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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Premier League's greatest opening day moments – from David Beckham's halfway line lob to Jurgen Klinsmann celebration
From sensational goals to blockbuster arrivals... the Premier League opening day has often been filled with drama Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Premier League fixtures have been released, with a blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Arsenal set to light up the opening weekend. Next season will kick off with a bang as under-pressure Ruben Amorim prepares his side to host the Gunners. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Man Utd are set to host Arsenal on matchday one in August Credit: AFP Elsewhere champions Liverpool will begin their title defence with a Friday night Bournemouth clash, before new boys Sunderland return to the Prem following eight years away by hosting West Ham. Whether bathed in August sunshine, or British summer drizzle, fans can look forward to some memorable clashes right from the word go. In years gone by there have been some remarkable opening day moments, from incredible goals to late drama. Upon today's fixture release, let's take a walk along memory lane and relive some of the amazing opening days of years gone by. READ MORE PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS GLEE WREX Former Premier League club in 55,000-seater new stadium proposal 1996-97 - Beckham's halfway line goal Where else to start but with Golden Balls? Becks was already a star prior to Man Utd's trip to Selhurst Park to face Wimbledon on Saturday, 16 August 1996. But his incredible, audacious goal from the halfway line helped to catapult him into a household name all over the country. At the time, Sir Alex Ferguson gushed: "You have seen the goal of the season already. I have never seen it done before. Pele is the only one who came close to doing the same." BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Who are we to argue with the most decorated Prem manager of all time? 8 David Beckham's iconic halfway line goal catapulted him to superstardom Credit: Action Images - Reuters 1994-95 - The Klinsmann dive Jurgen Klinsmann arrived in England in the summer of 1994 with the reputation of a goalscorer, diver and cheat... and perhaps not in that order. The German forward had appeared on English TV screens at the previous two World Cups, with a theatrical fall in the 1990 World Cup final to get Pedro Monzon sent off not being forgotten. Nevertheless, Klinsmann was a huge coup for Spurs, who despite finishing 15th the previous season had managed to lure one of the continent's most clinical strikers from Monaco to White Hart Lane. On his debut in a 4-3 win at Sheffield Wednesday on August 20, 1994, Klinsmann scored a sensational header to open his Tottenham account - before poking fun at his reputation by performing a celebratory dive in front of the boo boys in the home end. With the celebration quickly entering Prem folklore, Klinsmann went on to reveal: "(Teddy) Sheringham had the idea. If you score today, we'll all dive.' The wonderful thing was that the rival fans even laughed about it." 8 Jurgen Klinsmann poked fun at his diving reputation Credit: Sportsphoto Ltd 2016-17 - Mane's debut delight Jurgen Klopp's first full season in charge of Liverpool began with a tricky-looking trip to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal. And while the Reds didn't go on win the title that year, Klopp's men gave a brilliant sign of things to come as they blitzed the Gunners 4-3 on their own turf. The pick of the bunch was Sadio Mane's sensational debut goal, with the summer arrival from Southampton burning the Arsenal defence before whacking an unstoppable left-footed shot into the net. Klopp celebrated the goal wildly, and even went on to admit that his manic response contributed to Arsenal getting back into the game. On Mane's impact at Anfield, the German boss reflected in 2022: "One of Liverpool's greatest ever players is leaving and we must acknowledge how significant this is. He leaves with our gratitude and our love." 8 Sadio Mane's brilliant Emirates strike made it a debut to remember Credit: Arfa Griffiths - The Sun 2014-15 - Dier breaks Hammers hearts In the summer of 2014, Mauricio Pochettino took over at Tottenham - arriving from a rival Prem club to try and clear up the North Londoners' mess, sound familiar? The game got off to a less than ideal start for the Argentine, with Kyle Naughton being sent off for handling in the box on 29 minutes. Pochettino reshuffled his pack, putting 20-year-old debutant Eric Dier at right-back - and subsequently watched Mark Noble miss his spot kick. Amazingly the game finished 10v10, with James Collins sent off for the home side. Dier went on to be the unlikely hero, skipping past Adrian to score following Harry Kane's brilliant through ball. After the game, Pochettino gushed: "It was a great goal by Eric Dier. He showed, and we showed, that we are ambitious. We played like a team and that is important." 8 Eric Dier broke West Ham hearts on his Premier League debut Credit: Action Images - Reuters 2011-22 - Sergio Aguer-woah! Sergio Aguero did not take long to announce himself to English football. The Argentine superstar arrived at Manchester City from Atletico Madrid to high expectations in the summer of 2011. Aguero immediately impressed after being brought on against Swansea with his side leading 1-0. The livewire forward took just nine minutes to poke home his first of what would go on to be 260 City goals. And in stoppage time, he blasted home a beauty to cap off a brilliant 4-0 win for Roberto Mancini's men. The result went on to be a sign of things to come, with the Billionaire Sky Blues going on to dramatically pinch the title from rivals Man Utd... Aguero scoring the all important last-gasp goal to clinch it on the final day. 8 Sergio Aguero announced himself in English football with a superb debut double Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 1999-00 - Poyet's beauty Uruguayan midfielder Gus Poyet scored an iconic goal for Chelsea on the opening day of the 1999-00 season. While not scaling the heights that they would in the following decade, the Blues had grown in stature during the 1990s - largely owing to the genius of Gianfranco Zola. During this 4-0 stomping of Sunderland, Zola was in imperious form. The tricky Italian produced a sensational assist for his side's fourth goal, delicately scooping the ball into the penalty area. Poyet took it from there, finishing with an electrifying scissor kick. 8 Gus Poyet scored a belter of a scissor kick in 1999 Credit: PA:Press Association 2004-05 - Mourinho arrives Five years on from Poyet's brilliant opening day goal, Chelsea were welcoming new boss Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese didn't shy away from the spotlight, to put it mildly, declaring during his opening press conference: "Please don't call me arrogant, because what I'm saying is true. I'm European champion, and I think I'm a special one." Mourinho's big statement was immediately put to the test, as he began with a tricky home assignment against Sir Alex Ferguson's Man Utd. The Blues won the contest 1-0 thanks to Eidur Gudjohnsen's scrappy 15th minute goal, with Mourinho admitting after the game: "Mr Ferguson pushed me to make changes that normally I don't do to play a safer match - and in fact the team defended very, very, very well." Chelsea's stingy defence went on to concede just 15 times across the whole season, a record that still stands to this day, with Mourinho's Blues going on to win their first league title in 50 years.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Premier League's greatest opening day moments – from David Beckham's halfway line lob to Jurgen Klinsmann celebration
THE Premier League fixtures have been released, with a blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Arsenal set to light up the opening weekend. Next season will kick off with a bang as under-pressure Advertisement 8 Man Utd are set to host Arsenal on matchday one in August Credit: AFP Elsewhere champions Whether bathed in August sunshine, or British summer drizzle, fans can look forward to some memorable clashes right from the word go. In years gone by there have been some remarkable opening day moments, from incredible goals to late drama. Upon today's fixture release, let's take a walk along memory lane and relive some of the amazing opening days of years gone by. Advertisement READ MORE PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS 1996-97 - Beckham's halfway line goal Where else to start but with Golden Balls? Becks was already a star prior to Man Utd's trip to Selhurst Park to face Wimbledon on Saturday, 16 August 1996. But his incredible, audacious goal from the halfway line helped to catapult him into a household name all over the country. At the time, Sir Alex Ferguson gushed: "You have seen the goal of the season already. I have never seen it done before. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Who are we to argue with the most decorated Prem manager of all time? 8 David Beckham's iconic halfway line goal catapulted him to superstardom Credit: Action Images - Reuters 1994-95 - The Klinsmann dive Advertisement The German forward had appeared on English TV screens at the previous two World Cups, with a theatrical fall in the 1990 World Cup final to get Pedro Monzon sent off not being forgotten. Nevertheless, Klinsmann was a huge coup for Spurs, who despite finishing 15th the previous season had managed to lure one of the continent's most clinical strikers from Monaco to White Hart Lane. On his debut in a 4-3 win at Sheffield Wednesday on August 20, 1994, Klinsmann scored a sensational header to open his Tottenham account - before poking fun at his reputation by performing a celebratory dive in front of the boo boys in the home end. With the celebration quickly entering Prem folklore, Klinsmann went on to reveal: "(Teddy) Sheringham had the idea. If you score today, we'll all dive.' The wonderful thing was that the rival fans even laughed about it." Advertisement 8 Jurgen Klinsmann poked fun at his diving reputation Credit: Sportsphoto Ltd 2016-17 - Mane's debut delight Jurgen Klopp's first full season in charge of Liverpool began with a tricky-looking trip to Arsene Wenger's And while the Reds didn't go on win the title that year, Klopp's men gave a brilliant sign of things to come as they blitzed the Gunners 4-3 on their own turf. The pick of the bunch was Sadio Mane's sensational debut goal, with the summer arrival from Southampton burning the Arsenal defence before whacking an unstoppable left-footed shot into the net. Advertisement Klopp celebrated the goal wildly, and even went on to admit that his manic response contributed to Arsenal getting back into the game. On Mane's impact at Anfield, the German boss reflected in 2022: "One of Liverpool's greatest ever players is leaving and we must acknowledge how significant this is. He leaves with our gratitude and our love." 8 Sadio Mane's brilliant Emirates strike made it a debut to remember Credit: Arfa Griffiths - The Sun 2014-15 - Dier breaks Hammers hearts In the summer of 2014, Mauricio Pochettino took over at Tottenham - arriving from a rival Prem club to try and clear up the North Londoners' mess, sound familiar? Advertisement The game got off to a less than ideal start for the Argentine, with Kyle Naughton being sent off for handling in the box on 29 minutes. Pochettino reshuffled his pack, putting 20-year-old debutant Eric Dier at right-back - and subsequently watched Mark Noble miss his spot kick. Amazingly the game finished 10v10, with After the game, Pochettino gushed: "It was a great goal by Eric Dier. He showed, and we showed, that we are ambitious. We played like a team and that is important." Advertisement 8 Eric Dier broke West Ham hearts on his Premier League debut Credit: Action Images - Reuters 2011-22 - Sergio Aguer-woah! Sergio Aguero did not take long to announce himself to English football. The Argentine superstar arrived at Manchester City from Aguero immediately impressed after being brought on against Swansea with his side leading 1-0. Advertisement The livewire forward took just nine minutes to poke home his first of what would go on to be 260 City goals. And in stoppage time, he blasted home a beauty to cap off a brilliant 4-0 win for Roberto Mancini's men. The result went on to be a sign of things to come, with the Billionaire Sky Blues going on to dramatically pinch the title from rivals Man Utd... Aguero scoring the all important last-gasp goal to clinch it on the final day. 8 Sergio Aguero announced himself in English football with a superb debut double Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Advertisement 1999-00 - Poyet's beauty Uruguayan midfielder While not scaling the heights that they would in the following decade, the Blues had grown in stature during the 1990s - largely owing to the genius of Gianfranco Zola. During this 4-0 stomping of Sunderland, Zola was in imperious form. The tricky Italian produced a sensational assist for his side's fourth goal, delicately scooping the ball into the penalty area. Advertisement Poyet took it from there, finishing with an electrifying scissor kick. 8 Gus Poyet scored a belter of a scissor kick in 1999 Credit: PA:Press Association 2004-05 - Mourinho arrives Five years on from Poyet's brilliant opening day goal, Chelsea were welcoming new boss Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese didn't shy away from the spotlight, to put it mildly, declaring during his opening press conference: "Please don't call me arrogant, because what I'm saying is true. I'm European champion, and I think I'm a special one." Advertisement Mourinho's big statement was immediately put to the test, as he began with a tricky home assignment against Sir Alex Ferguson's Man Utd. The Blues won the contest 1-0 thanks to Eidur Gudjohnsen's scrappy 15th minute goal, with Mourinho admitting after the game: "Mr Ferguson pushed me to make changes that normally I don't do to play a safer match - and in fact the team defended very, very, very well." Chelsea's stingy defence went on to concede just 15 times across the whole season, a record that still stands to this day, with Mourinho's Blues going on to win their first league title in 50 years. 8 Eidur Gudjohnsen scored the winner as Jose Mourinho triumphed in his first game in charge Credit: Getty Advertisement
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Full list of knighted British footballers revealed as David Beckham joins exclusive club – can you name them all?
A non-Brit was also given an honorary knighthood SIR OF THE MOMENT Full list of knighted British footballers revealed as David Beckham joins exclusive club – can you name them all? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DAVID BECKHAM has joined an exclusive club after becoming the latest British football star to receive a knighthood. Golden Balls will officially arise as Sir Becks after SunSport exclusively revealed he will be knighted in the King's Birthday Honours next week. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 David Beckham will join an exclusive list of British football stars when he is knighted Credit: Getty 10 Sir Gareth Southgate was the most recent to be honoured earlier this year Credit: PA 10 Sir Alex Ferguson was knighted when he led Man Utd to the Treble in 1999 Credit: PA:Press Association 10 Sir Bobby Robson received his award in 2002 Credit: AFP Beckham, 50, has long yearned for a knighthood after his services to the beautiful game. And Spice Girl wife Victoria will benefit by becoming Lady Beckham. Former Manchester United star Becks, who played 115 times for England and has made major contributions to charity, has struck up a firm friendship with King Charles. He will now join an exclusive group of other British football personalities to receive royal knighthoods. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL NOW WE'RE BOTH POSH! David Beckham to be awarded knighthood after string of near misses But just 16 names are already on the list. The first was Sir Charles Clegg, who received his award in 1927 after both playing for England and later serving as chairman and president of the FA. He was followed by Sir Stanley Rous in 1949, a former referee who was also the sixth president of FIFA. England legend Sir Stanley Matthews next received one in 1965 while still being an active player, having become the first person to win the European Footballer of the Year award. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS World Cup-winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey then got his in 1967, a year after leading the Three Lions to glory against West Germany. And in 1968 it was the turn of Man United icon Sir Matt Busby, the first manager of an English team to win the European Cup. David Beckham to finally be awarded knighthood after string of near misses & disappointments over more than a decade 10 Sir Matt Busby was given his knighthood in 1968 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 10 SunSport exclusively revealed Sir Tom Finney's award in 1998 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 10 Sir Geoff Hurst got his award in 1998 Credit: PA:Press Association Fast forward 10 years later and Sir Walter Winterbottom was the next to receive a knighthood after becoming the first-ever England gaffer in 1946. Sir Bert Millichip then got one in 1991 after his time as chairman of the FA. Three years later it was Sir Bobby Charlton's turn, having previously been award a CBE and an OBE. In 1998, both Sir Geoff Hurst and Sir Tom Finney were knighted by the Queen - with news of the latter's honour exclusively revealed by SunSport. And one year later Sir Alex Ferguson received his after leading Man United to the Treble. 10 Sir Trevor Brooking was knighted in 2004 Credit: Alamy 10 Sir Kenny Dalglish received his title in 2018 Credit: PA 10 Brazil legend Pele was given an honorary knighthood in 1997 Credit: AP:Associated Press Newcastle legend Sir Bobby Robson was then knighted in 2002 thanks to his iconic career in the dugout. Sir Trevor Brooking followed two years later, with Sir Dave Richards honoured in 2006. Sir Kenny Dalglish then became the next 12 years later in 2018 thanks to his brilliant time with Liverpool as both boss and player. And in January, Sir Gareth Southgate was awarded for leading England for successive second-place finishes at the European Championships. Now, it's Beckham's turn to take his place among the pantheon of British football legends. But an additional knighthood has also been given to a non-Brit, with the late Brazilian legend Pele receiving an honorary one in 1997.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Furious Brooklyn Beckham convinced dad chose Romeo over him & Nicole as real reason for snubbing David's 50th revealed
AS David Beckham celebrated turning 50 with three lavish bashes last week, there was one key person missing from all of them. It has been revealed eldest son Brooklyn, 26, snubbed the football legend's milestone birthday amid a family feud over his ex Kim Turnbull — the new love of brother Romeo. 4 The aspiring chef told Becks and mum Victoria, 51, that he would only attend the intimate dinner at the family home last Wednesday if the London-based model and DJ was not there. But the Beckhams said 'no'. A pal has also revealed Brooklyn — whose wife Nicola Peltz, 30, has reportedly fallen out with her in-laws — did text his dad to wish him a happy birthday and tried to organise a private meet-up, but was rebuffed. Last night David offered a public olive branch to his eldest son on Instagram. He shared photos of a trip to Scotland with Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20, and wrote: 'Six months ago planned a trip with my boys at the start of last week to camp and fish for my 50th was so much fun. You were missed @brooklynpeltzbeckham.' A source close to Brooklyn, who lives in Los Angeles, said: 'He flew to London with the sole intention of seeing his family and celebrating his dad's birthday. 4 'He suggested going for breakfast or a coffee but was told the only chance to see the family would be at one of their lavish parties which Kim would likely be at, so he refused. 'As far as he sees it, his parents have chosen Romeo and his new girlfriend over him.' However, last night a source close to the Beckhams insisted the fall-out had nothing to do with the siblings and that Kim, 24, had not attended the family's black-tie dinner at their Cotswolds mansion due to work commitments. The source said: 'This feels very performative. Brooklyn sent a text but it felt like box-ticking, knowing they'd be asked about it.' Music is heard blaring out of David Beckham's 50th birthday bash Brooklyn had a short romance with Kim in 2016, long before meeting his wife. Last Friday, David and his brood including daughter Harper, 13, flew to France on their £40million private jet for a 24-hour trip to his favourite vineyard and a dinner in Paris. Kim and Cruz's girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, were also there. Golden Balls then threw a raucous A-list party on Saturday at a London restaurant, which was shut down at 3.35am by the council due to noise complaints. Brooklyn is said to be upset that the blame for a rift with his parents has been levelled at Nicola. A second source explained: 'They cancelled plans to attend the Met because they really intended to be at David's party on Saturday. Nicola has never told him what to.'
Irish Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
David Beckham's bleary-eyed celeb pals can't stop smiling as they leave party
David Beckham's 50th birthday bash was a star-studded affair, with A-listers like Gordon Ramsay, Tom Cruise and Eva Longoria spotted leaving the party in high spirits in the early hours of Sunday morning. The football icon celebrated his milestone birthday in style at Core, a three Michelin-starred restaurant located in London's posh Kensington district. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, 58, and his wife Tana, 50, were seen having a great time after the lavish dinner. The couple were spotted holding hands and laughing as they hopped into their taxi, with Gordon looking dapper in a tuxedo and Tana stunning in a pale blue silk dress. Eva Longoria, a close friend of Victoria Beckham, was also seen leaving the party with a big smile on her face. The Desperate Housewives actress, 50, looked elegant in a sky blue gown, partially covered by a black dinner jacket, as she got into her plush car. She appeared to be quite tired after the night's festivities, with her eyes drooping closed. Her husband José Bastón, 58, who looked very smart in his three-piece suit, joined her shortly after, reports the Mirror. Hollywood legend Tom Cruise, 62, and his rumoured girlfriend Ana de Armas, 37, were also spotted leaving the party. Despite seeming a bit tense upon arrival, the actor seemed to have relaxed after the event, looking comfortable as he settled into his taxi seat. Guy Ritchie, 56, and his wife Jacqui, 43, were snapped as they headed home, with the director keeping a tin of raspberry-flavoured water close at hand. Football pundit Gary Neville, 50, along with his other half Emma, also 50, seemed drained as they scooted into a taxi after the event. Posh and Becks beat a discreet retreat from the swanky celeb-packed bash, sliding away in a blacked-out van. The night might've turned a bit bitter for Golden Balls though, as eldest son Brooklyn was a no-show for the festivities - even after flying over to London with his wife Nicola Peltz. Brooklyn Beckham, 26, who dabbles in photography and cooking, hasn't uttered a peep about his famous father's birthday on social media and has given all the birthday bashes a miss – including both the intimate family get-together in France just this Friday and the big do at the Beckham's plush £10 million Cotswolds pad last Wednesday. However, the rest of the Beckham brood – Romeo, Cruz, and little Harper – were all on hand to celebrate with their dad on Saturday night. "David is heartbroken but putting a brave face on it. Tonight is all about celebration and love, and he is swimming in it. Brooklyn actually informed his parents a while ago that he and his wife, Nicola, would not be attending but, of course, David and Victoria desperately hoped he would change his mind," an insider spilled to The Sun. "It's a dagger to the heart that he hasn't attended a single one of David's 50th celebrations - and hurts the whole family including the grandparents and siblings. Brooklyn is a really sweet boy and everyone loves him dearly. They just hope things can be patched up soon. In the meantime, everyone around David are doing all they can to give him a magical evening to remember." Brooklyn's wife Nicola is reportedly at the centre of the feud, which has seen him no longer speaking to the rest of his family. The couple are said to have been invited to all three of the parties, however "each time Brooklyn left his parents hanging", according to the Mail on Sunday. A close friend of the Beckhams reportedly told the publication: "It's a terribly sad situation and it has been going on for a long time. They adore Brooklyn, their children are everything to them, but Brooklyn isn't talking to them, he isn't talking to the family and David and Victoria are heartbroken. "It is now the end of the week and despite Brooklyn flying to London with Nicola with every intention of celebrating his dad's 50th birthday with him, he hasn't taken part in any of it." They added that Brooklyn had told his parents weeks ago that he would be attending, however David and Victoria now have "no idea what's going on". While another friend of David's added: "For all of this to happen on such a memorable and special birthday is just devastating."
