Soccer

Los fans de Shakira han estado esperando casi una década para un nuevo álbum, y su ex -Gerard Piqué- puede tener la culpa, al menos según la propia Shakira.

La cantante y compositora apareció en el Sunday Times para dar una entrevista que se publicó el sábado, donde reveló que pausó su carrera para apoyar a Gerard en sus días como jugador en Barcelona.

Shakira explicó que hizo un montón de sacrificios en nombre del amor -cosa que sabemos que no duró- decidiendo cuidar de los niños en lugar de centrarse en su música.

Por supuesto, Gerard y Shakira rompieron durante el verano de 2022, con rumores de infidelidad arremolinándose cuando la pareja tomó caminos separados.

El camino de Shakira la ha llevado fuera de España y hasta Miami, donde se ha hecho amiga de David Beckham, a quien dijo que conocía antes de empezar a salir con Gerard, cuando David jugaba para el rival del Barcelona, el Real Madrid.

La estrella colombiana dijo que está en contacto constante con Victoria Beckham, y espera llevar a su hijo Milan a un partido de fútbol en Miami, dejando al querido papá totalmente fuera de la ecuación.

Shakira se mantuvo por encima de todo conflicto con Piqué durante la entrevista, aunque admitió que parecía justicia divina que uno de sus viejos rivales de fútbol, Sergio Ramos, la presentara para el Grammy Latino.

Shakira también habló de su caso de fraude fiscal, aunque no dijo nada acerca de su falta de material musical. Después de todo es cantante y lo único que ha lanzado los últimos años es "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran", clara referencia a su terminada relación.

Shakira fans have been waiting almost a decade for a new album ... and her ex Gerard Piqué may be to blame -- at least, according to Shakira herself that is.

The singer-songwriter sat down with the Sunday Times for an interview published Saturday ... where she revealed she actually put her career on pause to support Gerard turning his playing days in Barcelona.

Shakira explained she made a lot of sacrifices in the name of love -- one we know didn't last -- deciding to take care of the kids rather than focusing on her music.

Of course, Gerard and Shakira broke up during the summer of 2022, with rumors of infidelity swirling as the pair went their separate ways.

Shakira's path has taken her out of Spain and down to Miami where she's made fast friends with David Beckham -- who she said she knew back before she started dating Gerard, when DB played for Barcelona's rival, Real Madrid.

The Colombian star said she's in constant contact with Victoria Beckham ... and she's hoping to take her son Milan to a soccer match down in Miami -- leaving dear old dad totally out of the equation.

Shakira stayed above the whole Piqué fray during the interview BTW -- though she did admit it seemed like cosmic justice that one of his old soccer rivals Sergio Ramos presented her with a Latin Grammy.

She also skipped over talking about her tax fraud case -- instead choosing to focus on her first studio album in seven years, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" which translates to "Women No Longer Cry" ... bit of a wink and a nudge to a certain ex?

A youngster at the USA vs. Colombia CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup matchup apparently needed something stronger than milk ... 'cause the baby was spotted adorably trying to drink a Truly hard seltzer!!

The hilarious moment was caught on the CBS Sports broadcast on Sunday ... showing a dad and his kid soaking in the 3-0 win for the Red, White and Blue in the 73rd minute of the contest.

All eyes were on what was in the little one's hands ... which appeared to be a wild berry Truly (which contains 5% alcohol).

But judging by the fact the kiddo was able to pull the can up to its lips, we're assuming the thing was empty ... so no need to destroy the kid's future with an underage.

Even though the baby was probably teething, some folks thought it was a bad look to let it even hold the can in the first place ... while others felt it was the perfect visual representation of 'Merica.

As for the game, the USWNT won the quarterfinal matchup at BMO Stadium in L.A. with ease ... punching a ticket to the semis against Canada.

Here's hoping if the kid makes it to San Diego for that game, it sticks to the non-alcoholic bevvies.

Becky G y Sebastian Lletget se ven muy felices juntos en Frisco, Texas, a pesar de haber tenido que lidiar con el drama de engaño el año pasado.

Todas las señales apuntan a que siguen juntos. Obtuvimos estas imágenes tomadas el lunes, que los muestra paseando afuera del Summer Moon Coffee.

La cantante de "Fulanito" y la estrella del fútbol se veían muy felices mientras disfrutaban de un poco de café en medio de una sesión de mimos en un banco del parque. Becky sonrió cariñosamente a su mediocampista mientras él pasó su brazo alrededor de sus hombros.

Esta muestra de cariño viene después de meses de pasar desapercibidos. La última vez que la pareja fue vista fue en noviembre, y también fue una cita de café.

Parece que el 2024 empieza con mejor pie para Becky y Sebastian, ya que sufrieron un bache en su relación después de que el atleta profesional fuera víctima de una "trama de extorsión" en medio de rumores de engaño en marzo.

Aunque la estrella del FC Dallas admitió haber tenido "un lapsus de 10 minutos en el juicio", dio a entender que la acusación de infidelidad de su acusadora estaba llena de mentiras y falsedades.

Él se disculpó con Becky y anunció su compromiso en diciembre de 2022, prometiendo hacerlo mejor.

A la pareja no le vino nada bien el drama de engaño, pero al parecer volvieron a las pistas a finales de 2023.

Becky G and Sebastian Lletget are looking awfully cozy and coupled up in Frisco, TX  ... despite dealing with cheating drama last year.

All signs point to them still going strong, based on these images shot Monday -- and obtained by TMZ -- while they were outside Summer Moon Coffee.

The "Fulanito" singer and the soccer star looked pretty damn happy while enjoying a bit of coffee amid a cuddle session on a park bench. Becky warmly smiled at her midfielder boo as he draped his arm around her shoulders.

This show of PDA comes after months of laying low -- the last time the pair was seen out and about was all the way back in November, which also involved a coffee date.

It seems 2024 is starting off on a better note for Becky and Sebastian ... who hit a snag in their relationship after the professional athlete was the alleged victim of an "extortion plot" amid cheating rumors in March.

Though the FC Dallas star admitted to "a 10-minute lapse in judgment" ... he hinted his accuser's infidelity allegation was filled with lies and falsities.

He did apologize to Becky, however -- who announced their engagement in December 2022 -- vowing to do better.

The couple wasn't doing well in the initial aftermath of the cheating drama, but reportedly got back on track by the end of 2023.

Victoria Beckham rocked a somewhat unexpected accessory at Paris Fashion Week heading into the weekend -- a pair of metal crutches ... hobbling her way into her own event.

The former Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer was seen limping along on the walking aids Friday -- which just so happened to perfectly match her all-black outfit -- ahead of the launch of her latest collection.

Posh Spice kept a low profile as she offered up no smile for the paparazzi and donned oversized black sunglasses -- still looking as chic as ever. Indeed, it was a sorta bizarre sight -- but Vic did her thing and kept it moving ... even if it was a little slow.

Her hubby, David Beckham, revealed last week that his wife was put in a boot after a "little accident in the gym." The retired soccer star told fans on Instagram that VB suffered from a "clean break" ... so hopefully she'll heal sooner rather than later.

Unclear what exactly happened that led to the injury ... but it wasn't enough to totally sideline her, obviously.

Victoria also spoke out about the injury herself ... having first announced the owie on Valentine's Day. VB posted about it on her IG Story ... throwing up a photo of her foot being treated with ice -- confirming she "fell over in the gym." Ouch!

BTW, these fashionable crutches made their way onto Victoria's catwalk, too -- but ever the professional ... the Beckham matriarch merely smized and tottered along, business as usual.

Juventus star Paul Pogba was banned for four years for doping ... a crushing blow for the international soccer star who says he's innocent and will appeal the decision!

The 30-year-old midfielder -- who has been ineligible to play since a drug test showed elevated testosterone levels last September -- shared news of the ban Thursday with his over 61 million Instagram followers ... after he received word from Italy's anti-doping board.

"I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect," Pogba wrote.

"I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me."

The decision means Pogba won't be able to play until 2027 ... although he says he's going to appeal the decision.

"When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear," Pogba said, "but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations."

"As a professional athlete, I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against."

Pogba's professional soccer career began in 2011 ... and has seen PP suit up for Manchester United and Juventus.

Paul re-signed with Juventus on a four-year deal in July 2022 ... but injured his meniscus weeks later. The injury also forced him to miss the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

A soccer reporter who was covering a famed rivalry game in Brazil over the weekend says she was forced to go to cops following the conclusion of the match ... after she claims one of the team's mascots sexually harassed her.

Canal Monumental journalist Gisele Kumpel alleged the misconduct happened while she was on the sidelines of Sunday's Grêmio vs. Sport Club Internacional tilt -- which soccer aficionados call "Gre-Nal."

Kumpel said in an interview with GloboEsporte that at several points during the match, Internacional's masked cheerleader, known as Saci, began making gestures at her ... before he bent over and looked down at her phone.

Then, according to Kumpel, following a big goal by Internacional in the second half ... Saci grabbed her and made kissing noises.

"He stopped next to me and simply hugged me," she told GE. "He hugged me. Even with the mask on, he pushed my head and made to kiss me. I could hear the kiss crack and I felt his sweat."

Kumpel went on to say she was the only female reporter in attendance ... and the only one who Saci embraced.

"Another day of women wanting to do their job in football and suffering for it with some idiots who are criminals," she wrote in a post on X ... while adding photos of her reporting the incident to local authorities. "I'm going to the end so that no other woman goes through this."

Internacional officials said in a statement to the U.S. Sun that they've suspended the person in the Saci costume as they and law enforcement continue to investigate the allegations.

Kumpel, meanwhile, said she's doing OK despite the incident ... writing on her social media page, "Everything is fine."

Proud mama moment for Kim Kardashian ... her son, Saint West, got the ultimate VIP experience at the Inter Miami vs. L.A. Galaxy match -- escorting Lionel Messi to the field!!

The cool interaction happened prior to Sunday's contest at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson ... when the soccer G.O.A.T. and his teammates walked onto the pitch with a number of local youth players.

8-year-old Saint -- the oldest son of Kim K and Kanye West -- was the lucky one picked to walk with Messi ... and it's something the reality superstar said he'll never forget.

"Saint walking Messi out on the field tonight at the La Galaxy vs Inter Miami game!!!" Kim said after posting video of the walkout on X. "He is living the absolute dream!"

It's unclear if Messi chatted with the youngin at all ... but he looked happy with the company as he looked down at him.

The two seem to be getting pretty familiar with each other now -- as it's at least the second time they've crossed paths.

Back in July 2023, Kim shared a pic of her futbol-loving son with Messi after his Inter Miami debut ... which she dubbed the "Best day of their entire lives."

Kim Kardashian se siente muy orgullosa de su hijo Saint West, que tuvo la mejor experiencia VIP en el partido entre el Inter de Miami y el L.A. Galaxy: ¡acompañando a Lionel Messi al campo!

La interacción ocurrió antes del partido del domingo en el Dignity Health Sports Park en Carson, cuando el G.O.A.T. del fútbol y sus compañeros de equipo entraron en el campo con un número de jugadores juveniles locales.

Saint de 8 años de edad -el hijo mayor de Kim y Kanye West- fue el afortunado elegido para caminar con Messi, y es algo que la superestrella de reality dijo que nunca olvidará.

"Saint paseando con Messi en el campo esta noche en el partido de La Galaxy vs Inter Miami!!!". dijo Kim después de publicar el vídeo del paseo en X. "¡Está viviendo el sueño absoluto!".

No está claro si Messi charló con el pequeño, pero parecía feliz con la compañía.

Los dos parecen estar familiarizándose bastante últimamente, ya que es la menos la segunda vez que se cruzan.

En julio de 2023, Kim compartió una foto de su hijo amante del fútbol con Messi después de su debut con el Inter de Miami, la cual ella llamó el "Mejor día de toda su vida".

Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt have their priorities in order ... hanging out "Ted Lasso" style before rolling up to the SAG Awards by hitting a pro soccer match.

The actors pulled up to MLS team LAFC's home BMO Stadium to watch the Los Angeles-based team take on the Seattle Sounders hours before one of the biggest nights in movies and television kicked off.

No time to go home and change between the events ... JS and BH hit the game in their awards show best, trading in their kits for tuxedos.

Check out the pic ... the guys looked dapper as they watched the home team take the W 2-1 before making the short trip to the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall.

The two venues are right around the corner from one another ... so no need for the dynamic duo to worry about missing the beginning of the show.

In fact, they both even had time to walk the red carpet ... and Jason was in his seat when the winner of Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series was announced -- an award he was up for.

Jason Sudeikis y Brendan Hunt tienen sus prioridades... pasando un momento "Ted Lasso" antes de llegar a los Premios SAG.

Los actores llegaron al estadio BMO del equipo de la MLS LAFC, para ver al equipo de Los Ángeles enfrentarse a los Seattle Sounders horas antes de que diera comienzo una de las noches más importantes del cine y la televisión.

Ya que no hubo tiempo para ir a casa y cambiarse entre una actividad y otra, Jason y Brendan llegaron al juego vestidos de gala.

Échale un vistazo a la foto, los chicos se veían elegantes mientras veían al equipo local antes de viajar rápidamente al Auditorio Shrine y Expo Hall.

Los dos lugares están bastante cerca, así que el dúo dinámico no se tuvo que preocupar por perderse el comienzo del espectáculo.

De hecho, ambos incluso tuvieron tiempo para caminar por la alfombra roja y Jason estaba en su asiento cuando el ganador de la Actuación Sobresaliente de un Actor Masculino en una Serie de Comedia fue anunciado. Un premio al que estaba nominado.

Desafortunadamente, Sudeikis perdió ante Jeremy Allen White, pero no parecía molestarle en lo absoluto, riendo con su compañero de reparto y Brett Goldstein, otro nominado.

De tal palo tal astilla, suelen decir, y ese es justamente el caso de Cristiano Ronaldo y su hijo de 13 años, CR Jr. pues los dos se parecen, ¡incluso en sus abdominales!

La prueba está en las fotos que Ronaldo, de 39 años, publicó el jueves en Instagram con Cristiano Jr., dándole a sus más de 622 millones de seguidores una probadita de su impresionante físico durante su sesión de ejercicios.

"Hoy con mi compañero ❤️", dijo Ronaldo en el pie de foto.

La foto de la dupla consiguió más de 9 millones de likes en cinco horas y más de 76K comentarios. Uno escribió: "El rey y el heredero del trono🔥"

Por supuesto, este entrenamiento padre e hijo se da un día después de que Ronaldo anotara el gol n° 876 de su carrera en la Liga de Campeones de la AFC, ayudando a llevar al Al-Nassr a los cuartos de final con una victoria sobre el Al Feiha en los octavos de final.

Al igual que su padre, Cristiano Jr. también juega al fútbol. Pasó dos temporadas en el equipo juvenil de la Juventus antes de fichar por el Al-Nassr U13 el pasado octubre.

Y, como una oda a su padre ... También lleva el número 7.

The apple ain't fall too far from the tree with Cristiano Ronaldo and his 13-year-old son, CR Jr. ... 'cause the two look just alike -- even down to their shredded abs!

The proof's in the photos that 39-year-old Ronaldo dropped Thursday on Instagram featuring Cristiano Jr. ... giving his 622+ million followers a view of their physique during their workout sesh.

"Today with my partner ❤️," Ronaldo said in the caption.

The father-and-son snap got over 9 million likes within five hours ... and more than 76K comments, with one writing, "The king and heir to the throne🔥"

Of course, this father-and-son training session comes just a day after Ronaldo scored his 876th career goal in the AFC Champions League, helping lead Al-Nassr to the quarter-finals with a win over Al Feiha in the round of 16.

Like pops, Cristiano Jr. also plays soccer. He spent two seasons with the Juventus youth team before signing with Al-Nassr U13 last October.

And, as an ode to his superstar dad ... he also wears No. 7.

Former Brazilian soccer star Dani Alves was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman in a nightclub in 2022.

Spain's top court in Catalonia decided on the sentence on Thursday following a three-day trial earlier this month where the 40-year-old former Barcelona star was found guilty of the December '22 crime.

The woman testified at trial that after dancing with Alves at a New Year's Eve party, they went to the bathroom, but she decided she wanted to leave ... that's when she said she was raped.

As for the 4 1/2 year punishment, the court said, "the sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven."

Alves will also have to pay a near-$163k fine to the victim.

It's not nearly the sentence length prosecutors were hoping for ... they wanted Alves thrown behind bars for 9 years. The victim was hoping for even more.

Despite the sentence, the victim's lawyer, David Saenz said they were happy the court acknowledged "that the victim was telling the truth and that she suffered."

Alves initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming he didn't know the woman, but later changed his story several times.

After biological evidence was presented, Alves admitted he had sex with the woman, insisting it was consensual ... saying he only lied because he was married.

Alves' lawyer Ines Guardiola continued to insist her client's innocent, announcing they'd appeal.

"I still believe in Dani Alves' innocence. We haven't read the whole sentence yet because it's very long, but we are going to study it in detail now. We defend [Alves'] innocence."

Before the arrest, Alves was considered one of the best defensive players of all time ... and spent time with Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris-Saint Germain during his 20-year career.

Lionel Messi super fans can add a piece of awesome memorabilia to their collections -- an autographed ticket from Argentina's 2022 World Cup Final victory -- but they're gonna have to compete for it with their wallets on the auction block!!

TMZ Sports is told ... the signed hospitality stub from Messi's iconic showdown with France is part of Goldin's February Elite Auction, and the current bid has already surpassed $2,000.

The item features a Mint 9-graded Hancock in black ink from the G.O.A.T. himself, who led his home country to the thrilling 3-3 (4-2) win in penalty kicks.

We're told the ticket is as rare as it gets ... with just one other copy ever graded by PSA/DNA.

The ticket is something any Messi fan would salivate over ... especially considering the match locked up his first-ever World Cup win.

Messi had two goals in the contest ... which helped him secure Man of the Match honors and the Golden Ball award, presented to the tournament's best player.