certification program, Cologne List®ConsRequires a vigorous shaking action for it to fully blendSlightly grittyExpensiveRating: 4/5After seeing numerous AG1 testimonials on social media, the High Performance Podcast, and the Triathlon Hour podcast, I was eager to put AG1 to the test.When the delivery arrived, it was better than I expected.If you use a code from a podcast, you’ll get a welcome pack instead of the standard starter pack.Mine contained a shaker bottle, storage container and five individual travel sachets.A shaker and storage tin were included in my first AG1 deliveryThe morning after the delivery, I was nervously excited to start the trial as a quick sniff of the powder wasn’t the most appetising of smells – I’d describe it as slightly thick and earthy.The powder also didn’t dissolve easily in water, and I really had to shake the bottle hard to incorporate all the powder.However, once I’d taken a sip, I was pleasantly surprised.I couldn’t describe it as enjoyable but there was no nasty aftertaste and it didn’t make me gag.Drinking the whole bottle gave me a little endorphin rush, as I felt like I was putting something good into my body.Usually, I have coffee pretty much as soon as I wake up, but I no longer crave my morning espresso after drinking AG1.It gave me enough energy to get to work and have my first caffeine fix around 10 am.On mornings when I was a little sleep-deprived from a poor night’s sleep, this energy boost was much appreciated and I also unexpectedly discovered that it was a great hangover cure.While 30 days is perhaps not long enough to notice massive results, I never experienced any digestive issues throughout my 30-day trial despite having a sensitive stomach.I also felt a subtle difference in my skin in terms of clarity and pore size, which could be due to the high amounts of Vitamin C in AG1.AG1 full reviewFirst impressionsMy first AG1 order was beautifully packagedAG1 greens powder, £79 / monthBUY NOWI expected my postman to deliver a pouch of AG1, but what I got looked like a gift box, containing a storage tin, a metal scoop, a shaker bottle, some travel-size sachets and a month’s supply of AG1.The mixing instructions for AG1 are written clearly on the back of the pouch and the manufacturer suggests consuming it on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.I found making and shaking a serving of AG1 to be less effort than boiling a kettle for a cup of tea or waiting for my Nespresso machine to brew.It was super easy to get into a routine of drinking AG1 before consuming anything else in the morning, which surprised me as I’m a big coffee drinker.What is in AG1 drink?One scoop of AG1 contains 75 different health-boosting ingredientsAG1 greens powder, £79 / monthBUY NOWAG1 is a green powder containing vitamins, minerals and synbiotics (prebiotics and probiotics).When mixed with water it becomes a dark green drink that’s not unpleasant, but not exactly a joy to sip and savour.Each serving contains more than 70 active ingredients to help users fill in some vitamin and mineral gaps that might have formed in their diet.It also contains antioxidants from ingredients like broccoli and green tea extract, which help protect cells against daily damage.Other interesting ingredients are adaptogens like grape seed extract, reishi mushrooms and ashwagandha, a herb that helps people better respond to stress.My diet doesn’t normally contain ashwagandha or reishi mushrooms, so I was keen to see whether I would notice any difference in my stress levels after drinking AG1.What does AG1 taste like?I expected AG1 to be sweet like pineapple as pineapple core and vanilla bean are key ingredients.However, it has a richer, earthier flavour similar to matcha tea.Imagine that you’re holding your nose to drink a green spinach-based smoothie and you can’t really taste much, that’s how I’d best describe the flavour (or lack of it).It’s not sweet as there’s no added sugar or artificial sweetener, but it’s not sharp or bitter.Texture-wise, I found a serving of AG1 to be very frothy and it needs to be shaken a lot to get the powder to blend into the water.I didn’t enjoy the frothy consistency with room temperature water, but it felt quite refreshing when I used iced cold tap water.Performance: is AG1 worth it?I’ve been sipping AG1 for 30 days and noticed some positive effects.One is that it’s helped me reduce the amount of coffee that I drink.Reaching for AG1 instead of an espresso in the morning is an easy way to reduce my caffeine intake and start the day off feeling more hydrated.Another positive result is that I feel like my gut is operating better.AG1 contains 7.2 billion CFU of the probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum to help support the gut microbiome.Alongside inulin, a prebiotic fibre, and bromelain, a dietary enzyme, there’s scientific evidence that these ingredients may contribute to a healthy balance of “good” gut bacteria.I certainly felt more regular throughout testing, so much so that I would consider ditching my usual probiotic supplement and getting that good bacteria solely from AG1.This partly justifies the monthly cost of AG1 as it can replace several other supplements.A scoop of the product provides more than 100% of the recommended daily value for zinc, folate, and several key vitamins like C, E and all eight B vitamins, so there’s no need to take a daily multivitamin when taking AG1.However, it doesn’t contain much calcium or phosphorous, which are important for healthy bones, so it’s important not to rely on AG1 as a “catch-all” supplement.There’s also no way of knowing the quantity of adaptogens a serving of AG1 contains.I couldn’t work out how much of each plant compound I was getting from looking at the packet or the website. I was pleasantly surprised to report a change to my skin in 30 days and I’d love to see if continuing to take AG1 results in more dramatic improvements.While research may prove mushrooms make a difference in stress levels, I’m not sure enough are included as I certainly didn’t see a difference.The best side effect for me was an improvement in the appearance of my skin with a noticeable reduction in pore size.Vitamin C can improve the appearance of pores by increasing collagen and elastin levels in the skin and AG1 provides all the daily Vitamin C requirements.I was pleasantly surprised to report a change to my skin in 30 days and I’d love to see if continuing to take AG1 results in more dramatic improvements.AG1: the verdictIf money was no issue, I’d wholeheartedly recommend AG1 and give it a full five stars.I enjoyed starting my day with a drink full of health benefits and I did feel better at the end of 30 days.However, I can’t get over the cost. For £79, I could have a meal in a decent restaurant with friends or take a cheeky Eurostar trip to Paris.I’d rather make more of an effort to improve my diet by eating more whole foods, using the money I would spend on AG1 on having fun with my friends and family.I’m sure £79 doesn’t feel like much to the Lewis Hamiltons and Gwyneth Paltrows of the world, and I would have no hesitation subscribing to AG1 if I had a higher disposable income.Where to buy AG1 in the UK?AG1 is available to buy on the AG1 website and Amazon.If you subscribe to a regular monthly delivery, you’ll save money compared to buying one-off packs every time you run out.AG1 official websiteMonthly subscription (30 servings), £79 – buy hereDouble monthly subscription (60 servings), £150 – buy hereMonthly subscription of 30 travel pouches, £89 – buy hereOne-time purchase (30 servings), £97 – buy hereAmazonOne-time purchase (30 servings), £97 – buy hereDoes AG1 work?AG1 works as a way to improve your nutrition if you really can’t find the time to plan, prep and make more balanced meals.I did notice improvements in skin, gut health and energy levels while taking AG1.However, I would have seen the same health benefits in 30 days had I tried harder to increase my Vitamin C intake and gone cold turkey on my morning Nespresso shot.A £79 monthly subscription is more than my gym membership, so I’d like to try harder to improve my diet before committing to regular deliveries.Is there an AG1 alternative?If you’re seeking alternatives to AG1, several options offer similarly comprehensive nutrient-dense profiles.Huel Daily Greens provides 91 vitamins, minerals, and wholefood-sourced nutrients, including superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens.It’s priced at £1.50 per serving, making it a cost-effective choice.There’s also 33Fuel Ultimate Daily Greens powder, which is handmade in the UK with 80% organic ingredients.33Fuel’s alternative is priced at £29.99 for 30 servings, significantly less than AG1.Protein Works Super Greens Extreme combines 20 superfood ingredients, including spirulina, spinach, and ashwagandha to enhance the immune system and reduce fatigue.Super Greens Extreme also contains inulin, a prebiotic that supports gut health.Is there an AG1 discount code?AG1 sponsors several podcasts so I stumbled upon a few discount codes while listening to my favourite pods.For example, if you visit DrinkAG1.com/huberman, you’ll get a year’s supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 plus 10 travel sachets free.Visiting DrinkAG1.com/Tim or DrinkAG1.com/highperformance will get you Vitamin D3 and K2 plus five travel sachets.It’s worth using one of these codes otherwise you’ll just get a shaker in your starter pack.For more sports, health and fitness deals and buying guides, check out our dedicated talkSPORT shopping hub.

Jason Kelce’s shirtless antics are the stuff of legend.The former Philadelphia Eagle partied hard last season when the Kansas City Chiefs returned to the AFC Championship game for what was the sixth consecutive year.Jason Kelce went all out for the Chiefs’ win and later heard about it from his daughterGettyMaybe a little too hard.While his brother Travis caught two touchdowns in the Chiefs’ 27-24 road win over the Buffalo Bills, a shirtless Jason celebrated with children and chugged beers with Bills fans.No one doubts that Jason is a cool dad.But there were questions about the ex offensive lineman’s decision to go shirtless in the Buffalo cold.The biggest question arrived from one of Jason’s daughters.The legendary NFL center tweeted that, “Buffalo is awesome, the energy is contagious. Such an incredible experience!!”Below that tweet, Jason — who retired from football last year — posted a hilarious image of a text message from someone listed as Maaaa.“Ellie said, ‘Dads boobs are showing!’ the text message read.Fans immediately knew what the text was referring to, since Jason had overshadowed Taylor Swift by screaming shirtless like a caveman in a packed suite.“YOU’RE THE GOAT JASON!!!” one fan tweeted.Jason endeared himself to Bills Mafia in the freezing conditionsGetty“Honestly, the addition of a shirtless Jason Kelce should ironically limit the complaining from NFL fans mad about Taylor Swift,” a second fan posted.“PLAYOFF JASON,” a third fan wrote.“I love that the girls were watching Uncle Travy’s game on TV!” a fourth fan said.Jason has three daughters with his wife, Kylie McDevitt, according to People.The Chiefs went on to win the Super Bowl that season, beating the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC title game before overcoming the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.This year’s Super Bowl on February 9 will be contested by two teams close to Jason’s heart. Read More on Super Bowl LIX Follow LIVE build-up to Super Bowl LIX here ‘Global intention’ – NFL commissioner stuns fans with announcement new team based outside of United States ‘I’m out there with him’ – Travis Kelce told brother Jason he will quit NFL if Chiefs coach Andy Reid decides to retire ‘Stupidest thing I’ve done’ – Die-hard Eagles fan Kevin Hart was rejected by security trying to drunkenly storm Super Bowl stage Patrick Mahomes vs Tom Brady after first seven years as a starter reveals there’s only one winner in quarterback debate Who is performing the Super Bowl halftime show and who will be singing the National Anthem? How to follow Super Bowl 2025 – TV channel, live streaming and talkSPORT coverage for NFL showpiece FOLLOW – talkSPORT End Zone YouTube Channel brings you all the latest news, views and analysis OFFER – See all Super Bowl odds and bet boosts over at talkSPORT BET BUY HERE – Brewdog launches new beer to celebrate Super Bowl 2025His former Eagles take on Travis’ Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, in what will be a rematch of Super Bowl LVII following the 2022 season.It was Travis who came out on top in the ‘Kelce Bowl’ — the first annual big game to be contested by two siblings — winning 38-35.Now, Travis’ Chiefs are bidding for an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat, with Jason’s old team the only thing standing in their way of football immortality.Follow our brand new talkSPORT NFL page on Facebook as we bring you all the build-up to the Super Bowl, plus live coverage

After leaving Bolton in unceremonious circumstances, Ian Evatt is now the favourite to land at the tail end of English professional football.Evatt was the second longest-serving manager in the EFL up until January 22 when a video of him appearing to tell fans to ‘f*** off’ became the final straw for Wanderers’ board.Evatt is out of work and could take up the toughest job in EnglandGettyJust ten days earlier, the 43-year-old even turned on his own players, suggesting they were ‘mentally fragile’ after a 3-1 defeat to Rotherham.Those incidents brought his four-and-a-half year spell at the club to an end, but Evatt could soon be back in action, just far further down the pyramid.The Coventry-born coach is now the favourite to take over Carlisle United, a tier below Bolton in League Two, in fact at the very bottom of it.The Cumbrian side are 24th out of 24 teams in the fourth tier and five points from safety with five defeats in their last six matches.On February 3, following a 5-1 hammering at home against Swindon Town, they sacked manager Mike Williamson, paving the way for one of the most difficult vacancies in England.That’s because Williamson had been backed extraordinarily in the transfer market, with Carlisle bringing in a whopping 12 new players to ward off a catastrophic relegation to the National League.Evatt, should he take the role, would be tasked with making essentially a whole new starting line up gel for the remainder of the season, a thankless task for any coach.Among those who arrived were former Newcastle and Premier League regular Paul Dummett and Manchester United prospect Joe Hugill.Yet such quality signings were seemingly not enough to tempt one other manager – Steven Gerrard – who was linked to the post shortly after Williamson’s dismissal.The Liverpool legend had just left his post in the Saudi Pro League with Al Ettifaq and could return to Britain where he had more success, particularly with Rangers, winning the Scottish Premiership for the first time in ten years in 2021.Williamson was axed on transfer deadline day with a whole new squadGettyGerrard wasn’t interested in the roleGettyLeague Two relegation is arguably the most damaging prospect in English football, given the tall order of promotion back up to the top four tiers.Only two teams are promoted from the semi-professional National League, with the champion automatically going up and then the next six sides involved in a play-off.That number, which is unique in English football, has been challenged by the National League, with general manager Mark Ives calling it ‘unfair’.On February 4, all 72 National League teams wrote a letter to the EFL asking for three promotion spots, with Ives saying: “The regulator will be set up in law this year, I am fairly certain of that.“But by the time it is set up, started, staff trained and all the elements of the Bill are in place and then, potentially, the dispute between the Premier League and EFL has been aired with a backstop, that could be three years.“Then we have the discussion on the three-up campaign, which will delay it by another year. That could be four seasons.“We have a pyramid that is the envy of countries worldwide because you can go from the very bottom to the top, purely on sporting merit. But there is a blockage in the jump between National League and EFL. Two-up, two-down is simply unfair.“I would think the vast majority of fans, looking at it objectively, would see the unfairness. We want a fairer system.”

Logan Paul revealed he ‘actually felt sad’ for former UFC champion Conor McGregor after meeting the Irishman last month.On Paul’s podcast IMPAULSIVE he confidently denied McGregor would beat him in a street fight.Logan Paul has committed his near future to WWE and was the final entrant into Saturday’s Rumble matchWWEThe two were rumoured to be in talks for a boxing fight in Mumbai, India that would net them $250m each but progress has stalled.However, McGregor suggested last week that negotiations collapsed because the UFC refused to approve the bout.The Irish fighter claimed both he and Paul were ready to meet under the TKO banner, which overseas WWE and UFC, but that the latter just ‘weren’t into it’.In January, the American met the fighter on a bus trip to Donald Trump’s Presidential inauguration.Speaking about the meeting on his podcast, Paul said: “I watched back that footage of Conor talking s*** to us, he said he’s going to slap me, Jake and KSI.We’re fully laughing at what used to be one of the scariest men on the planet. I actually felt sad.“This statement at one point would have made us feel fear and now two YouTubers are laughing at this washed up, cracked out fighter who’s unhinged and there’s no truth in what he’s saying.Impaulsive co-host Mike Majlak said: “But I don’t get what you’re saying because he’d still work your ass.”“You’re actually insane,”replied Paul. “Stop Mike.”Majlak replied: “In a street setting he’d work your ass.”McGregor had front row seats for the Bucks vs Jazz game where he sized up Brook LopezgettyPaul countered: “He’s not working anything because he’s not working. He’s not doing anything except drugs.”A comment most likely inspired by McGregor’s actions that has landed him amongst the news agenda.Most recently in Las Vegas he spat in a man’s face after he said “Let’s go, Khabib! Let’s go, Khabib!”.Days before he posted a racist and Islamophobic rant directed at former rival Khabib Nurmagomedov.A reaction that reached its boiling point after fellow Irish fighter Paul Hughes confessed ‘I’m not like this other guy [McGregor]’ after a loss to Usman Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s cousin.And last year the 36-year-old lost a civil rape case and was ordered to pay £206,000 in damages.McGregor remains inactive as a fighter, having not had a professional MMA bout since July 2021 when he lost to Dustin Poirier.In that bout he broke his leg, while in 2024 he saw a pinky toe injury cancel a bout with Michael Chandler at UFC 303.

Harry Kane has a release clause in his Bayern Munich contract, which has dropped significantly in recent days. The England captain joined Bayern from Tottenham in a staggering £100million transfer in 2023.Kane has enjoyed an excellent 2024 for Bayern and England and could end the season with a trophyGettyWhile he has yet to lift a trophy with the Bavarian giants, his performance has been nothing short of impressive, scoring 70 goals in 72 games.Yet, clubs have the power to activate a release clause in his Bayern contract if they desire, according to Sport Bild, hinting that a return to the Premier League could be a possibility.Kane was available for £67m in the January transfer window, but that clause will now be reduced to £54m next winter.However, there’s no indication the 31-year-old wishes to leave Bayern. He has forged a life in Munich and is fervently hoping to end his trophy drought this season.Bayern currently stand at the top of the Bundesliga table, six points clear of Bayer Leverkusen, preparing to face Celtic for a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League.Kane remains under contract with Bayern until 2027, but club executives are eyeing potential long-term successors, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres reportedly on their radar.The striker still has Tottenham close to his heart and played a role in Mathys Tel‘s move to north London on deadline day.“He told me it’s a big club with a lot of very good people.“The pitch is very nice and the training centre is very good, and if you go there you can enjoy it. Everything was positive.”Tel signed on a loan deal with Tottenham despite initially turning them down after chairman Daniel Levy flew to Germany to persuade him to join.At Tottenham, Kane cemented his place as a club legend and left as their top scoring playerGettyIn Germany, Kane celebrated a personal milestone in his 50th Bundesliga appearance for Bayern as they triumphed over the struggling Holstein Kiel 4-3.Kane’s impressive double in the game means he has outscored former Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland in goals during their first 50 Bundesliga games.Kane’s remarkable 55 goals in 50 league games aren’t the only Bundesliga records he’s shattered this season.He became the quickest player to reach 50 goal involvements in September, coincidentally against Holstein Kiel.Kane had already etched his name in Bundesliga history by scoring 36 times in 32 games last season, marking the most goals in a debut campaign.Kane has continued his fine form in GermanyHis time at Tottenham was filled with record-breaking performances, and with this kind of exceptional form, Kane could be a tremendous asset to any Premier League club if he chooses to make a return.Rising through the club’s academy, Kane blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers, smashing records and becoming Tottenham’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing the legendary Jimmy Greaves.He led Tottenham’s ascent to regular Champions League contention, highlighted by a memorable run to the 2019 final.Yet, despite personal accolades and team progress, the major trophies eluded him during his time at Spurs. This need for silverware ultimately prompted his departure.Kane has been in exhilarating form recently for Bayern, netting four goals in his last three matches, and will be hoping to extend that streak on Friday against Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.

Donald Trump is set to make history at Super Bowl LIX on Sunday.The White House have confirmed that he plans to attend the game in New Orleans, and in doing so, would become the first sitting president to attend America’s biggest annual sporting event.Trump attended a game between the Steelers and Jets earlier this season, but no sitting president has ever gone to the Super BowlGettyHis guest list is still being prepared, an official said, though House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana native, is in talks to join him at Caesars Superdome.Not only will President Trump attend the Super Bowl, but he will also have a role in Fox’s coverage of the event.It was revealed on Monday that he has agreed to an interview with Fox News’ chief political anchor Bret Baier, which will air during the network’s pregame build-up.The piece will be pre-recorded at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach and will air on Sunday during the 3pm hour.According to a statement from Fox, the interview will ‘focus on the changes the Trump administration has enacted since the Inauguration and the first 100 days of his presidency’.Presidents have been addressing the public on Super Bowl Sunday for the last two decades, beginning with CBS anchor Jim Nantz’s interview with then-President George W. Bush in 2004.Back in 2019, Trump also famously said he would struggle to allow his then-12-year-old son Barron to play football due to concussion concerns.“I just don’t like the reports that I see coming out having to do with football — I mean, it’s a dangerous sport and I think it’s really tough,” he said at the time.“I hate to say it because I love to watch football. I think the NFL is a great product, but I really think that as far as my son — well, I’ve heard NFL players saying they wouldn’t let their sons play football.“So, it’s not totally unique, but I would have a hard time with it.”Trump watched as the Steelers beat the Jets 37-15 last OctoberTrump also attended a college football game between Alabama and Georgia last yearGettyHis guest list for the Super Bowl has not yet been confirmedGettyTrump has not been interviewed by Fox News’s Baier since June 2023, and the president has previously criticized the anchor for allegedly being ‘unfriendly’ to him in interviews.While no sitting president has ever attended the Super Bowl before, a number of vice presidents have.The most recent was Mike Pence – Trump’s first-term VP – who was left off the ticket in 2024.He was present at Super Bowl LI in 2017, where he watched the New England Patriots secure a famous comeback win against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium in Houston.Before Pence, vice presidents Spiro Agnew, George H.W. Bush and Al Gore each attended the NFL championship game while in office.Trump’s presence at Super Bowl LIX will necessitate an extra layer of security, with the game taking place 39 days an attack that killed 14 people and injured dozens more on Bourbon Street. Read More on Super Bowl LIX Follow LIVE build-up to Super Bowl LIX here ‘Global intention’ – NFL commissioner stuns fans with announcement new team based outside of United States ‘I’m out there with him’ – Travis Kelce told brother Jason he will quit NFL if Chiefs coach Andy Reid decides to retire ‘Stupidest thing I’ve done’ – Die-hard Eagles fan Kevin Hart was rejected by security trying to drunkenly storm Super Bowl stage Patrick Mahomes vs Tom Brady after first seven years as a starter reveals there’s only one winner in quarterback debate Who is performing the Super Bowl halftime show and who will be singing the National Anthem? How to follow Super Bowl 2025 – TV channel, live streaming and talkSPORT coverage for NFL showpiece FOLLOW – talkSPORT End Zone YouTube Channel brings you all the latest news, views and analysis OFFER – See all Super Bowl odds and bet boosts over at talkSPORT BET BUY HERE – Brewdog launches new beer to celebrate Super Bowl 2025It is unclear if the president will be rooting for either the Kansas City Chiefs or Philadelphia Eagles, but he did win both Missouri and swing-state Pennsylvania in last year’s election, which helped him retake the White House.Trump, of course, will not be the only famous face in the crowd on Sunday.The annual event always draws numerous celebrities, with the likes of Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and the Kardashians all attending the game last year.Swift is expected to be there once again in 2025, as she cheers on boyfriend Travis Kelce, who is chasing a historic three-peat with the Chiefs.Follow our brand new talkSPORT NFL page on Facebook as we bring you all the build-up to the Super Bowl, plus live coverage

Very few teams have managed to keep Lionel Messi at bay in his career, especially those in America’s Major League Soccer.The Argentine superstar has been virtually unstoppable since his MLS move to join Inter Miami in July 2023, scoring a staggering 34 goals in 39 games in all competitions.Lionel Messi has registered 54 goal involvements in just over 18 months in the StatesAFPWhile he was unable to clinch MLS glory after defeat in the play-offs, Messi enjoyed a stunning individual campaign in 2024.The 37-year-old netted 20 goals in just 19 games to help Miami top the Eastern Conference, as they recorded the highest points total in MLS history.His goalscoring exploits saw him finish as the league’s joint-second highest scorer in the regular season, alongside strike partner Luis Suarez.Despite forming part of a free-scoring attack in Florida however, one team proved to be a thorn in Messi’s side last term.Back in September, both he and Suarez were left frustrated when Inter were held to a 1-1 draw by New York City FC, with neither player managing to score or assist.English coach Nick Cushing was the man behind the defensive masterclass that day, and he has now revealed just how he succeeded where so many have failed.Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT.com, Cushing recalled: “There are some real high level players over in America, but obviously Messi is on the next level. “My approach to that game was always: ‘I don’t believe that you can have an individual plan for the best’. I think the best are the best because there is no plan.“That sort of game tests your team’s mentality, tests your overall plan and idea.“For me, it was about trying to control the space he works in, trying to control the individual moments he gets, trying to control the areas of the pitch that he gets the ball in.Messi and Suarez could not break down New York’s defence in SeptemberNick Cushing spent four years at New York City FC, first serving as assistant, before becoming head coach in 2022Getty“In particular, in that game, we were really aggressive in being a high-pressing team just to try and keep him away from our goal.”Despite the hugely impressive feat, Cushing remained humble as he explained how his side shut out the football icon.He went on: “There is also an element of luck, right? You’ve got to hope that the best player in the world has a little bit of an off day.”The 40-year-old added: “So, yes, it was more of a team plan than an individual plan of stopping him.”But with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner widely considered to be one of football’s all-time greats, Cushing was forced to put his personal admiration for Messi to one side as he prepared for the game.He said: “I think the initial period is when you’re doing the game plans, you have to separate that two per cent of fanning when you’re doing the game plan and you write his name on the board.GettyBefore his stint in the Big Apple, Cushing led Manchester City women to four major trophies between 2013 and 2017[/caption]“But actually, the reality is we want to win football games and I want to put myself against the best in the world.“So, when you’re there, it’s about just focusing and being logical, trying to plan and after it, when you get results, of course, you’re happy because you know you’ve come up against somebody that is almost imprinted on the history of the game.”And while most coaches would be thrilled to keep the World Cup winner at bay at any stage in his career, Cushing, who also managed Manchester City’s successful women’s side, revealed he would have relished an even bigger challenge.“Although you’re playing against him, it is a joy to watch when you’re there and you see this guy play.“I just wish I had gone up against him when he was in his prime because he’s Messi, right?”

Il nuovo allenatore sarà scelto da Claudio Ranieri, che ha già individuato il nome giusto: via alla trattativa! La Roma si avvicina a un momento cruciale. Dopo settimane di valutazioni e indiscrezioni, la dirigenza sta per stringere il cerchio su chi guiderà la squadra il prossimo anno. Claudio Ranieri, che a fine stagione si accomoderà ... Leggi tutto Questo articolo Nuovo allenatore Roma, sciolte le riserve: Ranieri ha scelto il successore è comparso nella sua versione originale, prima sul sito SerieANews.

Luka Doncic was all anybody wanted to talk about as the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Clippers.The superstar’s arrival from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis and a first-round pick sent shockwaves through the NBA.LeBron James and son Bronny join Doncic on the benchDoncic was in town to watch the Lakers win 122-97 on Tuesday – the first game since his arrival.Bronny James did his best to steal the limelight — on and off the court.LeBron’s eldest son was on the bench to start and sat next to five-time All-Star Doncic, who is recovering from a calf injury.The rookie got into it with a fan during the first quarter as cameras caught him in a back-and-forth as his dad was on court.Doncic looked bemused for the whole exchange, grinning and looking between Bronny and the supporter.Fans couldn’t tell if he was loving the exchange or already ‘plotting his exit from LA.’“Luka is the guy at the party who just wants to go home,” wrote one.“Luka still shell shocked lmao,” added a second.“Utterly embarrassed,” declared a third.Bronny ultimately had the last laugh as he broke new ground in his fledgling NBA career.View Tweet: https://t.co/JH2nIaq6UQThe 20-year-old drained what he will hope is the first of many 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.Dad LeBron has over 2,500 and is looking forward to working with Doncic.But he admitted that seeing his Davis leave was tough to swallow after a FaceTime confirmed the stunning news.“Just knowing that he was going to be gone, that was very, very difficult. Very challenging,” he said. “I could see how in shock he was, obviously. And he probably saw it from my face as well.”“Guys are going to feel a certain way,” head coach JJ Redick said pregame. “And there’s a grieving process.“There’s an excitement and a rebirth process. There’s all of these things and those things take time.Doncic admits he is still stunned by the shock tradeGetty“It’s not, we’re not going to wave a magic wand and say, ‘Ah, we’re good today.’ Like it takes time. The important thing is that the mission has not changed and how we go about doing that mission has not changed.”Doncic is set to take part in a scrimmage on Wednesday and could make his debut against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.“It’s going to be special,” LeBron said. “We’re gonna attract a lot of eyes.“Listen, Luka is a big-time player. [He’s] 25-years-old, hasn’t even reached his prime yet, and he’s done some amazing stuff in our league already.“I’m happy to have him and LA is happy to have him. It’s still a little bit surreal, to be honest.”Doncic would surely agree with LeBron’s assessment after being caught cold by the news.“You can imagine how surprised I was,” he said. “I had to check if it was April 1. I didn’t really believe it.”If Doncic can shrug off concerns over hit fitness, the joke may be on Dallas.

Luke Littler remains the favourite to win this year’s Premier League Darts however one player has been tipped to dethrone the teenage sensation.Just as they finally caught their breath following an epic World Championships at Alexandra Palace, darts fans are gearing up for the return of the Premier League.GettyLuke Littler is eyeing a second successive Premier League title[/caption]The 2025 edition kicks off in Belfast on Thursday with the sports’ popularity at an all-time high and the top prize of £275,000 on the line.Over the next 17 weeks, the Premier League will be showcased live from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Germany and the Netherlands.Central to its growth is recently-crowned world champion Littler who is bidding to retain his Premier League title when the event concludes in London in May.Littler’s meteoric rise since reaching the World Championship final in 2024 as a relatively unknown player has helped transform the sport.And unsurprisingly, the teenage star is the bookies pick to scoop back-to-back Premier League titles.But for the voice of darts Russ Bray, another star has what it takes to see off the seven other competitors, including the 17-year-old sensation.Asked who might emerge as a surprise package, Bray told talkSPORT: “Anyone of the eight can do damage, but I’ll say Stephen Bunting. He’s hit a lot of form at the minute and I’ll tell you, he’s a very likeable character.“You want excitement week in week out and I think the eight boys that they’ve picked for this particular Premier League is probably about the best that we’ve ever had.”Bunting will be eyeing revenge on Littler after the pair went head-to-head in the World Championship semi-final.Littler comfortably saw off Bunting 6-1 to set up a final showdown against Michael van Gerwen.Russ Bray is gearing up for 17 weeks of high-octane action as the Premier League returnsRexBray has tipped Stephen Bunting to upset the odds in this year’s eventGettyHowever, since then, Bunting has been in fine form which saw him win the recent Bahrain Masters.His first task in this year’s Premier League will be overcoming Rob Cross who defeated Bunting the final of last month’s Dutch MastersMeanwhile, first up for Littler will be Dutchman Van Gerwen in a repeat of the World Championship final.Bray was full of praise for the Warrington-born star for his reaction to losing the World Championship final to Luke Humphries in 2024 and the way in which he has inspired a new generation to the sport.“It’s unbelievable what he’s done,” Bray said. “Getting to the final last year you thought, could he go one further at that young age? And then to go and win it this year – unbelievable.“It’s just obscene what this kid can do. I love it because it’s just brought a whole new dimension to the game.Bunting will hope he can get one over on Littler after his thumping at the World ChampionshipsRex“It’s the second-most watched sport on Sky. Only Premier League football has a higher number of viewers.”He continued: “The way darts has gone over the last 18 months with the ‘Littler Effect’ as everyone’s calling it, you’ve got a heck of a lot of youngsters now that are playing in academies.“I went to an academy on Sunday morning where they used to average around 15-20 kids. They’ve had to turn kids away because it has gone too big.“When you see some of the talent there, the counting ability and also the darts ability is off the planet at the moment.”

Premier League Darts is back!The 2025 season starts at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Thursday, February 6th. Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is the star attraction, but the world champion will have stiff competition from Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen, who also make up part of a world-class eight-player field.Littler is the defending Premier League Darts champion and is the betting favourite to win the title again. The Nuke will kick off his 2025 campaign with a mouth-watering showdown against Michael van Gerwen on Week 1.Best darts bets for February 6thGerwyn Price to have more 180s than Chris Dobey at 6/5Stephen Bunting to win Week 1 at 7/1Luke Littler to beat MVG at 12/25Luke Humphries (-1.5 legs) to beat Nathan Aspinall at 13/25Odds are provided by BetMGM and are subject to change.Premier League darts odds for Week 1The quarter-final lineup for Week 1 has already been announced. Chris Dobey and Gerwyn Price will get the night’s action underway, with the winner of that match facing Stephen Bunting or Rob Cross in the semi-final. In the bottom half of the draw, the best darts betting sites are strongly favouring wins for Luke Littler over MVG, and Luke Humphries over Nathan Aspinall. Below are the latest odds for the opening night quarter-final matches:Chris Dobey 11/10 vs Gerwyn Price 4/6Stephen Bunting 3/5 vs Rob Cross 5/4 Luke Littler 12/25 vs Michael van Gerwen 8/5 Nathan Aspinall 12/5 vs Luke Humphries 3/10 Odds are provided by BetMGM and are subject to change.Premier League Darts predictions Luke Littler is the 9/4 favourite to win Premier League Darts Week 1 in Belfast. Littler’s closest rival is Luke Humphries at 11/4. For Luke Littler to win Week 1, he will first have to overcome Michael van Gerwen, and then probably Luke Humphries in the last four, just to make it to the final. Beating Humphries won’t be easy. The world No.1 is fresh from winning the PDC World Masters last Sunday, with a deciding-leg shootout victory over Jonny Clayton.The 6-5 win over the Ferret saw Humphries lift his seventh major PDC title and means he starts the Premier League in good form and full of confidence.With the two star attractions in the same half of the draw, the better betting value to win on the night looks to be in the top half of the draw. Stephen Bunting has the shortest odds of the quartet at 7/1, Gerwyn Price is 8/1, Chris Dobey 10/1, and Rob Cross is 12/1.BetMGM Premier League Darts Week 1. 18+ GambleAware.org – Please play responsibly.Premier League darts betting tipsLuke Littler will be keen to establish himself as the early front-runner on the opening night of the 2025 Premier League Darts season. Littler makes up part of our Week 1 Premier League Darts betting tips, which can be found below: Gerwyn Price to have more 180s than Chris DobeyGerwyn Price is the 4/6 favourite to beat Chris Dobey. Welshman Price has won 12 of his last 13 matches with Dobey, so he clearly has the wood over his English opponent.Furthermore, Chris Dobey has started 2025 slowly, only winning one match since his run to the semi-final of the world championships. His win came against Bassim Mahmood in the opening round of the Bahrain Masters. Dobey’s defeats have come against Bunting, Raymond van Barneveld and Ryan Searle.We expect Price to win this match. Back him to win at 4/6 if you prefer. But Price is 6/5 to have more 180s in the draw no bet market. Back Gerwyn Price to have more 180s than Chris Dobey at 6/5 with BetMGMStephen Bunting to win Week 1Stephen Bunting is having the time of his life in the PDC. The popular Liverpudlian made it to the last four of the world championship at the Ally Pally and is also up to No.5 in the PDC world rankings. There is no Littler, Humphries or MVG in Bunting’s half of the draw. And with the ‘Bullet’ taking his 2024 form into the new year he has a great chance of making it to the final, where anything could happen.Bunting has also become a cult hero with darts fans and will have the crowd on his side in most of his matches throughout the night and the whole competition.Back Stephen Bunting to win Premier League Darts Week 1 at 7/1 with BetMGMLuke Littler to beat Michael van GerwenLuke Littler has the edge over Michael van Gerwen in recent meetings. The Nuke has won their last four, including the 2025 World Darts Championship final at the Alexandra Palace at the beginning of the year.Littler will know that van Gerwen is a dangerous opponent and is capable of winning the Premier League outright if he gets back to his best on a consistent basis. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep beating MVG and continually eat away at his self-belief. Littler will be keen to keep doing this.Luke Littler to beat MVG at 12/25 with BetMGMLuke Humphries (-1.5 legs) to beat Nathan Aspinall  A lot of darts fans thought Nathan Aspinall was very lucky to be named as one of the four wild cards to get picked for the Premier League. Aspinall has been in poor form in recent months and has had to deal with constant scrutiny over his place on the 17-week roadshow.The Asp will no doubt want to shut his critics up. But he is up against Luke Humphries who is fresh from winning the PDC World Masters last weekend. Back Luke Humphries to beat Nathan Aspinall from -1.5 legs on the handicap at 13/25 with BetMGMHow to watch Premier League Darts Week 1Location: SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern IrelandDate: Thursday 6th, FebruaryTime: 1st match 7.15pmTime: 2nd match 7.45pmTime: 3rd match 8.15pmTime: 4th match 8.45pmHow to watch: Live on Sky Sports+ at 7pm About the author Dean Etheridge Dean Etheridge is an experienced freelance sports betting writer who specialises in football. He predominantly covers the Premier League and Champions League but can turn his hand to all aspects of the beautiful game. You can follow Dean on LinkedIn (@deanetheridge)Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Most read in Betting Wigan vs Fulham prediction, odds, betting tips and how to watch Coventry vs Leeds United prediction, odds, betting tips and how to watch Super 6: Win £500,000 jackpot on Sky Bet's free to play predictor on the FA Cup talkSPORT betting tips – Best football bets and expert advice for Wednesday 5 February Newcastle United vs Arsenal predictions, odds and betting tips Wednesday horse racing tips: Best bets at Ludlow and Sedgefield from Tom Lunn

LeBron James has broken his silence on the Luka Doncic trade.The 40-year-old spoke to reporters following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 122-97 win over the LA Clippers and clarified his thoughts on Doncic’s arrival.Doncic was present for the Lakers’ first game since his tradeJames put up a stunning performance on Tuesday night with 26 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in a thrashing that saw Doncic watch approvingly from the bench.For everyone inside the Intuit Dome, it felt like a new era had begun for the Lakers as the Doncic clapped and fist pumped almost every point scored by his new team.This was the first game involving the Lakers since they opened up the NBA turnstile of talent and shocked the world when they traded Anthony Davis for Doncic.The Slovenian had to watch from the sidelines due to an injury as he struggles with a strained calf but is expected to return on February 10 against the Utah Jazz.Fans have asked if LeBron and Doncic are a good fit but the King James stated he is excited to play with the incoming star.“[We can be] whatever we want it to be,” the four-time NBA champion said.“It won’t take long. I can play with anybody, and I think he can, as well. So, we’ll work well together.”James also addressed reports that he could leave the Lakers after not being kept informed.“If I had concerns about it, I’d waive my no-trade clause and get up out of here,” he said. “I’m here right now. I’m here right now. I’m committed to the Lakers organisation.”“As the leader of the team, as one of the captains of the team, it’s my job to make it as seamless as possible [for the new acquisitions].”LeBron addressed criticism that the trade does not suit himLeBron put up another strong display yesterday with 26 pointsThese comments are the first public statements James has made since the seismic trade occurred and the 40-year-old shared where he was and his initial reaction when the move happened.“My emotions were all over the place, obviously,” James told reporters when asked about how he felt that Davis gone.“I was out with my family at dinner and the first time I heard it, I thought it was for sure fake. I thought it was a hoax, people messing around or whatever.”James then went on to share that he had an uncomfortable video call with Davis.“AD FaceTimed me and I talked to him for quite a while, and even when I got off the phone with him, it still didn’t seem real,” the four-time MVP revealed.“It was definitely a weird, uncomfortable, truth moment for us. Just knowing that he was going to be gone, that was very, very difficult. Very challenging.”When it comes to basketball on the court, James and the Lakers are enjoying life.Nine wins in their last 11 games means they climb to just one game behind the No.4 Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference.

Lewis Hamilton will only have three races to settle into his new car at Ferrari, according to Martin Brundle.The seven-time world champion will make his debut for his new team at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix next month.Hamilton has three races to settle in at Ferrari says BrundleGettyThe presenter has urged fans to ‘never underestimate’ HamiltonGettyHamilton has replaced Carlos Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc on the grid for Ferrari this year after leaving Mercedes.He arrives having won 105 races in his career, including at Silverstone and Spa in 2024.Both Hamilton and Leclerc are currently undergoing private testing for the new season.Ahead of the upcoming campaign, Brundle was asked if Hamilton has to be immediately on pace at Ferrari.The presenter told Sky Sports: “He’s got to do that. He’s got to use his experience.“There are no excuses at this level for anybody, even the rookies, but you might give the rookies half a season to get their act together – maximum.“[Ferrari] will expect somebody like Lewis to have aced the people around him and the car within two or three races, to be honest.“[You should] never underestimate Lewis Hamilton.”Hamilton’s three-race probation period would cover the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix in March as well as the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6.The 40-year-old would then be expected to be up to speed for the Bahrain Grand Prix a week later.Hamilton outpaced Leclerc in training on MondayGettyBrundle added: “There are some big challenges, his team-mate Charles Leclerc has been there seven years effectively and knows exactly where the buttons are, and who does what, and makes things happen.“Lewis will have to face that, and the fact Leclerc is incredibly fast.“But I have no doubt that if Ferrari have a race-winning car or a championship-winning car, then Lewis can win races and even the championship.”Hamilton and Leclerc were both behind the wheel on Monday as they took part in the first day of Pirelli tyre testing.Across 87 laps, Hamilton recorded a personal best of 1:15.93 in his Ferrari.Meanwhile, Leclerc completed a total of 86 laps, with his best time being 1:16.06.Pre-season testing is scheduled for Bahrain from February 26 to 28 ahead of the opening race weekend two weeks later.

Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw and Tom Brady have all dominated the Super Bowl down the years.But picking the greatest players in Super Bowl history isn’t easy — especially when a kicker deserves to make the Top 10 list.GettyTom Brady spent two decades dominating the biggest sporting event in the United States[/caption]Since the first Super Bowl in 1967 between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs, the big game has often been decided by the best player on the field in the final contest of the season.With Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans fast approaching, talkSPORT.com looks at the greatest players the sport’s biggest game has ever seen.10. Adam Vinatieri, New England PatriotsFour Super Bowl championships.Three All Pro selections and the All-2000s team.The Patriots’ dynasty didn’t start with Tom Brady.It began with Vinatieri, a can’t-miss kicker who forever changed New England’s story when he drilled a 48-yard field goal with seven seconds left in Super Bowl XXXVI, giving Bill Belichick‘s team a gritty 20-17 victory.It’s hard to believe two decades later, but New England was an underdog with a ton to prove when it upset the high-scoring St. Louis Rams.Vinatieri played a huge part in the Pats’ dynasty and got it all started with a franchise-changing field goal.AFPAdam Vinatieri became an integral part of Super Bowl history and elevated his position[/caption]9. Franco Harris, Pittsburgh SteelersThe first dynasty of the Super Bowl era belonged to the super-tough Pittsburgh Steelers.Harris helped blue-collar Pittsburgh win four world championships in a six-year period and lifted the NFL higher.He was named the MVP of Super Bowl IX, rushing 34 times for 158 yards and a touchdown.A single back receiving 34 carries is unheard of in 2024.But it was just another big game for Harris, who totaled 101 rushes for 354 yards and four TDs during his four Super Bowls, while adding five catches for 66 yards.Harris is one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history and was at his best in the biggest games.Getty Images - GettyFranco Harris set the tone during an era dominated by running backs and aggressive defenses[/caption]8. Von Miller, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles RamsThere have been better defenders to play in the Super Bowl but few have done as much big-game damage as Miller.He was the primary reason that Denver finally won a Super Bowl with Peyton Manning, leading a Broncos defense that kept attacking Carolina QB Cam Newton.Miller finished with 2.5 sacks, six combined tackles, one pass defensed and two forced fumbles as Denver outfought the Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50.Six years later, Miller was a Ram, recording two more sacks in Los Angeles’ 23-20 victory over Cincinnati in Super Bowl LVI.Defense can win championships and Miller proved that twice in a contemporary era defined by high-powered offenses and franchise QBs.Von Miller exceled on the biggest stage and helped two teams win the big gameGetty Images - Getty7. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots and Tampa Bay BuccaneersGronk.One word says it all for the best tight end to ever appear in the NFL’s biggest game.Gronkowski won four Super Bowls, catching 29 passes for 364 yards and five TDs.His consistency was stunning, with at least six receptions in four of his five Super Bowl appearances.While some stars shrink in the spotlight, Gronk expanded.He was the perfect answer for Brady and so good that he won another world championship after joining Brady in Florida.GettyRob Gronkowski redefined the tight end position and formed a perfect pair with Tom Brady[/caption]6. Ray Lewis, Baltimore RavensThe greatest modern defender went a perfect 2-for-2 on football’s grandest stage.Lewis is one of the rare defenders this millennium to win Super Bowl MVP, and he was the core of a Baltimore crew that brought old-school hitting back to the NFL.The 12-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer was aggressive, intense and the perfect leader for the Ravens.Baltimore’s defense held the New York Giants to seven points in Lewis’ first Super Bowl, then prevented San Francisco and Jim Harbaugh from winning it all 12 years later.GettyRay Lewis brought constant defensive intensity to the Ravens’ two Super Bowl wins[/caption]5. Eli Manning, New York GiantsThe other professional Manning QB might never make the Hall of Fame but Canton can’t compare to two shining Super Bowl rings.Manning was the only QB who had the answer for Brady, twice leading the Giants to trophies when New England was expected to win again.Manning’s Super Bowl numbers are impressive – 49-of-74 passing for 551 yards, three TDs and a 96.2 rating.But the simple fact that he went 2-0 against Bill Belichick and Brady says it all.Eli Manning was a Patriots stopper and so successful that Michael Strahan couldn’t stop smilingGetty4. Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh SteelersBradshaw captures the way the Super Bowl used to be.Tough, challenging and unpredictable.Joined by a great coach, a multitude of offensive weapons and a hard-hitting defense, the four-time world champion won every Super Bowl that he played in.It’s easy to draw a line that connects Bradshaw with Montana and Brady.The legendary Steelers QB completed 49-of-84 passes for 932 yards, nine TDs and a 112.8 rating.But for all his greatness, Bradshaw also threw four interceptions, including three in his final big game — a 31-19 win over the Los Angeles Rams in 1979.GettyThe Super Bowl isn’t all glory and Terry Bradshaw was a reminder of that during the Steelers’ dynasty[/caption]3. Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers and Oakland RaidersRice was the Tom Brady of wide receivers and saved his best for the NFL’s biggest game.While teammate Joe Montana received the biggest spotlight, Rice was the 49ers’ most dangerous weapon and gave opposing defenses nightmares for two decades.Rice went 3-1 in the big game, catching 33 balls for 589 yards and a whopping eight TDs.The only downside to Rice’s Super Bowl runs was a 48-21 defeat to Tampa Bay when he was a Raider.But he also caught five balls for 77 yards and a TD in a Super Bowl when he was 40, which is the clearest proof of Rice’s greatness.GettyJerry Rice is the greatest receiver to ever play in the Super Bowl and was on another level[/caption]2. Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ersBefore Tom Brady, there was Joe Montana.Joe Cool was the ultimate big game quarterback, shredding defenses while running Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense with premium precision.Montana had a ton of weapons – Jerry Rice, Roger Craig, John Taylor, Tom Rathman – but he also won four Super Bowls and was so good that Steve Young was forced to stay on the bench.From 1982-90, San Francisco owned the NFL.Montana was the best of the best during his era and set the template that Brady followed.GettyJoe Montana reunites with 49ers greats Roger Craig and John Taylor[/caption]There is only one Tom Brady and no one else comes close in Super Bowl historyGetty1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots and Tampa Bay BuccaneersBrady won seven Super Bowls with two teams and helped build a modern dynasty with the Patriots.The greatest quarterback of all time is also the greatest Super Bowl player of all time.He won five Super Bowl MVPs and only Eli Manning got in the way of two more rings.Brady excelled in the brightest spotlight, evolving from a system QB into a true field general who brought the best out of the Patriots and Buccaneers in different eras.For two decades, Brady was synonymous with the Super Bowl.His accomplishments stand alone in NFL history. 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Tottenham Hotspur beat their north London rivals to the signing Mason Melia for a League of Ireland record transfer fee.Melia has left St Patrick’s Athletic for a reported initial fee of £1.6m and signed a deal that will see him move in January 2026 on a five-year contract.Melia has joined Spurs for a record feeRexThe unusual timing of the move is due to Brexit-related regulations.Melia was previously on trial at Manchester City and reportedly had interest from Arsenal. Chelsea, Everton, Celtic and Bayer Leverkusen were also linked.Spurs also bolstered their youth ranks with Luca Furnell-Gill from Liverpool, Daniel Batty from Manchester City, and Reiss Russell-Denney from Chelsea, all joining this window.Prior to this move the record stood at £500,000 when Celtic bought Liam Scales from Shamrock Rovers in 2021.The 17-year-old made his senior debut for St Patrick’s Athletic in May 2023 and later became the youngest scorer in league history aged 15.The centre forward has appeared 54 times for the Irish club with 10 goals and three assists to his name.He was a regular in the squad last season as St Pats progressed to the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.“Mason is a terrific talent with an exceptional attitude and a real appetite for hard work,” Kenny told the club’s website,” said St Pat’s manager Stephen Kenny.“He has had a dramatic impact for one so young, his performances in our Conference League games playing as a central striker against high calibre opposition were of real quality.Melia also had interest from Arsenal and a trial at Man CityRex“Mason has repeated those performances at international level for Ireland and has a bright future ahead for his country.”Melia has been a regular in the youth age groups for the Republic of Ireland, representing them at the 2023 European Under-17 Championship finals. He earned his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-21s squad in October, 2024.Melia embodies what it means to be a modern day striker. Being able to drop deep and link up with teammates or drive with confidence at the opposition. Speaking about Melia, St Pat’s sporting director Ger O’Brien said: “When we recruited Mason in 2022 we knew we had signed an incredible talent. We had watched his development with St Joseph’s Boys and Bray Wanderers for a number of years.“He has been fantastic during his three years at the club, and we’re delighted for Mason that he’ll be making the move to the Premier League early next year.“Mason has really developed, technically, physically and mentally and I’d like to thank all of the coaches who have worked with him in our Academy and also with the First Team over the last three years.“There has been a lot of interest in Mason from the UK and Europe over the last number of years and our Chairman has been negotiating this deal for a number of months, it’s a record transfer fee for a League of Ireland player and something the club is proud of.”In regards to the senior team, 19-year-old striker Mathys Tel joined on loan from Bayern Munich to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s injury ridden side alongside goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Piers Morgan gave fascinating insight into his trip to see Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner turned 40 on Wednesday but continues to lead the line for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.X / @piersmorganMorgan has lifted the lid on watching Ronaldo play in Saudi Arabia[/caption]The forward scored as Morgan watched Al Nassr’s win over Al FatehGettyIn 25 appearances in all competitions this season, Ronaldo has scored 23 goals.Meanwhile, he is the league’s top scorer with 15 strikes to his name, one of which came in front of Morgan against Al Fateh last month.Reflecting on watching Ronaldo, the broadcaster told Breakfast: “I was in Saudi Arabia last week and I went to one of his games.“If you watch Ronaldo play for Al Nassr, playing in front of you know 16 to 20,000 fans in a league that is obviously not currently in the top 3 or 4 in the world.“The hunger, the desire, the fury when he had a goal disallowed, the fury when he didn’t get a penalty, the cajoling of his colleagues, the drive, the commitment, the work ethic, the fitness levels he’s still at are really quite extraordinary.“I went to his house on Friday night and we had a really good chat. We were talking about when he was at Sporting Lisbon’s academy as a 12 year old kid and how he was so poor that they had very little money as family.“He was hungry all the time and he used to go to the local McDonald’s and just hang out the back and he’d wait for free burgers from some kind ladies who were there.“And he told me all about that back when I first interviewed him when he was still at Juventus.“He said you know the thing is because I was asking him ‘How do you still have this drive, this hunger, this passion, this determination at 40?’ It’s sort of crazy. And he said ‘because I never forgot what it was like to actually be hungry’. And he said ‘it stayed with me to this day’. He said ‘I just have this hunger to constantly play, score, break records, win matches’.“Whatever you think of the debate about whether he’s the greatest I happen to think he is as he said statistically I think he’s pretty well nailed that claim, although others will have other players.Ronaldo turned 40 on WednesdayGettyX / @piersmorganMorgan visited his long-time friend in Saudi Arabia last month[/caption]“Obviously whatever you think of him I think when it comes to work ethic and desire and hunger there’s definitely never been anyone better than Ronaldo.”Ronaldo has given interviews in the days leading up to his landmark birthday and one comment about who is the greatest player of all-time immediately caught people’s eye.He argued that he was the greatest of all-time ahead of the likes of long-time rival Messi.Morgan even detailed a conversation they once had about the Argentina superstar.He said: “I once talked to Ronaldo about the Messi thing and he said Messi is the best player he’s ever seen.“But then he laughed and said, but I don’t watch myself and he was laughing.”Ronaldo and Messi have been involved in a fierce career rivalryAFPMorgan and Ronaldo embraced pitchside after the forward’s strike in the 3-1 win over Al Fateh.The goal has helped the former Manchester United forward reach a tally of 81 in 89 matches since joining Al Nassr in January 2023.As for as how his arrival has impacted football in Saudi Arabia, Morgan added: “When I watched him he scored an absolute banger which got disallowed and shouldn’t have been. He scored another one and another one disallowed.“He’s scoring goals all the time out there. Now the standard I would put it somewhere around like Championship standard. It’s not bad at all.“They’ve got a lot of very good footballers now in the Saudi league as we know. They’re not just having trophy players. They’re now going as we’ve seen with this kid from Villa going over there.“They’re getting the young ones coming through because they’re aware that really the difference I think watching it compared to the Premier League it’s just the pace of play.“Ronaldo is obviously not as quick as he used to be. Mane plays for Al Nassr with him. He’s not as quick as he used to be.“Obviously they haven’t got the speed but in terms of the intelligence and also I think in terms of the impact he’s had on the other players.“I mean the guys were telling me that the Saudi sports minister on day one that Ronaldo went to Al Nassr. He just got him a dressing room and totally took control of the players and he said this is how things are going to be now.”Ronaldo has yet to secure a league title with Al Nassr during his two years in Saudi Arabia, despite winning the golden boot last season.His side are currently third in the table after 18 matches of the current campaign.Jhon Duran has joined Ronaldo at Al NassrGettyAl Nassr sit eight points adrift of Al Hilal and Al Ittihad in the title race, though.Ronaldo and his team-mates are next in action on Friday at home to Al Fayha.