News

AT Real Sociedad, Mikel Merino saw himself as a giant of a man.

But after joining Arsenal in the summer, the 6ft 2in Spanish midfielder feels like one of the smallest members of Mikel Arteta’s elite group of NBA-sized man mountains.

Rex

Mikel Merino has opened up on the physicality needed to play in the Premier League[/caption]

Alamy

Arsenal have a physically imposing squad[/caption]

Reuters

But Arteta wants more than just height and strength from his midfielders[/caption]

Merino, 28, laughed: “It is crazy. I am in the corridors of the training ground just walking, and back at my old club I used to be one of the tallest, so everyone was smaller than me.

“Now, I look around and everyone is taller than me. We look like a basketball team.”

In their 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, the Gunners’ starting XI had NINE players above six foot — with just 5ft 8in duo Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard below that mark.

Heading that lofty line-up was the 6ft 4in duo of William Saliba and Kai Havertz, along with fellow giants Merino, David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, Ben White, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.

Since taking charge nearly five years ago, boss Arteta has made it his mission to assemble a squad not only with technical ability but powerful physiques to match, in their quest for Premier League three-pointers.

In the tunnel before kick-off, this net-busting Arsenal team are a frightening prospect for rivals, even more so from set-pieces with their slam-dunk corner routines striking fear into defenders.

But these big guys sure can shift, much like the Harlem Globetrotters covering the pitch with a stunning combination of bulk, brains and beauty.

SunSport even understands Arteta shows basketball clips to members of his team to encourage them to use their size more efficiently, creating space with clever movement.

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

Merino continued: “Football now has changed and you need a strong team. Physicality is key and we need to be the most complete team possible.

“You need the physical aspect, technical aspect, the tactical one, you need to be a total team to achieve big things as we want to do.

“It is not only about being tall and big, you need mentality. If you are tall and big but don’t go with the 100 per cent intention to win the ball, it’s just nothing.

“Set-pieces are a big part of the game and you can win or lose a lot because of that.

“We train a lot and have the physical advantage. But the main thing is the mentality and we have that.”

Merino arrived in North London for £27.4million from Sociedad with a reputation for dominating duels, winning 326 last term — the most in Europe’s top five leagues.

But after making his first Prem start against the Cherries — having recovered from a freak shoulder injury suffered in his first training session back in August — Merino says he is much more than just a midfield bruiser.

He said: “That is one of the reasons I am here, because I can be a threat in the opposite box. That is something I need to work on to get better at. I have a high ceiling.

“Of course, goals are not the main thing for a midfielder but if you can provide them it is going to be a whole different thing for you as a player.

“I have admired a lot of players — Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Cesc Fabregas, Patrick Vieira — all-round midfielders that are box-to-box, can score, can defend, win duels.

“Of course, in Spain we had Xavi, Andres Iniesta and that mentality of keeping the ball, dominating through short passes.”

Merino is coming off the back of what he describes as “the best summer”, one that “changed my life”, having won the Euros with Spain before earning a career-defining Arsenal switch.

The Osasuna academy star scored an extra-time winner in the quarter- finals to dump hosts Germany out and played his part in the final to break English hearts.

Add that to a German Cup win with Borussia Dortmund, a Copa del Rey title with Sociedad and European triumphs with Spain’s Under-19s and Under-21s, it is clear Merino brings a winning mentality to a talented Arsenal group that are young and hungry — but lacking  silverware.

It seems then there is no better man to have on your side when it comes to ending a 20-year Prem drought, as well as trying to win the Champions League for the first time.

Ahead of their league-phase clash with Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates, Merino explained: “I’ve been lucky enough to win a lot of trophies in my career, I know the feeling.

“You cannot compare it with anything else. Knowing what this club is about and how  big the Champions League is and winning  trophies, winning the competition here would be amazing.

“The squad may not have the experience yet, it is a really young team, but luckily I have experiences of winning, when you have the moment of truth in the semis or final and to be able to keep that calmness.

“There is still a long way to go to achieve that but I think we have the basics, the players, the mentality, and that has to be the ultimate goal.”

BILL BELICHICK has started engagement ring shopping for his 24-year-old sweetheart as shock wedding plans begin to take shape, a source close to the NFL coaching legend has told The U.S. Sun.

According to the well-placed insider, the 72-year-old six-time Super Bowl-winning coach has been to “around 20” stores in New York and Los Angeles over the last two months as he considers proposing to new flame Jordon Hudson.

INSTAGRAM

Jordon Hudson with Bill Belichick along with family and friends[/caption]

INSTAGRAM

Belichick spent the day at a maze with Jordan and their close pals[/caption]

The source confirmed that plans are in place to get engaged to the former cheerleader “after the end of the season”.

The U.S. Sun has extensively reported on how the former New England Patriots coach loves his new life after stepping away from the hot seat after 23 years at the end of last season.

A source revealed that Belichick was “living like a 25-year-old man” as he enjoyed time away from the NFL by throwing himself into punditry and his new relationship.

He also revealed that the coaching great has been quizzing pals about the best way to propose and possible locations.

“Since last June, has has talked that he loves her and that he sees his future with her,” said a close friend.

“Their relationship makes him feel happy and complete.

“She understands him and supports him.

“He has been looking for a ring for the last two months

“He asked how much he should spend on a ring and make it a special moment.”

The U.S. Sun has been told Belichick is ready to drop $200,00 on a sparkly surprise for Jordon.

He reportedly met her on a flight in 2021 and started dating officially in June this year after a split from his partner of 16 years, Linda Holliday.

The pair have been pictured together on numerous occasions.

“He has to decide very soon because he has to pick between two rings that jewelry designers suggested to him,” added the pal.

According to our sources, romantic Belichick is seriously considering a destination wedding in the Caribbean or Croatia.

“Bill loves the Adriatic coast, the romantic spots and landscapes,” said the source.

“He loves to make things special for her.

“The goal is to get engaged after the end of the season when they will both have a break from work. “

Once the NFL season is over and his TV and media commitments are over, Belichick plans to whisk Jordon away to the French Riviera, Italy, and then back to Croatia.

A return to coaching is a possibility, although The U.S. Sun revealed last week that the Pats icon has no chance of taking over the New York Jets following Robert Saleh’s brutal sacking.

Whatever he decides, his new girlfriend will have his back.

“He feels like it’s a new start in his life,” confirmed the source.

“She will support him whatever he decides to do. They are an excellent and united couple.”

TMZ Sports

Belichick and Jordan are thought to have met on a flight while sat next to each other[/caption]

DEAN HENDERSON dropped a clanger in front of watching England caretaker boss Lee Carsley – eight days after Thomas Tuchel’s stand-in awarded him his England return!

Former Forest loanee Hendo was on top of the world when he flew his family to Finland to see him end his long wait for a senior England cap in the Three Lions’ 3-1 win.

Reuters

Chris Wood scored the decisive goal[/caption]

Getty

Dean Henderson let the ball slip through his gloves[/caption]

But tonight his world fell apart here as he allowed Chris Wood‘s half-hit volley to squirm under him to cost Palace a crucial draw which kept Oliver Glasner’s strugglers in the drop zone. 

Wood couldn’t believe his luck as he bagged his fifth goal in eight games this season to become Forest’s third player to score 20 Premier League goals, alongside Bryan Roy and Stan Collymore.

And to rub salt in Henderson’s wounds Forest keeper Matz Sels surpassed himself with a string of top saves, and denied sub Jeffrey Schlupp a late leveller with a brilliant one-handed save.

It was a positive end to a tough week for the Prem‘s current whipping boys. 

Forest’s naughty step was certainly groaning after the FA stepped in to punish their bad boys.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo was banished to an executive box as he started a three-match ban for his misconduct in his side’s 2-2 draw with Brighton last month.

Morgan Gibbs-White was injured anyway but also served a further one-match ban following his red card against the Seagulls – as well as copping a £20,000 fine.

Meanwhile, James Ward-Prowse was suspended following his red card at Chelsea last time out.

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

PA

England interim boss Lee Carsley was in attendance[/caption]

Even Forest’s larger-than-life owner Evangelos Marinakis was subject to a whopping five-match ban – which he is appealing – for “improper behaviour,” around the tunnel area at full-time against Fulham on September 28.

The Greek tycoon decided not to pour fuel on the fire by attending the game while the appeal process unfolds.

But it was a measure of Forest’s ongoing feud with the authorities that their fans loudly booed the pre-match handshakes between the players – as they protested totting up £825,000 worth of fines this month alone!

Unfortunately no-one was able to cash in at the end of an entertaining first 45 minutes when plenty of chances were created – but none taken.

Palace, refreshed from their 16 day break, started on the front foot and Eberichi Eze flashed a left footer just wide from 25 yards.

Daichi Kamada and Eddie Nketiah were next to try their luck but failed to trouble Matz Sels unduly, while Jefferson Lerma picked up an early booking for hauling down Ola Aina.

Incredibly it was his 40th top flight yellow card, making the midfielder the sixth baddest boy for bookings in Prem history.

Elliot Anderson then took centre stage in front of watching England caretaker boss Lee Carsley.

The £35million summer signing from Newcastle had the City Ground on its feet with a Messi-like run which saw him wriggle past three Palace defenders before Dean Henderson pawed away his shot for a corner.

Wood had a header cleared off the line by Lerma before Nketiah came even closer at the other end with a swerving shot on the run which clipped off the outside of Sels’ post.

Not to be undone, Forest skipper Ryan Yates steered a header beyond Henderson but, frustratingly, the ball bounced back off the far post as Wood failed to apply the finishing touch.

Five of the last six league games between this pair have finished as draws and the game desperately needed a goal to breathe fresh life into it.

However Matz Sels refused to play ball as he pulled off a stunning double save to deny Eze then Kamada, who he somehow blocked from four yards.

Fortunately the flag was up for offside to save Kamada’s blushes.

Anderson was then booked for bundling over Nketiah and from the resulting free kick Palace brought out the best in Sels again.

Will Hughes touched the ball to one side and Eberechi Eze unleashed a screamer which Forest’s Belgian keeper sensationally tipped over.

However it was a goalkeeping howler at the other end which finally broke the deadlock just after the hour.

Alex Moreo’s long ball forward was nodded out by Trevoh Chalobah and Wood pounced to fire in a harmless looking volley which lacked power.

But Henderson got it all wrong, allowing the ball to squirm under his outstretched arm and the ball squeezed in at his near post.

Getty

Crystal Palace are yet to win a match this season[/caption]

A GUN cop who shot dead a driver to stop him running over colleagues was today cleared of murder in just three hours.

Martyn Blake, 40, had been suspended for two years and spent three weeks in court over the killing of Chris Kaba.

Supplied

Reuters

Met boss Sir Mark Rowley hit out as a jury acquitted the firearms officer[/caption]

FAMILY HANDOUT/UNPIXS

Gun cop Martyn Blake, 40, had been suspended for two years and spent three weeks in court over the killing of Chris Kaba.[/caption]

After the verdict, the head of Britain’s biggest police force warned: “The more we crush the spirit of good officers the less they can fight crime.”

Met boss Sir Mark Rowley hit out as a jury acquitted the firearms officer.

Sir Mark added: “No police officer is above the law, but we have been clear that the system holding police to account is broken.

“I worry about the lack of support officers face for doing their best, but most of all I worry for the public.”

Sgt Blake shot unarmed dad-to-be Mr Kaba in the head after he tried to ram his Audi Q8 out of the police trap in September 2022.

 Old Bailey jurors heard the car had been flagged up following a shooting in Brixton the night before.

The prosecution said the shooting was unjustified, and suggested Sgt Blake may have been “angry, frustrated and annoyed” because Mr Kaba refused to comply.

But Sgt Blake told jurors he fired as he feared a colleague would be killed by the Audi in Streatham, South London.

There was not a shred of evidence . . . it was a flawed prosecution. The case was weighed heavily against Martyn Blake

Ex-Met marksman Tony Long, cleared of murder over 2005 shooting of Azelle Rodney

Last night the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and Crown Prosecution Service were accused of a “political prosecution” with flimsy evidence, amid community tensions over the killing.

Ex-Met marksman Tony Long, cleared of murder over the 2005 shooting of Azelle Rodney, said of Sgt Blake’s case: “There was not a shred of evidence . . . it was a flawed prosecution. The case was weighed heavily against Martyn Blake.”

Sir Mark Rowley spoke of the impact on the case for the families of the officer and Mr Kaba.

He said: “Over the past two years Sgt Blake has paid a huge personal and professional sacrifice.

“This has been an incredibly ­difficult time for him and his family and he has acted with professionalism and dignity throughout.

“This case has had an enormous impact on many.

“Chris Kaba’s family and friends continue to grieve the loss of a loved one and today will be ­tremendously difficult for them.”

Married dad-of-two Sgt Blake, described by colleagues as “the very opposite of a gung-ho armed cop”, puffed his cheeks in relief at the verdict.

 His suspension was immediately lifted. But he may still lose his job under police accountability rules.

The IOPC will review whether disciplinary proceedings remain appropriate.

‘Imminent threat to life’

Meanwhile, Mr Kaba’s family, including mum Helen Lumuanganu and dad Prosper Kaba, hit out at the verdict. And last night at least 125 protesters gathered outside the court to campaign against what they say was state violence.

The family said in a statement: “The not guilty verdict leaves us with the deep pain of injustice adding to the unbearable sorrow we have felt since Chris was killed.

“No family should endure the unimaginable grief we have faced.

“Chris was stolen from us, and this decision shows his life — and many others like him — does not matter to the system. Our son deserved better.”

The family said they would continue “fighting for Chris, for justice, and for real change”.

Temi Mwale, of the Justice for Chris Kaba campaign, added: “Within 12 seconds of the enforced stop, Martyn Blake shot Chris in the forehead. None of us want to live in a society where the police can kill with impunity.”

On the night Mr Kaba was shot through the Audi’s windscreen, armed officers had been briefed about a “gang ride-out and new threats to life being issued”.

An armed response team spotted the Audi in nearby Camberwell and pursued at a distance. Other mobile units joined to form a convoy of five police cars tailing the Audi.

Sgt Blake was among cops in a BMW, codenamed Foxtrot, waiting in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham.

He had been due to join the back of the convoy but Mr Kaba turned into the side street. The BMW moved forward to block the Audi as a police Volvo pulled up behind.

Jurors heard how Mr Kaba tried to ram his way between Sgt Blake’s BMW and a parked Tesla.

He then reversed with wheels spinning as officers on foot surrounded the Audi.

Sgt Blake told the jury he opened fire with his SIG Sauer MCX, insisting he had not meant to kill.

 The officer said: “I had a genuine belief there was an imminent threat to life, I thought one or more of my colleagues was about to die. I thought I was the only one with firearms cover at the time.

“I shot just above the steering wheel, which I felt was the greatest chance of hitting the central body mass of the driver.”

Prosecutor Tom Little alleged Sgt Blake had no need to shoot as Mr Kaba was not posing a threat.

Mr Little said the Audi was stationary, with its reverse lights on, and Mr Kaba had his hands on the steering wheel.

A succession of police witnesses giving evidence for the prosecution told how they were in fear of their lives from Mr Kaba’s car.

One suggested he would have opened fire too.

Other police witnesses told how they had never seen Sgt Blake lose his temper. Defence barrister Patrick Gibbs said the firearms officer was “no RoboCop with the nanosecond reactions”.

The ordeal he has gone through, unthinkable. We must back our brave police and not drag them through the courts for making split-second decisions.

Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick on cop trial

At the verdict, Judge Mr Justice Goss denied the jury permission to make a statement to the court.

Meanwhile, Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick described Sgt Blake as “a hero who found himself fearing for his life and the life of his colleagues.”

He added: “His prosecution was wrong and endangered the public.

“The ordeal he has gone through, unthinkable. We must back our brave police and not drag them through the courts for making split-second decisions.”

Getty

There was anger at the verdict among Chris Kaba’s supporters[/caption]

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said it was imperative the jury’s decision was respected, adding everyone should be given the space to process the verdict.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I understand the impact Chris Kaba’s death has had on London’s communities and the anger, pain and fear it has caused. There’s clearly still a wider lack of trust in the police, particularly in the black community, that needs to be addressed.”

The CPS defended their decision to prosecute, saying the case met its legal tests.

The IOPC’s Amanda Rowe said the criminal investigation and referral to the CPS “followed careful consideration of a significant amount of evidence”.

Crown Prosecution Service

A recreation of the police stop in the residential road[/caption]

PA

Police trailed the Audi before the hard stop[/caption]

UkNewsinPictures

A police cordon near the scene following the shooting[/caption]

COLEEN Rooney signed up to I’m A Celebrity because she finally trusts husband Wayne to behave — after 22 years together.

The couple started dating aged 16 and wed in 2008, but mum-of-four Coleen told pals she only now has confidence that her scandal-hit other half can keep out of trouble.

Eamonn and James Clarke

Coleen Rooney signed up to I’m A Celebrity because she finally trusts husband Wayne to behave[/caption]

News Group Newspapers Ltd

Coleen and Wayne have been together for 22 years and starting dating when they were 16[/caption]

Getty

Coleen is now sure that 39-year-old Wayne has calmed down[/caption]

Coleen, 38, flies to Australia for the ITV series next month sure that former Everton, Manchester United and England ace Wayne has calmed down since becoming head coach at Plymouth Argyle.

A source told The Sun: “He’s grown up.

“He’s definitely changed and Coleen totally trusts him.

“This is one of the reasons she’s agreed to do the jungle.

“She knows she can go off and pursue her own work projects safe in the knowledge Wayne isn’t going to blow up and do something daft again.

“One of the most common factors in the incidents in the past has been that Wayne always seemed to go off the rails when Coleen was away, or when he was overseas and left to his own devices.

“It’s naturally left Coleen a little bit scarred, but those fears and apprehensions no longer apply.

“Everyone around them has noted a total change in his behaviour in the last two or three years.

“They are more loved-up than ever now and she believes he is focused on being a good dad and husband — as well as a coach.”

The Devon-based job means Wayne, who turns 39 on Thursday, spends most of the week away from Coleen and their sons Kai, 14, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and six-year-old Cass at their £20million family home in Cheshire.

The long-distance relationship has been tough but, according to pals, it has underlined to Coleen how the trust has grown.

Seven years ago she almost dumped him after he went off the rails when she jetted off to Majorca.

He was charged with drink-driving after ending up behind the wheel of another’s woman’s car.

Wazza, who scored 53 goals for the Three Lions, also incurred Coleen’s wrath for drunken behaviour and partying after he moved to America to play for D.C. United.

TWO trains have reportedly collided on the line in an ’emergency incident’ – with two air ambulances rushing to the scene.

All train services between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury are suspended after two trains reportedly collided.

The accident reportedly happened on the Cambrian line just outside Llanbrynmair in mid-Wales.

Emergency services and Network Rail engineers have scrambled to the scene.

An air ambulance has landed at the scene, according to the Flightradar website.

Helicopters are hovering above the scene and beaming light down for first responders, Cambrian News reports.

The A470 at Talerddig is also closed due to an “emergency incident”, Dyfed Powys Police said.

Transport for Wales said: “Due to an emergency incident between Machynlleth and Caersws, rail replacement is in operation.

“However, we are unable to call at Caersws.”

British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to the line near Llanbrynmair at 7.29pm today to reports of a low-speed train collision involving two trains.

“Paramedics, Fire and Rescue, and Dyfed Powys Police are all in attendance and the incident is ongoing.”

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.

MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn up plans for the ‘Battle of Britain’ three months ahead of the fixture.

And the Red Devils are desperate to avoid a repeat of the ticketing fiasco from when they faced Galatasaray.

Getty

Rangers take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in January[/caption]

United were pitted against Scottish giants Rangers in this season’s Europa League.

The two sides will face off at Old Trafford on January 23.

But the hosts are already figuring out who will be able to attend.

Last season, approximately 2,000 Galatasaray fans managed to buy tickets in the home end of Old Trafford to cheer on their Turkish heroes in the Champions League.

And not only would a repeat of the embarrassing scenes be humiliating for United – but could also pose a serious safety risk if rival fans clash in the stands.

As a result, United have taken drastic measures to ensure only their genuine fans are in the seats reserved for home supporters.

According to the Daily Mail, the club will only make tickets available to purchase to those who were registered members before the Europa League draw was made.

The fixture has been categorised as “high risk”.

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

And that will also see the club in constant communication with local authorities on how to police the game.

United’s clash with Rangers is their penultimate of the new league phase in Europe this term – finishing with a trip to Romania to face Steaua Bucuresti on January 30.

Erik ten Hag’s struggles in European football have continued this term.

They kicked off this season’s campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente.

They then needed an injury-time Harry Maguire header to salvage a 3-3 stalemate at Porto – despite leading 2-0 after just 20 minutes.

United head to the hostile Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Thursday where they take on Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho.

The Turkish side beat Union Saint-Gilloise in their opener before also being forced to settle for a point with a 1-1 result against Twente.

Getty

Galatasaray fans managed to get home tickets at Old Trafford last year[/caption]

EVERY footballer dreams of helping their club win trophies – but lifting the Ballon d’Or is the one individual award that tops all.

Lionel Messi picked up his eighth gong last year after leading Argentina to their first World Cup title win since 1986 during the 2022 competition.

AP

Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or last year[/caption]

However, it was seen as a controversial decision due to Messi’s underwhelming season at club level compared to Erling Haaland who fired Manchester City to an incredible Treble.

Organisers are set to have an even tougher task in choosing the winners this time round with the likes of Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr having outstanding seasons for their club.

Also, there a massive shouts for Rodri to get his hands on the after playing a vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.

Either way, SunSport has all the information on when the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner will be announced.

And you can keep scrolling to find out.

When is the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner announced?

• The Ballon d’Or 2024 winner will be announced on Monday, October 28.
• It is scheduled to get underway at 7pm GMT, 2pm ET and 8pm local time.
• Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France is the allocated arena for this huge ceremony and it can host approximately 2,500 spectators.

Where can I watch the Ballon d’Or 2024 for FREE?

The Ballon d’Or 2024 awards ceremony will be streamed live for FREE on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel.

What are the Ballon d’Or 2024 nominees?

Below are the 30 players who have been nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

• Jude Bellingham (England and Real Madrid)
• Ruben Dias (Portugal and Manchester City)
• Phil Foden (England and Manchester City)
• Federico Valverde (Uruguay and Real Madrid)
• Emiliano Martinez (Argentina and Aston Villa)
• Erling Haaland (Norway and Manchester City)
• Nico Williams (Spain and Athletic Bilbao)
• Granit Xhaka (Switzerland and Bayer Leverkusen)
• Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine and Roma)
• Toni Kroos (former Germany and Real Madrid)
• Vinicius Jr (Brazil and Real Madrid)
• Dani Olmo (Spain and Barcelona)
• Florian Wirtz (Germany and Bayer Leverkusen)
• Martin Odegaard (Norway and Arsenal)
• Mats Hummels (Germany, free agent)
• Rodri (Spain and Manchester City)
• Harry Kane (England and Bayern Munich)
• Declan Rice (England and Arsenal)
• Vitinha (Portugal and Paris St-Germain)
• Cole Palmer (England and Chelsea)
• Dani Carvajal (Spain and Real Madrid)
• Lamine Yamal (Spain and Barcelona)
• Bukayo Saka (England and Arsenal)
• Hakan Calhanoglu (Turkey and Inter Milan)
• William Saliba (France and Arsenal)
• Kylian Mbappe (France and Real Madrid)
• Lautaro Martinez (Argentina and Inter Milan)
• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria and Atalanta)
• Antonio Rudiger (Germany and Real Madrid)
• Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain and Bayer Leverkusen)

What has been said?

Real Madrid star Rodrygo is not happy with the nominations despite seeing his teammates selected to potentially win the Ballon d’Or.

Rodrygo told ESPN regarding his snub: “I was upset, I think I deserved it. I don’t want to belittle the players who are there, but I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise… But there’s not much I can do, I’m not the one who decides these things.”

Who has won the most Ballon d’Ors?

Here is a list of all the multiple-time Ballon d’Or winners:

• Lionel Messi – 8 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)
• Cristiano Ronaldo – 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
• Michel Platini – 3 (1983, 1984, 1985)
• Johan Cruyff – 3 (1971, 1971, 1974)
• Marco van Basten – 3 (1988, 1989, 1992)
• Franz Beckenbauer – 2 (1972, 1976)
• Ronaldo – 2 (1997, 2002)
• Alfredo Di Stefano – 2 (1957, 1959)
• Kevin Keegan – 2 (1978, 1979)
• Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – 2 (1980, 1981)

STRICTLY Come Dancing viewers think they’ve ‘worked out’ why a popular star ended up in the dreaded dance off.

Although the couple were branded “nice people”, fans ranted over their latest performance.

PA

Strictly fans think they worked out why a fan favourite ended up in the dance off[/caption]

PA

JLS star JB Gill is partnered with Amy Dowden in this year’s series[/caption]

BBC

The couple’s Jive on Saturday failed to impress some viewers[/caption]

JLS star JB Gill, 37, is among the famous faces hoping to lift the Glitterball trophy.

That dream almost ended last Saturday when he and pro partner Amy Dowden ended up in the dance off.

The pair found themselves against Arsenal legend Paul Merson, 56, and his partner Karen Hauer.

Fortunately for JB and Amy, the judges unanimously opted to save them – but they were not unscathed from viewers’ criticism.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one person wrote: “JB is a good dancer and who doesn’t love Amy Dowden?

“But let’s be serious, they’re in the dance off because they SEVERELY lack personality and chemistry. DULL.”

Another added: “JB and Amy’s Jive is really quite bad – the lack of cohesion in the outfits, the lifeless musical arrangement, the singer struggling with every syllable, JB fighting every single step like they owe him money.

“Just a complete dud from conception.”

While a third remarked: “I honestly don’t think it’s too surprising JB and Amy are in the dance-off.

“They seem like super nice people but I’ve seen more chemistry between two lamp posts.”

The pressure is especially on for JB, with wife Chloe Tangney being a professional dancer.

Due to the singer’s previous strong showings, some fans were shocked to see him fight for his place in Strictly.

One penned: “Big shock JB landing in dance off, even bigger shock that he messed up his dance off.

“Massive respect to Paul but JB was lucky he wasn’t against someone stronger.”

Another commented: “JB being in the dance off was just shocking. Like I was so shocked.

“Nikita‘s reaction said it all! The right person got voted off in the end, but JB should never have been in the dance off in the first place.

“That being said, I’m so glad he won the dance off and got through!”

Will JB bounce back and avoid the dance off in week six?

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.

PA

Will JB be able to go all the way?[/caption]

Robert Kraft was in a great mood while toasting tequila shots with Patriots fans before Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, 32-16, at Wembley Stadium in London.