Around the Betting Planet: Messi tops football rich list

US

PGA Player of the Year goes to Johnson

Dustin Johnson has had an incredible season so far. Despite joining the season late due to a knee injury, the American golfer was this week named FedEx PGA Tour Player of the Year. 

Johnson won the Tour Championship, The Northern Trust, and the Travelers Championship, securing the world no.1 position. In his last four appearances, he won twice and placed as runner-up twice.

This is the second time Johnson has claimed the Player of the Year title. His first came in 2016, when he broke through in the majors with his US Open win.

UK

Chelsea’s big spending paying off?

Chelsea were among the biggest spenders this summer heading into the 2020/21 English Premier League season. Despite gaining several new members, only two of them – Timo Werner and Kai Havertz – made their debut in the Blues’ opening fixture.

The pair proved their enthusiasm in the win over Brighton & Hove Albion, with Werner even winning the 21st-minute penalty. It was also a special game for Reece James, who scored his first EPL goal.

Brighton also played a fair game, with Leandro Trossard scoring an equalizing goal in the 54th minute. But that was as good as it got for the Seagulls, as James put Chelsea in the lead two minutes later and Kurt Zouma adding another in the 66th minute.

Africa

Traore set to sign four-year Aston Villa deal

Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore has agreed to a £17m, four-year deal with Aston Villa that includes £2m in potential add-ons. The 25-year-old is keen on the move but needs a visa before he can make the switch. He is set to have his Villa medical done before flying to Birmingham.

He leaves Lyon after three years with the French club but is eager to work with coach John Terry again after their time together at Chelsea. Villa boss Dean Smith is also looking forward to him joining the squad.

Europe

Crazy day at Tuscan Grand Prix

Mugello has proven to be a thriller of a course even for the most experienced drivers; however, that didn’t stop Lewis Hamilton from claiming his 90th win in F1 racing. Despite a less than perfect Italian Grand Prix not too long ago, the world no.1 ensured that he made no mistakes this time around.

Hamilton’s teammate, Valeri Bottas, came in second. It was also the first time a Taiwanese driver made the podium as Alexander Albon placed third.

Ferrari continued their disappointing season by placing fifth and 10th, with Charles Leclerc admitting they were “just slow”.

After two multi-car collisions and three interventions from safety cars, it was an exhausting day for all. The crashes resulted in 12 drivers receiving formal warnings, and only 12 completing the race.

South America

Messi crowned highest-paid footballer

Lionel Messi has made headlines again. Luckily, it hasn’t got anything to do with wanting to leave Barcelona. This Argentinian has made it to the Forbes list as the second footballer to reach billionaire status.

He’s beaten Cristiano Ronaldo in earnings this year as he tops the charts as the highest-paid player for the year. He’s pre-tax income totals US $126 million, coming from his $92m salary and $34m endorsements. 

Australia

Big surprises in Wallabies squad

New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has announced the Australian squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship. In a bit of a shocker, three Rugby World Cup players – Isi Naisarani, Jack Dempsey, and Tevita Kuridrani – weren’t selected as they’re reportedly out of form.

What’s taken many by surprise is the inclusion of 16 uncapped players in the extended 44-man squad. Will Harrison, Len Ikitau, and Pone Fa’amausili are among the new faces in the Wallabies jersey.

There’s still space for two more players, but internationally based Aussies will likely fill them. The squad has a couple of weeks to practice before the Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand.

New Zealand

New Zealand will host Bledisloe Cup Tests

After a lot of back and forth and pressure, New Zealand’s government has agreed to lessen the quarantine restrictions so the Australian rugby team can prepare for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Tests in NZ.

The dates have been set for October 11 at Wellington’s Sky Stadium and October 18 at Auckland’s Eden Park. As long as players return negative tests for COVID-19 on their third day in NZ, the Aussie squad can train together from their fourth day.