People are just realising Man Utd legend Eric Cantona is COUSINS with new Pope Leo XIV
ERIC CANTONA was worshipped by Manchester United fans - and they might have been on to something.
French genealogy experts have discovered the football icon is related to
3
Eric Cantona is a distant cousin of the new Pope
Credit: Getty
3
Pope Leo XIV is American but has relatives in France and Italy
Credit: The Mega Agency
Cantona, 58, took English football by storm in the early 1990s.
After a short stint at Leeds, he joined United in 1992 and spent
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo's real name is Robert Francis Prevost.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
The study traced the Pope's roots back to France after discovering his paternal grandfather was born in Italy and emigrated to the US.
The study managed to map out Leo's lineage all the way back to 1415.
And it turns out the Pope is a relative of Cantona - with the pair distant cousins.
The United icon and the family of Leo XIV are linked from the 12th to the 15th generation.
Most read in Football
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
They are joined by the marriage of Bertrand Negrel and Louise Jean, who wed in 1566 in Roquevaire, Southern France.
Cantona, who was born in Marseille in 1966, is also a cousin of famous author Albert Camus, according to the study.
Looking for Manchester
The 58-year-old was recently
He signed his whole family up as shareholders in rebel club FC United.
Cantona took aim at United co-owner
He claims the Ineos owner is trying to "destroy everything" and blasted the
The Frenchman said: 'I support United because I really love United.
"But now if I was a fan and I had to choose a club I don't think I would choose United.
3
'For me, that is very important to respect these people like you respect your manager and your team-mates.
'I think since Ratcliffe arrived it's the complete opposite and this team of directors they try to destroy everything and they don't respect anybody.
'They even want to change the stadium.
'The soul of the team and the club is not in the players. All the people around is like a big family.
'I don't feel close to these kind of decisions. They have another strategy, another project. Do you feel close to this project? I don't think so."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
33 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Cardiff want top-rated Irish coach to lead their bid to return to Championship
Cardiff City want highly-rated Irish coach Brian Barry-Murphy to spearhead their bid to return to the Championship. And according to WalesOnline, they have already offered the former Cork City midfielder the job. However, they could be thwarted by Barry-Murphy's current club Leicester City, where he currently works as Ruud van Nistelrooy's number two, while Plymouth are also thought to be interested. The Foxes would have to agree to release the 46-year-old from his contract and there is no guarantee of that happening, given how highly regarded he is. Barry-Murphy has been linked with some top coaching roles in recent times after his successful spell as Manchester City's Elite Development Squad manager. He was previously linked with a coaching role on Stephen Kenny's senior Ireland staff. Cardiff are currently in talks with Leicester in a bid to secure the former Ireland Under-21 international's signature. Owner Vincent Tan is eager to get Barry-Murphy into the role as soon as possible so that he can begin to plan for their assault on League One. The Bluebirds were relegated from the Championship last season after finishing rock-bottom of the second-tier. According to WalesOnline, Cardiff have explored a range of potential manager options, including Aaron Ramsey, Des Buckingham, Ian Evatt and Nathan Jones. However, Barry-Murphy enjoys influential support among board members after reportedly blowing away the interviewing panel with his vision for the club. He worked with Pep Guardiola at City and is believed to be ready to delve into Cardiff's youth structures to help steer the club back up the English football ladder. His only previous spell as a manager was with Rochdale. Barry-Murphy did well to keep them in the League for two seasons, before Rochdale were relegated. However, the manager won plaudits for the style of play he implemented and the work performed with home-grown talent.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Dele Alli's girlfriend Cindy Kimberly unfollows England star on Instagram and removes all photos with him
CINDY KIMBERLY has erased all trace of boyfriend Dele Alli from her Instagram account. The Advertisement 10 Cindy Kimberly has unfollowed Dele Alli on Instagram Credit: Instagram / @dele 10 She has also deleted all pictures of him on the social media platform Credit: Instagram 10 The two have been dating since 2022 Credit: Instagram 10 She has been in Como with the midfielder since his move to Italy Credit: Instagram / @dele Dele, 29, went public with his Cindy had been a big support to the former Dele revealed in an interview with Gary Neville that he had been She also showed her support for the former England international after he made the move to Serie A side Como in January. Advertisement READ MORE ON DELE ALLI But Cindy, 26, has now removed all sign of the midfielder from her Instagram account. This included one post of them Dele's account still features posts of the two together, and he still follows her on the platform. It comes after the couple had separate trips as Dele went to Ibiza and Cindy visited Morocco for work. Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking Meanwhile, Dele made his first appearance on a football pitch in two years as he featured for Como against AC Milan in March. The game was a disaster for the former 10 Cindy has a huge following on Instagram Credit: Instagram @wolfiecindy 10 The model boasts 7.1million followers on the platform Credit: LOBA Advertisement 10 She works as a full-time model Credit: Getty 10 Alli still follows Cindy on his Instagram account Credit: Getty Since then, he has not made another appearance for the club but has been backed by manager Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard has insisted that he does not want to put "extra pressure" on Dele. Advertisement The Arsenal legend believes that Dele will be back "in shape" for the 2025/26 campaign. Como will continue in Serie A for next season after surviving relegation in their first season back since 2003. Dele will have plenty of competition for playing time as he will battle with the likes of Assane Diao, Anastasios Douvikas and Maxence Caqueret. 10 Alli currently plays for Como 1907 in Serie A Credit: Getty Advertisement 10 He was sent off just 10 minutes into his one and only appearance for the club Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Five ways Liverpool could line up after epic transfer window, including Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola & Alexander Isak
LIVERPOOL could have a new-look attack next season with a potential £300million spending spree this summer. Jeremie Frimpong has already arrived and 8 Liverpool will have a new look next season with Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong Credit: Getty 8 Alexander Isak remains a transfer target for the Reds Credit: Getty 8 Liverpool want Bradley Barcola to add firepower to their attack Credit: AFP The Reds do not plan to stop there however, as That interest could fade if Newcastle refuse to budge from their £150m asking price, but One of those is Paris Saint-Germain forward Arne Slot could complete his summer splurge by bringing in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Kerkez is valued at £40m and Liverpool have opened talks over his transfer, but if the two clubs fail to agree a fee then Andy Robertson will likely continue in the left-back berth. Here are the ways Liverpool could line up in the Premier League next season. Option one 8 Slot's dream line-up would be the inclusion of two new full-backs to freshen up the defence. Frimpong and Kerkez would also add plenty going forward, supporting the likes of Barcola and Mo Salah in attack. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS If Isak proves too expensive Option two 8 Liverpool fans sharing bizarre Donald Trump clip as Reds close in on £125million Florian Wirtz transfer Alternatively, if Liverpool do pull off one of the signings of the summer in Isak he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet. That would likely rule out a move for Barcola, meaning Wirtz or Luis Diaz could line up at left wing. It could also mean Slot decides to continue with the midfield three that served his team so well next season, allowing the attack the freedom to score and produce goals. Option three 8 Frimpong's arrival gives Slot multiple options on the right flank thanks to his flexibility. He operated mostly as a right wing-back at That attacking quality could see him play further forward at Anfield if Slot fancies giving Conor Bradley more game time. Frimpong at right wing could also reduce Salah's workload, with the Egyptian operating through the middle instead. Option four 8 There could be more opportunities for fringe players to stake their claim next season. Caoimhin Kelleher's exit to The Georgian signed last summer but spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Valencia, impressing between the sticks. Joe Gomez could also be in line for more minutes next season but he would have to find consistency in his fitness - something which has deserted him throughout his Anfield stay. Option five 8 Jarell Quansah will also be hoping to build on his breakthrough season, which was rather stunted by the fact he started just four Prem matches last season. No Isak could mean
