Franck Ribery hits back at Cristiano Ronaldo over Ballon d’Or claim

Franck Ribery has hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo after the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward claimed that players need to win the Champions League in order to be in contention for the Ballon d’Or.
Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or five times during his career, second only to Lionel Messi, who has won the award eight times.
Ribery, meanwhile, did not win the Ballon d’Or during his career and the closest he came was a third-placed finish behind second-placed Messi and the winner Ronaldo in 2013.
The former France international was tipped to pull off a huge upset by beating Ronaldo and Messi to the award after he won five trophies with Bayern Munich that year, including the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
Ribery was also named UEFA’s Best Player in Europe off the back of his impressive performances for Bayern.
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But it was Ronaldo who won the award despite failing to win a trophy with Real Madrid in 2013, although he did score 66 goals in 56 appearances.

Speaking during a press conference on Saturday, Ronaldo was asked about this year’s race to win the Ballon d’Or and the 40-year-old insisted that only Champions League winners should be picking up the individual award.
‘The individual awards have lost some consensus, I can’t say anything about who should win,’ Ronaldo said.
‘In my opinion, those who stand out and win the Champions League should win.
‘But there is no consensus. I don’t believe much in individual awards because I know what goes on behind the scenes.
‘Lamine [Yamal] could win, like [Ousmane] Dembele or Vitinha, other emerging players… but individual awards are irrelevant.’

However, Ribery hit back at Ronaldo’s comments on social media as he posted a message on Instagram which read: ‘So you NEED to win the Champions League to win the Ballon d’Or?’
Ribery’s message was accompanied by three laughing emojis.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in 2022, Ribery criticised the decision to give the Ballon d’Or to Ronaldo in 2013.
‘It was unfair,’ Ribery said.
‘It was an incredible season for me and I should have won it. They extended the time for votes, and something strange happened. I felt that it was a political choice.’
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I defended female serial killer Aileen Wuornos who slaughtered six – chilling encounter PROVED why she was so dangerous
STARING into the eyes of a serial killer is not for the faint-hearted – but for one lawyer that was his daily reality.
Christopher Quarles, 71, defended 48 people on Death Row – including notorious female serial killer Aileen Wuornos.



The mum-of-one, killed by lethal injection in 2002, brutally murdered six men after claiming she was raped while working as a prostitute.
Her callous murder spree – between 1989 and 1990 – was the subject of the Oscar-winning 2003 film Monster.
Wuornos was the only female client who Quarles, a public defence lawyer in Florida from 1980 to 2015, represented who was sentenced to death.
Her famous final words were: “I’d just like to say, I’m sailing with the rock and I’ll be back like Independence Day, with Jesus, June 6th.
“Like the movie, big mothership and all. I’ll be back.”
Quarles recalled how he was regularly threatened by volatile Wuronos, whose mood would flip at the drop of a hat.
“Aileen was a very sick girl,” he told The Sun.
“It was during the pendency of my representation, I would go see her on Death Row, and half the time she would thank me for doing what I was doing.
“The other half, she would accuse me of taking money under the table from the state and storm out of the interview.
“I think her diagnosis was borderline personality disorder. She perceived danger in her encounters with strange men applying her trade as a prostitute.
“She perceived danger where maybe there was no danger, but it’s a dangerous occupation, and I’m sure she got beat up and threatened on many occasions.
“You could tell she was having mental issues.”
Quarles – a staunch critic of capital punishment – met Wuornos for the first time after she had already been sentenced to death.
The dangerous killer was arrested in 1991 and went to trial the following year, when she was convicted and handed the death penalty.
Quarles said: “Most of the time we’d just talk about the issues of the case and what I thought was going to win, and what wasn’t going to win.
“We didn’t really get to know each other that way, we were talking law in her case.
Aileen Wournos' killing spree

IN November 1989, Wuornos shot dead convicted rapist Richard Mallory, 51, in what she claimed was an act of self defense.
His body was found in woods several miles away from his abandoned car.
Construction worker David Spears, 43, was Wuornos’ next victim. He was shot six times and his naked body was found by a Florida roadside on 1 June 1990.
Peter Siems, 65, was next on Wornos’ hit list. The retired merchant seaman and devoted Christian was last seen alive in June 1990 when he left Florida for Arkansas.
His car was discovered weeks later in Orange Springs, Florida, but his body was never discovered.
Troy Burress, 50, was a sausage salesman whose body was found with two fatal bullet wounds by the road in August 1990.
The most high-profile victim, 56-year-old Charles “Dick” Humphreys, was a former Chief of Police and retired US Air Force Major and child abuse investigator.
His body was found in September 1990 with having been shot six times.
Finally, Walter Jeno Antonio, 62, was a trucker whose half-naked body was found on a remote path in November 1990.
Wuornos was arrested on an outstanding warrant in January 1991, and her girlfriend,d Tyria Moore, agreed with police to help get a confession to the murders, which she did on 16 January.
She claimed all the men had tried to rape her and she was acting in self defense — but she was found guilty and executed on 9 October 2002.
“She seemed mentally ill. Half the time she would thank me and half the time she would accuse me of working for the state.
“There were elements of bipolar and borderline personality disorder, which was her diagnosis.
“Half the time she loved me because she thought I was representing her, and half the time she hated me because she thought I was throwing her under the bus.”
Death row killers
As well as Wuornos, Quarles also defended Emilia Carr – at one point the youngest woman on Death Row in the US.
And in 2004, he watched the execution of Johnny Robinson, convicted of the murder of Beverly St George 19 years earlier.
Despite the sick crimes of his clients, he insists it hurts to see them die.
“Some I was closer to than others,” he added.
“Some I have developed relationships with and those hurt. Those hurt a lot. Some make me sad, I think it’s not right. We shouldn’t kill our citizens.”
Carr was originally sentenced to death in 2010 for her role in the murder of Heather Strong, but was later resentenced to life in prison.


She was just 26 years old at the time and would have faced death by lethal injection.
Carr gave birth to her fourth child behind bars. They have all been placed into foster care since then.
Quarles said she actually “blossomed” while she was on Death Row.
He added: “Emilia really blossomed in prison, especially on Death Row, because she’s pretty much left to her own devices.
“She started reading a lot, she was corresponding with people in Europe and she was learning a language.
I’m against anybody being executed. It’s not something that civilised societies do
Christopher Quarles
“As she was mostly pregnant her whole adult life, with four kids by the age of 26, she never really had a chance to blossom. And that’s what being locked up gave her.
“Her children were all dispersed into the foster care systems in the state of Florida, lost in the system forever.”
He added: “She was telling me more about how she was really enjoying life for change and who her most recent correspondent might be.
“That’s what she would talk about, not death. Pen Pal programs that they have access to a lot of Europe.
“I’m against anybody being executed. It’s not something that civilised societies do, but in addition to that, she was way less culpable than her co-defendant who basically got a life sentence on the first go around because he had better lawyers than she did at the trial.”
Chilling final words
Quarles only watched one execution after his client Robinson personally asked him to attend.
Robinson was killed by lethal injection in 2004 over the murder of Beverly St George.
He was on parole for a rape conviction in August 1985 when he came across St George’s car in Florida after it broke down.
She was abducted at gunpoint by Robinson and an accomplice and taken to a nearby cemetery, where she was raped by bother men and shot in the head.
Robinson was arrested five days after for robbing four people in a disabled car and raping one of them.
He requested Quarles watch him be executed – and the lawyer will never forget his final words.
I guarantee this country has executed at least one, two or three innocent people over the years
Christopher Quarles
Quarles said: “We were in a witness room and we didn’t know what was happening.
“They escort you in and you sit there in chairs facing this panel of glass with a ratty curtain closed.
“They had a tiny little speaker up in the corner of the room which provided sound between the execution chamber and where the witnesses were seated.
“And we sat there for a long time, we didn’t know what was happening. We found out later that the US Supreme Court was considering whether to grant a stay or not.
“Eventually they opened the curtains and it was just surreal.
“They read the death warrant and asked Johnny if he had any last words. He had told me he wasn’t going to look at the witnesses. He was just going to stare at the ceiling.
“When they asked if he had any last words, he said, ‘Later’, and I smiled.”
Quarles told how Robinson’s “chest heaved” as it took him up to ten minutes to die.
“The atmosphere was just surreal. I can’t believe we’re here doing this,” he said.
“We had got to know each other better, especially since I got him a new trial and I represented him during that retrial.
“So I got to see him a lot more in the days leading up to his execution.”
Quarles, now retired, insisted he never felt conflicted when representing people who had committed heinous crimes.
He added: “I’m philosophically opposed to the death penalty, so I don’t have a problem no matter how heinous the crime.
“There are so many reasons it’s wrong. Economicall,y it makes no sense and there’s evidence that this does not serve as a deterrent at all.
“There is no deterrence and it’s very expensive. We get it wrong a lot. I guarantee this country has executed at least one, two or three innocent people over the years.”
B&M slashes price of privacy fence decoration to just £1.50 – and it will give your garden a perfect summer glow-up
B&M has dropped the price of garden wall decor to just £1.50 — a budget-friendly way to brighten your fence this summer.
Shoppers across the UK can now snap up the Palm House Leaf Stem Metal Wall Art for just £1.50 in-store – down from £3 – giving their gardens a budget-friendly glow-up just in time for summer.


Available nationwide while stocks last, this chic green metal plaque adds a pop of colour and character to any outdoor wall or fence.
It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a versatile decor piece for all kinds of spaces.
The item can be found in B&M stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Customers are encouraged to use the store locator tool online to check stock before heading out, as availability may vary between locations.
The Palm House Leaf design is part of a decorative trio, each bringing a leafy, tropical vibe to your space.
Whether you’re creating a lush retreat or just want to hide that tired old fence, this bit of wall art does the job for less than the price of a coffee.
According to the manufacturer, it “brings fun and charm to your garden” and is perfect for adding character without the need for heavy DIY work.
And it’s not just experts who love the look.
Homeowners are turning to garden wall decor to create more inviting outdoor spaces, with wall plaques now trending as an easy fix to dull garden walls.
Ideal Home suggests that items like this are a “super-easy way of brightening up a dreary outdoor space”, especially when used in a group for a gallery wall effect.
Installation is fuss-free – thanks to its lightweight design, the plaque can be hung using brick clips or hooks, no power tools needed.
That means even renters can get in on the summer garden glow-up without upsetting their landlord.
The green finish offers a natural, calming look that blends in nicely with plants and patio furniture.
It’s a subtle but effective way to enhance the look of your garden, balcony or even a small courtyard.
This isn’t the only garden bargain making waves at B&M.
The retailer has recently slashed prices on a range of outdoor products, including a luxury gazebo now reduced to £100, down from £125.
And with unpredictable British weather always a factor, this durable wall plaque can stand up to the elements.
It’s made from metal and finished with a protective coating to help it resist rain and sun damage.
At just £1.50, it’s a small investment with a big impact – so if you’re looking to spruce up your space for summer barbecues, garden parties or just a quiet cuppa outside, this deal might be worth grabbing before it’s gone.
As always, the offer is subject to availability, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. So best to check your local store soon if you fancy giving your fence a glow-up for less.
Transform your garden into a summer paradise
BRITS are sprucing up their gardens just in time for summer and top gadgets are the secret to turning your outdoor space from drab to fab on a budget.
A garden mirror is a game-changer, adding instant depth and style.
B&M is selling a stunning arched version that looks almost identical to one at The Range – but at a fraction of the price. Why shell out more when you don’t have to?
For those who love a lush lawn, gadgets are your best friend. Aldi is offering a handy electric scarfier for £69.99, that’s £120 cheaper than Bosch.
B&Q’s also got a budget £8.50 lawn aerator that’ll keep your grass healthy so it will look in tip-top shape all season.
It works by punching tiny holes into the soil, letting air, water and nutrients get right down to the roots basically giving your lawn a big breath of fresh air.
Plant pots are another quick and easy way to elevate your space and there’s no need to spend a fortune.
IKEA and The Range are offering £5 affordable plant pot picks, while Get Potted is selling Lechuza self watering plant pots from £13. The pots not only look good but are also equipped with a planter liner and watering system to ensure better plant growth no matter how small the decor surface.
But if you really want to put your feet up, budget retailers are going high-tech with robot lawnmowers.
One bargain version is £250 cheaper than a similar model at B&Q, and Currys has a wallet-friendly one too.
Let the robot do the mowing while you soak up the sun.
And finally, if you’re looking to level up your outdoor cooking, VonHaus is serving up a red-hot deal.
They’ve launched a dupe of the cult-favourite Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven but it’s £180 cheaper. That’s luxury alfresco pizza nights without the luxury price tag.
So whether it’s pizza ovens or lawn saviours, investing in a few smart garden gadgets could be the key to keeping your garden looking gorgeous all summer without spending a fortune.

Andorra vs England LIVE SCORE: Three Lions look to continue winning run in World Cup qualifier – latest updates
ENGLAND’S World Cup qualifier against Andorra is now UNDERWAY as Tuchel’s side look to build on their winning run.
The Three Lions sit top of Group K after beating Albania and Latvia 2-0 and 3-0 respectively, back in March.
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the first time on foreign soil, but the clash won’t take place in Andorra.
The World Cup qualifier will be staged at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, as Andorra’s national stadium is unavailable after the Games of the Small States of Europe.
Tuchel’s men are looking to keep up their 100 per cent record as they face the lowest-ranked side in their group.
- TV channel: ITV1
- FREE live stream: ITVX
- Andorra team: Alvarez, Borra, San Nicolas, Llovera, Olivera, Garcia, Rodrigo, Guillen, Babot, Cervos, Fernandez.
- England team: Pickford, James, Konsa, Burn, Henderson, Bellingham, Jones, Rogers, Madueke, Palmer, Kane.
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Arabella Chi reveals parenting struggle as she’s left home alone with new baby daughter just days after giving birth
ARABELLA Chi has opened up on facing her first parenting struggle after being left home alone by her partner just days after giving birth.
The model and Love Island alum delighted fans when she confirmed she had given birth to her daugher, Gigi, with partner, Billy Henty, last month.



Now, in a brand new Instagram snap, Arabella has opened up about the hardships of being a first time mum, especially since Billy had to leave her to parent alone.
Confirming he had jetted off to work, the star revealed she’d found it “challenging” having to look after the tot on her own.
Cradling her in a brand new mirror selfie, the ex of Ruben Dias declared: “One tired mumma.”
She added: “Billy has been away for work this week which has been challenging but has also given me so much confidence in getting out the house alone.
“Can’t wait for another pair of hands and to have a long shower when he’s home.”
The 34-year-old gave birth to her first child less than a month ago.
She confirmed she was expecting shortly after she went public with her romance with Billy which The Sun revealed in September last year.
They begun dating just weeks after she took part in the first ever All Stars edition of Love Island early last year.
Confirming their tot’s arrival at the end of May, Arabella uploaded a black and white snap of Gigi to her profile.
She added the caption: “Our worlds are complete.
“Gigi Harper Henty, 20/05/2025, 6.2 lbs.”
She was recently forced to defend herself from trolls who took aim at her showcasing her toned body within days of giving birth.
Arabella had chronicled her fitness journey throughout her pregnancy and clarified that her post was a means of continuing her regular content and not to be insensitive towards women struggling with their bodies just a few days after giving birth.
She said online: “I was amazed that my body did bounce back as quickly as it did and I am proud of myself.”
“I was proud that all that training I had done had paid off and to inspire other people that if you train safely throughout your pregnancy it does make a difference.”
Arabella concluded by writing: “Don’t get me wrong, post partum isn’t always glamorous, most days I’m covered in sick, milk, blood or poo. But it’s also nice to share the small wins on here.”
Arabella first shot to fame on series five of Love Island in 2019.
Love Island All Stars break-ups

Anton Danyluk and Georgia Harrison
Fans had hoped the popular pair would stand the test of time but just weeks after leaving the villa they called it a day.
Distance was said to be a factor with 400miles between their homes in Essex and Aidrie, Scotland, respectively.
But today Anton set the record straight on the What’s The Crack? podcast with his mum Sherrie-Ann.
He said: “I just don’t think there was really that romantic spark there. We did both try. At times it was there but just not enough for it to continue as a relationship.”
Jess Gale and Callum Jones
The fourth placed finishers always faced on uphill battle given many watching the latest series wanted Callum to reunite with his ex Molly Smith.
The fireworks from the Boohoo party row put an end to the romance before it really got off the floor.
Arabella Chi and Adam Maxted
This visually striking pairing bloomed late in the series. Despite forming a close bond in the villa, the couple quickly went cold in the real world.
Wrestler Adam was based in Northern Ireland while model Arabella moved into a new pad in London. Even though Adam revealed he was moving to Manchester, it wasn’t enough to save them.
They vowed to remain good friends and split on good terms.
Luis Morrison and Demi Jones
In another case of distance getting in the way, Luis admitted the 240 miles between Manchester and Portsmouth was just too much.
He told The Sun: “Me and Demi aren’t together, but she was a huge part of my Love Island experience and she is one of the most loveliest, most beautiful girls I’ve ever met.
“The connection was definitely there when leaving the villa too.
“But the distance was a killer for us both and wouldn’t of worked as we are both at different parts of the country, we both have really busy schedules coming off love island too.”

