Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Not Ballon D’Or Nominees For First Time In Over 20 Years

Sep 5 2024

For the first time in over 20 years, neither Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi have been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy which crowns the best performing football player of the year.

To be exact the last time the Ballon d’Or nominee list did not feature the two football superstars, was way back in 2003 when Czech midfielder Pavel Nedvěd won it.

Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi no longer play in Europe, with the Portuguese representing Saudi club Al-Nassr and the Argentinian plying his trade with American side Inter Miami in the MLS.

It’s been just a year since Messi claimed his 8th Ballon d’Or, highlighting the significance of competing in Europe’s top leagues for these awards. Now, not only will he be unable to defend his title, but he also won’t even have the opportunity to do so.

As a new wave of football superstar emerges, the favourittes for this year’s Ballon d’Or are undoubtedly Spanish holding midfielder Rodri, tekky Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr and British global superstar Jude Bellingham.

#MaltaDaily

Maltese DJ Denzel Jo Armani Performs at Ibiza Boat Party

Sep 5 2024

This week, young Maltese DJ Denzel Jo Armani made waves (literally) on the island of Ibiza, performing as a special guest at the ‘After Sun Boat Party’ at Playa D’en Bossa. Bringing his unique Maltese flair to the White Isle, the talented 16-year-old has made his mark once again in the world’s clubbing capital.

Denzel Jo Armani first made his Ibiza debut in 2020, playing alongside his father at just 13 years old. Fast forward to 2024, he returns as a solo act, continuing to make his mark with his energetic sets.

The ‘After Sun Boat Party,’ famous for its breathtaking sea views and vibrant atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for Denzel’s distinctive sound. Waving the flag for Malta, he added a fresh, youthful energy to Ibiza’s legendary nightlife, contributing to the island’s ever-evolving dance music culture. His return to the White Isle signifies not just another gig, but a growing presence in the international DJ circuit.

#MaltaDaily

‘The Batman Part II’ Set For Release in 2026

Sep 5 2024

The much-anticipated sequel to The Batman is gaining momentum, with director Matt Reeves confirming that the script for The Batman Part II is nearing completion. In an interview with SFX Magazine, Reeves revealed, “We’re finishing up the script now,” adding that the film is on track to begin shooting next year. Although Warner Bros. recently pushed the release date from October 2025 to October 2, 2026, fans can breathe easy knowing production is set to start soon.

Reeves also confirmed that Colin Farrell’s Penguin will return in the sequel, building on the character’s upcoming HBO Max series The Penguin, which will serve as a direct lead-in to The Batman Part II. According to Reeves, the show will seamlessly “hand the baton back to Batman,” as Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight faces deeper levels of Gotham’s corruption.

While plot details remain under wraps, Reeves hinted at an “epic story” diving into unseen layers of corruption planted in the first film. He emphasized that The Batman will maintain its gritty, grounded tone, despite fan hopes for more supernatural villains. While Reeves ruled out fantastical characters like Gentleman Ghost, he hinted that future antagonists may “push to the edge” of the fantastical without fully crossing into it.

As anticipation builds for The Batman Part II, fans can look forward to The Penguin series debuting on September 19, which will help set the stage for Gotham’s next chapter.

#MaltaDaily

“The Man With 1000 Kids” Sues Netflix Over False Accusations

Sep 5 2024

Johnathan Meijer, a 43-year-old Dutch sperm donor and the subject of the Netflix documentary “The Man With 1000 Kids,” has announced plans to take legal action to have the show removed from the streaming platform. Meijer stated that he is going to court to protect donor children and their families from what he describes as “the media’s desire to turn this into a spectacle.”

Meijer denied claims made in the documentary that he fathered 3,000 children worldwide, insisting the actual number is 550. “Anything beyond that is speculation,” he added.

Last year, a Dutch court ordered Meijer to stop donating sperm or face financial penalties in a case brought by the child protection charity Stichting Donorkind, due to the high risk of incest. Under Dutch regulations, fertility clinics are limited to producing 25 children per donor, but Meijer bypassed these guidelines by donating to at least 11 different clinics across the Netherlands. He also donated to the Danish sperm bank Cryos, which distributes sperm to private clients and does not impose a limit on the number of children a donor can father.

The court also found that Meijer had misled people he contacted through his YouTube channel and other media about the actual number of children he had fathered.

While Meijer claimed he stopped donating in 2019, he said he made exceptions for families who had already used his sperm. “I provided these parents with something they couldn’t get from a clinic,” he said. “The government didn’t assist them either, as there has never been a campaign to portray sperm donors in a positive light.”

However, lawyers Gerard Spong and Peter Plasman believe Meijer’s lawsuit has “no chance of succeeding.” They argue that the documentary serves the public interest by informing potential parents about Meijer’s activities.

#MaltaDaily