Soccer

German soccer superstar Jerome Boateng is on a mission to be the most iced out player in the game ... going on a $350k watch and chain jewelry spree!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the 30-year-old Bayern Munich defender wanted to treat himself with some shiny new gifts ... hitting up Gabriel the Jeweler for the job.

We're told Boateng copped an Audemars Piguet watch with a custom VVS diamond bezel decked out with 30 carat stones ... and a 1 kilo Cuban link choker with 120 carat VVS diamonds.

FYI -- Gabriel is the go-to guy for guys who play the other football as well -- like Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham and Amari Cooper.

USA soccer star Alex Morgan is upset that people are upset with her for daring to be brash after her team defeated England in the World Cup and she pretended to sip a cup of tea.

Morgan just said, "I feel that there is some sort of double standard for females in sports," adding, "to feel like we have to be humble in our successes and have to celebrate, but not too much or in a limited fashion. You see men celebrating all over the world in big tournaments, grabbing their sacks or whatever it is. And when I look at sipping a cup of tea, I am a little taken aback by the criticism." 

Alex went on to say her gesture was in-part an homage to "Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner, who famously offers opinions on Instagram stories and ends with the phrase, "And that's the tea" as she sips from a cup.

The women's team -- which can we say is awesome -- is famous for their play and their after-play, notably Megan Rapinoe's comments that she's not at all interested in trekking to The White House to visit Donald Trump. 

Team USA superstar Megan Rapinoe has 3 words for the people criticizing Alex Morgan's "tea cup" celebration during the World Cup ...

"Wah, wah, wah!"

Morgan stuck her pinky out and pretended to sip some tea after scoring the winning goal in the semifinal against England on Tuesday ... and some people considered it "distasteful."

Rapinoe -- who had her own iconic celebration after scoring against France in the quarterfinals -- is calling B.S. on the criticism ... saying, "we're at the World Cup. what do you expect us to do?"

"This is the biggest stage, the biggest moment. I don't think anyone truly believes that we disrespect the game or disrespect our opponents," the co-captain said.

"We work hard, we like to play hard and we like to have fun and enjoy ourselves and these are the absolute biggest moments to do that."

"We have the utmost respect for England and every team that we faced and every team that we will face forever and ever. That's just part of the DNA of the squad."

Rapinoe's been outspoken throughout the World Cup -- getting President Trump's attention after saying "I'm not going to the f*cking White House" ... with POTUS saying she should focus on winning.

Hundreds of fans SWARMED the streets of New York on Tuesday to catch a glimpse of soccer superstar Paul Pogba ... nearly trapping his car in the process -- and the video is insane!!!

The 26-year-old Manchester United superstar was in town to do an autograph signing at the Adidas store ... where he posed for pics and chopped it up with fans all afternoon. They loved it!

But, when it was time to leave ... man ... things got WILD in the streets! 

Tons of fans came out from everywhere with their cell phones up in a crazed effort to get a shot of the French superstar ... ya gotta watch the video. 

At one point, it looked like a scene from "The Walking Dead" and it seemed Pogba's SUV was blocked in from the fans -- but the driver somehow found an opening and hit the gas. 

Pogba is reportedly in the middle of some drama with Man U -- he wants to leave for Real Madrid ... and there's some serious friction with Paul and his Man U bosses. 

They're especially pissed (according to reports) that Pogba's still hanging out in the U.S. while training is going down back in the UK. 

Paul doesn't seem to care though ... looks like he's having more fun here. 

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is taking a break from her jam-packed schedule ... to root on the U.S. Women's Soccer team in their HUGE game against England.

Sources close to AOC tell TMZ ... she plans to get in front of a TV at 3 PM ET as the USWNT takes the pitch in the World Cup semifinals.

Obviously, the NY Representative will be cheering for a big victory, and we're told AOC's also following through on her recent invite to Megan Rapinoe and her fellow soccer stars to visit the House of Representatives when the World Cup's over ... win or lose.

Our sources say her team's contacting reps for USWNT today to set it up, officially. We're told the invitation includes a trip to the nation's capital to meet with AOC and House leadership.

The team will also get a full tour of the Capitol Building, including the House Chamber, and get a rundown on the history of the landmark.

As we reported, Rapinoe made it VERY clear she will not visit Donald Trump at the White House if the U.S. wins. The president responded by saying "Megan should WIN first before she TALKS!" ... adding that she "should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team."

Trump did extend an invite to the team, though ... also win or lose. It has yet to be accepted.

Of course, Rapinoe responded to the criticism by scoring TWO goals in the quarterfinal game against France, and AOC tweeted out a House invite to Megan and the team afterward.

Team USA soccer star Megan Rapinoe is dating WNBA superstar Sue Bird ... and Sue just ripped President Donald Trump a new one for the way he went after Rapinoe online. 

"So the President f*cking hates my girlfriend," Sue screamed in a headline she penned for The Players' Tribune.  

The article essentially gives people a window into their lives in the days after Trump went on Twitter and scolded Rapinoe about focusing on winning before criticizing him. 

Remember, the whole thing started when Rapinoe said she would never go to the "f*cking White House" to celebrate with Trump if Team USA wins the World Cup. 

Trump fired back on Twitter ... saying, "Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!"

He added, "Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team."

Enter Bird ... who admitted she "[freaked] out a little]" when she saw Trump's tweet -- describing the whole exchange as "WEIRD." She compares Trump's actions to a "full adolescent boy."

"I mean, some of it is kind of funny," Bird wrote ... "but like in a REALLY? REALLY? THIS GUY??? kind of way."

"Like, dude -- there’s nothing better demanding your attention?? It would be ridiculous to the point of laughter, if it wasn’t so gross. (And if his legislations and policies weren’t ruining the lives of so many innocent people.)."

"And then what’s legitimately scary, I guess, is like ... how it’s not just his tweets. Because now suddenly you’ve got all these MAGA peeps getting hostile in your mentions. And you’ve got all these crazy blogs writing terrible things about this person you care so much about. And now they’re doing takedowns of Megan on Fox News, and who knows whatever else. It’s like an out-of-body experience, really -- that’s how I’d describe it. That’s how it was for me."

Of course, Rapinoe seemed unfazed by the situation when she took the field to play France on Friday -- scoring 2 GOALS in a fantastic performance. 

"She shrugged off the Rude Man on Twitter and managed to play ... I'd say pretty well," Bird said. 

Rapinoe and Team USA are set to take on England at 12 PM PT on Tuesday -- and Bird says Megan is CONVINCED they're not just gonna win that game, but take home the Cup and celebrate back in the USA. 

Big statement from Megan Rapinoe ... who just let her FEET do the talking after criticism from Donald Trump -- scoring a goal in the first 5 minutes of Team USA's big game against France. 

Remember, Trump told Rapinoe to focus on winning rather than criticizing the President -- after Rapinoe was quoted saying she would not go to the "f*cking White House" if Team USA wins the World Cup. 

Fast Forward to Friday's game against France ... where Rapinoe hit a brilliant goal during a free kick from outside the box (and deep in traffic) to take a 1-0 lead over France. 

Rapinoe has scored the last 3 goals for the U.S. in the World Cup tournament. She has 48 goals in international play. 

#Beast!

Story developing ...

So ... who picks up the check?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Jordan -- two of the wealthiest athletes in the history of the planet -- doubled up for a night out in the French Riviera ... because this is what extremely rich people do.

Ronaldo has been yachting it up with his longtime girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, and their kids -- but clearly, they got a babysitter and found some time for a night out with MJ and his wife.

Unclear where they went ... but with Ronaldo reportedly worth somewhere in the ballpark of a billion dollars ... and Jordan reportedly ALREADY in the tres commas club -- they can afford to eat anywhere they want!

Remember, Ronaldo has been sailing around on a $200,000-per-week yacht -- that comes with its own gym space and MOVIE THEATER!

Over the years, Jordan has been spotted floating around on expensive boats.

Team USA soccer star Megan Rapinoe is getting major support in the locker room after going after President Trump ... with her coach, Jill Ellis, saying the entire team has Megan's back. 

Of course, Trump tweeted about Rapinoe on Wednesday ... lashing back at Megan after the co-captain said there's no way she would go to the "f*cking White House" if USA wins the World Cup. 

Trump told Rapinoe he'd extend an invite anyway -- and advised her to focus on winning before trashing him in public. 

Rapinoe and Ellis addressed the media on Thursday ... where Rapinoe dug in on her anti-Trump stand -- saying, "I stand by the comments that I made about not wanting to go to the White House, with the exception of the expletive"

"My mom will be very upset about that."

When asked if Rapinoe's comments have been a distraction to the team, Ellis shot that down -- and said, "We all support Megan, she knows that."

Ellis added, "We know we have each other's backs in there. I think for our players, there is only one purpose, one mission that we're here. Comments, media, whatever, it's always been something that I think we can block out pretty easily."

Rapinoe's teammate, Ali Krieger, backed up Megan on social media -- saying she'll "sit this one out as well. I don’t support this administration nor their fight against LGBTQ+ citizens, immigrants & our most vulnerable."

Presidential candidate Julian Castro says he knows a bunch of U.S. pro athletes HATE going to The White House now that Donald Trump's in charge ... and says he plans on changing that, if he gets elected. 

Fresh off his widely-praised performance at the Democratic debates, Castro told he didn't sleep last night ... and was still replying to all the texts he got!

But, when we started talking sports -- in the wake of Trump's new beef with Team USA soccer star Megan Rapinoe -- Castro mustered up the energy to take another shot at POTUS. 

"I'm very confident that whomever the next President ... and I hope to be the next president ... you're gonna see a lot more sports teams eager to go to The White House unlike we've seen in the last couple of years," Castro said. 

Of course, Rapinoe recently said she's "not going to the f*cking White House" if Team USA wins the World Cup ... following the lead of the Golden State Warriors, who also boycotted Trump. 

Several members of the Boston Red Sox also declined The White House's invite after winning the World Series. 

Castro says he remembers back when he was with the Obama administration, NBA teams and players LOVED visiting The White House ... and he wants to bring that spirit back. 

Donald Trump is firing back U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe -- saying bluntly, she should "WIN first before she TALKS!"

As we previously reported, the team USA cocaptain went scorched Earth on Trump during an interview earlier this month ... saying, "I'm not going to the f*cking White House" if the U.S. wins the World Cup.

Trump obviously saw the comments ... and is responding:

"Women’s soccer player [Megan Rapinoe] just stated that she is 'not going to the F...ing White House if we win,'" Trump said.

"I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose."

"Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!"

Trump also weighed in on the story TMZ Sports broke ... that several NBA teams and the NBA league office are moving away from the term "owner" because some players feel it's racially insensitive.

"Other than the NBA, which now refuses to call owners, owners (please explain that I just got Criminal Justice Reform passed, Black unemployment is at the lowest level in our Country’s history, and the poverty index is also best number EVER), leagues and teams love coming to the White House."

As for Rapinoe and Team USA -- they're scheduled to play Team France in the Round of 8 on Friday ... so they're getting pretty close.

Megan says she doesn't believe ANY of her teammates would accept an invitation to The White House if they win the whole thing.

Team USA soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe is making it crystal clear ... if the U.S. wins the World Cup, there's NO WAY IN HELL she's visiting Donald Trump at The White House.

"I'm not going to the f*cking White House," the 33-year-old co-captain told Eight By Eight Magazine ... "We're not going to be invited."

She's probably right about the second part ... Megan -- and other teammates have been very outspoken when it comes to their disapproval of President Trump and Rapinoe is confident Trump knows it.

"[Trump] tries to avoid inviting a team that might decline. Or, like he did when the Warriors turned him down, he’ll claim they hadn’t been invited in the first place"

When asked if she was speaking for the whole team, Rapinoe replied ... "I don’t know everyone’s voting patterns on our team, but I would hope no one voted for him."

Rapinoe has been VERY political in the past -- she was the first white pro athlete in America to take a knee during the National Anthem ... following Colin Kaepernick's lead.

She no longer takes a knee, but Megan doesn't put her hand over her heart or sing along with the lyrics anymore.

Trump was asked if Rapinoe's form of protest was appropriate on Monday -- and he told The Hill, "No. I don't think so."

Not that Rapinoe cares anyway ...

As for Team USA, they're on a tear right now ... they just beat Spain in the Round of 16 and are set to battle with France on Friday.

Here's some math for you ...

Lingerie model + thong bikini + ripped soccer star + makeout session + Greece = ONE HELLUVA TUESDAY!

Yes, smokin' hot Brazilian model Izabel Goulart and her Team Germany soccer star fiance, Kevin Trapp, are heating things up in Mykonos ... smothering each other by the pool.

The two have been dating for years -- but got engaged in 2018 ... and clearly, the sparks are still flying!

34-year-old Goulart is a former Victoria's Secret Angel who's also made the pages of Sports Illustrated, FHM, GQ, Glamour ... you get the point.

28-year-old Trapp is a pretty solid goalkeeper who's under contract with Paris Saint-Germain ... though he's currently on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany's famous Bundesliga league.

But, he's clearly got some downtime ... so why not take your insanely hot fiancee on a beach vacation to Greece, right?

There was kissing ... and back rubs ... and kissing ... and sunbathing ... and more kissing.

Cristiano Ronaldo is so rich, he's vacationing on a massive yacht that costs more than $200,000 per week to rent ... and it won't even make a DENT in his bank account!!!

The soccer superstar is currently sailing with his family in the French Riviera on a boat called "Africa I" -- a 155-foot yacht with 6 cabins, dining room, wet bar, hot tub, gym area ... and a MOVIE THEATER!!!

CR7 is on the ship with his girlfriend and kids -- relaxing after leading Juventus to another Serie A championship. He posted from the yacht a few days ago showing off his insane abs.

Money ain't an issue for 34-year-old Ronaldo -- the guy just clocked in at #2 on the Forbes list of highest paid athletes of 2019 ... with an estimated $109 MILLION in earnings over the past year.

Ronaldo reportedly made $65 mil in salary from his soccer contract and another $44 mil in endorsement cash.

A pretty significant development in the Cristiano Ronaldo alleged rape lawsuit -- TMZ Sports has learned the soccer star has been served with the court papers and the battle is now underway.

Remember, the accuser Kathryn Mayorga recently withdrew her lawsuit from state court in Nevada to focus on the lawsuit in federal court, mostly because state court laws were making it hard for her legal team to serve Ronaldo with the court docs.

And, just days after making the move, Mayorga's team had success serving CR7 -- which means the case can now move forward.

In fact, Ronaldo's legal team has already responded to the lawsuit with court docs of their own in which they ask the judge for permission to file a new 46-page document which will presumably lay out their argument for the court to throw out the case.

As we previously reported, Mayorga claims Ronaldo raped her in a Las Vegas hotel room back in 2009 after partying together at a nightclub.

She had initially filed a police report describing the alleged crime -- but didn't identify Ronaldo by name.

In her original lawsuit, Mayorga says she later accepted a $375,000 payment in exchange for her silence -- but now, she wants that agreement voided.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Dept. reopened the case -- but so far, no charges have been brought against the soccer star.

Ronaldo has previously denied the allegations -- saying back in 2018, "Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in."

U.S. soccer legend Cobi Jones LOVES the fact the U.S. Women's National Team racked up 13 goals against Thailand ... and says the criticism they're getting is a bunch of crap.

The U.S. women have been under fire from people who accused the team of bad sportsmanship for running up the score and celebrating every single goal.

So, when we saw Cobi -- one of the most famous U.S. soccer players of all time -- we asked if he thought the team took things too far.

"I don't think it's bad sportsmanship," Jones told TMZ Sports in L.A. ... "I don't think any of the celebrations were directed toward the other team. [They weren't] running over to their bench or getting in the face of the other players. It was all internal meant for them and their group."

Jones says the downside to such a dominant performance is there will be a bunch of new HATERS who want to see the U.S. lose ... because "We tend to root against the winners."

Still, Cobi says he wants to see Alex Morgan and company keep their feet on the gas ... saying, "Keep scoring goals! Celebrate! It's the World Cup!"

Team USA takes on Chile on Sunday ... where the Americans are currently favored by 4.5 goals.