Every now and then, a footballer comes along who clearly sees the world a little differently from most. Sometimes this helps produce a true great, as seen with iconic stars of the past like Diego Maradona or Paul Gascoigne.

Those two mavericks were brilliant on the pitch but also made plenty of headlines away from the sport with their idiosyncratic personalities. Although he has had a respectable career, picking up 13 England caps, Andros Townsend can’t quite claim to be on that level.

However, when it comes to standing out with a unique take on life, he’s beginning to carve out quite the reputation for himself. From staring into the sun to making his own toothpaste, he’s why he has many bizarre habits.

Why Andros Townsend Stares at the Sun

Townsend has gone viral for a number of different social media posts of late, and one of his most eye-catching clips saw him share footage of his two children staring into the sun. In a post called ‘our daily non-negotiables,’ the former Tottenham and Crystal Palace star explained why:

Following the August solar Eclipse, he then posted a follow-up calling out those who had labelled him ‘weird’ for his sun obsession. He said: “We’ll stop what we’re doing, plan our day around it and put special glasses on to watch the sun disappear for a few minutes because it’s rare.

“Yet that same sun rises every single morning and sets every single evening, painting the sky differently every time and, with sensible exposure, can offer real health benefits… and most people barely look up. Why does something have to be rare before we truly appreciate it?”

Andros Townsend’s Homemade Toothpaste Explained

Now 35, Townsend is still playing football but has been on an interesting career path since leaving England in 2024 after Luton Town were relegated from the Premier League. He signed for Turkish club Antalyaspor shortly afterwards but ended up in Thailand one year later, joining newly-promoted club Kanchanaburi Power. Just 12 months on, he moved to Thai League 1 rivals PT Prachuap.

Amid all that, his unique rituals have only flourished further. One recent development has been his refusal to buy store-brand toothpaste, instead opting to make his own. Once again, the former England star came equipped with an explanation on social media:

“Around 18 months ago, I was in constant pain with my wisdom teeth and was told they needed to come out. But wisdom teeth contain dental pulp, which can be a source of stem cells that are being studied for their potential in regenerative medicine, so I wanted to explore every option before having mine removed. That sent me down a rabbit hole of researching oral health and what we’re unknowingly putting in our mouths every single day.”

Townsend Also Has Unique Eating Habits

Townsend has long made headlines over his eating habits as well. Back in 2023, he claimed that eating ‘steamed chicken feet for dinner every night’ has helped him stay in shape. He explained:

He’s also a staunch believer in eating as many eggs as possible, as they ‘provide high-quality protein, all 9 essential amino acids, choline, vitamin B12, selenium, and vitamins A, D and E.’ An example of one past meal included six hard-boiled eggs, six cans of sardines and a steak with a bone broth.

Former Newcastle United winger Townsend has even shared videos of his family eating boiled eggs on public transport, sparking outrage due to the pungent smell the food is known to emit. In response to that criticism, he claimed there are double standards of food etiquette, asking why other foods, like cheese and onion crisps, and heavy perfumes are accepted in public spaces like airports, so why not eggs?

He also turned heads when he shared footage of himself at the 2026 World Cup eating raw beef while covering the tournament for ITV as a commentator. He once again defended his food choice, noting: “Take that same piece of beef, slice it paper-thin, add olive oil, Parmesan and rocket, serve it in an expensive restaurant, and suddenly it’s sophisticated. At least I know exactly where my steak came from. Grass-fed. Grass-finished. No antibiotics. Can you say the same about the steak being served in every restaurant?”

Townsend certainly has strong beliefs when it comes to looking after his body. It’s fair to say, though, his tastes won’t be everybody’s cup of tea (or bone broth).

Saturday night’s UFC 330 card in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania sees the return to action of welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev, as he makes the first defence of his 170lb title against Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry.

It’s only one of the biggest title fights of the year and the exact UK start time has now been confirmed.

Widely considered to be the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport today, Makhachev is unbeaten in his last 16 fights. If he is successful in defeating Garry tonight, the 34-year-old will make UFC history by surpassing Anderson Silva for the most consecutive wins in promotional history.

Islam Makhachev Could Become the GOAT at UFC 330

Makhachev will also be looking to enhance his claim to be considered the UFC GOAT. Company CEO Dana White admitted earlier this week that Islam has already exceeded the accomplishments of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, himself considered a UFC icon.

During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, White reasoned that it is only the one defeat Makhachev has on his record that prevents him from already being the best to ever set foot in the Octagon.

“Me and my friends were just talking about it,” said White. If he doesn’t have that one loss, you could probably consider him the GOAT right now. He’s obviously accomplished more than Khabib because he’s fought longer.”

A strong showing against Garry could help Islam cement GOAT status, but the Irishman will be determined to spring a major upset at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

While he can’t boast anywhere close to the same winning streak as Makhachev, the number two-ranked welterweight in the world is a creditable 10-1 inside the UFC Octagon. His sole loss came at the hands of Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024.

In addition to the welterweight title, Garry is also chasing his own piece of history as he seeks to go level with Conor McGregor for the most wins by an Irish fighter in UFC history.

McGregor weighed-in on the UFC 330 main event earlier this week, sending advice to his fellow Irishman on how to score the victory, although it would be a massive surprise if it were to happen. Here’s how to make sure you can catch all the action live.

Exact UK Start Time For Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry

Screenshot: UFC Instagram

UFC 330 will be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK. Makhachev and Garry are scheduled to begin their respective walks to the Octagon at 5am UK time, meaning that the fight itself is likely to get underway at 5:10am.

The UFC 330 main card begins at 2am and the headline attraction could be moved forward slightly if the undercard fights end early, namely Mackenzie Dern’s women’s strawweight title defense against Gillian Robertson in the co-main event.

Makhachev has already warned his fans that he is entering the final stages of his career. Speaking at a press conference earlier this week he explained:

“I understand I’m not 28 years old; I’m 34 right now. And I don’t have much time. “Sometimes, it’s not going like you want in the UFC. You want to fight after three or four months, but it’s not according to your wish.”

Whether you are setting an early alarm or staying up through the night, don’t miss the chance to watch one of the greatest fighters in UFC history live while he’s still competing.

The sporting world is in mourning this week following the tragic death of young British cyclist Finlay Tarling. Football legend Andres Iniesta has been among those to pay tribute to the 19-year-old.

The Welsh cyclist was killed after an accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal. He was competing for the NSN Development Team when the incident occurred on the 166.8km route from Melgaco to Fafe.

In a statement provided to local media, via BBC Sport, Major Tiago Machado of the National Republican Guard explained that there had been “a collision between the cyclist and a light goods vehicle.” He added that an investigation was under way.

Finlay Tarling Tragically Killed While Racing in Portugal

Confirming the awful news, NSN said: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today. “Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Fin’s parents Michael and Dawn, his brother Josh, and everyone who was lucky enough to call Fin a friend.”

Tarling was the younger brother of Netcompany-Ineos rider Josh, and had raced for Great Britain on the road and track. He looked set to follow in the footsteps of his older sibling, as a time trial specialist.

Having finished third in the under-23 men’s individual time trial at the British Championships in June, he’d also competed in the Tour of Britain just under 12 months ago. When the fatal accident occurred, Tarling was taking part in Volta a Portugal, which is raced over 10 stages and finishes on 16 August.

The race organisers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation have since expressed their “most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his team-mates, to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones”. They also confirmed that the racing was stopped and the scheduled podium ceremony would not take place as a sign of “respect and mourning”.

Portuguese president Antonio Jose Seguro added that Tarling’s death had “plunged the peloton, the tournament and the host nation into mourning.”

Andres Iniesta’s Connection to Tarling

Adding to the tributes, Iniesta took to social media to share an emotional response. The World Cup-winning Spanish footballer has a direct link to Tarling as he co-owns the new NSN Cycling team, with the 19-year-old a part of their development squad.

Speaking in December 2025 after taking over, Iniesta had explained his excitement for the NSN project. He said, “This new step is meaningful on many levels. It’s not only about sport – it’s about everything that surrounds sport: the values, the excitement, the community. I’m very motivated, very excited, and eager to share this new chapter.”

Sadly, Iniesta has now had to react to the tragic passing of one of the cycling team’s talented youth development squad members. Iniesta wrote:

British Cycling’s performance director Stephen Park also paid tribute: “All of us at British Cycling are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal.

“Fin was a talented rider with a fantastic future ahead of him, a loyal teammate and an all-round brilliant young man. Our deepest sympathies are with his parents and brother, Josh at this tragic time.”