• Amir Khan sent shockwaves across the boxing world at the 2004 Olympic Games

  • Since turning professional, Khan has unified the light-welterweight division

  • Estimates value Amir Khan total wealth at around £25 million


Once regarded as the golden boy of British boxing, Amir Khan has been a central figure in the sport since bursting onto the scene at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Khan showed maturity beyond his years to clinch the silver medal in Athens and boxing fans bought into the 17-year-old’s pursuit of winning a world title at professional level.

If you enjoy a casual bet on sports events, you may have placed a wager on one of Khan’s biggest fights – with that 2016 defeat to Canelo Alvarez sticking in the memory.

Despite holding the WBA world light-welterweight title for two years, the majority of British boxing fans agree that Khan has failed to live up to the billing.

Is that view unfair or has Khan underachieved? Rarely a clear favourite in boxing betting odds, the Bolton fighter talks the talk but his legacy is blemished.

Here, we look at Amir Khan net worth figures and compare his total wealth to other famous British boxers. So without further ado, let’s get stuck into his boxing profile…

Amir Khan Net Worth

As is the case with most professional boxers, Khan lives a lucrative lifestyle and his efforts in the ring have allowed him to provide financial security for his family.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, the Bolton fighter’s wealth is around £25 million – Khan has made a profitable living from boxing.

In 2010, Khan pocketed a cool £1 million for fighting Marcos Maidana before another big money bout against Danny Garcia two years later.

However, the biggest pay day of Khan’s career came in 2016 as he stepped into the ring with pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez.

Khan suffered only the fourth defeat of his professional career but financial estimates claim that he made a whopping £9.4 million from that bout.

Having jumped around the boxing weight classes throughout his career, Khan could be set for one more change to secure a hefty pay day before he hangs up his gloves.

Amir Khan Family

Amir Khan has been married to wife Faryal Makhdoom since 2013 and the couple have stood tall in the face of public scrutiny over the years.

It hasn’t been plain sailing for the couple but Amir and Faryal have managed to make things work and they have focused on raising their three children together.

Oldest daughter Lamisah was born in 2014 before sister Alayna followed four years later in 2018. In 2020, the couple gave birth to a baby boy, Muhammad.

Who is Faryal Makhdoom?

Faryal was born and raised in Brooklyn, graduating from Rutgers University with a double major in political science and journalism.

Nowadays, she has several modelling roles and owns her own make-up brand – both of which contribute generously to the family income.

The pair were involved in a public argument in 2017, with Amir claiming his wife had been cheating on him with heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua.

Leaked images had surfaced on the internet in the build-up to Amir’s outburst, with many mistaking Faryal’s initial silence as an admission of guilt.

However, she took to Twitter a few days later to clarify the situation. Shooting down the rumours as fake screenshots, Faryal said:

“I’ve been quiet for some time… because I myself didn’t know what’s going on.

“Everything that’s going on is just not right and a complete misunderstanding. The screenshots sent to Amir were ‘fake’ and Amir thought Joshua and I were speaking… we have never even met.

“Anger took the better of him and he tweeted away without thinking, there was absolutely NO truth to it.

“It’s all cleared up with both teams now and again, there was NOTHING like that going on. Apologies for all this nonsense. Now let’s get on with life now…”

In 2021, Khan and Makhdoom appeared in an eight-part documentary series, Meet The Khans, offering fans a unique insight into their private life as a family.

Amir Khan Boxing Record

As of January 2022, Khan has a professional record of 34 wins from 39 fights – with just five defeats at the highest level of the sport.

While he has now gone almost 11 years since his last successful world title defence, Khan has been involved in his fair share of big fights in recent times.

Khan has fought in several divisions throughout his career, with world title fights at light-welterweight, middleweight and welterweight level.

Stepping up and down the weight classes is no easy feat in boxing and he is set to fight old rival Kell Brook later this year.

That fight should see Kell Brook net worth boosted as much as Khan’s and it gives the Bolton fighter a good chance to add another major scalp to his boxing resumé.

Amir Khan I’m A Celebrity

The Bolton fighter has added to his hefty fortune with several television appearances, with none bigger than his time on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.

Khan took part in the 2017 series in Australia, with reports stating that he was set to become the highest paid celebrity to appear on the show.

According to reports, Khan was paid a staggering £400,000 for his three week stint as the boxing legend finished a very respectable fifth.

Khan donated a percentage of his I’m A Celebrity earnings to children’s charity Barnado’s, which he works closely with as a brand ambassador.

Amir Khan vs Kell Brook

One of the most eagerly anticipated fights in British boxing history, exciting is building ahead of Kell Brook vs Amir Khan.

These fighters have exchanged verbal blows throughout their respective careers and this is a fight that has been years in the making.

When is Amir Khan vs Kell Brook?

At the time of writing, it looks like the fight will take place on February 19th 2022.

We’ll have boxing betting tips on the fight ahead of the event at Manchester Arena and, if nothing else, this should be some spectacle between two of Britain’s biggest boxing icons.


*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 24th March 2022

June 10, 2022

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
Body

Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off
  • Hailing from Sheffield, Kell Brook is one of the best British boxers of his era

  • Brook has fought against the likes of Gennady Golovkin, Errol Spence and Terence Crawford

  • As of January 2022, net worth estimates value Kell Brook’s total wealth at £16 million


A pivotal figure in British boxing over the past two decades, Kell Brook has been involved in some of the biggest bouts in recent history.

The former IBF welterweight world champion made his professional debut in 2004 but still competes in the upper echelons of the sport.

https://www.888sport.com/blog/football-prediction

While no longer a favourite in boxing odds ahead of his bouts, Brook is still regarded as one of the top fighters at welterweight level.

Nicknamed ‘The Special One’, Brook has fought in Las Vegas and California during his career and he deserves plenty of credit for his commitment and hunger to succeed.

While his status on any greatest British boxers list can be argued, Brook has a professional record of 39-3, with 27 wins by way of knockout.

His middleweight defeat to the legendary Gennady Golovkin will live long in the memory with British fight fans and he certainly earned his £2.5 million purse on that night.

Brook has never been one to turn down a challenge and he is set to return to the ring in February 2022 for a long-awaited fight with compatriot Amir Khan.

We’ll get onto that bout a little later on. For now, it’s time to take a look at Kell Brook net worth estimates and his total boxing earnings from each major fight.

Net Worth

Boxing is a lucrative sport and Kell Brook has managed to make a decent living for himself through his performances in the ring.

Having been crowned IBF world welterweight champion in October 2014, Brook went on to fight and defend his belts for two years before taking the Golovkin bout.

A stalwart in boxing betting tips for the majority of his career, Brook’s name alone is enough to command a hefty pay-per-view share for upcoming fights.

Back in 2011, Brook signed an endorsement deal with Scotts Menswear – contributing to his total earnings and wealth. This agreement was then renewed the following year.

In addition, the Sheffield fighter was approached by German sportswear giants Adidas and he agreed a promotional deal later that year.

Speaking after his fight with Terence Crawford in 2020, Brook revealed that his financial situation is now set and retirement discussions are approaching.

“I could happily retire, knowing I’ve beaten the best,” stated Brook.

“What else do you want from me? I’d have beaten the king of boxing. If I don’t win, I would have to sit down with my family because I know I’ve done everything asked of me.

"So if I get beat by the better man, I’ve got to sit down with my family and think what do I do next."

Highest Paid Fight

Kell Brook shocking the boxing world in July 2016 as he agreed to move up two weight divisions for a chance to fight undefeated middleweight star Gennady Golovkin.

The chance to earn upwards of £2 million was too good to turn down and the Sheffield fighter put pen to paper for a massive unification fight at the O2 Arena, London.

Brook went into the fight as a huge underdog but he had little to lose – other than his own undefeated record.

With a guaranteed purse of £1.8 million before the fight, Brook was set for a huge pay day but also claimed 65% of the total pay-per-view earnings to take his total earnings for the Golovkin bout to £2.5 million.

Unfortunately for Brook, he took a beating early on and suffered a damaged eye socket. By the fifth round, trainer Dominic Ingle had seen enough and threw in the towel.

It was a disappointing moment for the Sheffield fighter but we’re sure his bank balance was enough to crack a smile out of Brook despite the first loss of his professional career.

Kell Brook Fight Purse

If you enjoy a bet on sports events, chances are you’ll have had a wager on Kell Brook’s next fight at one time or another.

Having fought some of the biggest names in boxing, Brook has enhanced his reputation to a level where he now commands huge sums of money on pay-per-view cards.

As we all know, the biggest boxing events are exclusive to PPV and the Sheffield fighter has often fought for favourable contract terms before stepping into the ring.

Here, we’ve put together a list of Kell Brook’s biggest purses in his professional career – will he have one more big pay day to top the lot?

We could see Amir Khan net worth boosted as well as Brook’s if February’s fight goes ahead…

  • Sergey Rabchenko - £1.1 million & 60% PPV buy-ins

  • Michael Zerafa - £1.1 million & 60% PPV buy-ins

  • Terence Crawford - £1.5 million & 40% PPV buy-ins

  • Mark Deluca - £1.5 million & 60% PPV buy-ins

  • Errol Spence Jr - £2.2 million & 50% PPV buy-ins

  • Gennady Golovkin - £2.5 million & 50% PPV buy-ins

Brook vs Khan

The Amir Khan vs Kell Brook fight has been a long time coming and the hype surrounding this bout in the British boxing community is massive.

Reports claim that Khan has been greedy with his purse demands in the past but a deal has finally been agreed and, all being well, the pair will do battle in February 2022.

Both men have jumped about the boxing weight classes during their careers and this could be the final showdown for both fighters, with both looking to go out in a blaze of glory.

While fight purse information has been kept strictly behind closed doors for now, we can safely assume that Brook and Khan will both be earning their fair share come fight night.


*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 24th March 2022

March 24, 2022

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
Body

Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off
  • Jonny Wilkinson is regarded as one of the greatest England rugby players of all-time

  • The fly-half scored a last minute drop goal to win the 2003 Rugby World Cup

  • Estimates value Jonny Wilkinson’s wealth at around £16 million


Even if you’re not the biggest rugby fan on the planet, the chances are you’ll recognise the name Jonny Wilkinson. Heck, you may even recognise a photograph of that drop goal.

An iconic figure in the world of rugby union, Wilkinson will go down in history as one of the most successful players to wear the famous England jersey.

https://www.888sport.com/blog/football-prediction

Wilkinson influenced rugby betting markets throughout his career, with his presence in the starting line-up often attracting plenty of attention in the media.

If Wilkinson was fit and raring to go, England were usually well fancied. A pivotal character on the pitch, his experience off it also proved beneficial in his later years.

Nowadays, the England fly-half can be heard airing his views on various media channels in the United Kingdom – including on ITV during the Six Nations Championship.

From playing for one of the greatest rugby union teams of all-time to his personal life away from the sport, we look at Jonny Wilkinson net worth, career highlights and more!

Net Worth

Rugby player wages are nothing compared to that of footballers but the best athletes in the sport can make an excellent living from the professional game.

Jonny Wilkinson was one of the standout players of his era and his impact and influence put him in an elite position where he could command a lucrative contract.

Taking that into account, we’ve searched far and wide for Jonny Wilkinson salary estimates and total wealth predictions for the England rugby star.

It is important to remember that such estimates are sourced from the internet and there is doubt over the accuracy of some Jonny Wilkinson wealth figures.

According to online sources, the general estimate for Jonny Wilkinson net worth works out at £16 million – much of which has been accrued directly from his playing career.

A stalwart in rugby betting tips since making his professional debut, Wilkinson earned a mega money contract with Toulon in 2009.

Figures suggest that Wilkinson was the highest paid player in French rugby during his two year spell at Toulon, earning approximately £623,000 per year.

In September 2011, Wilkinson launched an online men’s fashion label called Fineside with the primary aim of providing quality British streetwear to customers across the country.

That, as well as other ventures, has certainly contributed directly to Jonny Wilkinson wealth estimates over the years and his total worth may continue to increase.

Club Career

Jonny Wilkinson is perhaps best remembered for his time with the Newcastle Falcons, enjoying 11 glorious years in the north east.

Having joined the Falcons straight from school at just 18 years old, Wilkinson enjoyed a long and successful career at the club – helping Newcastle to the Premiership title in 1998.

While the Falcons slipped down the English Premiership pecking order, Wilkinson remained loyal to his boyhood team for over a decade before making the switch to Toulon.

In 2009, he signed a lucrative contract with Toulon and joined the French side ahead of their Top 14 campaign.

Wilkinson was a key figure for Toulon during the most successful period in the club’s history, helping the French side to Heineken Cup glory in Dublin.

Despite playing second fiddle to Toby Flood at international level, Wilkinson was playing at the top of his game at club level and he was named European Player of the Year in 2013.

Wilkinson conducted himself impeccably throughout his career, showing the utmost respect and love to each club and its supporters – further enhancing his reputation as one of the nicest guys in rugby.

England Career

From his debut as a budding youngster to assisting one of the best Rugby World Cup tries in the 2003 final, Jonny Wilkinson enjoyed a sensational international career.

Wilkinson established himself as the greatest fly-half on the planet for most of his 13-year international career – you’d be hard pressed to dispute that view.

By the end of his career, Wilkinson had made 91 appearances for England while racking up six British & Irish Lions performances.

His tally of 277 Rugby World Cup points is going to take some beating and the 2003 IRB Player of the Year will be remembered fondly at Twickenham for all eternity.

As well as the 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, Wilkinson helped his country to four Six Nations titles – including a Grand Slam success in 2003 – and two Triple Crowns.

Firmly cemented in the top 10 for most England appearances and leading the way with 1179 total points scored for the Red Rose, Wilkinson is one of the all-time greats. 

Family Life

Jonny Wilkinson married girlfriend of eight years Shelley Jenkins in the town hall of the quaint French resort of Bandol October 2013.

It was an intimate ceremony with just two guests present, one of whom was Wilkinson’s mother, and was officiated by Bandol mayor Christian Palix.

Wilkinson wasn’t the only rugby player in the family though, with brother Mark making 16 appearances for the Newcastle Falcons between 2002 and 2005.

In fact, most of the Wilkinson family were sporty. Jonny’s father, Phil, was a fine rugby player and cricketer while mother Philippa played squash at county level.

Known for being teetotal throughout his rugby career, Wilkinson broke that habit after the defeat to South Africa in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final.

However, Wilkinson swears by a natural foods diet and he has spoken only about avoiding toxins and ensuring the best possible nutritional value.

Autobiography

A leading figure in the rugby media world, Wilkinson has written five books during his life – as well as contributing rugby columns for several publications.

His first release was Lions and Falcons: My Diary of a Remarkable Year in 2001, which was produced with the help of ghostwriter Neil Squires.

Following England’s Rugby World Cup sports odds shock, Wilkinson released his second book, My World, in 2004. This was predominantly picture-based…

How To Play Rugby My Way followed in 2005, accompanying a BBC television series that focused mainly on rugby coaching and tips for improving technique.

Three years later, Wilkinson released Tackling Life – a slightly darker insight into Wilkinson’s life after his rugby injuries. The fifth and final release Jonny: My Autobiography then came out in 2011.


*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 24th March 2022

March 24, 2022

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
Body

Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off
  • Martin Keown is one of the greatest defenders in Arsenal’s illustrious history

  • Now a prominent figure in the commentary box, Keown has matured into an elite football pundit

  • According to online sources, Keown’s estimated wealth is around £10 million


Martin Keown was a pillar of consistency for Arsenal throughout his playing career, taking charge of the Gunners defence alongside fellow club legend Tony Adams.

Arsenal were popular in Premier League odds with Keown and Adams at the helm and the Gunners were one of England’s top teams for well over a decade.

With over 300 top flight appearances to his name, Keown will be remembered as a Premier League great and he led Arsenal to three titles during his time at the club.

Nowadays, Keown is still relevant in football and he is often seen providing his expert insight on Match of the Day and in the commentary box.

While opinion is split on whether Keown ranks as one of the best football pundits, there is no doubting his impact and influence at Highbury.

Here, we take a look at Martin Keown wealth estimates and discuss his football career – both on and off the field. How much is Keown worth? Read on and find out!

Martin Keown Net Worth

As a former professional footballer, you’d imagine Martin Keown has managed to build a vast financial empire – especially given his extensive media career since retirement.

Figures relating to Keown’s total net worth are hard to find, with great emphasis placed on these sums of money being estimates only.

The median estimated Martin Keown wealth value comes out at around £10 million. That is a believable figure on the face of it given the amount of cash in the sport.

Martin has worked hard to keep his private life out of the spotlight so we are unaware if he is involved in property, owns sports cars or has invested his money elsewhere.

We can safely assume though that the Arsenal legend made a hefty living from football and he remains a central figure in commentary and punditry.

Often seen providing his best football bets for a range of media outlets, Keown is a shrewd judge when it comes to the sport and his understanding of the game is second to none.

Martin Keown Honours

One of the best defenders of his generation, Martin Keown enjoyed plenty of success – both as an individual and in terms of trophies won.

While he spent some of his career at Aston Villa and Everton, Keown is famously known for his time at Arsenal and he has gone down in history as a club legend.

Keown’s best years in north London came during the Arsenal Invincibles years, with the club becoming the first team to go unbeaten in an entire Premier League season.

Here, we’ve put together a Martin Keown trophy cabinet list. Arsenal fans, if you fancy a trip down memory lane – check out our throwback to the good old days…

  • Premier League: 1999/98, 2001/02, 2003/04

  • FA Cup: 1997/98, 2001/02, 2002/03

  • FA Community Shield: 1998, 1999, 2002

  • European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1993/94

Martin Keown England Career

Representing your country is one of the biggest feats for any footballer and Keown was lucky enough to earn 43 international caps during his professional career.

Having worked his way up the international ladder, Keown made his full England debut in a friendly match against France in 1992.

Keown played at least one international match every year for a decade before announcing his Three Lions retirement in 2002.

He played at Euro 1992 and Euro 1996 and was selected for the 1998 World Cup and 2002 World Cup tournaments but was essentially a non-playing squad member.

By the end of his international career, Keown had totalled 43 appearances for the Three Lions and the Gunners legend notched two goals in the famous England jersey.

Martin Keown Wife

Martin Keown married long-time partner Nicola in 1990 and the couple still live together in Oxford.

Taking on the role of a footballer’s wife is never easy but Nicola has done well to avoid the limelight over the years, with Keown keeping his relationship private.

Speaking to The Independent in 2008, Keown revealed how his wife criticised his behaviour towards Ruud van Nistelrooy in September 2003.

The Manchester United striker missed a late penalty and Keown released his frustration by screaming with delight in the Dutchman’s face, an act condemned by Nicola.

“I rang my wife after the game, and she’s usually very supportive, but she said ‘I think you’ve gone and done it now’.

“It was the first time she’d ever said anything like that”, recalls Keown.

Martin Keown Children

Martin and Nicola have two children; Callum and Niall. Youngest son Niall has followed in his father’s footsteps and became a professional footballer.

Having started his career with Reading, Niall enjoyed stints at Partick Thistle and St Johnstone on loan during his early tenure in the sport.

Furthermore, Niall committed to the Republic of Ireland over England – and he has a total of two international caps for the under-21 team on his resumé.

Speaking back in 2015, Niall discussed the decision to declare his international future to the Republic of Ireland, admitting that his father’s experience had influenced his thinking.

“I’m really looking forward to linking up with the under-21s. There’s a strong Reading contingent in the Irish U21s and it’ll be good to hook up with them,” he said.

“Dad used to get a lot stick from his family for playing for England. I was aware of all that so it wasn’t really a big decision for me to represent Ireland.”

While Niall never featured in Premier League predictions, he enjoyed a solid playing career before turning his hand to coaching. 


 

March 24, 2022

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
Body

Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off
  • Ally McCoist is an iconic figure in British football

  • A former player, manager and now commentator, McCoist has a clear passion for the sport

  • According to estimates, Ally McCoist net worth is valued at £7.5 million


Ally McCoist is a hugely popular figure in British football, with the Scottish legend perhaps best known for his role in the commentary box.

Teaming up with the likes of Jon Champion and Clive Tyldesley, McCoist has been a breath of fresh air on Amazon Prime’s Premier League coverage over the past few years.

His incredible enthusiasm for the sport is infectious and the general consensus amongst the Premier League community is that McCoist is one of the best in the business.

While you may not be swayed by McCoist’s views when making Premier League predictions, his thoughts are well worth a watch – his insight makes for fascinating viewing.

https://www.888sport.com/blog/football-prediction

Now a leading figure in football commentary and punditry, Ally McCoist has built up a hefty financial portfolio and nobody can criticise his hard work and commitment.

We don’t just look at football betting odds here at 888sport, we look at some of the sport’s iconic figures and McCoist is certainly a person of interest in that regard.

So without further ado, we assess Ally McCoist net worth estimates and discuss his career in football – both on and off the pitch.

Net Worth

As with most footballer wealth figures, it must be stated that Ally McCoist net worth values are estimates taken from a range of online sources.

Financial valuations suggest that Ally McCoist’s total estimated wealth is £7.5 million, which would make sense given his lengthy playing spell and successful media career.

McCoist has been heavily involved in several television shows and football fans will be keeping a close eye on his involvement in future projects going forward.

Playing Career

Ally McCoist is undoubtedly best known for his time at Rangers, though he began his senior football career with a couple of years at St. Johnstone.

Having impressed for the sports betting minnows, McCoist was picked up by Sunderland in 1981 – with the Black Cats splashing a club record £400,000 on the striker.

Unfortunately, McCoist’s time in the north east was pretty disappointing and he lasted just two years before his beloved Rangers came knocking at the end of 2013/14.

McCoist was prolific at Ibrox, setting a new club record for league goals and total club goals during his 15-year spell at Rangers.

The Scotland star led Rangers to 10 league titles in 15 seasons, adding nine Scottish League Cup triumphs and a Scottish Cup success to his glittering trophy cabinet.

He finished his professional career at Kilmarnock, helping the club to qualify for the UEFA Cup before hanging up his boots at 38 years old.

While McCoist was no longer a prolific goal scorer, his experience in the dressing room and on the training ground was central to Kilmarnock’s success.

McCoist was a leading figure for the Scotland national team during his playing days, scoring 19 goals in 61 international appearances for his country.

Managerial Career

McCoist’s first coaching role was as a member of Walter Smith’s staff for the Scotland national team, with the former Rangers star taking the job in 2004.

Less than three years later, McCoist joined forces with Smith at Ibrox after the assistant manager position became available.

Following the 2008 Scottish Cup final, McCoist revealed that Smith had allowed him to take charge of the team throughout their entire cup run.

“Obviously, Walter had me in mind for the manager’s position when he stepped down, and for a couple of the Scottish Cup runs he let me take the team,” McCoist claimed.

“I’d do the preparation and the training, but obviously he’d be there. I’d do the team talk, all that kind of stuff.”

Smith and McCoist guided Rangers to the 2008 UEFA Cup final but the Scottish giants fell to a 2-0 defeat against Zenit St Petersburg.

In February 2011, the club announced that McCoist would take over as the official Rangers manager at the end of the season – much to the delight of fans around the world.

However, it wasn’t plain sailing for McCoist. In fact, he was leading the club during one of the most turbulent periods in their illustrious history.

Rangers went into administration and almost went out of business but McCoist opted to stay and help rebuild from the fourth tier of Scottish football.

After back-to-back promotions up to the second tier, discontent amongst supporters with the Rangers board and some poor on-field performances saw the pressure rise on McCoist.

Midway through the 2014/15 season, McCoist handed in his notice and he was placed on gardening leave shortly after. Nine months later, the club agreed to terminate his contract.

Media Career

Modern football fans will recognise McCoist primarily for his television roles, from his position as team captain on A Question of Sport to his work in the commentary box.

From 1996 to 2007, McCoist made a record 363 appearances on A Question of Sport before standing down – but not before he was named Sports Presenter of the Year at the TRIC Awards in 2001.

Avid gamers will recall McCoist featuring alongside John Motson as commentators on the EA Sports FIFA video games but the legendary duo were replaced in 2006 by Clive Tyldesley and Andy Gray.

McCoist is one of the biggest names on ITV Sport’s football team, with the iconic Scotsman attracting plenty of praise for his role in the commentary box at various tournaments.

Nowadays, McCoist’s main commentary gig is with Amazon Prime Video – covering the English Premier League fixtures on the streaming platform.Widely regarded as one of the best football commentators around, McCoist is box office and is worth the subscription fee alone.

Family Life

McCoist grew up a boyhood Rangers fan and has reminisced about attending his first Old Firm fixture in 1973, watching his side lift the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park.

Since then, McCoist has embarked on his own football career – playing for Rangers, managing Rangers and commentating on Rangers. Basically, McCoist is living the dream...

The Question of Sport legend met first wife Allison in 1981 and tied the knot in 1990. They were together until 2004 before their divorce was finalised.

Ally and Allison have three boys, Alexander, Argyll and Mitchell. Since then, McCoist has married Vivien and the couple share two sons; Arran and Harris.

Will one of the McCoist lads follow in their father’s footsteps and play in front of a packed out crowd at Ibrox? We wouldn’t rule it out…


*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 24th March 2022

March 24, 2022

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
Body

Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off
  • Joe Cole made 378 appearances during his Premier League career

  • Cole played for the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham United

  • Now embarking on a role in punditry, Joe Cole net worth is valued at £33 million


Joe Cole burst onto the scene during his early years at West Ham United, with many touting the Englishman as one of the greatest prospects in the country.

He will be remembered fondly for his impact on the Premier League, with successful stints at West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool throughout his illustrious playing career.

While it would be foolish to label Cole as a legend of the game, he was an influential figure in Premier League odds during his heyday.

In addition to his club career, Cole earned over 50 international caps for England and played a central role for the Three Lions at major tournaments.

Now one of the best football pundits on television, Cole has continued to build his net worth following his retirement in 2018.

So, how much is Joe Cole worth? We look at financial figures relating to his wealth as well as focusing on his professional career and honours obtained from football.

Net Worth

Joe Cole was never one of the highest paid players in world football but he managed to build a hefty net worth throughout his playing career.

Since hanging up his boots, Cole has added to his wealth by taking on several punditry roles – often appearing at major international tournaments on the BBC.

In addition, Cole is regularly found on Sky Sports and his insight on Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham is particularly valuable when those three clubs are in action.

Like many footballers, Cole also had endorsement deals and advertising opportunities as a direct result of making it as a professional player.

Whether that be football boot deals or in the fashion industry advertising the freshest suit or latest aftershave, Cole was involved in a plethora of endorsement agreements.

Having played for two of the most successful football clubs on the planet, it is hardly a huge shock to see Joe Cole’s estimated wealth at £33 million.

Club Career

Having been touted as a child prodigy and future England star, big things were expected of Joe Cole and he certainly lived up to the hype during his time at West Ham.

At just 21 years old, Cole was handed the captain’s armband and was awarded ‘Hammer of the Year’ but left the club after their relegation from the Premier League.

Cole was only the sixth player to join Chelsea in the Roman Abramovich era and little did he know that he would play a key role in transforming the Blues into football betting giants.

The Blues legend was a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge and he topped 25 Premier League appearances in five of his seven seasons in west London.

Chelsea fans still speak fondly about Cole’s tenure at the club today, which tells you everything you need to know about his legacy at Stamford Bridge.

From there, Cole made the move to Merseyside but he failed to make a sustained impact at Anfield.

His time at Liverpool was plagued by injury issues and Reds fans didn’t take to him like the supporters at West Ham and Chelsea – hindering his confidence.

A return to West Ham followed, sandwiched by a loan spell at Lille and a two-year contract with Aston Villa. However, Cole’s ability to influence a game was slowing down…

After a brief stint at Coventry City, Cole signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the North American Soccer League and he was a huge hit on that side of the Atlantic.

In fact, Cole was promoted to assistant coach while still playing for the Rowdies – cementing his status with the fans. After three years in Florida, Cole opted to part ways.

England

Earning over 50 caps for your country is some achievement and Joe Cole is in an exclusive group of players to top the half century mark for the Three Lions.

Cole worked his way up through the national team ranks, playing for England at under-16, under-18 and under-21 level before making his first team debut.

After making his debut, Cole was more or less an ever-present in the national squad and he earned selections to the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups and Euro 2004.

While he was unable to lead England to the Jules Rimet Trophy, Cole had plenty of magical moments on the international stage – with that goal against Sweden sticking out.

With the game on a knife edge, Cole scored a superb volley that might just rank as the greatest England goal in World Cup history.

It was a career highlight for Cole and that goal, along with a superb individual performance, earned him the Man of the Match award as England advanced to the knockout stages.

Hardly a stalwart in Premier League predictions throughout his career, Cole is perhaps best known for his effort and endeavour while wearing the England shirt.

Cole made his final international appearance at the 2010 World Cup and he has publicly criticised former England manager Fabio Capello in the aftermath of that tournament.

On the whole, Joe Cole was a solid performer for England – both in qualifiers and on the big stage. We’ll never forget that volley against Sweden in Cologne…

Honours

While Joe Cole’s trophy cabinet is measly compared to former West Ham teammates John Terry, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand, he has certainly enjoyed his fair share of success.

A fan favourite at Stamford Bridge, the majority of Cole’s medals and trophies came during his time at Chelsea but the first major honour of his career came at West Ham.

Success in the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup was particularly sweet for Cole as he came on as a second half substitute in the second leg and celebrated victory on the field.

Chelsea fell short in the 2008 UEFA Champions League final and Cole left Stamford Bridge less than a year before the Blues lifted Europe’s elite trophy for the first time.

However, a Champions League medal is one of the few accolades to elude Cole’s grasp during his playing days. At the end of the day, he still enjoyed a very successful career.

Without further ado, we’re going to take a closer look at Joe Cole’s career highlights and accolades – starting of course with that solitary West Ham triumph.

West Ham Trophies:

  • UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1999

Chelsea Trophies:

  • Premier League: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10

  • FA Cup: 2006–07, 2009–10

  • Football League Cup: 2004–05

  • FA Community Shield: 2005

Family Life

Cole began dating Carly Zucker in 2002 and the couple were together for five years before the England footballer asked for her hand in marriage.

The couple tied the knot in June 2009 with Zucker, a fitness instructor and model, donning a £10,000 wedding dress to mark the occasion.

Since then, Joe and Carly have given birth to two children; daughter Ruby in March 2010 and son Harrison in October 2012.

Could we see Harrison follow in his father’s footsteps and make it in professional football? Only time will tell but the Cole family name may well live on…


 

March 24, 2022

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
Body

Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off
  • Ashley Cole is widely regarded as the best left back in Premier League history

  • Cole played 385 top flight games during his time at Arsenal and Chelsea

  • Estimates value Ashley Cole net worth at around £37 million


One of the greatest defenders in Premier League history, Ashley Cole is an iconic figure in modern football.

Gaining unwanted attention for his conduct off the pitch, Cole also raised eyebrows on it – particularly after leaving Arsenal for London rivals Chelsea.

Any football odds expert will know about Cole’s exploits and achievements in the sport, with three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups on his resumé.

Having played for two of the country’s biggest football clubs, Cole enjoyed a very successful career at the highest level of the game.

However, things didn’t always go to plan for the left back. The England full-back was at the centre of controversy on more than one occasion during his stint in the limelight.

How much is Ashley Cole worth? As one of the most capped England players, we can expect a hefty wealth figure – though you may be a tad shocked at the financial estimates below…

Net Worth

Having played professional football for the best part of two decades, one would assume that Ashley Cole net worth figures are staggering – and that is a fair enough assumption.

During his peak years at Chelsea, reports suggest that Cole was earning around £200,000 per week. Just imagine how much his contract would be worth if he was playing today…

However, his total career earnings took a hit after his departure from Chelsea but that was a small price to pay compared to his LA Galaxy salary.

As Premier League Odds favourite Cole wasn’t a designated player upon his arrival to Major League Soccer, his salary was an incredibly low £3,996 per week.

However, reports suggest that Roma continued to pay the bulk of his weekly earnings and that – as well as endorsement deals and autobiography earnings – has contributed to his current wealth.

According to Celebrity Net Worth estimates, Ashley Cole has an approximate wealth of £37 million. While these are not exact figures, these financial estimates are fairly trusted.

Arsenal

Having supported Arsenal during his childhood years, it was a dream come true for Cole when he was offered the chance to join the club’s youth set up.

At just 18 years old, Cole made his first team debut in a League Cup fourth round clash with Middlesbrough – though the Gunners crashed out of the competition on penalties.

However, a few months later he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut on the final day of the campaign.

That was a sign of things to come for Cole and he would soon be a key figure for one of the biggest clubs in Premier League predictions during the period.

Cole spent part of that season on loan but earned a chance the following year after an injury to Arsenal’s starting left-back Sylvinho left the position up for grabs.

The Gunners youngster seized the opportunity with both hands and impressed in Sylvinho’s absence, with the Brazilian failing to regain the starting role upon his return to the squad.

Cole emerged as one of the first names on the Arsenal team sheet and he was frequently praised by Gunners manager Arsene Wenger for his consistency and professionalism.

He missed just six league games during the Invincibles season, helping Arsenal to record the first and only unbeaten campaign in Premier League history.

However, things started to unravel after a ‘tapping up’ meeting with Chelsea figures in 2005 and it soon became clear that Cole wished to pursue a move to Stamford Bridge.

Despite signing a one-year contract extension in July 2005, Cole’s final year at the club was sour and there was a bitter taste left after his deadline day departure in August 2006.

Arsenal fans dubbed him ‘Cashley’ but Cole attempted to turn the blame on the club, stating that he was made a scapegoat by the Gunners board. 

Chelsea

Cole’s move to Chelsea didn’t materialise until late in the 2006 August transfer window but it went through in the end, with William Gallas heading in the opposite direction.

The England star didn’t have to wait too long for his first trophy, lifting the League Cup in February 2007 before completing the domestic cup double with FA Cup glory in May.

That would be the sign of things to come for Cole as Chelsea began to challenge on multiple fronts throughout the Roman Abramovich / Jose Mourinho era.

While he finished his career with just one Premier League title during his time at Stamford Bridge, Cole enjoyed plenty of success – averaging a major trophy per season.

Chelsea benefited directly from Cole’s expertise and the left-back was a pivotal figure for the entirety of his spell at Stamford Bridge.

Cole helped the club to their first Champions League success while also playing a central role in their Europa League triumph over Benfica in 2013.

However, Cole’s time at the club came to an end in May 2014. He was made captain for the day and the Chelsea supporters paid tribute to a true Premier League legend.

Cole tried his hand at AS Roma, LA Galaxy and Derby County following his departure from Chelsea but retirement beckoned and he hung up his boots in August 2019.

Honours

One of the most decorated players in the modern era, Ashley Cole has a trophy cabinet to match his incredible performances on the football pitch.

From his early years at Highbury before becoming a fully-fledged member of the Arsenal Invincibles to his European success at Chelsea, Cole has enjoyed a sensational career.

Cole’s on-field success is testament to his skillset and consistency over 17 years in England’s top flight – and his status as the Premier League’s greatest left back is secure.

Here, we look at Ashley Cole’s list of career achievements. From the glory days at Arsenal to his trophy-laden tenure at Chelsea, his impact and influence is clear for all to see…

Arsenal Trophies:

  • Premier League: 2001–02, 2003–04

  • FA Cup: 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05

  • FA Community Shield: 2002, 2004

Chelsea Trophies:

  • Premier League: 2009–10

  • FA Cup: 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12

  • Football League Cup: 2006–07

  • FA Community Shield: 2009

  • UEFA Champions League: 2011–12

  • UEFA Europa League: 2012–13

Family Life

Ashley Cole’s relationship with Cheryl Tweedy was well documented, with the couple going public in September 2004.

The first few years were smooth enough, with the couple tying the knot at Wrotham Park in July 2006 but allegations of affairs had an impact on the marriage.

Less than four years later, the couple revealed that they would separate after fresh reports of adultery surfaced. Three months later, Cheryl confirmed that she was filing for divorce.

Cheryl and Ashley officially divorced in September 2010 but both have gone on to find love since – though the former has had a number of amicable splits.

Ashley began dating Italian model Sharon Canu and the couple really hit it off, though they have opted to keep their relationship out of the public domain.

Ashley and Sharon became parents for the first time in February 2016 as their son was born before daughter Grace followed two years later.

To this day, the couple have never publicly announced their son’s name.

Coaching Career

After a stint with Derby County under former teammate Frank Lampard, Cole retired at the end of the 2018-19 season.

Cole worked alongside Lampard as a coach while at Derby. When Lampard was hired by Chelsea, Cole returned to his former club as an academy coach.

Serving as an assistant at the England Under-21s under Lee Carsley, Cole again followed Lampard at club level when he became a first-team coach at Everton. He left the Toffees when Lampard departed.

The former Arsenal defender spent just under a year working with Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City. In September 2024, he joined the FA on a full-time basis. 


 

March 24, 2022

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
Body

Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off
  • We’ve looked at some of the best NFL memes on the internet

  • From NFL draft memes to Super Bowl memes, 888sport is the place to be for American football memes

  • Join us as we mock your favourite NFL team with the greatest gridiron memes


The National Football League is one of the fiercest competitions in sport but social media memes help to bring the lighter side of the NFL to your living room.

NFL jokes can have you in stitches, with the most iconic memes doing the rounds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram before, during and after games.

If you’re into NFL betting, chances are you’ll have seen a few of the memes on this list. The NFL is the gift that keeps on giving and football memes are an added bonus.

The Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions have been the butt of NFL jokes for some time but we’ve compiled a varied list of American football memes across the league.

https://www.888sport.com/blog/football-prediction

From the latest Madden memes to 2022 NFL memes, 888sport are here to provide gridiron fans with the biggest social media hits throughout the season.

As well as giving NFL picks straight up each week, we’ve looked at the funniest memes in NFL history. We hope you laugh at this list as much as we did!

Can’t Beat The Lions

Okay, we know it’s a tad clichéd to use a Detroit Lions meme but they’re just too good.

The Lions have been one of the worst teams in the NFL over the past decade and fans flock to social media to mock when Detroit manage to win a game.

Created in December 2021, this meme pays homage to Ben Roethlisberger, Kirk Cousins and Kyler Murray – the only three quarterbacks to fail to beat the Lions this season.


Panthers Quarterback Woes

The Carolina Panthers’ quarterback issues have been well documented, with the likes of Cam Newton, Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold all failing to inspire confidence.

This meme documents that problem perfectly, with the mood of the entire Carolina fanbase summed up in one simple image.

What’s on the agenda for the Panthers in 2022? An elite quarterback prospect is an absolute must in the NFL Draft. If not, Carolina might have to re-sign Cam (again).


Refs On The Payroll

A popular meme on social media – one of the main roles of a sports fan is to back your team blindly when it comes to refereeing decisions.

Here, this NFL meme shows Sean McVay handing out a game ball to an official after the controversial victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

Chances are this meme was created by a bitter Seahawks fan, which is a little ironic given how Seattle have benefited from the officials in the past…


Another Refs Meme

Another NFL meme to do with bad officiating, this one combines the famous Lambeau Leap with a narrow Cleveland Browns defeat.

With the new rules relating to taunting and harsher pass interference calls, there are plenty of memes circulating when the officials decide to ignore such situations.

In this instance, a Baker Mayfield interception (yes, another one) should have been brought back following a clear holding call from a Green Bay Packers defender.


NFL On A Tuesday

Postponements and rearranged fixtures meant that some NFL fixtures had to be played on a Tuesday this season – much to the delight of football fans around the world.

While the change in schedule messed up plans for fantasy football players, it was great for the wider NFL community who could enjoy another day of watching sport to their calendar. 

Thursday, Sunday & Monday are covered. How about we have Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday as permanent fixtures going forward?


Taylor vs New York Giants

2021 has not been a great year for the New York Giants. In fact, it’s been a pretty dismal decade for Big Blue if we’re being completely honest.

As of December 9th, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had scored as many touchdowns as the entire Giants offense in 2021.

Right now, it’s a flip of the coin as to whether the Giants are the worst New York team or if the Jets take that title. Either way, this is an embarrassing fact.


A Year To Forget For The Raiders

2021 was a year to forget for the Raiders. While the transition to Las Vegas went smoothly, there were several off-field issues that had a negative impact on the team.

We only need to say the names Jon Gruden and Henry Ruggs III to put their year into context. The Raiders have encountered several problems – and the entire NFL world will not let them forget it.

Once the 2022 season is over, the Raiders organisation can try to rebuild. But for now, their reputation is damaged to say the least.


The Atlanta Falcons cemented their status as NFL meme legends after blowing a 28-3 lead at Super Bowl LI. To this day, they’ve never fully recovered from that loss.

Nowadays, the Falcons are a middle of the road franchise at best. However, they have the tendency to throw in the odd clanger – almost as if Atlanta are drunk…

It is hard to sum the Falcons up. They are some way off the playoffs but won’t be qualifying for a high draft pick. One thing is sure though: memes!


Lions No Longer Thankful?

Detroit have been playing on Thanksgiving since 1934 but Lions followers are starting to get sick of watching their team lose on a national holiday.

The NFC North organisation have lost their last five games on Thanksgiving and it is almost getting to the point where neutrals mark it down as a Detroit loss before kick-off.

Here, this meme combines two of the greatest things in America: football and The Office. Wonder if Michael Scott could do a job at quarterback for Detroit…


Ain’t No Party Like A Buffalo Party

The Buffalo Bills are renowned for their crazy tailgate parties and their passionate fans took it to the next level a few years ago as they reached the playoffs.

Supporters began jumping through tables in celebration and that has become something of a tradition amongst Bills fans – be prepared for plenty of videos in the postseason.

Just imagine how the Buffalo community would celebrate if the Bills go on to win the Super Bowl later this year…


*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

March 24, 2022

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
Body

Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off
  • Robbie Savage made 346 Premier League appearances throughout his career

  • The Welshman enjoyed top flight spells at Leicester, Birmingham, Blackburn and Derby

  • Estimates value Robbie Savage net worth at £4 million


It would be a tad far fetched to label Robbie Savage a Premier League legend but the Wales international finished his career with 346 top flight appearances.

To put that into perspective, Savage played more Premier League games than the likes of David Seaman, Michael Owen and David Silva.

Fans who enjoyed a bet on football in the 2000s will remember Savage for his no nonsense, aggressive style in midfield – he wasn’t afraid to put his body on the line.

Savage found himself in trouble with referees throughout his career but supporters admired his effort. If nothing else, he helped to liven the atmosphere whenever he was on the pitch.

Bet Calculator

With stints at Leicester, Birmingham, Blackburn and Derby, Savage was your typical Premier League journeyman and he never really impacted football predictions during the era.

Here, we look at Robbie Savage net worth figures and his life off the football pitch. Now one of the iconic figures in punditry, Savage retains a prominent role in the sport…

Net Worth

According to online sources, financial experts estimate Robbie Savage net worth at around £4 million – though information is limited on the former Derby County midfielder.

A stalwart of Premier League predictions over the years, Savage will have earned huge sums of money throughout his professional football career.

However, the bulk of Savage’s net worth has likely been acquired since retiring, especially as the Welshman has taken on several media roles over the past decade.

Savage is a pundit for the BBC and regularly presents 606 on BBC Radio 5 Live on a Sunday evening, discussing the biggest events of the weekend.

In addition, Savage can be found making frequent appearances on BT Sport, co-presenting the Early Kick Off show and he brings live goal updates to the BT studio.

Savage has enjoyed a successful media career since hanging up his boots, with plenty of fans ranking him as one of the top football pundits in the business.

You could even argue that Savage has been more successful in his post-playing career than he was as a player – though the haters may argue against that point!

Wales

Robbie Savage earned 39 caps for Wales throughout his football career, making his senior debut against Albania in 1995.

Having played at under-18 and under-21 level for his country, Savage was proud to receive a call-up to represent Wales on the biggest stage of all.

Savage scored two goals for Wales, both of which came in World Cup qualifying fixtures but they missed out on qualification for the major tournament.

While certainly not in the esteemed company of Ian Rush, Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy, Savage enjoyed a respectable Wales career until retiring from international football in 2005.

According to rumours, Savage announced his early international retirement after a spat with Wales manager John Toshack.

The most iconic moment in Savage’s Wales career came when he threw a replica of Paolo Maldini’s shirt into a bin the day before a match against Italy.

That one act sums Robbie Savage up to a tee. A joker in the dressing room and a menace on the pitch, Savage was dropped as a result of his actions but was quickly reinstated.

Honours

Despite his lengthy playing career, Robbie Savage has no need for a trophy cabinet. Instead, he can simply show off his League Cup winners’ medal on the mantlepiece.

Savage was a central figure in Leicester City’s League Cup triumph over Tranmere Rovers in February 2000, with the Foxes running out 2-1 winners at Wembley Stadium.

A year prior to Leicester’s success, the Foxes had slumped to a heart-breaking defeat against Tottenham in the Wembley showpiece but the club showed immense resilience to fight back the following campaign.

One of the players with the most yellow cards in Premier League history, Savage picked up his customary caution in both finals but celebrated long into the night after Matt Elliott’s winner in 2000.

Savage On Strictly

We shouldn’t ignore his contributions on BBC television show Strictly Come Dancing, with the Welshman reaching the quarter-finals.

Savage thoroughly enjoyed his time dancing, revealing how appearing on the programme helped to rebuild his reputation.

"It's just been everything you know.

"People didn't know who I was before I came to this show, I wasn't a nice person on the football pitch and hopefully I've changed people's perceptions of me.

"I am just a normal, decent guy."

For a player with almost 350 Premier League appearances, Savage’s list of achievements is short but we cannot overlook his impact and influence on England’s top flight.

Things could have been different had Savage broke through at Manchester United but it just wasn’t to be for the Welshman and he had to work hard to reignite his career.

He did manage to win the FA Youth Cup during his early years at Old Trafford but the Wales international had to sit and watch his former teammates dominate English football for the rest of the decade.

Family Life

Robbie is married to Sarah Savage, with the couple dating for a while before deciding to tie the knot in 2002.

The Welshman met her through former Liverpool midfielder and pundit Danny Murphy, with Savage admitting that met on a night out in Chester.

The couple have two children and it looks like at least one of them may follow their father by making it as a professional footballer.

Son Charlie joined the Manchester United development program in 2012 and signed his first professional contract in April 2021, much to the delight of a proud Robbie.

The pair admit that relationships have been strained at times due to the nature of his career but Sarah and Robbie have responded in the face of adversity.

Autobiography

Released shortly after his retirement in 2011, Savage!: The Robbie Savage Autobiography was a huge hit with football fans across the country.

For the first time, supporters were given a unique insight into Savage’s life and the sacrifices that many elite sportsmen make for the sake of their careers.

One of the best autobiographies of the decade, Savage addresses his reputation as an old-school midfielder while touching on more sensitive issues relating to family life.

Savage himself knows he falls short in the best football pundits discussion but he earns plenty of plaudits for opening up in this emotional account.

In addition, the Welshman also released I’ll Tell You What…: My Take On Modern Football in 2015, with Savage addressing the trials and tribulations of the beautiful game.


*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 24th March 2022

March 24, 2022

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
Body

Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
factcheck
Off
hidemainimage
show
Hide sidebar
show
Fullwidth Page
Off
News Article
Off
  • Zinedine Zidane is widely considered one of the game’s greatest ever midfielders

  • First the Frenchman conquered playing, now he’s excelling in management 

  • From humble beginnings, Zidane is one of sport’s wealthiest individuals


Zinedine Zidane was born on June 23rd 1972 in Marseille, France, the youngest of five siblings.

From the very beginning, his exceptional talent was widely noted, and a professional debut was made at Cannes aged just 17, with the future superstar perfecting his flicks, tricks and passing repertoire on the French Riveira until Bordeaux signed the midfield prodigy in 1992.

Sadly, our latest Ligue 1 odds have Bordeaux down as favourites to be relegated this season.

A subsequent move to Italy and Juventus saw his reputation soar beyond Ligue 1 as the playmaker helped Juve win two Serie A titles and reach two Champions League finals.

During his five years on the Peninsula, Zidane also enjoyed his greatest achievement, winning the World Cup with France. Unsurprisingly, he ran the show in the final.

A Euro 2000 triumph followed with his country while at club level a world record fee of €77.5 took him to Real Madrid where further silverware and individual plaudits was inevitably attained.

With the Spanish giants, Zidane won a league crown and in 2002 he finally lifted the Champions League.

Remarkably, another three Champions Leagues were won several years later with Real when this Ballon d’Or winner switched from playing to managing the famous club.

Zidane straddled world football for much of his career, globally venerated and generally regarded to be one of the finest footballers of all time. Of course, this has also made him a very wealthy man.

How Much Is Zinedine Zidane Worth?

The creative genius grew up in La Castellane, an extremely deprived area of Marseilles that regrettably has one of the highest crime rates across Europe. He is now reported to be worth in excess of €120m.

Much of this can be attributed to lucrative salaries obtained at Real Madrid, both as a player and later as their head coach with his most recent contract negotiated in 2019 following his decision to return to the Bernabeu dug-out for a second stint in charge.

Across three years it was revealed to be a basic salary of €12m a year, not including bonuses, and this €36m was paid out in full despite Zidane leaving his post 12 months early.

In 2004, Forbes magazine listed his yearly earnings as €15.8m and two years later, as his extraordinary career drew to a close, Zidane’s stock was such that he was the world’s sixth best paid player.

Naturally, well-known brands have flocked to be associated with this enigmatic and supernaturally gifted player and the Frenchman has enjoyed long-standing endorsements from companies as diverse as Adidas, Lego, Christian Dior and Volvic.

At the height of his prowess, Zinedine Zidane was estimated to be earning an astounding €38,000 per day.

Family Life

It feels somewhat out of character but Zidane is a prolific user of Instagram and regularly offers insights into his personal life to his 31m followers.

Included therein are many photos of the legendary former player with his wife Veronique, who he met at the age of 17, the couple marrying in 1994.

A professional dancer and model, Veronique has been a steadying influence on Zidane throughout his footballing adventures.

Together too they have raised four children, all boys with the two eldest brave enough and talented enough to follow their father into the game.

Enzo is currently at Rodez, a French division two side. Luca meanwhile wisely became a goalkeeper so to avoid any direct comparisons with his esteemed dad and he is fast establishing himself as Rayo Vallecano’s number one in La Liga.

Legendary Status

Popularly known as ‘Zizou’, Zidane was already considered a generational talent while at Juventus, leading both his club and country to unparalleled heights via his elegant use of possession and unerring vision.

On joining Real Madrid, and thus becoming the ultimate Galactico among a squad packed with megastars, this son of a warehouseman of Algerian Kabyle Berber descent secured his place among the game’s all-time legends, on three occasions winning the FIFA World Player of the Year merit to add to his Ballon d’Or honour.

In 2010 a leading football publication voted him the greatest French player of all time and in 2019 he comfortably strolled into our Champions League all-time XI. First, we picked Zidane, Messi and Ronaldo, then selected eight others worthy of sharing their pitch.

To Paul Scholes he was, ‘poetry in motion’. To Marcel Desailly he was ‘a true artist’. To fans worldwide, he was simply Zizou.

Zidane Controversy

Yet there was also controversy amidst the magic. Aged 34 and participating in his second World Cup final, Zidane had opened the scoring for France against Italy before Marco Materazzi equalised.

With the latter instructed to man-mark the former, the two goal-scorers needled each other all game.

In extra-time it all came to a head, literally, when the Italian grappled once more with his opposite number, prompting Zidane to remark that he could have his shirt after the game, not during it.

Materazzi said he would rather spend time with Zidane’s sister and the French midfielder violently planted his forehead into his tormenter’s chest.

One of the finest players to ever grace the game was unceremoniously sent off. It was undoubtedly one of football’s most controversial moments and partly contributed to France losing the historic event with the Gli Azzurri eventually winning out on penalties. 

Football Manager

Nobody knew what to expect when Zidane entered club management as so often, in the past, renowned players had stepped into the technical area only to come unstuck. Might the same happen here?

In early 2016, two years after cutting his teeth with Real Madrid’s B team, Zidane took control of a club that demands success and won 5-0 in his inaugural game. Thereafter, any doubts about his managerial capabilities vanished.

Two league titles and an astonishing trio of Champions League triumphs, all achieved consecutively, is conclusive testament to his coaching credentials with Zidane gaining a reputation for tactical versatility and brilliantly handling the egos in the Real dressing room.

So much consistent success also made his team one to back in the live betting market, the prolific scorers always a moment away from finding the net.

Where once Zinedine Zidane was a truly great player, now he has to be considered an elite coach as well.


 

 

March 23, 2022

By Stephen Tudor

Ste Tudor
  • ">
  • Body

    Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.

    A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.

    Stephen Tudor
    factcheck
    Off
    hidemainimage
    show
    Hide sidebar
    show
    Fullwidth Page
    Off
    News Article
    Off