The Upshot

You don’t make it to the top without getting a little weird. Just ask Cristiano Ronaldo. He scraps with teenagers, had an orgy with his taxi driver, and keeps a handwritten list of his silverware in his pocket. From fivesomes with teammates to getting throttled by Ryan Giggs, this is his story… Links from the episode: As a youngster: https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/SPORT-PREVIEW-young-cristiano.jpg?quality=80&strip=all&w=1500&h=1000&crop=1 Man United debut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73DuUGJWuzo Throws journo’s microphone in a lake: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mIgNSppc4zg Statue at madeira airport: https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/1424D/production/_95390528_ronaldobust.jpg Pat Butcher mural: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRiuR02MyRWY99xd4N7AG770iIyiQ-kjWCV1A&s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sure, Usain Bolt ran the 100m in 9.58 seconds. But has he ever been strapped to a teatray and hurled headfirst down Mont Blanc? (or an artificial slide in a concrete chinese business park) And he never shagged Hitler, murdered his rivals, or got high before races either… But I know some people who did… From Stasi spies to hot tub orgies, buckle into your bobsled for the wildest stories in Winter Olympic history… Download SAILY in your app store and use our code UPSHOT at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/upshot Links from the pod: Australian speed skater who was coming last before the final corner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUi4-H6hfw8 The actual Jamaican bobsled team: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1aWFW8bOpo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the show today: Todd Boehly’s Epstein meetings, Nick Kyrgios' Australian Open bender, and Lewis Hamilton’s finally gets with the girl in the year above Get Extra shot every week when you join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/upshottowers 4 months free of Nord vpn at: www.nordvpn.com/upshot Links from the pod: Boxer gets wig knocked off: https://x.com/DevinOffWestern/status/2017778496999985203  John McEnroe's annoying fan:https://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/1qtn87l/us_tennis_legend_left_australia_with_a_bang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Graeme faces death threats, confronts gun-wielding players and is duped into signing striker by a telephone prankster. After five glorious years in Glasgow, Graeme Souness has been hounded out of his homeland by a terrifying tea lady. But he’s about to step into the biggest job of all: Liverpool Football Club.  And that’s when everything goes pear shaped… Graeme faces death threats, confronts gun-wielding players and is duped into signing striker by a telephone prankster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vittorio Angelone, comedian and podcaster, shares sharp anecdotes about Graeme Souness. They explore his moody superstar image, explosive dressing-room fights, celebrity romances and wild European nights. The conversation also covers his shock move to Italy, fiery managerial years at Rangers and the infamous tea-jug showdown that helped drive him out of Scotland.

They say you have to be mad to be a goalkeeper. And nobody is more batshit crazy than Lutz Pfannenstiel, the German stopper who played for 25 clubs on 6 continents. He kidnapped penguins, threatened to knock out Take That and spent 101 days in a grisly Singapore slammer. From fighting off murderers to dying three times on the pitch, meet Lutz Pfannenstiel: you’re going to like him…  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a whirlwind of chaos, the podcast explores the tumultuous era of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. Expect tales of seething fans, a stark wardrobe malfunction of a naked supporter, and a shocking dressing-room meltdown. From awkward press conferences to disastrous early results, the atmosphere is nothing short of toxic. The discussion covers heartbreaking moments, from the humiliating cup exit to a crushing 15th place finish. As Amorim grapples with off-field turmoil and bizarre media interactions, the saga of the worst team in club history unfolds.

The hosts share a humorous encounter with Thomas Tuchel in Notting Hill, leading to a lively debate about manager nightlife. They discuss the surprising dismissal of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United and the chaos surrounding interim coaching roles. In sports coverage, they poke fun at Brendan McCullum doing crosswords during the Ashes, and highlight bizarre AFCON moments, including meddling presidents and enthusiastic fans. The banter continues with Jack Grealish's festive escapades and a hilarious take on Michael Owen's Christmas dinner rankings.

Moses Duckrell, a content creator and former professional footballer, shares wild tales from his time in African football. He dishes on Edgar Davids' eccentric training habits, and a scandal involving Jordan Ayew's alleged affair that leaked through a voice note. Listeners will also hear about the bizarre 1974 World Cup antics of Zaire and the unexpected challenges faced by players, including a flight diversion drama. Moses's insights on iconic moments make this a must-listen for sports fans!

Ruth Husko, a comedian and darts enthusiast, joins the conversation to dissect the meteoric rise of Luke Littler, darts' young sensation. They explore Luke's talent emerging as a toddler, his early competitions in pubs, and the pivotal decision to focus on darts over football. The podcast dives into his infamous 2023 World Championship run, the impact of social media and Xbox culture on his fame, and how he manages his newfound celebrity status. With hilarious anecdotes, including his splurges on kebabs and vapes, Husko adds color to Littler's unique journey.