Harry Kane is unequivocally one of the best Premier League strikers ever, and some would argue the greatest.

Talismanic for his club and country, Kane burst onto the scene with Tottenham after several unsuccessful loan spells.

At a time of turmoil for the club, and with established names failing to produce, he seized his opportunity, beginning a career which has cemented his place among the greatest strikers of his generation.

For England, Kane has been at the forefront of their best spell since 1966. His presence enhances the Three Lions’ chances in sports betting. 

Much has been made of a lack of silverware through Kane’s career to date, but that does not detract from the player he has been. 

Records have tumbled for Kane over the last few years, let’s take a look at how many goals he’s scored and what honours he’s received. 

Harry Kane Goals For Tottenham

Harry Kane has scored a club record of 280 goals for Tottenham.

In February 2023, Kane scored his 267th goal for the north London club, overtaking Jimmy Greaves’ mark.

Kane also holds the record for the most goals scored for a single club in the Premier League, which was previously held by Sergio Aguero for Manchester City.

Speaking after passing Greaves, Kane said, “It's hard to put into words. Just a magical moment and I was so desperate to do it with a win as well.

“I wanted to win so bad. Once we went 1-0 up it was just about keeping a clean sheet. To do it in front of the home fans it's a moment I will never forget…

“Greaves is a complete hero, one of the best strikers to ever play the game. To be in that company's a special feeling, to overtake him, I'm sure his family will be watching and they'll be proud. Overall, a really good night.”

Next up for Kane is catching Alan Shearer’s record tally of 260 Premier League goals. 

Harry Kane England Goals

Harry Kane is England’s all-time leading goal scorer with 56 goals. Kane overtook Wayne Rooney for the record in March 2023, doing so in 39 fewer appearances for the Three Lions.

After winning the World Cup Golden Boot in 2018 and starring in England’s Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup campaigns, Kane is also England’s all-time top scorer in major tournaments. 

Having missed a penalty against France in Qatar a few months prior, Kane scored from the spot to claim Rooney’s record.

Following the match, Kane said, “It means everything. We were so excited to put the England shirt back on and get the campaign started and it had to be a penalty of course.

“Once it hit the back of the net, so much emotion. So much thanks to the players, staff, fans, my wife and family... a magical moment. A great night to score and to win this game.  

“A big thanks to Wayne (for a congratulations message). I was on the pitch when he broke the record and I know what it meant to him. He said he’d be giving it back to me one day. A special guy and an England legend himself.”

Harry Kane Records

• Tottenham’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing Jimmy Greaves in February 2023

• Most goals for a single club in the Premier League, having overtaken Sergio Aguero in August 2022

• In 2022-23, Kane scored in a joint-record 26 different Premier League matches

• Most Premier League goals in a calendar year (39)

• Most away goals in the Premier League, overtaking Wayne Rooney’s previous record of 95 during the 2022-23 campaign

• Only Premier League player to score against every team he has faced

• One of three players in Premier League history to score 200 goals in the competition along with fellow England strikers Alan Shearer and Rooney

• Spurs’ all-time leading scorer in European competitions, with 21 goals more than anyone else

• England’s all-time leading goal scorer, passing Rooney’s record in March 2023

• Most goals in competitive matches for England, and most goals in major tournaments, including the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup

• Between September and November 2019, Kane tied the England record for the most consecutive matches scored in

• Most goals in a World Cup qualifying campaign for England (12, 2022)

• Joint-most goals for England in a World Cup qualifying match (Four against San Marino in November 2021)

• Most goals in a Euros qualifying campaign for England (12, 2020)

• Most England goals in a calendar year (16 in 2021)

• Kane’s 13 goal contributions in the first six matches of 2019-20 were a Premier League record

• Kane became the fastest player to score 20 Champions League goals, requiring just 24 appearances

Harry Kane Goals By Season

• Leyton Orient, 2010-11 – 18 appearances, 5 goals

• Millwall, 2011-12 – 27 appearances, 9 goals

• Tottenham, 2011-12 – 6 appearances, 1 goal

• Norwich, 2012-13 – 5 appearances, 0 goals

• Leicester, 2012-13 – 15 appearances, 2 goals

• Tottenham, 2012-13 – 1 appearance, 0 goals

• Tottenham, 2013-14 – 19 appearances, 4 goals

• Tottenham, 2014-15 – 51 appearances, 31 goals

• Tottenham, 2015-16 – 50 appearances, 28 goals

• Tottenham, 2016-17 – 38 appearances, 35 goals

• Tottenham, 2017-18 – 48 appearances, 41 goals

• Tottenham, 2018-19 – 40 appearances, 24 goals

• Tottenham, 2019-20 – 34 appearances, 24 goals

• Tottenham, 2020-21 – 49 appearances, 33 goals

• Tottenham, 2021-22 – 50 appearances, 27 goals

• Tottenham, 2022-23 – 49 appearances, 32 goals

Harry Kane Awards

• Premier League Player of the Month – January 2015, February 2015, March 2016, February 2017, September 2017, December 2017, March 2022

• PFA Premier League Team of the Year – 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21

• PFA Young Player of the Year – 2014-15

• Tottenham Player of the Year – 2014-15, 2020-21, 2022-23

• Premier League Golden Boot – 2015-16, 2016-17, 2020-21

• Premier League Playmaker of the Season – 2020-21

• England Player of the Year – 2017, 2018

• FIFA World Cup Golden Boot – 2018

• FIFA World Cup Dream Team – 2018

• IFFHS’ World’s Best Top Goal Scorer – 2017

• Freedom of the City Of London – 2023

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This June, England take on Malta and North Macedonia in a brace of Euro qualifiers and the timing of the fixtures has necessitated Gareth Southgate to look beyond the usual suspects, to the periphery of his options.

Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has been called up for the first time, a deserved reward for an outstanding second half to his campaign that saw him improve the Eagles’ football odds almost single-handedly, while Brighton’s Lewis Dunk would have surely added to a solitary cap he received five years ago were it not for a late injury withdrawal.

It is hoped that Eze features because it is always immensely satisfying when talents from beyond the ‘big six’ enjoy international recognition. Moreover, despite excelling in the top-flight, such players typically remain under the radar, again in part due to the club they represent.

It will be a thrill seeing the 24-year-old in an England shirt. 

All of which explains the appeal of England B games, a concept that began in the late-Forties and ran intermittently for 57 matches in total, alongside full England fixtures until falling out of fashion in the mid-2000s, seemingly never to return. 

Intended by its originator Walter Winterbottom to be a stepping stone to the national side, to afford players an opportunity to get acclimatised to the demands of international football, it was in reality never wholly about that. At least, not for the fans. 

Instead, players who would ordinarily have not played for their country – despite having the attributes to do so - got to put on an England jersey and that was a gratifying sight to behold.

It was a chance to reward excellence displayed by those who perhaps were just half a level below established superstars but warranted recognition, nonetheless.

Ironically, no player better epitomised this than Steve Bruce, a defender who was surrounded by superstars at Old Trafford. 

Despite winning three Premier League titles with Manchester United in the Nineties, Bruce had the misfortune of coming to the fore at a time when the Three Lions were well-stocked with brilliant centre-backs, from Sol Campbell to Tony Adams.

The tall defender therefore consistently found himself overlooked on the international scene, remaining uncapped throughout his trophy-laden career.  

At least though there was an England B appearance, captaining them when starting out in 1987. At least there was that for a player who boasted more medals than half of the England first-team squad put together. 

Others from that era who got to represent their country for England ‘reserves’ included Gary Mabbutt, Nigel Clough and Dalian Atkinson.

Switching our attention to the present day we find an abundance of players who similarly will likely never get a call-up from Southgate but who absolutely justify international recognition all the same. 

Before we list them however, it is worth noting that the two reasons why England B games were scrapped in 2007 arguably no longer apply.

Because back then fixture congestion was a concern, and that is still the case today. But with World Cups played mid-season isn’t all betting off now regarding this? Besides, if there are international fixtures going on anyway, why not add B games to accompany them?

Moreover, it was felt in the mid-2000s that English talent was drying up, resulting from an increasing influx of foreign signings. Thankfully, that proved to be misplaced doom-mongering. 

Because in Morgan Gibbs-White, Ben Mee, Solly March, Dwight McNeil, and Dominic Solanke, England possesses a wealth of fantastic players, who have lit up the Premier League yet will probably never play alongside Kane and co at Wembley.

Bring back the England B matches we say, that most gratifying of sights.

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

Over the next five to ten minutes you will read about two incredible teams, the only English sides to ever win the league, FA Cup and be crowned champions of Europe in the same season.

A legitimate attempt will be made to establish which of these achievements was the most impressive, but before we proceed, some pertinent points must be made.

First off, and most importantly, comparing these remarkable feats is like pitching the Beatles against the Stones. Brando against De Niro. 

Both Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in 1998/99 and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this term managed to attain peerless perfection over nine long months, in doing so reaching a pinnacle that secures them legendary status forever more.

To pick holes in either feels redundant and petty.

Furthermore, there is a difference in eras to acknowledge. Was it more difficult to complete a treble back in the late Nineties, taking on the great teams and players from that time? Or is it significantly harder now when a colossal 89 points in needed to win the league alone? 

Bluntly speaking, it will take much longer than five to ten minutes getting to the bottom of that one.

Lastly, the initial point needs echoing for greater emphasis. These two phenomenon creations deserve to be wholly celebrated, not in any way diminished.

Still though, with both sides deriving from Manchester, and with one taking the place of the other at the summit of English football, understandably a debate has raged on social media ever since City lifted the big-eared trophy in Istanbul. 

Which treble was better?

Immediately veering from this criteria, United fans will have it that theirs was ‘purer’, by virtue of having so many academy players involved, and however much you believe this matters or not, they do have a point. 

Across their relentlessly demanding 62-game campaign in 1998/99, 18 players competed in over a quarter of their fixtures, and seven of them came up through the ranks. 

By comparison, City 61-match season had 21 players involved in 25% or more of their games, and only three were nurtured, not bought, those players being Phil Foden, Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer. 

If that is rightfully a source of sincere pride for the Reds, City’s fan-base counter with two of their own unique boasts they believe elevate their club’s treble over their rival’s.

First off, in recently beating United in the FA Cup Final theirs is a treble made all the sweeter by denying their neighbours glory along the way. 

More substantially – or perhaps not, depending on your point of view - it has additionally been pointed out that City won their treble as reigning champions of England, the insinuation being that Ferguson’s United got into the Champions League in 1998/99 through the back-door. 

This is true. Having finished runner-up in the league the previous season, United were required to enter the Champions League at an earlier juncture, beating LKS Lodz in a qualifying round.

Does this matter though? Frankly, it’s at best debatable.

Another assertion meanwhile is highly confusing, it being put forward from opposing angles by both sets of supporters.  

It is that United’s treble was infinitely more dramatic.

At face value, it’s a claim that has a good deal of merit, with their winning of the FA Cup necessitating a last-gasp decider at home to Liverpool, a tussle that subsequently led to a titanic battle with Arsenal in the semis. 

With a sending off, a missed penalty in extra-time and a late, unforgettable goal it’s a game that has become iconic. 

In the Champions League of course, there was that famous late turn-around that broke Bayern hearts and even in the league United struggled to impose sustained supremacy, taken to the wire by not only Arsenal – as City were – but also the emerging force of Chelsea.

The argument made by United fans is that such theatre makes their treble more impactful and memorable. City fans in reply point out that while 1998/99 was more entertaining for neutrals, the struggles and road-bumps by default makes it less impressive.

Yet it only gets further muddled when it is accepted that City themselves hardly enjoyed a straightforward path to three major honours. 

Like United, their route to continental glory was formidably demanding, coming up against Bayern and Inter Milan on route, as their neighbours did a quarter of a century earlier. Swap Juventus for Real Madrid and it’s pretty much a tie in the difficulty stakes. 

In the league meanwhile, the Blues’ Premier League title odds lengthened considerably heading into Spring as Arsenal consistently maintained a healthy advantage. 

Granted, their triumph wasn’t exactly a miracle that took them from crisis to silverware. Guardiola wasn’t in danger of featuring in our next Premier League manager to be sacked odds at any point.

Yet a defeat at Spurs back in February had the blue half of Manchester written off by all and sundry.

To come back from that and prevail required just as much depth of character as United displayed at Villa Park and Camp Nou. 

All of which returns us to the big talking point, the big question. Which treble was better? You already know our stance, that both were imperiously good and both deserve equal acclaim.

But though the history books will show that only two English sides have ever pulled off such a rare accomplishment, tribalism decrees that one must be greater.

Regrettably, or perhaps thankfully, an unequivocal answer will always elude us.

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

The Women’s World Cup was first played in 1991. Since then, FIFA have increased the pool of teams involved and tweaked the format. 

The women’s topflight in England only became professional in the latter part of the 2010s after the women’s game was banned between 1921 and 1971. 

This century has seen immense evolution in women’s football in England and beyond. Once an afterthought in football odds, the Lionesses are now household names, with major women’s tournaments attracting huge support from around the country.

Viewing figures and women's football salaries have soared in recent years. Interest was buoyed further by hosting and winning the Euros in 2022.

In the early years of Women’s World Cup tips, England trailed far behind the world’s best. Their stock has risen over time, with increased funding for women’s teams in the domestic game.  

Let’s take a look at the history of England at the Women’s World Cup… 

England Record at the Women’s World Cup

The Lionesses failed to qualify for three of the first four Women’s World Cups, missing out in 1991, 1999 and 2003. 

We’re starting our run through with the 1995 tournament, which was held in Sweden and had the lowest average attendance of any Women’s World Cup to date.

1995 – Quarter Finals

Reaching the semi-finals of the previous European Championships qualified England for the 1995 World Cup.

Facing Canada in their first match in Group B, England took a commanding 3-0 lead, with Gillian Coultard scoring their first ever World Cup goal, but were forced to cling on in the dying embers after Canada brought it back to 3-2.

A defeat to Norway in their second match left England needing a positive result when they faced Nigeria at Arosvallen.

It was another high-scoring affair, with the game sitting at 1-1 after just 13 minutes. England had a 3-1 advantage by half-time, and again held on to win 3-2 and book their place in the knockout rounds.

The last eight brought a meeting with Germany, who had knocked England out of the Euros at the semi-final stage.

Dominating European football at this point, Germany had no problem brushing England aside with a 3-0 victory. They went on to lose the final to Norway.

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2007 – Quarter Finals

Despite changes to the qualifying process, England missed out on the 1999 and 2003 World Cups. A generation of players had come and gone by 2007.

Matched up with France, the Netherlands, Austria and Hungary, the Lionesses excelled in UEFA qualification to reach their second ever World Cup finals.

Germany, Japan and Argentina were their rivals in Group A for the tournament held in China. First up, it was a dramatic match against Japan. Kelly Smith scored twice in the last 10 minutes to put England 2-1 up, but Japan equalised deep into added time.

A goalless draw with Germany in the second match left the Lionesses under pressure for their match against Argentina.

Taking a two-goal lead inside 10 minutes, they blew the South Americans away, with Smith scoring two more in a 6-1 drubbing.

The reward was a quarter-final meeting with the USA. Heavily favoured before the match, they hammered England 3-0.

The Stars and Stripes suffered a heavy defeat themselves, however, losing to Brazil in the semi-finals.

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2011 – Quarter Finals

Again impressive during qualifying, England cruised into the 2011 World Cup. They were accompanied by Japan, Mexico and New Zealand in Group B. 

The first match saw a draw with Mexico. A late goal from Jessica Clarke secured all three points against New Zealand before the Lionesses notched a 2-0 win over Japan. 

It was the first time England had ever won their World Cup group, but their third World Cup quarter-final berth.

This time it was France waiting. England looked on course to reach their first ever semi-final when they took a second half lead, but an 88th minute goal from Les Bleues forced extra time and ultimately penalties.

France missed their first. England scored their first three. The last two English takers failed to score, though, resulting in another upsetting World Cup exit.

Minor consolation was perhaps taken by the fact that England were the only team to defeat eventual champions Japan.

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2015 – Third Place

England won every qualifying match for the 2015 World Cup. They were drawn with France, Mexico and Colombia in Group F. Their tournament started how it ended four years prior with defeat to Les Bleues. 

Just four days later, they bounced back with a 2-1 win over Mexico thanks to goals from Fran Kirby and Karen Carney.

Colombia were defeated by the same score line to cement England’s place in the knockouts as group runners up.

The streak of 2-1 victories extended to four, as Norway were seen off in the round of 16 and hosts Canada were knocked out in the quarters. 

A first ever semi-final appearance ended in defeat to Japan. The teams scored a penalty apiece in the first half, but a 92nd minute own goal secured Japan’s spot in the final.

England then defeated Germany 1-0 in extra time in the third-place playoff.

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2019 – Fourth Place

Preparation for the 2019 World Cup was disrupted by managerial changes, but England still got the job done to secure their place in France.

They were forced into an immediate rematch with Japan in the group stage, while also matching up with Scotland and Argentina.

For the first time, the Lionesses took all nine points from their three group matches. The knockout rounds started in similarly emphatic fashion, with a 3-0 win over Cameroon followed up by a victory of the same scoreline against Norway.

Just as was the case in 2015, England were knocked out in the semi-finals. The USA were the pre-tournament favourites and outplayed England on their way to a 2-1 victory. 

Two early goals saw Sweden win the third-place playoff. It was their third time claiming the final podium position at the World Cup. 

England had three ‘dared to shine’ players. Lucy Bronze won the Silver Ball, and Ellen White won the Bronze Boot after scoring six goals in 514 minutes.

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England’s Best Result At the Women’s World Cup

England enjoyed their two best tournaments at the 2015 and 2019 Women’s World Cups, reaching the semi-finals on both occasions.

They finished third in 2015 and fourth four years later. Both runs were packed with live betting drama.

The 2015 and 2019 squads included many of the best English female footballers of all-time. Neither were able to get over the semi-final hump, ending in heartbreak to Japan and the USA.

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England Women’s World Cup Goalscorers

• Ellen White – 7 Women's World Cup goals

• Fara Williams – 5 Women's World Cup goals

• Kelly Smith – 4 Women's World Cup goals

• Jill Scott – 4 Women's World Cup goals

• Lucy Bronze – 3 Women's World Cup goals

• Karen Carney – 2 Women's World Cup goals

• Gillian Coultard – 2 Women's World Cup goals

• Karen Farley – 2 Women's World Cup goals

• Jodie Taylor – 2 Women's World Cup goals

• Steph Houghton – 2 Women's World Cup goals

• Fran Kirby – 2 Women's World Cup goals

• Jessica Clarke – 1 Women's World Cup goal

• Vicky Exley – 1 Women's World Cup goal

• Marieanne Spacey – 1 Women's World Cup goal

• Nikita Parris – 1 Women's World Cup goal

• Alex Greenwood – 1 Women's World Cup goal

• Karen Walker – 1 Women's World Cup goal

• Rachel Yankey – 1 Women's World Cup goal

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Performance By Tournament

• 1991 Women's World Cup – Did not qualify

• 1995 Women's World Cup – Quarter finalists 

• 1999 Women's World Cup – Did not qualify

• 2003 Women's World Cup – Did not qualify

• 2007 Women's World Cup – Quarter finalists

• 2011 Women's World Cup - Quarter finalists

• 2015 Women's World Cup – Third place

• 2019 Women's World Cup – Fourth place

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Just 17 days after the curtain came down on the 2022/23 Premier League season, the fixture schedule for the 23/24 campaign are released.

Premier League 23/24 Fixtures Released

The details of all 380 matches will be confirmed at 9am on Thursday 15th June 2023 and fans of all 20 competing Premier League clubs will eagerly anticipating the release.

It is worth noting that while kick-offs are automatically scheduled for 3pm on Saturdays and Bank Holidays, many of the games on the Premier League fixture list will be moved for television.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the 2023/24 Premier League fixtures list and some of the key dates on the English football calendar.

When Does The 2023/24 Premier League Season Start?

The opening weekend of the 23/24 Premier League season will begin on 12th August 2023 and fans will be eagerly anticipating the return of England's top flight.

There are 76 days between the end of the 2022/23 campaign and the 2023/24 season and Premier League fixture release day is always a key date on the calendar for football supporters.

The mid-season break, previously scheduled from the 13th January to the 20th January, will be back but the 2023/24 Premier League break date is yet to be officially confirmed.

Football betting punters, it's worth remembering that during the busy Christmas and New Year period, no two rounds of competition will take place within 48 hours of one another.

When Does The 2023/24 Premier League Season End?

We've got an earlier finish to the 23/24 Premier League fixtures campaign with the final round of matches slated to take place on 19th May 2024.

This is because of the 2024 UEFA European Championships in Germany next summer, with the majority of Europe's top five leagues ending their domestic campaigns by mid-May.

As per usual, the final round of matches on the 2023/24 Premier League list of fixtures will kick-off at the same time.

According to sources, there will be at least three midweek rounds of Premier League matches that will be confirmed on the 2023/24 release next week.

Which Teams Are In The Premier League Next Season?

Leeds United and Leicester City succumbed to the drop on the final day of the 22/23 Premier League season, joining Southampton in slipping down to the Championship for next season.

Meanwhile, sports betting punters will know that Burnley will feature on the Premier League fixtures list after winning the Championship title in Vincent Kompany's first season at the club.

In addition, Sheffield United secured automatic promotion while Luton Town will make their Premier League debut after beating Coventry City in the Championship Play-off Final.

Premier League Opening Day Fixtures 2023

We'll have a full list of the opening day matches in the 2023/24 Premier League season when they are confirmed on 15th June 2023.

Boxing Day Premier League Fixtures 2023

The Premier League Boxing Day schedule is one of the biggest dates on the calendar and we'll provide a comprehensive calendar for the matches on 26th December 2023 once confirmed.

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

• Gareth Bale was a Real Madrid and Wales forward worth over £100 million

• Bale was the subject of one of the largest transfer fees in football history when he left Tottenham for Madrid

• Read below for more on Bale’s career

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Gareth Bale took Premier League Odds by storm with Tottenham. Those performances saw the Welshman become the most expensive footballer of all-time, teaming up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid.

Bale’s time in the Spanish capital wasn't perfect by any description, and some would argue he’s been a flop, yet there have been true highlight moments.

Bale played a considerable role in Los Blancos dominating the Champions League in the 2010s. He’s an iconic figure in Wales, a talisman for a team that punches above its weight.

While his second act wasn’t drastically overshadowed by his first, Bale is a hero at White Hart Lane, provider of moments both magical and significant.

Marginalised at the Bernabeu, Bale’s impact on football betting odds has declined in the twilight of his career. Eventually, Gareth Bale made the decision to retire in January 2023.

Net Worth

Gareth Bale net worth is reported to be just over £100 million. Bale has long been among the highest-paid players in world football, and endorsement opportunities have been plentiful for over a decade.

When trying to compute such vast figures, it’s always useful to put Bale’s net worth alongside some of his peers.

For instance, former Real Madrid teammate Eden Hazard comes in at around £80 million, while Harry Kane, one of the best Premier League strikers, is worth in the ballpark of £50 million.

The biggest names in Premier League predictions are hardly short of cash, but few can come close to Bale’s net worth.

Salary

Gareth Bale had an annual salary of £18.5 million according to Sportekz during the final year of his Real Madrid career, a figure that works out at £300,000 per week.

Bale’s salary was a hot topic when he was loaned to Tottenham in 2020-21. Spurs’ wage structure didn’t give them the flexibility to cough up for his monster salary – Bale’s £300,000 per week in his final season was bettered by only six Premier League players in 2021-22.

Moving to Real Madrid is lucrative. Salaries tend to leap upon arrival at the Bernabeu, but few have ever rivalled Bale’s annual income.

He’s the highest earner at the Spanish superclub in 2021-22, pocketing considerably more than stars like Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

When Gareth Bale retirement rumours began to surface, Bale had a lucrative net worth and the Wales forward no longer needed football to earn a living.

Endorsements

With the tag of world’s most expensive player, Gareth Bale was instantly marketable. Bale has got a lengthy list of endorsements to his name, including a long-running partnership with Adidas.

He has been the face of EA Sports’ FIFA video game series in the past, and he’s bound to have made plenty from his partnership with Lucozade.

Career

Gareth Bale debuted for Southampton in 2006, becoming the club’s second-youngest player. Making a name for himself as a marauding left-back and free-kick specialist, Bale was awarded Football League Young Player of the Year in 2007.

Something of a bidding war developed in the following summer. The country’s top clubs were all linked with Bale, such was the impressive nature of his performances for Southampton in the Football League.

Tottenham were victorious in the battle for Bale, landing the Welsh teenager for £5 million in the 2007 summer transfer window.

There was scepticism about Bale in his first couple of years at Tottenham. Injuries limited his opportunities, and he was often found wanting defensively.

He was still young, though, and there were flashes of the talent that earned his move. Bale was pushed up the field into a left winger role in 2010, and that kickstarted his career.

In August 2010, Bale tortured an ageing Maicon at San Siro for his first senior hat-trick. This moment announced his presence on the world stage, and he won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award at the end of the campaign.

The following seasons saw Bale go from strength to strength. Unleashed from defensive responsibility, he put Spurs on his back, providing numerous match-winning moments.

Individual accolades continued to accumulate, and Bale was frequently the subject of transfer rumours. Speculation became reality in 2013 when Bale joined Real Madrid on a six-year deal for a then world record fee.

While his first season with Los Blancos had its injury issues, Bale put in two heroic performances at the business end.

Marc Barta was left red-faced as the Welshman scored a remarkable solo effort in the Copa del Rey final, and he was the difference maker in extra time as Real won the Champions League.

Bale remained in Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow in the following years, but the 2018 Champions League final was all about the Welshman.

He scored a jaw-dropping overhead kick and a speculative effort from way outside the box as Real lifted the Champions League for a 13th time.

Despite playing such a pivotal role in a glorious period for Los Blancos, Bale’s troubled relationship with the club and its fans continued. He was on the cusp of leaving for China in the summer of 2019, but the deal fell through.

He returned to Tottenham on loan in 2020-21 and scored some important goals. He returned to Real Madrid for a brief spell before announcing his retirement in early 2023.

Wales

Gareth Bale is second all-time in appearances for Wales. He’s the country’s all-time leading scorer, with his tally of 36 putting him comfortably clear of Ian Rush.

While his club career has been turbulent, Bale has been a reliable performer for Wales. He was integral in their qualification for Euro 2016, and became the first Welsh player to score at a major tournament since 1958 in their opening match.

The Dragons qualified for Euro 2020 too, with Bale being named captain before the tournament. They were unable to repeat their deep run, but thanks to Bale’s play against Turkey, the minnows made it to the knockout rounds.

It’s no exaggeration to say Bale is the greatest Welsh footballer of all-time given his achievements for club and country.

Honours

• La Liga – 2016-17, 2019-20

• Champions League – 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18

• UEFA Team of the Year – 2011, 2013

• PFA Players’ Player of the Year – 2010-11, 2012-13

• Wales’ all-time leading goal scorer

Golf

Gareth Bale famously appeared with a banner that said ‘Wales. Golf. Madrid. In That Order’ when Wales qualified for Euro 2020. 
A renowned golf fanatic, Bale even has a three-hole course at his home.

His hobby attracts more attention than you might expect, but Bale says the doctors have no issue with it.

"A lot of people have problems with me playing golf. "I don't know what their reason is because I've spoken to doctors and everybody's fine with it.

"The media has this perception that it's not good for me. Steph Curry plays maybe on the morning of a game. If I play two days before a game, it's like 'what's he doing?'"

Bale plays off a three or four handicap – reports in 2015 claimed he was at six handicap, suggesting a slight improvement over his last few seasons in Madrid… 

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Many of the highest-paid athletes are predictable.

The nature of maximum contracts and salary caps has a significant impact on the list of the highest earners, however. Merchandise deals play a part in calculating total earnings through a calendar year, too. 

For instance, no NFL players make the top 10 following Tom Brady’s retirement. Their contracts are structured in a complicated manner and their merchandising income is much lower than their NBA peers, who dominate this group. 

Sports reliant on prize money see enormous year-to-year variance in income. Similar to the NFL, the leading Formula One drivers and baseball players have whopping annual salaries, but do not accumulate anywhere near the extra income of basketball and football stars. 

With figures courtesy of Forbes, here are the 10 highest-paid athletes right now…

Highest Paid Athletes (2024):

1. Lionel Messi - £106.05 million

2. LeBron James - £98.87 million

3. Cristiano Ronaldo - £93.81 million

4. Neymar - £77.5 million

5. Steph Curry - £75.7 million

6. Kevin Durant - £75.13 million

7. Canelo Alvarez - £73.42 million

8. Giannis Antetokounmpo - £66 million

9. Russell Westbrook - £64.61 million

10. James Harden - £60.69 million

James Harden

A hefty contract from the Philadelphia 76ers is complemented by a 13-year deal with Adidas.

James Harden’s signature sneakers have been successful for a prolonged period, and have continued to be purchased all over the world even as he has entered a different stage in his career.

Once a dominant scorer and league MVP, Harden is very much the Robin to Joel Embiid’s Batman on the title-contending Sixers.

He is on course to lead the league in assists, though, and might have his best chance at a ring in what has been a career riddled with postseason heartache. 

Russell Westbrook

It’s been a few years since Russell Westbrook was a Sports betting favourite for MVP, but he continues to accumulate cash thanks to his supermax contract.

Westbrook has played for five teams in five seasons, excluding a short stint pre-buyout with the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

The decline has been abrupt from the former Thunder point guard, leading to months of trade rumours before being involved in a three-team deal this winter.

His contract ends in 2023, with his earnings destined to plummet, amid an uncertain NBA future. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo

An NBA champion, two-time MVP and the best player in the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo has a massive deal with Nike alongside his whopping salary from the Milwaukee Bucks. 

The Greek Freak had an extraordinary path to the NBA. He remains a grounded, jovial personality, making him highly marketable and popular with neutrals all over the world. 

Canelo Alvarez

Canelo Alvarez has won world titles in four different weight classes, becoming one of the most successful boxers of all-time. His earnings are far clear of the next highest boxer. 

With just two losses in 62 career fights, Alvarez attracts millions of viewers worldwide whenever he takes the ring.

His 2013 bout with Floyd Mayweather had the most buys of any of his pay-per-view fights. 

Kevin Durant

Like several of his fellow NBA megastars, Kevin Durant earns even more from off-court earnings than from his sizeable salary.

Even in an era where big men can do much more than in the past, Durant is an NBA unicorn, a matchup nightmare with a deadly jumpshot. 

The summer of 2022 was dominated by a trade request. After an MVP-calibre half-season with the Brooklyn Nets, he got the move he wanted, and created another superteam with Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton in Phoenix. 

Steph Curry

Adding a fourth ring and a first Finals MVP in 2022, Steph Curry has a compelling case to be ranked among the 10 greatest players in NBA history.

Adored in The Bay, Curry is one of the most universally liked players in sport. 

While markedly different in stature to Durant, Curry is also once-in-a-lifetime talent. He is the heartbeat of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, with his limitless shooting range and relentless off-ball movement making him an impossible cover.

Little in sport is as exhilarating as Curry on a big night. 

Neymar

A controversial figure for many who place an online football bet or two, Neymar is the first of three footballers in this top 10.

The Brazilian earns over double of the next highest-earning footballer (Mo Salah), but sits a long way behind the top two in his sport. 

The PSG project is yet to realise its ultimate goal of Champions League glory.

Playing alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe has not changed the fortunes of Les Parisiens, and rumours continue about Neymar’s future amid an injury-hit season and doubts over the balance of the side. Will another club take on his enormous salary at 31 years old?

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo’s second Manchester United spell came to an ugly end following a failed transfer request.

Ronaldo had public spats with Erik ten Hag, gave a disgruntled interview, and ultimately parted ways with the club late in 2022. He was then removed from Portugal’s starting XI at the World Cup.

The five-time Champions League winner has entered the final stage of his career, but continues to earn an enormous salary thanks to a money-spinning move to Al Nassr.

LeBron James

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer and arguably the greatest player in the Association’s history, LeBron James earns just shy of £100 million per year. In 2022, The King officially became a billionaire. 

James is a part-owner of Fenway Sports Group and Blaze Pizza, accompanying a lifetime deal with Nike and an NBA contract worth over $40 million per season.

He also founded The SpringHill Company with Maverick Carter which is worth hundreds of millions, combining their marketing agency, athlete platform and an entertainment business. 

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi was already the greatest footballer of all-time to many. Finally winning the World Cup in 2022 only added to his incomparable legacy, and strengthened his case. 

With Barcelona struggling financially, the Argentine moved to PSG in 2021, and according to Forbes, has the largest salary of any football player.

Messi is a long-time partner of Adidas, and has endorsement deals with a range of companies from Pepsi and Budweiser to Konami and Mastercard. 

With Lionel Messi agreeing to sign for Inter Miami, he turned down an opportunity to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. However, he remains one of the highest earning players in world football.

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*Credit for the main photo belongs to John Locher, File / AP Photo*

Last summer’s transfer window was seismic for Manchester United, one they could not afford to get wrong. 

In Erik Ten Hag, the Reds had appointed a coach with a distinct and definable philosophy, a blueprint that had proven highly successful in Holland, and this felt like a departure for a club that had become somewhat lost in recent years, finding itself enamoured by legacy coaches too entrenched in their ways, then a former player intent on replicating a past that no longer existed. 

Ten Hag’s appointment in itself suggested that lessons had been learned and furthermore a new era was now conceivable. That a fresh start beckoned. 

It was important therefore that United’s transfer dealings reflected this, targeting players who complimented the manager’s style of play as much as they improved the overall quality of the squad.

The days of arbitrarily purchasing superstars simply because they were available - *cough* Ronaldo – had to come to an end. 

In that regard, the signings of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Leandro Martinez across a three week period, were all shrewd, while the subsequent securement of Casemiro for £70m resolved a long-standing problem in midfield at a stroke.

Later, Antony arrived for big money and what stood out when assessing the newcomers as a group was that all had either played under Ten Hag previously, or perfectly fit the profile needed for the type of football he espoused.  

If this boded extremely well for the multiple Premier League champions, what was equally as crucial was for a ruthlessness to be shown in clearing players out.

There were players who had seen better days. Others who had too often under-performed. Most critically of all, there were some too who had been repeatedly guilty of putting their own interests ahead of the club.  

By the summer’s close, 13 squad members had either been sold or loaned out, players who boasted a substantial 861 appearances for the first-team between them. Later, in November, Ronaldo went too, ending a soap opera that was distracting at best and damaging to team morale at worst. 

All told then, this represented a successful window for the Reds, a restructuring of chaos into order and this duly translated to results on the pitch.

Justifying their pre-season football odds, United finished inside the top four while a first trophy in six years – in the form of a League Cup triumph – amounted to a cherry on top. 

It would of course be quite wrong to downplay the importance of last summer, in getting it right and shaping United’s squad to Ten Hag’s liking.

And to emphasize this point we only need imagine the opposite occurring and how the optics would look right now after a season of struggle. 

The manager would be under severe pressure. The club meanwhile would almost certainly panic, just like they’ve panicked so often in the recent past. We have seen so very often how that typically pans out. 

Yet if laying down solid foundations for what is to come has been critical, let us be under no misconceptions as to how vital the next few months will be for a project that has grand aspirations and serious intentions. 

Because granted, the place has a fresh lick of paint, but now is the time to properly furnish it.

Phase two must prioritise above all else a centre-forward. In fact, a strong argument can be made that United need two, the other being of a younger age who can develop and have a positive impact, but otherwise be content to reside on the bench for the most part.

Last January, with scant options available, United brought in Wout Weghurst, but bluntly speaking, a club with such elite objectives cannot be fronted by a placeholder and with the entire summer window to source a world-class proven finisher the club dare not fall short.

It is very encouraging therefore that rumours louden every day on their interest in Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and though Harry Kane appears to be destined for Real Madrid, the Reds will remain in the hunt until that is concluded. 

Elsewhere, Mason Mount’s move up north reportedly rests on a difference in valuation reaching a compromise and only that.

The versatile England star would be an excellent addition, a player who would excel under Ten Hag. 

In midfield, Declan Rice is a number one target and what an upgrade he would be, should Scott McTominay move on, as expected.

Lastly, in defence, with Harry Maguire set to depart, forever branded a flop, links to Jurrien Timber of Ajax become more substantial with every passing week. The outstanding 21-year-old was handed his professional debut by Ten Hag and fulfilled his potential under him. 

Should Manchester United sign these named players – or their equivalents, in stature and ability – it will be interesting to see how they are priced in the Premier League betting ahead of August.

Because they would have aced their most important transfer window for a decade and more. From there, the only way would be up.

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

“Is that it?”

This innocuous question was put to Bob Geldof in July 1985 as he walked away from Wembley Stadium having organised the biggest and best rock concert the world had ever seen.

It was asked by a street cleaner, who wanted to know if he could begin clearing away the debris from that memorable day yet still, the banality of it, after all that went before, tickled Geldof. It was later the title of his autobiography.

A similar query can be levelled at Brighton after they too have rocked the world to its foundations this season, making real headway into becoming part of the elite and doing so by adding another branch to Total Football’s family tree.

Now that the Seagulls have secured a top six spot, and by extension European football, can they build on that and progress even further? 

Or was their superb output in 2022/23 the very best they can do, a perfect storm of circumstances and consistent excellence that can only be matched from hereon in, but likely not? 

Before we try to determine where the truth lies between these stools it makes sense to revisit Brighton’s astonishing campaign, one that greatly improved on an outstanding model put in place by Graham Potter, that in turn developed from a sensible mandate implemented by Chris Hughton. 

Under Roberto De Zerbi, a coach whose reputation has soared this past year, earning praise from high places along the way, Brighton very quickly established a playbook that enthralled neutrals and had the Amex faithful barely believing their good fortune.

Doubling down on playing out from the back, so much of Brighton’s possession football is executed in their defensive third, designed with an in-built risk so as to lure in the opposition.

Once the press is by-passed, the ball typically reaches Moises Caicedo and then the South Coast side are off, attacking at pace, an exhilarating joyride featuring ballers such as Mitoma, March and Mac Allister, who have all been exceptional throughout. 

Without the ball, opposition players are boxed in. Brighton do not hunt in packs, they hunt using symmetry, ensuring passing lanes are blocked and affording little margin for error. When the ball is recovered it’s rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat. 

It’s a front-foot, stylish and energetic ethos that has resulted in Brighton taking on more shots in 2022/23 than any other team across Europe’s top five leagues, while their innovative approach has routinely left superior foes befuddled. 

In the last calendar year, the Seagulls have played Liverpool off the park, Manchester United off the park, and Chelsea off the park, an immensely satisfying outcome given where Potter defected to.

They have twice matched Manchester City in every department. 

Moreover, it is a style of play that has elicited brilliant performances from their personnel. Kaoru Mitoma, a winger in the old-fashioned sense, has been a joy to watch. Mac Allister – a World Cup winner mid-season - has been a joy to watch.

Brighton have been a joy to watch and subsequently, have become the second favourite team for many.  

For so long a staple of the Premier League relegation betting, the Seagulls flew higher and higher, ultimately posting their best ever league finish. 

Mention of those high-achieving individuals however brings us to the club’s peerless recruitment strategy, which then leads us to the first of three potential problems that may come to slow Brighton’s rise. 

For a club of their standing to regularly source superb talent comes at a price, that being the inevitable losing of them to bigger fish once their talent reveals itself and we are once again set to see that happen this summer. 

Alexis Mac Allister is by all accounts poised to join Liverpool. At some later juncture in the window, Caicedo is leaving too, with Chelsea and Arsenal fighting for his signature.

Granted, Brighton have dealt with this before, and dealt with it well, one example being the sale of Marc Cucurella for big money before bringing in a much cheaper, much more impactful replacement in Pervis Estupinan.

But as we’ve witnessed previously with Southampton, who worked off a similar model, eventually the tap runs dry and it only takes one or two poor signings for the system to break down. 

Additionally, there is the very real risk of teams finding Brighton out, uncovering solutions to their intricate puzzles. We may well see that come into effect at some point next term. 

And lastly, if losing Mac Allister and Caicedo will be seismic, losing De Zerbi would be utterly disastrous, a game-changer and then some. 

Presently, there is little-to-no chance that the Italian has any intention of leaving his South Coast project incomplete, but as we saw last September with Potter, should Brighton get off to a cracking start and a top six side doesn’t, football’s cruel laws of physics can kick in. 

Of course, such scenarios are only hypothetical, and perhaps are overly pessimistic too.

Because right now, there is an awful lot to be excited about down at Brighton and nobody is suggesting they will be featuring in the Championship betting anytime soon.

A continuation of this season will see them fly high again while the future looks bright indeed with a clutch of teenagers coming to the fore and learning under De Zerbi. 

All of which leaves us with only one question, a query that cannot faithfully be answered until Christmas at the earliest. Is that it for brilliant Brighton? 

Let’s hope not. Let’s hope there is much more to come.

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Genuine shocks in Champions League and European Cup finals are as rare as hen’s teeth, the competition usually made up of the continent’s elite.

Though hardly giant-killings, the least fancied side however can occasionally prevail, as in the case of these five surprising triumphs.  

Steaua Bucuresti (1986) 

Without wishing to diminish one of Romania’s greatest ever sporting achievements, Steaua had a notably easy path to the final, their toughest opponent on route being Anderlecht in the semis.  

But now they faced Barcelona at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez in Seville, not a vintage Barca side, it has to be said, but still one featuring the irrepressible Bernd Schuster.

The German midfielder could start an argument in an empty room, but could also make a ball do impressions if so inclined.

Un 7 de mayo, pero de 1986, Steaua Bucarest escribió historia en la Champions: venció 2-0 en los penales a Barcelona después de igualar 0-0 y se convirtió en el 1° y único campeón rumano. El arquero, Helmuth Duckadam, atajó 4. Nadie igualó esa hazaña. pic.twitter.com/kjNLbZWQPS

— VarskySports (@VarskySports) May 7, 2023

Aware they were up against it, the Romanians shut up shop for 120 minutes, and grabbed a highly unlikely victory via pens.

Those who managed to stay awake for the two hours of tedium saw the favourites miss all four of their spot-kicks.

FC Porto (1987) 

Despite having a midfield bolstered by Lothar Matthaus and the always fantastic Andreas Brehme, and despite taking an early lead, Bayern Munich still managed to succumb to one of the tournament’s biggest ever upsets, losing to a decent but very beatable Porto.

1987 European Cup Final : F.C Porto vs F.C Bayern
The famous back heel by Rabah Madjer : pic.twitter.com/jC8evT8Ys1

— Old School Panini (@OldSchoolPanini) April 3, 2019

Besides the upset itself, what is chiefly recalled from this balmy night in Vienna is Rabah Madjer’s equaliser, an impudent back-heel that is usually reserved for playground show-offs. 

So shocked were the Germans that they conceded again just three minutes later. 

Borussia Dortmund (1997)

Voted the 13th greatest manager of all-time by ESPN, Ottmar Hitzfeld had guided Dortmund to consecutive Bundesliga titles.

Could he now mastermind a famous win over an indomitable Juventus side, studded with the likes of Zidane and Del Piero? He could, and what’s more, his team did it in style.

⚫🟡 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻 confirmando el título del Dortmund en 1997 🏆#OTD | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/51pcvjMunQ

— Liga de Campeones (@LigadeCampeones) May 28, 2023

2-1 up courtesy of a brace from Karl-Heinz Riedle – and we only wish our Champions League betting offers were around back then because Riedle always scored on the big occasions -  Hitzfeld brought on Lars Ricken to shore things up for the final 20 minutes.

Ricken promptly scored with his very first touch, an audacious lob from distance.

That’s the thing about great managers. They’re lucky.

Liverpool (2005)

The ‘Miracle of Istanbul’ has gone down in Champions League folklore due to Liverpool’s frankly ridiculous three-goal comeback in the second half against AC Milan. 

In truth though, the Reds winning in any circumstances was quite the surprise.

🤩 Classic Champions League displays 🤩

Gerrard 🆚 AC Milan
Final, 2005.

Three-nil down at half-time in the final in Istanbul.
The rest is history.. 👊 pic.twitter.com/BdG2JVYEKC

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 17, 2019

Granted, Gerrard and Xabi Alonso could boss any centre-circle they liked but this wasn’t a particularly impressive Liverpool side, coming fifth in the league that year, with no player reaching double figures for goals. 

Up front they relied on Milan Baros whereas Milan had Andrei Shevchenko. For creativity, Liverpool turned to Luis Garcia, whereas Milan had Kaka. At left-back, the Italians boasted Paolo Maldini. The victors had Djimi Traore. 

You see the point being made. 

Chelsea (2012)

Chelsea’s Champions League winners odds began shortish, then went long as their season collapsed into chaos. 

By early spring, the Blues were well adrift of a top four finish in the league, prompting the club to dispense with Andre Villas-Boas and hire Roberto Di Matteo in a caretaker role.

His objective was simply to steer the side into the summer without too much further damage.

🇨🇮 @didierdrogba announced his retirement #OTD last year...

🔵 #TBT to this moment for @ChelseaFC 🏆#UCL | #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/msK5BJUk1N

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 21, 2019

Yet in Europe, Chelsea continued to win, sailing past Barcelona in the semi-finals before taking on Bayern Munich in their own backyard.

Surely in Munich though, their otherwise poor season would catch up with them?

On the contrary, because with his very last kick in a blue short, Didier Drogba blasted home the winning pen after earlier scoring a last-gasp equaliser.

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