Soccer

There's A LOT of money in this photo ...

Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo traded the pitch for the pit on Thursday ... rolling over to the Monaco Grand Prix to hang with Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton had just wrapped up his opening practice session for the race -- he turned in the fastest practice time -- when he went back to the Team Mercedes-Benz garage to chat up CR7.

Of course, Ronaldo got the ultimate VIP treatment -- getting a full tour of the track and pit lane with his son by his side the entire time. CR7's girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, was also on hand in Monaco, just two days after slaying at the Cannes Film Festival.

It was interesting to see Hamilton -- considering he'd backed out of media obligations on Wednesday in the wake of the death of Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda.

FYI, Hamilton is the highest earning F1 driver of all time -- with a reported $489 MILLION in career race earnings!!

Ronaldo's got bank too -- he reportedly made more than $108 MILLION in 2018 ... and continues to chart as one of the most bankable celebrities on the planet.

Neymar had a HUGE choice this weekend ...

1) Show up to a massive European soccer awards ceremony to watch his Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Kylian Mbappe, be honored for being a STUD this season

Or, 2) ... BLOW IT ALL OFF AND HANG WITH RIHANNA!!!

Obviously, you saw what Neymar chose.

The 27-year-old had been expected to attend the prestigious Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionnels (UNFP) Football Awards Ceremony in Paris ... but RiRi called, so he was out!

Instead, Neymar turned up to the Boum Boum nightclub in Paris to help Rihanna celebrate the launch of her new luxury fashion brand.

Neymar posted a pic of the two hanging out with the caption ... "Queen and powerful woman 👑🤫 @badgalriri."

As for Mbappe ... he did okay (even without Neymar to support him) -- winning the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award ... along with the Young Player of the Year.

Careful, Neymar ... Mbappe is the new hotness.

And, if you're not careful, he might skip YOUR next award ceremony when Rihanna calls him!!

A soccer fan claims he was beaten within an inch of his life at a Chivas vs. America soccer game in Lodi, CA -- losing his eye and suffering brain damage in a brutal attack captured on video.

The fan is Hilario Cruz -- a huge fan of Club America, a pro team based in Mexico City.

Cruz says he brought his family to Lodi to watch past greats from Club America take on past greats from rival Chivas at the Grape Bowl back in June 2018.

The history between the two teams is well documented ... think Yankees vs. Red Sox on steroids.

Cruz -- dressed in his yellow Club America jersey -- claims his family was trying to safely enter the stadium but got rerouted by a security guard who inadvertently directed them into a group of Chivas fans.

In his suit, Cruz claims the fans were armed with metal pipes -- and began beating him mercilessly just because he supported Club America.

Cruz claims he suffered serious injuries in the attack including the complete loss of his left eye, brain damage, multiple skull fractures and permanent disfigurement.

We spoke with Cruz's attorney, Bill Daniels, who sent us video of the attack -- in which you can hear concerned bystanders shouting at the attackers to stop.

The violence expanded -- with Lodi police saying a full-scale brawl broke out with more than 100 people involved.

Now, Cruz is suing the promoters of the game and the City of Lodi for unspecified damages -- claiming organizers failed to provide adequate security ... especially since they promoted the game as a family-friendly event.

You can't punch spectators, Neymar ...

The 27-year-old soccer superstar has been banned for 3 games after socking a fan in the face minutes after his team lost in the French Cup final last month, the French Football Federation announced.

Neymar's Paris Saint-Germain club had just lost to Stade Rennes in a 6-5 penalty shootout -- and the team was forced to walk through the crowd to collect their 2nd place medals.

During the walk, Neymar claims a fan lurched at him and began shouting various insults -- so Neymar popped the guy in the face.

The fan claims he suffered a bloody nose and a split lip from the punch. Neymar later commented, "I was wrong but I don't have cockroach blood."

The saying essentially means he won't back down from people when they cross a line.

Now, the FFF says Neymar won't play in the next 3 games for PSG -- a suspension the team has described as "severe."

Good news, bad news for David Beckham ...

The bad news -- the soccer legend just got hit with a 6-month driving ban in London after being caught using his cell phone behind the wheel back in November.

The good news -- the 44-year-old turned the courtroom into a catwalk and strutted into court looking BEAUTIFUL.

Officials say the square-jawed superstar was chatting away on his celly while pushing a $130,000 Bentley in Central London on Nov. 21 -- and just like in Los Angeles, that's a big no-no across the pond these days.

During his appearance at Bromley Magistrates Court, Beckham -- wearing a sharp charcoal suit with a white shirt and black tie -- was ordered to pay a $1,100 fine and had his driving license suspended for 6 months.

Of course, Beckham has so much money, he can afford a driver to take him anywhere he wants to go for the next 6 months ... so, no biggie for Becks.

How did one of the world's best soccer players react to meeting the Fresh Prince of Bel Air???

HE LOST HIS FREAKIN' MIND!!!!

Neymar and Will Smith connected for the first time ever Wednesday ... and the Brazilian star's reaction to seeing the "Aladdin" actor was priceless.

The unsuspecting footballer was on the phone when Big Willy walked in ... and as soon as Smith got his attention -- Neymar dropped the call and went wild.

They shook hands ... Neymar couldn't believe it ... Smith was laughing ... and good times were had by all.

"One of the Best days of my life!!!" Neymar said.

Unclear why the two linked up -- but it appears it was for an event put on by Otro, a news app that promises fans a deep look into the life of soccer's biggest stars.

Camille Kostek is having a pretty great 2019 -- she's officially a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover girl now ... and she lost her mind when she found out!

The former New England Patriots cheerleader -- who's also dating Rob Gronkowski -- was informed about the cover by the editor, MJ Day ... and immediately began bawling!

It's actually a really cool, raw moment.

Kostek first started working with SI back in 2017 -- and she's always talked about how modeling for the mag was a career goal. Congrats on the cover!!!

There are three versions of the SI Swimsuit Edition cover -- the other two feature Tyra Banks and soccer superstar Alex Morgan.

SI has also said the 2019 edition will feature other major female athletes including UFC star Paige VanZant.

As for Kostek, she just wrapped up a big weekend in Vegas celebrating Gronk's retirement from the NFL ... where the two danced their faces off and smashed cake by a Vegas pool.

Sorry gearheads ... Cristiano Ronaldo is NOT the mystery man who snatched up the most expensive car in the world -- a $19 million Bugatti supercar, TMZ Sports has learned.

There are reports from all over the world that CR7 whipped out his checkbook to score the Bugatti La Voiture Noire -- aka "The Black Car" -- a one-of-a-kind beauty which was revealed to the world back in March at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

The car is a rocket ship on wheels -- with an 8.0-liter turbocharged W16 engine and a top speed of a ridiculous 260 MPH!!!!!!

During the Geneva Motor Show, Bugatti exec Stephan Winkelmann had announced the car had already been claimed by a wealthy buyer, but he didn't reveal the buyer's identity.

"There will never be another," Winkelmann said ... "I am pleased to tell you that it has sold for 16.7 million euro."

The price was reportedly determined in a secret auction -- where only Bugatti's top clients were allowed to participate.

Several reports strongly suggested Ronaldo placed the top bid -- but a spokesperson for the soccer superstar tells us bluntly, "The story isn't true. He has not bought it."

So, who is the mystery buyer? Unclear at this point ... but there's a small group of VERY rich car-obsessed moguls who are always on the hunt -- including Floyd Mayweather.

This is terrifying footage ...

A goalkeeper in a Bolivian soccer match was attacked by a fan who threw a firecracker from the stands during a match Sunday ... and the player was so frightened, he collapsed to the ground in fear.

The match took place at Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz -- where a team called The Strongest took on the Jorge Wilstermann squad.

During the very end of the match, someone ran down close to the pitch and threw a firecracker at Strongest goalkeeper Daniel Vaca ... who covered his face and immediately fell to the ground.

Several players and even the ref rushed over to check on him. It doesn't appear Vaca was injured in the attack though he was taken to a nearby hospital for further examination.

Cops quickly responded and hunted for the suspect. However, there are conflicting reports about if the suspect was arrested.

Officials ended up calling the game early -- and the good news for Vaca, his team ended up winning the match in a 2-1 victory.

Fresh off a date with Klay Thomspon ... actress Eiza Gonzalez was spotted out with Team USA soccer star Jermaine Jones.

Gonzalez -- who's starring in the upcoming "Godzilla vs. Kong" flick -- was spotted at an L.A. movie theater with Jones ... where they were watching "Avengers: Endgame."

We're told it wasn't a date ... Eiza and Jermaine -- who recently separated from his wife -- met that night and were with a group of friends they have in common.

As for Gonzalez, she has been killin' the game for years ... last week she was spotted on a romantic date with NBA star Klay Thompson -- while the Warriors star was in town to play the Clippers.

Before that, she's been connected to stars like Josh Duhamel, Cristiano Ronaldo, Calvin Harris and Liam Hemsworth.

Basically, Eiza likes hanging out with some of the most famous, good-looking dudes on the planet.

#Respect

Did you know ... German soccer superstar Mario Gotze is married to a ridiculously attractive German bikini model?

It's true. And fortunately for us, Ann-Kathrin Gotze put her talents on display during a bikini photo shoot in Ibiza this week.

The 29-year-old has been modeling for years -- and she even appeared on "Germany's Next Top Model" way back in 2012.

She's also modeled for everyone from GQ to FHM, and she's done some lingerie work for Lascana.

As for 26-year-old Mario -- the guy who famously scored the winning goal for Germany during the 2014 World Cup -- his career stalled after clinching the cup.

Now he plays for Borussia Dortmund where he's trying to prove he can still be a dominant force on the field ... and with 4 goals and 6 assists this season, it looks like he is on the right track.

Here's a photo of soccer legend Pele at the airport in France on Monday -- right after he was released from a Paris hospital where he spent the past 6 days battling a urinary tract infection.

The 78-year-old was pushed through Charles de Gaulle Airport while being accompanied by 4 people. We're guessing he's now on a flight back home to Brazil.

Pele was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday after appearing at an event in Paris with French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappe.

His reps insisted the UTI was nothing serious -- but clearly, doctors felt it was in his best interest to keep him hospitalized while he being treated for the infection.

"I want to thank you deeply for your positive thoughts and get-well wishes," Pele said in a statement to the Brazilian news media.

"Thanks to the great affection of the medical team at the American hospital of Paris, I am travelling home soon."

Just before he was released from the hospital, Pele was visited by Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar -- and they both smiled for a quick photo in his hospital room.

What's better than winning the World Cup?? NOTHING ... well, unless Paul Pogba is your teammate ... 'cause the French superstar hooked up his ENTIRE team with championship rings!!

PP and the French national team brought home the FIFA World Cup Trophy last summer ... and the 26-year-old midfielder says he wanted to thank his teammates with "a small gesture."

The rings -- made by Jason of Beverly Hills -- were designed to resemble NBA or NFL championship rings ... complete with the French National team logo and "World Champions" across the face.

The pieces are composed of 3 carats of white diamonds, rubies and sapphires ... and feature the trophy and an outline of France.

Pogba talked about the gesture with reporters on Wednesday ... saying "It's a small gesture after winning a World Cup with great players. I consider them my family. It's a small gift from me."

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to save you from BALD SHAME -- so he's opened up a new hair transplant clinic in Spain.

Seriously.

The international soccer superstar has launched Insparya in Madrid -- and Monday, the 34-year-old and his girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, faced the media to promote the place.

So, why???

Ronaldo says "image" is important to him and he wants to make sure other people have more control over the way they look.

When asked if he has ever had the procedure -- or ever would -- CR7 replied, "When I think it’s necessary [to have a transplant], of course I’ll do it."

In other words, Ronaldo claims his current hair is 100% his ... for now.

Oh, and Ronaldo says the clinic will also do eyebrow hair transplants too.

Ronaldo isn't the first athlete to get in the hair business -- ex-NFL star Brian Urlacher had a hair procedure done after his football career wrapped up.

Pamela Anderson's on-again, off-again relationship with soccer star Adil Rami is back ON again ... but her friends see red flags.

Sources close to Pam tell TMZ ... the "Baywatch" star and World Cup champ have been back together for several weeks, but friends wish she'd 86 the relationship for various reasons. The main one ... they say Adil has tried cutting Pam off from her friends and family.

What's more ... they fear his juvenile behavior -- partying and clubbing -- isn't for Pam anymore. Her friends are adamant ... it's never gonna work long term.

Pam's friends are clear ... they want her to move on. If and when she's ready ... find someone else. Nevertheless ... easier said than done.

You'll recall it was just last July when the central defender for French club Marseille met Pam's mom. A serious sign, for sure. But, things really heated up when Adil proposed marriage. Pam said no dice and the relationship went kaput.

Two members of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team are more than teammates -- they're engaged to be married!!

Defender Ali Krieger and goalie Ashlyn Harris just revealed they've not only been dating for the last 9 years, but Ashlyn actually proposed in September ... and Ali said, "Yes!"

It all went down in Clearwater Beach, Florida -- where Ashlyn busted out a pretty impressive rock.

The two are now planning to tie the knot at the end of 2019, according to People.com.

Ali and Ashlyn met on the USWNT in 2010 -- with Harris explaining, "We always sat next to each other on the bus and on flights, and we kind of just talked about our dreams and our hopes and what we wanted to do one day when we grew up. Because at the time, we were kids."

The couple wasn't exactly hiding their relationship, but they didn't flash it around either because they didn't want to be a distraction.

"We wanted to be professional and make sure that we showed up every day and did our job and it wasn’t just because we were together, it was because we love what we do, and we’re really good at what we do,” Krieger told People.

"We became more and more confident within and ourselves and then clearly within our relationship," Harris said ... adding, "Finally, after all these years, I just feel like I don’t have to hide anything or feel like I’m not living up to the community I’m in."