Declan Rice's greatest asset has always been his character
His two free kicks in Arsenal's victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals were superb in their execution and audacity, but what struck me most watching these matches is just how impressive Rice has become in almost every aspect of the game. He found space with intelligence, tackled with precision and rallied team-mates with conviction. Remarkable to consider that almost every one of his early coaches
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
06-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
Decoding the strategy behind the 'handshake' between Louis Vuitton and Real Madrid
Above The spirit of sport threads its way through many of Louis Vuitton's collections (photo: Louis Vuitton) The spirit of sport threads its way through many of Louis Vuitton's collections. Pharrell Williams' Spring/Summer 2025 offering, for instance, radiates football energy. Just months earlier, in August 2024, Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham was named a Friend of the House. Meanwhile, sightings of players carrying the brand's luggage hinted at a deeper collaboration in the works. On 13 June, both fashion lovers and Real Madrid fans finally received the long-awaited confirmation. Read more: Prodigy Quang Duong—I believe pickleball will surpass tennis Above With Louis Vuitton's official appointment as Real Madrid's 'official tailor', a new dialogue opened between fashion and sport (photo: Louis Vuitton) With Louis Vuitton's official appointment as Real Madrid's 'official tailor', a new dialogue opened between fashion and sport. The once-declarative phrase Victory travels in Louis Vuitton, inscribed on trophy trunks, is now woven into each garment, worn close to the skin. No longer merely attire, the designs reflect a philosophy cut from natural Vachetta leather, sculpted to contour the athlete's form, and paired with LV Soft shoes that move in harmony with the pitch. The travel range is equally elevated: the Horizon 55 cabin trolley, the Keepall, the Christopher backpack, all cloaked in the maison's iconic Monogram canvas. Each element, from the white and yellow stripes drawn from Real Madrid's colours to the exclusive 'RM' insignia in the Mon Monogram line, is considered with the utmost care. However, what is worth noting is not the commercial value. The Real Madrid x Louis Vuitton Formal Capsule Collection was not created for mass consumption, but rather as a moment for two iconic empires to come together and shine. A symbol of victory is no longer confined to a trophy: it has become a statement of style, a declaration of intent, a way of life. Above The first Louis Vuitton x Real Madrid campaign did not unfold in a glossy studio or a grand fashion venue (photo: Louis Vuitton) The first Louis Vuitton x Real Madrid campaign did not unfold in a glossy studio or a grand fashion venue. Instead, it was staged at the heart of Madrid, inside the legendary Santiago Bernabéu stadium. There, beneath the floodlights and rich history, Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Vinícius Júnior, Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappé appeared not in their kits, but in sharply tailored Louis Vuitton suits. In that instant, the Bernabéu fell into a rare hush, as it morphed from iconic football ground to an unexpected runway, where elegance and performance found common ground. Pietro Beccari, CEO of Louis Vuitton, remarked: 'Louis Vuitton and Real Madrid share the fundamental values that have brought them to the top.' A shared pursuit of greatness, a dedication to excellence, and an identity that defies imitation. Above Louis Vuitton will dress Real Madrid's men's, women's and basketball teams for all official appearances and travel (photo: Louis Vuitton) As part of this alliance, Louis Vuitton will dress Real Madrid's men's, women's and basketball teams for all official appearances and travel. Looking ahead, the maison will unveil a bespoke wardrobe for the club's athletes, created under the vision of Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton's men's creative director. The vision behind the 'handshakes' between luxury fashion and sports Above Luxury fashion and sportswear may appear to belong to separate spheres, but history has painted a different picture (photo: Louis Vuitton) Luxury fashion and sportswear may appear to belong to separate spheres, but history has painted a different picture. With Louis Vuitton appointed as the 'official tailor' of Real Madrid, this union marks a significant chapter in the ongoing dialogue between the two worlds. One could even point to 1913 as the origin, when Gabrielle Chanel opened a boutique in Deauville offering jersey sportswear. Soon after, designers like Jean Patou and Jeanne Lanvin began working with jersey, a fabric once reserved for rugby gear. Since then, the use of materials such as elastane and polyester, along with styles like joggers and trainers, has propelled sportswear into everyday wardrobes. Athleisure, once a niche blend, is now firmly embedded in consumer culture. Above Michael Burke, CEO of Louis Vuitton, beside the 2015 America's Cup trophy case in Portsmouth (photo: Louis Vuitton) In recent years, however, a more profound shift has emerged. Sport is no longer merely borrowing from luxury; fashion houses are entering the arena with intent, shaping, influencing, and redefining the game. Dior Men designed the formalwear for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021. Prada outfitted the Chinese women's team at the 2023 World Cup. And now, Louis Vuitton steps onto the pitch with Real Madrid. Above Dior designed formalwear for the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) team in 2021 (photo: PSG) What once looked like a fleeting trend is now being recognised as a deliberate strategy. With the luxury market facing slower growth, consumer fatigue, and the challenge of younger audiences, sport, particularly football, has become a potent avenue for expansion. According to the Football Market Size & Growth Analysis report, the global football market was valued at approximately USD 32.37 billion in 2023. Projections suggest this figure will rise from USD 33.56 billion in 2024 to USD 50 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 3.69 per cent between 2025 and 2035. Above Prada designs uniforms for China's women's team at the 2023 World Cup (photo: Prada) On a broader scale, football is shaping powerful cultural moments through fierce rivalries, massive global followings, and tight-knit fan communities amplified by social media. In a world fragmented by algorithms and fleeting consumer attention, sport remains one of the few genuine 'shared spaces' where brands can participate in a meaningful and enduring way. Above French footballer Kylian Mbappé becomes Dior's global ambassador in 2021 (photo: Dior) Beyond commercial metrics, the bond between fashion and sport has evolved into something richer, where culture, emotion and identity seamlessly intertwine. It is no longer simply a matter of strategic partnership, but a subtle mastery of crowd psychology—a reflection of our modern pace of life, in which audiences long to connect, to feel, to be present in every pulse of the moment. Eric Biones, CEO of Journal du Luxe, once remarked: 'Sporting events are real experiences that can pull fans away from their screens.' His insight speaks not only to the immersive allure of sport but also to why luxury houses are stepping directly onto the field, transforming matches into stages of cultural expression. In the heat of competition, these brands are no longer mere observers. They are lived in, carried, worn and woven into the identity of the wearer. Above Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in Louis Vuitton's 2022 campaign (photo: Louis Vuitton) The line between pitch and catwalk continues to blur, giving rise to a new archetype: the brand face. Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé command vast audiences. Their impact transcends sport, making them ideal ambassadors for fashion houses like Gucci, Prada, Dior and Louis Vuitton. But this movement extends beyond choosing the right face. Fashion's heavyweights, particularly those under the LVMH umbrella, are taking matters into their own hands. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, LVMH is not only a top-tier sponsor but also a creative force behind the event's visual identity. The group has invested millions of euros, including the creation of bespoke medal trunks by Louis Vuitton. LVMH's influence also flows through Dior, Berluti and Chaumet, each tasked with designing formalwear for athletes and event organisers. Meanwhile, Louis Vuitton has added rising star Léon Marchand, who clinched four gold medals at the Games, to its ambassador roster. A new icon, he embodies a bold, contemporary athleticism, full of style and self-assurance. Above The French team's outfit for the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony was designed by Berluti (photo: LVMH) Above The Louis Vuitton Torch Trunks protect and display the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic torches (photo: LVMH) Above Olympic medals designed by Chaumet (photo: LVMH) Above Interestingly, football teams are also repositioning themselves as fashion brands (photo: Louis Vuitton) Above Paris Saint-Germain Store on Fifth Avenue, New York (photo: FashionNetwork) Interestingly, football teams are also repositioning themselves as fashion brands. This can be seen in their dedicated product stores in major cities like New York and Tokyo, their uniform designs, and the choice of photographers and creative directors for their pre-season lookbooks. For example, PSG's flagship store opening in 2023 on Fifth Avenue in New York, home to flagships from Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana, is a clear indication that sport is also charting its place in global luxury fashion. NOW READ CHANEL Métiers d'art 2024/25: A fashion journey to poetic Hangzhou Icon of Icons: LOEWE Puzzle Bag Discover the next-generation '4-layer routine' skincare cycle: Skin care, air care, food care and mind care
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Baller League Legends ratings: John Arne Riise and Balotelli shine but Arsenal cult hero gets a 1/10
MOUSSA DEMBELE is perhaps best known for being the toughest opponent your favourite player has ever faced - or the player who was the best any ex-Spurs star has ever seen. So when he was announced to be playing at the O2 Arena alongside 6 Mario Ballotelli was a star performer on and off the pitch Credit: Getty 6 Ex-Arsenal and Prem-winning keeper Jens Lehmann had a tough evening Credit: Getty 6 Imagine the combined silverware cupboard of these Ballers Legends! Credit: Getty The former pros lined up against KSI, Chunkz, George Clarkey and more in what was a spectacular Legends vs Influencers match decided by Niko Omilana missing a crucial penalty. SunSport's LLOYD CANFIELD rated the legendary players performances… JENS LEHMANN - 1 Unfortunately age catches up with all of us, and it seems to have done so with once-invincible goalkeeper. Failed to stop a number of shots that he got a hand to, but the 55-year-old was simply too slow to react to most of them - though one admittedly was a screamer from EmanSV2. RED MORE IN FOOTBALL PASCAL CHIMBONDA - 5 Didn't blow any minds with his performance, but wasn't really poor either. Pretty standard showing from the 6 John Arne Riise still has the power to impress Credit: Getty BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK JOHN ARNE RIISE - 10 Wow! He's still got that left foot rocket in his locker, let's just say that. Most read in Sport Baller League team Sharky erupt in celebration as the reach the final 4 Hit the crossbar with a thunderbolt from range which alerted the keeper, before crashing home a screamer in the dying moments to level the scoring and send the game to penalties. Textbook Riise - Liverpool can save themselves a pretty penny on signing LUKE CHAMBERS - 5 Much the same as Pascal Chimbonda, Chambers didn't really stand out what so ever and was largely overshadowed by the bigger names on the pitch. Mostly forgettable. JAY-JAY OKOCHA - 7 Scored a classy header that was unfortunately ruled out by the referee, it was the same Okocha we saw against A legend of the game who still gave it his all and tried to entertain the crowd with a few silky touches and delicate passes. Didn't have the pace or engine he once possessed, but still impressed overall. MOUSSA DEMBELE - 9 The man of the moment looked like he still had it, running the show in the middle of the park for his time. You could still see echoes of the player he once was, impossible to get the ball away from and such a powerful presence with the ball at his feet. Dominated for large parts of the game and still had the silky feet and ability to pick a pass that he always had. 6 Hollywood A-lister Will Smith was a big presence on the sidelines Credit: Getty RAVEL MORRISON - 5 The ex- Good on the ball and came close with a header that was flicked towards goal. Didn't blow anyone's socks off, but it was a solid performance from the former Red Devil. LEE TRUNDLE - 4 The highlight of his showing was sending KSI tumbling to the floor after a collision, but it must be said he gave it his all pulling off some of his trademark skills. The Football League cult hero was an entertaining watch, but didn't seem to have the end product or cutting edge he needed to get the better of the Influencer defenders all that often. MARIO BALOTELLI - 8 The man that most were excited to see, it was just a pleasure to see Super Mario back on the pitch with a ball at his feet. The ex- There was no trademark celebration or boasting from a man who has clearly matured since his playing days - but a showing more reminiscent of a classy Italian midfielder. Stuck around and took pictures with fans and players alike, which was lovely to see. 6 Mario Balotelli is still only 34 and played for Genoa in 2024-225 Credit: Getty
Powys County Times
12-06-2025
- Powys County Times
What's on Thomas Frank's to-do list after taking charge at Tottenham?
Thomas Frank has been appointed as Tottenham's new head coach. Frank has left Brentford after an impressive seven-year spell and replaces Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed two weeks after Europa League success following a 17th-placed finish in the Premier League. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the key early issues facing Frank at Spurs. Stabilise dressing room Gaffer, where to thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club that I now call my home. Your instant belief in me to not only sign me but make me the clubs vice captain & part of the leadership group from the get go is something I'll always be thankful for.… — James Maddison (@Madders10) June 7, 2025 The volume of tributes paid to Postecoglou and the emotion behind them showed the strong connection built by the Australian in the Tottenham dressing room. Captain Son Heung-min hailed him as a 'legend forever', James Maddison was one of many to state how much they learned from him and Micky van de Ven admitted his dismissal was 'strange'. More than a dozen of the squad expressed their gratitude to the Europa League-winning boss, which leaves Frank in a tricky position. However, the man-management of the Danish coach is one of his strongest skills and he will back himself to quickly win over a group hungry for more success. Frank did also previously try sign Archie Gray and Brennan Johnson at Brentford. Make call on senior figures View this post on Instagram A post shared by Son HeungMin(손흥민)🇰🇷 (@hm_son7) Spurs chairman Daniel Levy insisted in March the club 'cannot spend what we do not have' in reference to criticism from supporters. It hinted at sales being required to boost the transfer budget, but Europa League glory and subsequent Champions League qualification will bring in a vast amount of revenue. Nevertheless, captain Son is entering the final 12 months of his deal and with renewed interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, a departure could occur if a significant offer is made, PA understands. Cristian Romero also continues to be tracked by LaLiga teams but the World Cup winner would command a hefty price tag. Frank will be involved in discussions over the pair in addition to others and may have a tricky choice – does he keep two of Postecoglou's leadership group or start his tenure by moving them on? Insist on experienced signings No matter who does depart, Frank would be minded to demand more experienced players are recruited this summer by technical director Johan Lange, who worked with the former Brentford boss at Lyngby. Postecoglou regularly fielded teenagers during Tottenham's Premier League campaign and even though Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall developed enormously, they would benefit from more senior figures around them. Son and Ben Davies are currently the oldest in the squad at the age of 32. One of Postecoglou's parting messages was to urge players with Champions League pedigree to be signed. Win over doubters with quick start We are delighted to announce the appointment of Thomas Frank as our new Head Coach on a contract that runs until 2028. Welcome, Thomas! 🤍 — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 12, 2025 Frank has earned this opportunity by ensuring Brentford punch above their weight in the Premier League. Whilst most Spurs fans have reacted positively to his appointment, plenty also would have been happy for Postecoglou to get his wish of season three. It is no secret that Frank has made slow starts in his previous two managerial jobs – requiring nine games to achieve a maiden win in charge of Brondby and losing eight of his first 10 with Brentford. A repeat at Tottenham could see him suffer the same fate as Nuno Espirito Santo and be sacked before December. The best way for Frank to silence any doubters and escape Postecoglou's shadow will be early victories and his debut fixture offers up an excellent opportunity. If Frank can guide Spurs to a shock UEFA Super Cup triumph over Paris St Germain on August 13, it would win him a first trophy and show to the world he means business.
