Bayern Munich

Top flight side unveil incredible new Roman-inspired tunnel in stadium inspired by ancient amphitheatres

A BUNDESLIGA club unveiled its stunning new-look tunnel ahead of their clash with champions Bayern Munich last month.

FC Augsburg have been renovating their tunnel for the last few months as part of a desperately-needed refurb.

Soccer fans in a stadium holding flares and a banner that reads "Scheisse ist die Strafe, nicht die Fackel Verbandsstrafen abschaffen!"

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Bundesliga side Augsburg recentl renovated their tunnel at the WWK ArenaCredit: REUTERS
Roman-inspired stadium tunnel entrance.

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The tunnel has been designed in a simlar style to ancient Roman ampitheatresCredit: FC AUGSBURG
Four soccer players sitting on stairs.

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The tunnel’s design is an homage to the club’s Roman rootsCredit: FC AUGSBURG

And the new-look tunnel players will walk out of going forward is truly a sight to behold.

The club has paid tribute to its Roman roots with a tunnel inspired by the city’s ancient amphitheatres.

The gates to the tunnel have drawn inspiration from amphitheatres in the Eternal City and Verona and features several aspects of the club’s badge.

Its walls have been stunningly designed to appear as if they’ve been covered in ancient Roman stones and have been laid out in a pattern befitting the time period.

The stones are beautifully highlighted by accent lights and an illuminated club badge.

A beautiful mosaic pattern comprised of Italian stones makes up the midway point of the tunnel, which the club proudly showed off on social media.

Augsburg CEO Michael Stroll said of the revamp: “We’ve long spoken about our desire to modernise our players’ tunnel.

“Our previous tunnel was functional, but didn’t really catch the eye.

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FC Augsburg's WWK Arena entrance with team logo.

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German champions Bayern Munich were the first away team to experience Augsburg’s new tunnelCredit: EPA

“The results of the renovation are impressive.

“Our new players’ tunnel features a stylish, detailed design and is a perfect fit for our club.

Harry Kane finally gets his hands on first career trophy as Bayern Munich win Bundesliga in style

“There’s no doubt in our minds that we now have one of the best-looking players’ tunnels in the Bundesliga.”

St Pauli will be the next away team to have the Roman tunnel experience when they travel the WWK Arena a week on Sunday.

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Chelsea line up last-minute bid for Viktor Gyokores’ Sporting understudy Conrad Harder amid Nicolas Jackson’s Bayern row

CHELSEA are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon striker Conrad Harder, according to reports.

The Blues could re-enter the transfer market for a forward following the injury suffered by Liam Delap against Fulham on Saturday.

Conrad Harder of Sporting CP applauding during a football match.

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Conrad Harder is attracting interest from ChelseaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

Enzo Maresca’s side were on the brink of loaning Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich, having deemed the 24-year-old to be surplus to requirements.

Jackson was allowed to travel to Germany for a medical yesterday, only for Chelsea to pull the plug on the deal upon Delap’s injury.

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When is Champions League draw? Start time, FREE stream and pots as Arsenal, Liverpool & Chelsea await league phase fate

THE best teams in Europe are set to go head-to-head once again as the Champions League returns for another thrilling season.

PSG are the current kings of the continent after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the Munich final last term.

Paris Saint-Germain players celebrating a victory, Marquinhos lifting the trophy.

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PSG head into this season’s Champions League as defending championsCredit: AFP

The French giants are among the favourites for the trophy once again, as are Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Six Premier League teams have earned the right to mix it with the big boys in the Champions League this season.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea and Europa League winners Tottenham will all be in the draw for the league phase.

The Gunners went the furthest of the English sides competing in Europe’s elite club competition last term.

Mikel Arteta‘s men reached the semi-finals, losing 3-1 on aggregate to eventual winners PSG.

English sides will be looking to stop the rot after failing to make an appearance in the Champions League final in back-to-back seasons.

First up is the league phase, and SunSport brings you the all-important details ahead of the draw.

When is the Champions League draw?

  • The draw for the league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League will take place on Thursday, August 28.
  • The show will begin at 5pm BST.
  • Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum will stage the draw.

How to watch the Champions League draw FREE

  • The Champions League draw will be broadcast live on Uefa.com.
  • TNT Sports 1 will also air the draw on regular TV.
  • The broadcaster will also provide a FREE live stream via the TNT Sports YouTube channel.
  • Alternatively, you can discover all the confirmed ties by following SunSport’s live blog of the draw.

How does the Champions League league phase draw work?

Like last year, the league phase has 36 teams from across Europe competing, with each side handed eight games.

The 36 clubs are split into four pots based on their Uefa coefficient, with the opponents generated by automated software.

Starting with Pot 1, one physical ball will be drawn before the automated software randomly draws two opponents from each pot, one home and one away.

Teams cannot face more than two opponents from the same country and are not permitted to face other sides from the same association as theirs.

The top eight teams in the final table will automatically go through to the last 16.

They will then be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides who were placed ninth to 24th in the table.

Champions League draw pots

Pot 1: PSG, Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona

Pot 2: Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Eintracht Frankfurt, Club Brugge

Pot 3: Tottenham, PSV, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Bodo/Glimt, Marseille

Pot 4: Copenhagen, Monaco, Galatasaray, Union Saint-Gilloise, Qarabag, Athletic Club, Newcastle, Pafos, Kairat.

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Promise that Arne Slot made to Florian Wirtz that Bayern couldn’t match was ‘decisive factor’ in star picking Liverpool

FLORIAN WIRTZ reportedly chose Liverpool over Bayern Munich after being given an irresistible promise by Arne Slot.

The highly-rated German star was courted by both clubs but in the end the guarantee of the No10 role tipped the scales in the Reds’ favour.

Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen celebrating a goal.

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Florian Wirtz is a man in demand but Liverpool are closing in on himCredit: AFP
Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen lifts the Bundesliga championship trophy.

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Bayern Munich are also interested in the Bayer Leverkusen starCredit: Getty
Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen wearing headphones.

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Wirtz has made it clear he wants to join LiverpoolCredit: Getty

According to Caughtoffside, Wirtz revealed that the decision was ultimately made after Slot assured him he would be THE playmaker in his Liverpool team.

While Bayern offered him the prospect of competing in their world-class side, the path to regular first-team football was far from clear.

Jamal Musiala’s rapid rise at the Allianz Arena and the presence of more established players such as Joshua Kimmich meant that Wirtz would have had to fight for his place in the midfield.

But at Liverpool, it is a different story – he would be the main man at Anfield.

The creative hub of the team, controlling the game from midfield and leading Liverpool’s attack.

Slot promised Wirtz full control of the No10 role, a position that would be his alone.

This clear-cut offer of a starring role was a far cry from the uncertainty Bayern offered.

In the end Wirtz made his choice opting for the chance to be Liverpool’s attacking leader.

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The fact that Liverpool have won the Premier League in Slot’s first season is also contributing factor as it has highlighted the manager’s ability to bring the best out of young players.

The Dutch manager has been able to get the best out of both old and new faces with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk enjoying stellar campaign as well as Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo

Thousands of people line streets for Liverpool’s Premier League title parade as iconic DJ drafted in as special guest

How close are Liverpool to a deal?

The Premier League champions have submitted a second improved bid for the Germany midfielder.

Liverpool’s latest offer for the 22-year-old is about £109m, including add-ons.

Wirtz is a key target for the Merseyside club and has made his wishes clear about wanting to join Liverpool before next season.

Soccer player holding a ball.

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Wirtz is a rising star in European footballCredit: Reuters

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Meet the Champions League final WAGs from PSG ace dating fellow player to Inter pair caught in bizarre cheating scandal

IT’S the most glamorous fixture on the football calendar – but the glitziest stars will be the ones cheering on from the sidelines.

As Paris Saint-Germain prepare to take on Inter this evening, the players’ stunning WAGs will be getting dressed up to the nines as their partners prepare for potential Champions League glory.

Kleofina Pnishi - Benjamin Pavard girlfriend, https://www.instagram.com/kleofina/?hl=en)

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Kleofina Pnishi, 30, is engaged to Inter star Benjamin Pavard, 29Credit: Instagram/@kleofina
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 26: Joao Neves of PSG and his girlfriend Madalena Aragao attend day 2 of the 2025 French Open, Roland-Garros 2025, Grand Slam tennis tournament at Roland Garros stadium on May 26, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

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Portuguese television and film star Madalena Aragão, 19, with her PSG boyfriend João Neves, 20Credit: getty
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 17: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of PSG, his wife Nitsa Tavadze and their son Damiane Kvaratskhelia celebrate after the Ligue 1 trophy ceremony following the Ligue 1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AJ Auxerre (AJA) at Parc des Princes stadium on May 17, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

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Nitsa Tavadze, 23, wife of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 24, studied medicine at uniCredit: instagram/@nitsatavadze
Nitsa Tavadze -  Khvicha Kvaratskhelia girlfriend, https://www.instagram.com/nitsatavadze/?hl=en), ,

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Nitsa and Kvaratskhelia tied the knot on October 16, 2023Credit: Instagram/@nitsatavadze/

While PSG’s roster has included superstars including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in recent years, this year’s team is full of young, hungry talents ready to make their own names on the world stage.

The likes of Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi will be testing themselves at the Allianz Arena in Munich against Inter‘s equally impressive side, which boasts stars including Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.

But away from the pitch, which of these names are scoring in their love lives too?

From doctors to lawyers and even fellow players – as well as a dramatic cheating scandal – we reveal all about PSG and Inter’s top WAGs.

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Paris Saint-Germain F.C.

Nitsa Tavadze and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Brainy Nitsa Tavadze, 23, wife of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 24, studied medicine while her relationship with the Georgian star blossomed.

In 2023, they tied the knot at the historic Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta, celebrating with Georgian traditions, attire, and customs. 

Although the couple were introduced by a mutual friend in 2021 sparks didn’t fly until a month later.

Due to Nitsa’s demanding studies, the pair would write to and call each other, and would meet up during their time off or when Kvaratskhelia was on an international break.

When Nitsa didn’t have lectures to attend, she would go to Naples and attend matches at his former team, Napoli.

They made their first appearance at a basketball game between Italy and Georgia and by 2022 they were official. Now, they share a son, Damian, one.

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Océane Toussaint and Warren Zaire-Emery

Oceane Toussaint - Warren Zaire Emery girlfriend, https://www.instagram.com/oceane_tdm

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Océane Toussaint, 21, girlfriend of Warren Zaire Emery, 19, is a professional goalkeeper for PSGCredit: INSTAGRAM
Oceane Toussaint - Warren Zaire Emery girlfriend, https://www.instagram.com/oceane_tdm

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The young couple have been dating since 2024Credit: INSTAGRAM

French goalie Océane Toussaint, 21, has been in a relationship with her fellow PSG star Warren Zaire-Emery, 19, since 2024.

They were first papped together at a Louis Vuitton event in January and later confirmed their relationship at a gala in May.

Océane was the first goalkeeper to win the Titi d’Or – a fan award for PSG’s most promising academy player – in 2023 and took to social media to share her success with fans.

She wrote: “Very proud to be the first Titi gold keeper, thank you again for all your messages.”

During their short time together so far, Océane and Warren have already jetted off for glamorous holidays and were seen visiting Zoomarine in the Algarve.

Madalena Aragão and João Neves 

Madalena Aragão, https://www.instagram.com/madalena_aragao_/?hl=en)

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Madalena Aragão, girlfriend of João Neves is a Portuguese TV and film starCredit: Instagram
Madalena Aragão - João Neves girlfriend, , https://www.instagram.com/madalena_aragao_

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The young actress has moved countries to be with her boyfriendCredit: instagram
Couple posing in front of the Colosseum.

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The couple have made the most of life in ItalyCredit: instagram/@madalena_aragao_

Portuguese television and film star Madalena Aragão, 19, has been in a relationship with João Neves, 20, since 2024.

Madalena made her acting debut in 2016 when she was just 10 years old in the soap opera Rainha das Flores.

The talented actress is also a popular blogger and creator of a YouTube channel, where she shares her thoughts on teenage life and growing up. 

Since embarking on her new relationship with João it’s been go go go. She even moved to Paris to be with him after his move from Benfica to the French giants.

The pair have also been quite active on social media, sharing several adorable pics together.

In response to one of Madalena’s recent Instagram posts, Portuguese actor and model Diogo Amaral replied: “My favourite couple.”

Carol Cabrino and Marquinhos

Carol Cabrino - girlfriend of Marquinhos , https://www.instagram.com/carolcabrino/?hl=en)

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Brazilian Instagram star Carol Cabrino, 32, is married to Marquinhos, 31Credit: Instagram
marquinhosm5<br />
Verified<br />
2.7 chegou... Obrigado a todos pelas mensagens de carinho nesse dia tão especial para mim... Dia de agradecer apenas, por tudo que Deus proporcionou em minha vida!  #27years #ThanksGod #Birthday<br />
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The couple share three children but recently suffered a heartbreaking miscarriageCredit: getty

Influencer Carol Cabrino, 32, carved out a successful singing career before her marriage to Brazilian centre back Marquinhos, 31.

After he proposed to her underneath the Eiffel Tower, the pair had a civil wedding in June 2016.

Together they share three children – Maria, eight, Enrico, six, and Martina, 3 – but tragically, Carol recently opened up about losing her fourth child after suffering a miscarriage.

Taking to Instagram to share the distressing news in March, she said: “I’m going to talk about something that is not very good.

“But I’ve accepted what happened to me and I’ve come to share it with you.

“I can’t get on with my life if I don’t come here and explain to you a little of the things that have been happening in my life for a while now.”

Alessia Elefante and Gianluigi Donnarumma

https://www.instagram.com/alessiaelefante/?hl=en, , Alessia Elefante.  partner Gianluigi Donnarumma

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Alessia Elefante, 27, fiance of Gianluigi Donnarumma, 26, was born in Naples, ItlayCredit: Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/alessiaelefante/?hl=en, , Alessia Elefante.  partner Gianluigi Donnarumma

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The couple share a son Leo, one, and a dog CocoCredit: Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/alessiaelefante/?hl=en, , Alessia Elefante.  partner Gianluigi Donnarumma

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A little known fact about Alessia is that she has a twin sister, DanielaCredit: Instagram

Italian bombshell Alessia Elefante, 27, is the fiancée of Gianluigi Donnarumma, 26, and the couple have been together for over seven years.

Alessia is an interior designer and mum to one-year-old Leo, whom she shares with Gianluigi. The Italian pro footballer proposed to her a month after their son was born.

They also share a dog named Coco that Alessia has referred to via her Instagram as her “favourite baby boy” and “a prince” – before her son was born, of course!

Alessia also stands 39cm shorter than her partner who reaches a whopping 6ft5inches.

Despite such a significant height difference, the couple seem super loved up and often share photos together on social media.

Another little known fact about Alessia is that she’s a twin. On May 27, 2024, she took to Instagram to share a birthday pic with her sister Daniela.

The caption wrote: “Since 1998. Love you.”

Shocked fans were quick to spot the similarities between the pair. One person wrote: “I thought there was a mirror in the 1st pic.”

Inter Milan

Agustina Gandolfo and Lautaro Martinez

Agustina Gandolfo  - Lautaro Martinez girlfriend, , https://www.instagram.com/agus.gandolfo/)

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Argentinian Agustina Gandolfo, 29, is the wife of Lautaro Martinez, 27Credit: Instagram
Agustina Gandolfo  - Lautaro Martinez girlfriend, , https://www.instagram.com/agus.gandolfo/)

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The entrepreneur and wellness advocate met her match in 2016Credit: instagram/@agus.gandolfo/)

Model Agustina, 29, has two children with Inter’s star striker Lautaro, 27, Nina, four and Theo, two.

Agus has developed a career as a mumfluencer in recent years, with her candid posts about the realities of motherhood.

Alongside her personal updates, she has launched her own lifestyle brand, Coraje, as well as partnering with trendy fashion and fitness labels like Cloter Official and Tropical Sweat.

She met her Argentine husband around 2016 when he was playing for local club Racing, at a party hosted by fellow stars Mauro Icardi and Wanda Nara.

They were initially pals but later fell in love. They had their first child, a daughter named Nina, in 2021 and had a son in 2023.

The pair had a lavish wedding in Villa d’Este on Lake Como Italy in 2023 with 120 guests.

Agus has three tattoos: one of birds flying on her upper back, a heart on her arm and a quote on her ribs.

She also made headlines in 2021 after claiming a Milan restaurant had handed her a menu that didn’t have any prices on during a romantic meal out with her man.

She claimed on her Instagram story that the practice is sexist – because it assumes the man is going to pay for the meal, not the woman.

Kleofina Pnishi and Benjamin Pavard 

Kleofina Pnishi - Benjamin Pavard girlfriend, https://www.instagram.com/kleofina/?hl=en)

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Bombshell Kleofina Pnishi is married to Benjamin PavardCredit: Instagram/@kleofina
Kleofina Pnishi - Benjamin Pavard girlfriend, https://www.instagram.com/kleofina/?hl=en)

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Benjamin proposed to her on the coast of Saranda in a beautiful romantic atmosphere with flowers and candlesCredit: Instagram

Kosovo-born actress and model Kleofina, 30, was elected Miss Provence 2017 and ran in the Miss France competition the following year.

But life hasn’t always been easy. When she was just five years old, her family fled their homeland due to the war and arrived in France in 1999.

She graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication of Aix-Marseille, before meeting Benjamin Pavard, 29, with the pair getting engaged in July last year.

Benjamin got down on one knee on the coast of Saranda, Albania, in a beautiful, romantic proposal made special with flowers and candles. 

Federica Schievenin and Nicolò Barella 

Federica Schievenin, , https://www.instagram.com/fede_schievenin/?hl=en)

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Federica Schievenin, 35, wife of Nicolò Barella, 28, is a sports scientistCredit: instagram/@fede_schievenin
Nicolo Barella - Federica Schievenin  girlfriend, https://www.instagram.com/fede_schievenin/?hl=en)

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The blonde beauty is also a model and certified personal trainerCredit: instagram/@fede_schievenin

Stunning sports scientist Federica Schievenin, 35, met childhood sweetheart Nicolò, 28, over a decade ago.

Like her beau, she has had a passion for sports since a young age thanks to thanks to her dad, who was into motocross.

She earned a PT CFT3 certification from the International Sports Scientists Association in 2019 and is now said to be studying nutraceuticals and naturopathy.

The pair tied the knot in 2018 and are now parents to four children: daughters Rebecca, eight, Lavinia, five, Matilde, four and a baby son, Romeo.

Federica keeps her children’s faces hidden on social media, usually with an emoji.

Claudia Scarpari and Francesco Acerbi 

Claudia Scarpari- Francesco Acerbi girlfriend, , https://www.instagram.com/claudiascarp/?hl=en)

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Claudia Scarpari, 38, wife of Francesco Acerbi, 37, has never missed a matchCredit: Instagram
Claudia Scarpari- Francesco Acerbi girlfriend, , https://www.instagram.com/claudiascarp/?hl=en)

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The pair met in early 2020 and went public with the relationship later that yearCredit: Instagram @claudiascarp

Claudia Scarpari, 38, is the wife of defender Francesco Acerbi, 37, who she met in early 2020.

Speaking of their early romance, the glamorous lawyer said she found it “enchanting” to watch him play, but admitted she didn’t follow football before they met. 

However, since falling in love with the defender, Claudia has revealed she had never missed a match, and will always be cheering on her partner.  

Claudia already has a daughter and a son from a previous relationship, and has had more children with Francesco.  

Their daughters are named Vittoria, four and Nala, two.

On top of being a supportive WAG, Claudia is a successful lawyer and has spoken of the similarities between the couple’s careers, explaining they are both “defending and protecting what we believe in”.

The couple married in early 2025 in Cassina Rizzardi, Italy.

Sinem Gündoğdu and Hakan Çalhanoğlu

Sinem Gündo¿du and Hakan Çalhano¿lu, https://www.instagram.com/siinemm28/)

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Sinem Gündoğdu, 30, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, 31, grew up together in Turkey before falling in love and tying the knot in 2017Credit: instagram
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Hakan Calhanoglu (R) of Inter Milan and Turkey and Sinem Gundogdu attend the 68th Ballon D'Or Photocall at Theatre Du Chatelet on October 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

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The couple made headlines in 2018 after Hakan filed for divorceCredit: getty

Hakan Çalhanoğlu, 31, and Sinem, 30, grew up together in Turkey before tying the knot in 2017, but their relationship has not always been plain sailing. 

In 2018, the midfielder sensationally announced the decision to divorce his wife after a “very serious and unforgivable situation occurred”.

Sinem’s response was speedy, and came with another bombshell, as she announced: “I never cheated on you. By the way, I’m pregnant.”

Fortunately, the couple appear to have resolved their issues and now seem better than ever. 

Together they have three children: Liya, six, born in 2019, Ayaz, four, born in 2021 and Asil Can, two, born in 2023.



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