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New York Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The 2024-25 FPL champion on how he beat 11.5m players and why he's thankful to Oliver Glasner
It feels good to be on top of the world: especially when you've beaten more than 11.5million others to become the world No 1 in Fantasy Premier League. While many spend their time fixating over competing against friends, family and colleagues in mini-leagues, there can only be one overall winner and when Gameweek 38 concluded last weekend, top spot went to Lovro Budisin, who finished 23 points ahead of his nearest challenger. He summited to No 1 overall in Gameweek 31 and impressively stayed there since. The was his fifth season playing and here, he tells us his story, how it feels to be the FPL champion and what he considers the keys to his success. My name is Lovro Budisin. I'm 24 years old and I study geodesy (the science of accurately measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravity field) in Zagreb. I've been playing handball since I was a child, up until university. I enjoy following sports and having a good time with friends, listening to good music and playing cards. Here in Croatia, the pace of life is slower, especially in smaller towns. We prefer to spend our Saturday and Sunday mornings socialising at cafes, followed by a family lunch and then, at least in my circle, we watch sports for the rest of the day. Advertisement Evenings are full of life — hanging out over a drink or two, sometimes even a bit more. The feeling is incredible, even though I'm still not fully aware of everything. Everything changed all of a sudden — I started using email more often, created a profile on X, and have already done quite a few interviews, even including a podcast on the Croatian YouTube channel Tribina. It's a big shift for someone who's not used to media obligations. On top of all that, I have a lot of university responsibilities, so I haven't even had time to celebrate this probably once-in-a-lifetime success. I hope to finish all my university-related tasks and, at some point during the summer, have a celebration with my friends. Congratulations to our 2024/25 #FPL champion, Lovro Budisin 🎉 — Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) May 25, 2025 In the final gameweek, it was more about not messing things up than actually needing anything. The half-time results were more than favourable for me. I was defending a 36-point lead — it should have been 40 but, in all the rush and panic, I decided to take a four-point hit after hearing that Kevin De Bruyne wasn't starting, so I brought in Bukayo Saka, who also ended up not starting. That wasn't the best decision but luckily, it didn't have much impact on the final result anyway. In the last round, I was focused more on checking the teams of the players chasing first place and tried to guess who they might bring in. Oh, that's a really tough question, to be honest. I'm a big fan of the Premier League in general but I don't support a specific team. I actually think that's one of the reasons it's easier for me to build my squad and make transfers. Advertisement Since I'm a student, I can't go whenever I want, so I've decided I'll most likely go in the second half of the season. I'll have more time then and the weather will be nicer too. Once the schedule comes out, I'll take a closer look and know more. I know that whatever I choose, I probably can't go wrong. I watched the final games on a tablet and two phones, since the HNL (the Hrvatska nogometna liga, Croatia's top flight) matches — where three teams were fighting for the title — were being played at the same time, and I had those on the TV. I'm used to watching multiple matches at once, so it wasn't a problem for me. I believe that the most important thing in life is to trust yourself. At the same time, you should be open to advice from people around you — and in this case, from well-known FPL experts — but in the end, every decision has to be yours alone. All the information you gather can be useful but you should rely mostly on yourself, which is, in essence, the hardest part. Most people follow others' moves. It's clear they either lack the knowledge or don't have the courage to follow their own instincts, even if it goes against most popular picks. For me, this season, trusting my gut helped a lot — that was the key to my success. The stats speak for themselves. Mohamed Salah is the player I captained the most this season and he was the most logical choice. I believe that choosing the right captain is a major factor in achieving success. Also, I made a few really good decisions, like holding on to Phil Foden, who brought in 42 points between Gameweek 20 and Gameweek 22. I also made some well-judged 50-50 calls, like picking Jakub Kiwior in Gameweek 33, even though William Saliba was more expensive and considered the better option by most — but I trusted my gut. Advertisement There were also a few risky captain choices that paid off, and I let go of certain players at the right time. I also have to mention Chris Wood, Eberechi Eze, and Jarrod Bowen. Eze and Bowen especially were a big help in the final gameweeks, while Wood was a player I used at different points throughout the season. Every gameweek is stressful in its own way. We all know that matches feel completely different when your fantasy picks are playing but for me, the most stressful moment was Gameweek 26 and an infamous 'late' transfer involving coach Oliver Glasner (who earned 20 points when his Crystal Palace side beat Fulham). I always keep track of the transfer deadline but at that moment, I was at dinner with family friends and time just flew by. Thank God — though I still don't know how or why — I suddenly looked at my watch and saw the bad news that I'd missed the (6.30pm UK time/ 1.30pm ET) deadline. It was a minute afterwards and I was instantly hit with panic. I quickly opened the app and, somehow, I was still able to make the transfer. I didn't think too much in that moment — I just immediately switched to Glasner and exited the app. A few minutes later, I saw that the deadline had actually been moved back by 30 minutes. To this day, I don't understand how that happened but I'm not complaining — I would've been really disappointed in myself if I had missed it. Honestly, I don't spend as much time on it as people probably think. I follow sports in general — from football and basketball to handball and combat sports. It's part of my everyday life, so I don't really spend a lot of extra time researching fantasy. FPL comes up almost daily in conversations with friends who also play this game. Advertisement I spend the most time in front of the computer during the final hour before the deadline. That's when I follow well-known YouTubers, who usually share useful information about injuries, who's starting, who's on the bench, and so on. Well, to start with, watch a tutorial on YouTube or ask a friend to walk you through the basic rules and point out the key things that help while playing. It's very important to understand that team value plays a big role. In the second half of the season, if you've managed to build up enough value, you can have a strong team where even the players on your bench are good enough to be in the starting line-up — and you can still expect returns from them. Keep an eye on price rises and falls, but don't get rid of a player at all costs just to avoid losing 0.1 million. Don't stress about your rank every gameweek. The season is long and things can change quickly. Take risks when you feel they might pay off. Not every decision will be the right one but, if everyone has the same players and follows the same advice, the game loses its magic. In the final gameweek, the Premier League title will be decided by a late wonder goal.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'I am more surprised' - Mark Clattenburg gives verdict on Everton penalty controversy in Fulham win
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg weighed in on the call to refuse Fulham a stoppage time penalty against Everton. The home players leapt in unison when Adama Traore's cross struck the outstretched arm of Vitalii Mykolenko inside the Blues' box. Referee Darren England waved away those claims but was then sent to the monitor to review his decision by VAR. Unusually, he stuck with his original call and Everton were able to see out the final minutes in comfort to secure a 3-1 win. READ MORE: Jordan Pickford loves new Everton chant as Marco Silva makes classy full-time gesture READ MORE: Marco Silva makes honest Fulham admission as he names reason for Everton comeback win The Premier League match centre later explained: 'VAR checked the referee's call of no penalty for a possible handball by Mykolenko – and deemed that his arm was away from his body, therefore recommended an on-field review. 'Upon review, the referee deemed that Mykolenko's arm was in a justifiable position given his actions and retained the original decision of no penalty.' For Clattenburg, the controversy was not over England's steadfastness but in the referee being asked to review the incident. He told the website Everton News: 'Premier League referees have different criteria when it comes to handball and I was not surprised it was not given in the end. 'There have been less than 10 penalties given all season for handball so there is a stricter approach on what constitutes a penalty. Mykolenko's arm is slightly away from the body but he tries to move it away as the ball comes in from a short distance.' Clattenburg added: 'I am more surprised a very experienced VAR in Michael Salisbury would recommend a review when this is not a clear and obvious error from the referee Darren England. 'We do not see very often referees after going to a review to stick with their original decision, so England needs to be applauded for this and in the end, the right decision was reached as I don't believe that this is a penalty.'
Irish Times
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Paul Brady wins record-breaking 11th All-Ireland handball title
The curtain fell on Paul Brady's 25-year career at the top of Irish handball and the finale could not have been more dramatic as he overcame injury to see off Cork's David Walsh in a final which is already being spoken about as one of the greatest ever. In the end, it came down to a single shot, a 39-foot roll-out which saw Brady – who at 45 was giving away 20 years to his opponent – claim a record-breaking 11th All-Ireland Senior Men's Singles title after a rollercoaster of a match. 'I suppose it was just a primal type shot,' said Brady of his backwall kill which closed out a 21-20, 13-21, 11-9 win. The Cavan man came up short in the 2024 final on an injury default, which served as extra motivation this time around. READ MORE 'Everything went into it, after having to forfeit at that stage last year when I was obviously well in command and knowing it was going to be my last game here, at this level. 'So I thought of that during that period before and I said, 'right, I'm just gonna go for it here, give everything'. That's just it, I probably wasn't doing that in the game generally. That's a little bit disappointing for me, but that (the final shot) is normally how clinical I would be.' Brady led most of the way in game one before Walsh came roaring back. Both men had chances to win it but Brady closed it out 21-20. Cavan's Paul Brady celebrates his win. Photograph: Stephen Marken Ahead 8-1 in the second, he seemed to be cruising to a comfortable victory only to pick up a debilitating quad injury which required a number of injury timeouts. Brady hobbled his way through the remainder of the second game which Walsh won 21-13. Brady had reached the final 12 months ago and found himself in a near-identical situation when injury struck. On that occasion he was forced to forfeit, but this time he managed to eke out the win. 'The same thing happened last year, so it was just about managing the situation a wee bit better this year,' Brady said. 'I had a shoulder issue coming into it and I didn't get to play as much as I'd like so I think that kind of contributed to the conditioning aspect of it. It's obviously very difficult, the atmosphere and the heat on the day, so I'm just happy I was able to get through it. 'I'm very conscious of my self-talk. You're fighting it because you're thinking, 'this is over here, it's really gone from me, it's happened again', and that's life. And then you're answering those doubts all the time. So it was just managing my thoughts and my self-talk and not giving in. 'You're having a battle with yourself and if I can win that battle in those situations, then I'll win the game.' Martina McMahon during All-Ireland Senior Women's Singles final. Photograph: Stephen Marken The Women's Senior Singles title went to Limerick's Martina McMahon for a second time after the Broadford left-hander delivered an outstanding performance to defeat Ciana Ní Churraoin of Galway, 21-5, 21-18. McMahon previously lost in the World Championships final against the Micheál Breathnachs woman, so this was a doubly sweet victory. 'It's a long seven years waiting for this. As everyone knows, I was out with injury but at the start of 2025 or the end of 2024. This was one of the goals on my agenda and I'm glad to have achieved it today,' McMahon said. 'I was disappointed over the Worlds, obviously I would have liked to retain that title, but I used it as fuel for the fire for this competition. And when I knew it was the two of us doing battle again today, I was hoping to get one up and I was glad I did.'
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Manuel Neuer's wife, 24, takes ‘very difficult decision' to step away from professional sport as he plays on at 39
MANUEL NEUER'S wife has decided to step away from professional sport. Anika, 24, married the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, 39, in November 2023 and they welcomed a son Luca last year. 5 5 5 5 Anika is a professional handball player, who plays for ESV 1927 Regensburg in the German second division. But the left-winger has now opted to walk away from the side to prioritise being a mother. She said in a statement: "The decision was very difficult for me. I really like the team and I really enjoy playing with the girls. "I don't see the break as the end of my handball career; I just want to have more time for my son. "I will miss the girls and handball very much, so I want to particularly enjoy the final games and finish our great season in the best possible way." The team's coach Bernhard Goldbach added: "It's simply impressive what Ani has achieved on and off the field this season. "She came back from maternity leave stronger than ever and played in all of her season's games. We can only take our hats off to that." Neuer married the blonde beauty in a secret ceremony and no official announcement was ever made - but Anika changed her surname on Instagram. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS She has since been regularly spotted in the stands cheering her husband on. The two-time Champions League and World Cup winner recently shut down retirement rumours by penning a new contract at Bayern, which runs until the summer of 2026. Harry Kane leaves fans stunned by his German and fans are convinced it is a major hint over transfer future Neuer has played 33 games in all competitions this season. He is currently out injured after hurting his calf while celebrating a goal.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Manuel Neuer's wife - 15 years his junior - steps away from her sport while he keeps his football career going at 39
Manuel Neuer's wife, Anika, has taken the decision to have a break from professional handball at the end of the season. Anika, 24, has been plying her trade as a left-winger for ESV 1927 Regensburg, who are in the second-tier of women's handball in the country. Having grown up with a strong passion for the sport, many fans will be left surprised that she has opted to walk away from it, at least temporarily, later this year. Confirming the news in a statement, she said: 'The decision was very difficult for me. I really like the team and I really enjoy playing with the girls. 'I don't see the break as the end of my handball career; I just want to have more time for my son. 'I will miss the girls and handball very much, so I want to particularly enjoy the final games and finish our great season in the best possible way.' Meanwhile, her coach, Bernhard Goldbach, said: 'It's simply impressive what Ani has achieved on and off the field this season. 'She came back from maternity leave stronger than ever and played in all of her season's games. We can only take our hats off to that.' Anika has a strong upbringing centered around the sport with her father being the chairman of the supervisory board of HC Erlangen - one of the local clubs. Anika and Manuel - who is 15 years senior to his wife - tied the knot in November 2023 and had welcomed the birth of their son Luca in March last year. The ceremony was conducted in secret and an official announcement was never made, however Anika swiftly changed her surname to 'Neuer' on social media. While she has taken the decision to walk away from the sport for the sake of their son, her husband will continue to play for Bayern Munich. The German goalkeeper, however, has been sidelined with injury after injuring himself while celebrating during their 3-0 win over rivals Bayer Leverkusen back in March. Neuer appeared to injure his calf while celebrating Jamal Musiala's goal on the night, and was withdrawn after 58 minutes. Neuer recently signed a one-year contract extension with Bayern Munich that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2026, taking him into his 40s. The relationship between the handball player and Bayern Munich's goalkeeper and team captain has stirred up much controversy. Not only because of the 15-year age gap but also because Neuer left his wife of three years, Nina Weiss, for Anika. In 2019, Weiss discovered her husband had been having an affair with a 19-year-old fashion business student in Munich, who is also a handball sensation. Weiss, who bears a striking resemblance to her ex-husband's new partner, ended her two-year marriage to the footballer and left their home in Munich for Berlin. The pair reportedly met at the airport when they took a photo together and a romance blossomed from then.
