Free bets are available across UK betting sites for new and existing customers, though value varies widely depending on odds, expiry and restrictions.
At The Independent, our experts have done the hard work to find the best free bet offers through our impartial, detailed analysis, with the aim of providing users with relevant information on the best betting sign up offers that include free bets.
Our evaluations focus on the accessibility, flexibility, fairness, key terms and conditions and availability, ensuring our recommendations are reliable offer low minimum stakes, plenty of options for using free bets and clear T&Cs.
Every site that we recommend is licensed and regulated by the UKGC too, ensuring that users can rest assured that they are using a trusted site when claiming free bet offers.
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Free bets can be claimed from betting sites by new and existing customers, allowing bettors to bet without risking their own money.
Terms and conditions are attached to free bets and betting offers. Usually, bettors must deposit or stake a qualifying amount to claim a free bet, which can be used on selected sports and events.
Wagering requirements can be attached to free bet offers, which means winnings must be played through a set number of times before you can withdraw funds as cash, but this is more common on casino sites.
Types of free bets
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Bet & Get: The most common betting sign-up offer, bet a minimum amount, meet the T&Cs and receive a free bet bonus.
Moneyback specials: Typically an ongoing free bet promo, whereby punters get their money back as a free bet if there’s an underwhelming outcome such as a 0-0 draw.
Free bet clubs: Loyalty reward schemes aimed at those who bet regularly with one bookmaker in particular.
Enhanced odds with free bet winnings: A bookmaker offers a wildly inflated price on a popular market, such as 40/1 on Man City to win, with winnings paid out as free bets.
No deposit free bets: These are rare, but can be obtained via free-to-play prediction games on several online bookmakers.
Free bets are straightforward to use for customers, although the way they can be deployed may differ depending on your chosen bookmaker.
Usually, betting sites will have a box or toggle on your bet slip that users can tick or move to confirm free bets on their bet.
An important note. If your bet wins, you only keep the profit, the free bet stake itself isn’t returned.
Bookmakers may require you to use free bets in precise portions, such as £5 or £10, while others will allow you to bet with amounts of your choosing until you’ve used up your balance.
Betting Site
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Offer Type
Min. Bet
Free Bet Value
Best For
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Ladbrokes
Bet & Get
£5
£30
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Low-stake sign up value
Betano
Bet & Get
£10
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£50
Football free bets
Tote
Bet & Get
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£10
£30
Horse racing free bets
Bet365
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Moneyback Special
£10
£10
Ongoing money-back as free bet offers
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Virgin Bet
Free Bet Club
£20
£5 weekly
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Ongoing rewards for regular bettors
Here are the standout betting offers on the market for users broken down into strength of category.
Ladbrokes – Best low-stake free bet offer
The Ladbrokes sign up offer provides the best value betting sign up offer for new customers, with users able to unlock £30 in free bets from just a £5 stake.
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Users only need to place a qualifying wager on a sport with 1/2 odds, which is one of the lowest thresholds for welcome offers online, with the added freedom of being able to be on any sport.
There’s plenty of flexibility where to place your qualifying bet on both sports and bet types. There’s also 14 days to secure this betting offer after signing up.
Ladbrokes have a vast sportsbook to use free bets (iStock/The Independent)
Once your qualifying bet has settled, Ladbrokes pay out £30 in free bets in 6 x £5 installments within 24 hours.
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Users will also find flexibility regarding these free bets with 4 x £5 free bets available to use on any sport, with a further 2 x £5 free bets are reserved for football bet builders.
We rate it as the best £5 deposit betting site on the market, with a return 600% return on your deposit and bet. For first-time bettors there are few betting sign up offers online that can match this value.
Betano – Best football free bets
Betano is the best option for punters looking for free bets at leading football betting sites, with the Betano sign up offer providing £50 in free bets with an initial wager of just £10 (an excellent return for a low entry stake).
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The offer includes a straightforward qualifying bet with minimum odds of evens and no accumulator required, while the 30-day expiry on free bets gives users flexibility, with plenty of time to use bonuses.
Newcomers can get £50 in free bets after an initial £10 bet (iStock/The Independent)
This new betting site provides great variety on its football markets – from match odds and BTTS to goalscorers, correct scores and much more – and users will also find regular offers and promotions once signed up to the site.
Tote – Best for horse racing free bets
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The Tote sign up offer is an excellent choice for horse racing fans, with a £10 bet returning £30 in racing value – a strong 3x reward for such a low qualifying stake.
The offer provides £20 in Tote Credit for horse racing – which is ideal for pools, exotics, and Tote-only markets – as well as £10 in free bets to use on the sportsbook, offering plenty of flexibility for new customers.
The Tote website performs equally well on mobile and desktop (iStock/The Independent)
The qualifying bet simply need to be a £10 wager on any sport (with some exclusions, though win, place, or pool bets all count) at odds of evens or greater, and winnings are fully withdrawable, with Tote Credit profits available to be cashed out, keeping risk low.
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Tote also guarantee boosts payouts paid at SP or better, adding an extra upside for horse racing bettors and making Tote the best choice among horse racing betting sites.
Bet365 – Best for moneyback as a free bet
Bet365 have recently launched its moneyback specials across a number of sports, including football and horse racing, as well as a range of major events.
Customers can wager up to £10 and will receive their stake back in free bets back if their bet fails. The system is simple for claiming the betting offer, with users ticking the ‘Money Back As Free Bets’ box on their bet slip to qualify.
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Free bets are usually credited within a matter of hours, but it can take up to 24 hours. Free bet credits can be used anywhere on one of the best betting sites in the business with no limit on where and how your credits can be spent.
Bet365 customers can get up to £10 back as a free bet on losing racing and football bets (iStock/The Independent)
Bet365 moneyback specials are most common on football, and notably the Premier League where the highlight games of the week are covered with a moneyback special notably on Saturday and Sunday evenings, although Champions League and Europa League midweek games have also featured this betting offer.
The nuts and bolts of the requirements are as follows. Customers must place a qualifying bet builder on the eligible game or event, with bet builders needing only evens (2.0) or higher odds.
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Bet365 also attaches its Sub Play On feature on football bet builders in conjunction with the moneyback special, which keeps bets alive even if a player is subbed.
Virgin Bet – Best free bet club
Existing customers can use the weekly Virgin Bet rewards club to claim £5 in free bets for placing qualifying accas.
Users only need to opt-in on the promotion before placing four £5 accas with odds of 2/1 or greater between Monday to Sunday, making these qualifying stakes smaller than most rival free bet clubs.
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Virgin Bet have an extremely low minimum odds requirement to use your free bet at 1/100.
Claim £5 in free bets for placing qualifying accas on Virgin Bet (iStock/The Independent)
You’re spoiled for choice, and better yet, there are no restrictions where you can use your bonus.
In addition, the seven-day expiry gives plenty of time to use the bonus, meaning the free bet club offers huge flexibility.
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After the qualifying bets have settled, Virgin Bet pays out the £5 free acca bet into your account and to activate the free bet offer, simply use the toggle on your bet slip to use up the credits.
Here are the latest betting sign up offers and free bets available for today’s major sporting events.
Bet365: Moneyback Special Champions League
Bet365 are offering a moneyback special where customers can claim £10 in free bets for losing Champions League bet builders on Tuesday.
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Customers need only place a bet builder on any Champions League game on Tuesday starting at 8pm GMT with odds of evens or greater and using the ‘Money Back as Free Bets’ box on their bet slip to qualify for the free bet offer.
If your bet loses, you’ll receive your stake back up to £10 in free bets to use on the sportsbook. Free bets are active for seven days and are credited with 24 hours.
NetBet: Champions League Free Bet Builder
NetBet are running a free bet offer for customers that place a qualifying Champions League bet builder this week.
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To qualify, customers must create their own Champions League bet builder worth £10 on any game this week with odds of 3/1 or greater and three or more selections before kick-off.
Once your qualifying wager has been confirmed, you’ll receive a £5 free bet to use on the sportsbook. Free bets are active for seven days before expiry.
Unibet: NBA Bet Builder Refund
Unibet are offering customers that place bet builders on the NBA £10 in free bets if their selection loses.
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Bettors that place a minimum £1 bet builder on NBA games with three selections or more and odds of evens or greater before selecting the Bet Builder Refund box on the bet slip.
If your selection loses, you’ll receive your stake back up to £10 in free bets within 24 hours of your qualifying wager settling. Free bets can be used across the sportsbook and are active for up to seven days.
Below, we’ve provided some detail on common traps that users can fall into when claiming free bets:
Stake not returned on free bets
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Not all free bet offers return the original stake if your bet wins. For example, a £10 free bet at 3/1 pays £30 profit, not £40; always factor this in when comparing headline free bet amounts.
Short expiry windows
Free bets usually expire within 5-7 days of being credited, and occasionally less. Unused free bets are removed automatically once they expire, so casual or infrequent bettors can lose value this way.
Remember to always check the expiry date as soon as the free bet is added.
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Bet builder or market restrictions
Some free bets are limited to certain types of use. For example, some are football bet builders only, accumulator bets or bets fixed to specific sports, leagues or events. These restrictions reduce flexibility and can increase risk.
Bet builder-only free bets often require multiple selections to win, meaning long odds, and it is the same with accas. Remember to check eligible markets before placing your qualifying bet.
Minimum odds requirements
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Betting offers may require minimum odds on either the qualifying bet or the free bet itself, and sometimes both. Higher odds thresholds can push bettors toward riskier selections, while a smaller free bet with low odds requirements can offer better value.
Cash-Out and In-Play exclusions
Remember that cashing out a qualifying bet often voids eligibility for the offer. Some free bets also cannot be used on in-play markets.
These exclusions are commonly hidden in the T&Cs, so avoid cashing out unless you’re sure it won’t affect the promotion.
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Wagering requirements and bonus conditions
Wagering is uncommon on free bets, but it is not unheard of. Some promotions attach extra conditions to winnings or follow-on bonuses instead.
Offers requiring winnings to be wagered multiple times reduce real value, while simpler “bet and get” free bets are usually the safest option.
How The Independent rates and reviews free bets
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Before a bookmaker makes our list of free bet offers, they must meet key criteria to ensure a high-quality betting experience.
1. Licensing
Only sites with a valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence are considered on our list of recommended operators.
The UKGC ensures fair play and consumer protection, working alongside independent testing agencies like eCOGRA. If a bookmaker isn’t regulated, it’s not safe – anyone can verify a licence via the UKGC register.
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2. Security
Every bookmaker we recommend must implement high-quality security measures such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect customer data.
3. Reputation
Reputation also plays a role – established brands like Betfred, William Hill and Bet365 consistently rank highly with us, but we also highlight new, reputable operators such as BetMGM when their free bet offers meet our expectations.
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4. Mobile
With most bets now placed on phones and tablets, mobile betting functionality is essential.
Bookmakers with dedicated betting apps that mirror the desktop experience are given preference, and we also consider user app reviews from the Apple and Google Play stores.
5. Experience
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The customer experience is equally crucial – we rigorously test bookmaker support channels, favouring those that provide fast, effective resolutions.
Ultimately, our rankings focus on the quality of the free bet offers, but we also take into account matters including odds restrictions, timeframe to both unlock free bet offers and use your bonus funds, wagering requirements and available payment methods.
6. Value
Operators that provide valuable betting sign up offers, competitive terms, and ongoing free bet promotions for returning customers get the highest ratings.
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Why trust us?
Chris Wilson is a betting content producer and sports reporter who has been working at The Independent since 2023.
He writes betting tips across a range of sporting events as well as reviewing dozens of betting sites and casino sites across the UK.
Chris has extensively tested and reviewed offers from established operators and new betting sites to find the best free bet offers for readers of The Independent.
Responsible gambling is always at the forefront of his research, ensuring customers have a fair and secure experience claiming and using betting offers online.
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If you decide to engage with any of the online betting sites highlighted on this page, remember to gamble responsibly, even when using free bets and betting sign up offers.
When betting, always assume you’ll lose and therefore, only bet what you can afford to lose. Even free bets still involve a level of risk.
Make sure you use the responsible gambling tools offered by betting companies such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits and time outs. These can stop gambling from getting out of hand.
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If you have gambling-related concerns, then seek independent help. There are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:
Can you withdraw free bets?
No, it is not possible to withdraw a free bet. It must be used according to the terms and conditions of the free bet offer or it will be forfeited.
Can you cash out free bets?
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In most cases, bookmakers will not allow punters to cash out a free bet before the bet has run its course, so you will likely have to wait for your bet to settle before receiving any winnings.
Do Bet365 give free bets?
Yes, Bet365 are one of the best betting sites for free bets. They have a bet £10 get £30 welcome offer, and several ongoing free bet promotions under their ‘offers’ tab.
What does money back in free bets mean?
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This means you can get a refund on your stake, but not as withdrawable cash – only as a free bet, meaning you have to stake the same cash again on a different bet.
What betting sites give free bets without deposit?
Few bookmakers hand out free bets for nothing, but you can earn free bets by entering free-to-play prediction games on Bet365, BetVictor, NetBet, Betway, Betfred, Ladbrokes, Coral and BetMGM.
We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
In doing so, Haney became a three-division world champion after previously outpointing the likes of Vasyl Lomachenko and Regis Prograis at 135 and 140lbs, respectively.
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Having maintained his unbeaten record, too, ‘The Dream’ is now considered one of the sport’s most elite operators, with his only bump in the road arriving against Ryan Garcia in April 2024.
Back then, Haney suffered a majority decision defeat after getting floored three times, only for the result to be overturned to a no-contest due to Garcia testing positive for banned substance ostarine.
Following Garcia’s year-long drugs ban, the pair then returned on the same card in May, with Haney producing a safety-first performance to outpoint Jose Ramirez.
As a result of ‘King Ry’ claiming the WBC title, many now believe that a unification match between him and Haney would garner terrific interest, especially when considering the drama attached to their first encounter.
Recognising this, Haney took to social media over the weekend with a mock-up poster for their potential rematch, while also reminding Garcia that performance-enhancing drugs are strictly forbidden.
While Haney seems eager to face his welterweight rival next, Garcia has expressed more of an interest in taking on WBO super-lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, who he called out immediately after his victory over Barrios.
Jan 9, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer waves to the crowd after the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Things did not end well between the Minnesota Vikings and Mike Zimmer four years ago, when he was shown the door. The veteran coach has taken several shots at his old franchise. Last year, he was reportedly set to retire, but a comeback is in the works.
The Denver Broncos could be the next stop in his NFL career, where he would reunite with his old coworker Sean Payton. The two experienced skippers crossed paths on the Dallas Cowboys staff from 2003 to 2005. He also knows Broncos GM George Paton from his time in Minnesota.
Broncos insider Mike Klis reported Monday, “Per source, #Broncos visited last week with veteran coach Mike Zimmer about a senior coaching position. Nothing imminent but there is mutual interest. Zimmer has been a football coach since 1979 and started his NFL career in 1994.”
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Zimmer was the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator in 2024, but his unit left much to be desired. When the organization parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy, Zimmer was not retained and decided to call it a career. Looks like that might have only lasted a year.
Oct 6, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur (left) and Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (right) meet before a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
His previous job in the NFL was with the Vikings, whom he head-coached from 2014 through 2021. When he arrived, he took over a franchise without an identity, and he quickly established a culture — and a defense — that regained national respect for his club.
At his peak, he led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game in 2017 behind an outstanding defense. In his eight seasons, the Vikings ranked 7th in points allowed. Excluding 2020 and 2021, his squad ranked 2nd, trailing only the Patriots.
In his final two seasons in Minnesota, the defense was the clear weakness. Perhaps he failed to make adjustments later in his career, but it’s only fair to note that he worked with subpar defensive personnel in both years and injuries further increased the struggles.
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But he didn’t just get fired for his defenses; the culture in the building had reached a point where the usually patient Vikings ownership group wanted to overhaul everything, letting go of both Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman.
Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer talks to New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton before their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports.
Zimmer gave a feisty interview in September 2024, telling the Star Tribune that he hadn’t watched a single Vikings game in the two seasons since his departure.
A couple of storylines about him not getting along with general manager Rick Spielman, going so far that they didn’t even talk in the later stretches of their Vikings’ employment, and the fact that Zimmer refused to address the locker room following his dismissal because his players got him fired. All of that might explain why the team didn’t reach the postseason in his final two years with the organization.
Still, during his time with the Vikings, he oversaw the team with the 10th-best record, 72-56-1, His playoff success was limited to a couple of wins, both over his potential new boss, Sean Payton and his Saints.
At the end of the day, Zimmer is still viewed as a brilliant defensive mind and that’s why the Broncos are interested. They have one of the league’s elite units and want to keep it that way.
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Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) reacts after a sack against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Chad Jensen of SI.com commented, “The Broncos fielded one of the NFL’s best defenses in back-to-back seasons, leading the league in sacks over that span. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has done an excellent job, and he’ll be returning in 2026 after all the head-coaching vacancies dried up.”
Joseph was viewed as a hot head coaching candidate, but like Brian Flores, hasn’t gotten the desired interest.
“The Broncos lost their defensive-coordinator-in-waiting when Jim Leonhard was hired by the Buffalo Bills last month. Zimmer is getting up there in age, but if he’s hired as a senior assistant, it makes me wonder whether he’ll be the fail-safe in the event that Joseph finally gets a second bite at the head-coaching apple following the 2026 season.”
If the Broncos do add Zimmer in a senior advisory role, it would mark a notable return for one of the most influential defensive minds of the past decade. While his tenure in Minnesota ended on a complicated note, his reputation around the league as a defensive strategist remains intact, which helps explain why a contender with an already strong defense would explore adding his experience to the coaching staff.
Zimmer, 69, might not be done with the NFL after all.
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Janik Eckardt is a German sports nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings to be his … More about Janik Eckardt
Marcus Rashford is in strong form for Barcelona but old habits have reared their head
Maria Ortega and Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer
13:28, 24 Feb 2026
Marcus Rashford once admitted to breaking the rules at Manchester United as his manager at Barcelona has introduced stricter measures to combat players who are late to training or on a matchday.
Currently on loan from United, Rashford has rediscovered his finest form. Yet punctuality issues that previously plagued him at Old Trafford have continued to dog him.
Earlier this season, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick dropped him from the squad as a consequence. Rashford arrived just two minutes late to a team meeting and was subsequently left out of the starting line-up for a match against Getafe.
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Flick had instructed his players to be present for a 9:30am meeting on matchday, followed by an ‘activation session’ at 11am. Despite being only two minutes late, the manager’s strict disciplinary code meant Rashford did not feature from the off.
The German head coach has since introduced even tighter regulations for players who indulge in tardiness – with offenders now facing a steep financial penalty. Barca forward Ferran Torres recently revealed: “Hansi Flick has just changed the rules on arriving late. If it’s match day and you’re late, you have to pay €40,000 (£34,900) fine”.
In 2024, Rashford faced severe disciplinary action after attending parties and skipping training in Manchester following consecutive midweek nights out in Belfast. The forward missed a Friday training session, citing illness as his reason for absence, and was ultimately slapped with a £650,000 fine.
Rewind to January 2023 and Rashford himself admitted that he was left out of United’s starting line-up against Wolves after oversleeping and arriving late to a team meeting. Former United boss Erik ten Hag then left the forward on the bench for the tie at Molineux.
Speaking to BT Sport, Rashford said: “I was a little bit late for a meeting – I overslept. It’s the team rules and it’s a mistake that can happen.
“I’m disappointed not to play, but I understand the decision and I’m happy that we managed to win the game anyway. I think we can draw a line under it and move on.”
Barcelona currently sit top of the La Liga standings, one point clear of rivals Real Madrid, following their 3-0 victory over Levante on Sunday. Flick now appears to be instilling first-class standards at the club as he chases his second consecutive league title with the Spanish giants.
He said: “The group is convinced of the work we are doing. It is not a simple situation, but communication is essential. We have been very clear and honest with each other. I ask them questions, it’s my way of managing the team.
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“We need leaders in the dressing room and for that, it is key to speak to them at the same level. After that, the decisions are mine. I want the players to take responsibility and they are doing that.”
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Bridgerton season 4 part 2 is going to carry on the recent chapter of Netflix’s Regency era drama, centering the story around Benedict Bridgerton and his love affair with Sophie Baek. Following the launch of part 1 that took viewers to a masquerade ball and introduced a Lady in Silver, the excitement level is getting higher for the season finale.
Bridgerton season 4 part 2 is the second half of an eight-episode season that covers the third book in Julia Quinn’s series, An Offer from a Gentleman. After the first part set up the emotional drama, the new episodes should bring to a close the main issue of fantasy versus reality that characterizes Benedict and Sophie’s love story.
Bridgerton season 4 part 2 premieres on February 26 at 12 a.m. PT on Netflix, concluding Benedict and Sophie’s romance arc with returning cast members including Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, and key members of the Bridgerton family.
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What is the release date of Bridgerton season 4 part 2 and what to expect?
Bridgerton season 4 part 2 will be released on February 26, 12 a.m. PT on Netflix. The launch will wrap up Benedict’s storyline in the season and reveal the state of his relationship with Sophie following the disclosures of Part 1.
Season 4 focuses on Benedict, played by Luke Thompson, who at the outset is against getting married while his brothers have already set up their family life. His attitude changes after he runs into a woman wearing a mask at his mother Violet’s masquerade ball.
He only knows her as the Lady in Silver and henceforth, he looks for her in every corner of society, not knowing that she is Sophie, a maid working under Lady Araminta Gun.
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As Part 1 makes clear, Benedict and Sophie come to the world from totally different places. Showrunner Jess Brownell shed light on this theme, saying that Benedict is a man who fantasizes. Sophie is a woman who has to cope with a harsh reality. Brownell went on to say that the pair needs to find a middle ground, a place where the extremes meet, for love to blossom, in a chat with Netflix Tudum.
Luke Thompson, an actor in the series, mentioned that the plot of the show is inspired by the tradition of fairy tales, and that the series combines children’s ideas of magic and romance with the familiar world of Bridgerton.
Yerin Ha, the actress portraying Sophie, expressed that the character’s strength and the social challenges that she faces kept her interested. Ha also mentioned Quinn’s book, as Sophie is a mixture of temper and vulnerability, which is the way she tried to show her character on the screen.
In addition, Brownell quoted, in the Netflix press release, that Sophie should not be seen as a typical damsel in distress but rather as an intelligent and cunning character whose survival instincts at times hinder her from entering into love.
What is the returning cast for Bridgerton season 4 part 2?
Bridgerton season 4 (Image Via Netflix)
Thompson in the lead role of Benedict Bridgerton. Several well-known cast members also reprise their roles, such as Simone Ashley in the role of Kate Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton, and Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte. Julie Andrews serves as the narrator and the voice of Lady Whistledown.
There are several new faces introduced this season, namely Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun, Michelle Mao as Rosamund Li, and Isabella Wei as Posy Li. Brownell depicted Araminta and her daughter Rosamund as very shrewd and strategic players in the marriage market, while Posy is described as more dreamy and less scheming. These statements have also been shared in Netflix’s official release.
Other characters coming back in Bridgerton season 4 part 2 are Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich and Hugh Sachs as Brimsley, who both have been given bigger roles in the main cast.
The filming for the season was conducted at Shepperton Studios, which is located near London. There, a newly built backlot recreates the Georgian and Regency architecture, including Mayfair streetscapes.
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Production designer Alison Gartshore, in collaboration with Antony Cartlidge, supervising art director, and Adam David Grant, art director, was responsible for the set expansion project.
PSG and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial in a rape case, lawyers confirmed to the Associated Press on Tuesday.
Hakimi’s lawyer Fanny Colin revealed she is planning to appeal the judge’s decision that followed recommendations from the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office, which last August called for the player to stand trial.
Colin added that a date for the trial has not been set at this stage.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, who represents the plaintiff, told the AP her client welcomed the order committing the case to trial “with relief”, before adding it “is fully consistent with the evidence in the file.”
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Hakimi has denied any wrongdoing (REUTERS)
Hakimi, one of the best defenders in the world, has denied any wrongdoing and posted on X that he “calmly awaits” a trial that “will allow the truth to emerge publicly.”
“Today, an accusation of rape is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything shows that it is false. This is as unjust for the innocent as it is for genuine victims,” he said on the eve of a crucial Champions League playoff.
Hakimi was given preliminary charges of rape in March 2023 after a 24-year-old woman accused him.
She said she was raped by Hakimi at his home in a Paris suburb. In the French legal system, preliminary charges mean judges have strong reason to suspect a crime was committed but are allowing time for further investigation before deciding whether to send a case to trial.
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“A trial has been ordered based on an accusation that rests solely on the word of a woman who obstructed all investigations, refused all medical examinations and DNA testing, refused access to her mobile phone, and refused to provide the name of a key witness,” Colin said.
Colin claimed that two successive psychological assessments of the plaintiff “revealed a lack of clarity regarding the facts she claims to denounce, as well as the absence of any post-traumatic symptoms.”
In her statement, Pardo said if the justice system has been exemplary in this case, “the broader handling of this affair serves as a reminder of one thing: There remain environments where the Me Too movement has yet to break the sound barrier, chief among them the world of men’s professional football.”
Colorado football turns up the heat this spring as a surprise quarterback draft pick stirs the pot.
With Julian Lewis snubbed as the top QB selection in favor of true freshman Kanel Sweetwine, locker room dynamics and competitive fire reach new heights.
Is this a tactical ploy to motivate Lewis, or the start of a real QB controversy?
I dive deep into the spring practice draft and the leadership pressure mounting on Lewis as Colorado’s new wave of talent acclimates.
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Coach Prime’s sky-high salary raises eyebrows nationally. Still, I make what I think is a compelling case for Deion Sanders’ worth, highlighting his transformative impact: quadrupling win totals, sparking record ticket sales, and delivering $3 billion in publicity value for Boulder.
The debate rages—are wins and losses the only metric, or is Prime’s star power the very lifeblood Colorado needs to compete in the Big 12?
Spring ball hasn’t even started, but injuries loom large: eight Buffs—including top runners and receivers—face time on the sidelines, threatening depth and position battles.
Can Colorado’s new faces make the most of these openings, or will persistent injury woes undermine momentum?
I break down the immediate impact, the risk to player development, and what Colorado must do to keep its roster healthy and competitive.
Will Julian Lewis rise to the challenge? Will Coach Prime’s investment pay off, and can Colorado overcome its injury bug to deliver on soaring spring expectations?
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This episode covers it all—competition, controversy, and optimism—as the Buffaloes chase a statement season.
Cal State Northridge is making a run in the Big West, and people might need to start paying attention.
Last week, I focused on UC Irvine and Hawai’i. This week, I zero in on the Matadors ahead of their home game on Thursday against the Anteaters.
I know there are a million things to do in L.A., but attending a CSUN game is becoming one of the better choices for basketball aficionados.
The Run and the Three-Headed Monster
On January 24th, CSUN was 11-10 and had lost three in a row, after Hawaii decimated them by 21 points.
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Their season felt over.
One month later, the Matadors are 18-10, having won seven in a row, including recent victories over two of the league’s top teams to move into a three-way tie at the top of the conference.
What’s the flavor?
The biggest takeaway from their box scores is that multiple players can get jiggy with it.
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During the Matadors’ seven-game winning streak, they’ve had two different players score at least 30 points in a game, and three with 20.
Josiah Davis scored 31 in an overtime victory over Santa Barbara last Thursday, and Larry Hughes II had 32 against Cal Poly on February 5th.
Mahmoud Fofana also had back-to-back 22-point games entering 2026.
Josiah Davis vs Hawai’i | Chuck Marvel/CSUN Athletics
This three-headed monster on offense has proven too much for opponents during this streak. Davis, Hughes II, and Fofana have combined for at least 78 points in their last seven contests.
Hughes II leads the team, averaging 18.2 points per game, while shooting 42 percent from beyond the arc.
But the Matadors lost number eight to UC San Diego last season, and faltered down the stretch, losing their first game in both the Big West and NIT tournaments.
Now, just like last year, they have a chance to host a top team at Premier America Credit Union Arena.
But the outcome remains unwritten.
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Head Coach Andy Newman a Proven Winner
Andy Newman has instantly turned California State Northridge into a contender. Before his arrival, the Matadors hadn’t had a winning campaign since 2008-09.
Newman’s fast-paced offense has brought the Matadors to life
He’s also bringing wins to the Valley. CSUN is on pace for 20 dubs this year, having grabbed 22 a season ago, and 19 in his inaugural campaign.
The key to the Matadors’ success this season has been their dynamic offense, which ranks 59th in the nation in points per game.
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But this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
CSUN Athletics
Newman promised to bring “an exciting, fast paced, team-oriented style of basketball back to the valley” when he was hired, and to do it “by lighting up the scoreboard and competing for championships.”
He has done just that.
Before Cal State Northridge, he won everywhere he coached, bringing a 206-98 record to Northridge.
He was already known within Big West circles after serving as an assistant coach at Cal State Fullerton for 10 years.
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Newman was also an interim Head Coach for the Titans in 2012-13, when CSUF had the best offense in the conference.
He led Cal State Northridge to the First Round of the NIT last year. This season, if they keep winning, the Matadors could find themselves in the NCAA Tournament.
Writes about football and basketball as a Senior Writer and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Show” for SuperWest Sports.
João Fonseca and Marcelo Melo are the doubles champions at the Rio Open; they delivered a special moment for Brazilian tennis.
Fonseca, 19, is one of the most exciting young players on tour. A former junior world No. 1 and US Open boys’ singles champion, he has been transitioning steadily into the professional ranks, with Rio marking another significant milestone in his early career.
Melo, 42, is also a former world No. 1 in doubles and a Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion in doubles. He has spent years competing at the top of the discipline. He has multiple Masters 1000 titles and a long-standing presence as one of Brazil’s most successful doubles players.
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There are 23 years between them, but in Rio, it made no difference; they stood on the same side of the net and lifted the trophy together.
Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko continued his hot streak in front of goal against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.
Benjamin Sesko was booed by home supporters as he left the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night, but he did not flinch as he walked towards the team bus. The 22-year-old’s temperament is one of his biggest strengths.
Michael Carrick named Sesko on the bench for a sixth game in a row on Merseyside. Other players of a similar age might have sulked, but the Slovenia international has just got on with his job with no fuss.
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Sesko delivered off the bench again to net his sixth goal in seven appearances. He is the most in-form striker in the Premier League, yet hasn’t made a start during Carrick’s interim tenure so far.
The conversation in the build-up to the Everton game was about whether Sesko would get his first start under Carrick, who said, “I get why everyone is making a big deal out of it,” after the 1-0 win.
The calls for Sesko to start this weekend will be deafening. The striker has made himself impossible to ignore, although his response to a question about how it feels not to be starting spoke volumes about his character.
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Speaking to reporters after the game, Sesko said: “We are talking, of course, but he [Carrick] believes in me, everyone believes in me. they are getting me ready to start as soon as possible. It’s more about me showing up when it’s important, no matter how many minutes I’m getting, I’m focusing on delivering and trying to help the team secure the wins.”
When asked whether being gradually bedded in had helped him this season, he responded: “Of course. I’m getting settled in the league from game to game. Again, I’m not even thinking about ‘I have to start, I have to start’.
“For me, it’s just whenever the coach decides to put them there or not, I’m just going to be there. If I get the next minutes, five minutes, I’m going to use them and for me it’s just about trying to enjoy and delivering for the team.”
Sesko copped flak earlier in the season from pundits. Gary Neville said he was “miles off it” compared to United’s other summer signings. Ruben Amorim even said he was “struggling a little bit”.
Sources at Carrington believe Sesko might not have seen Neville’s comment, as he is rarely on social media. He prefers reading books at home and watching basketball.
Sesko is embracing the pressure that comes with a £66.4million price tag, and a transfer to the biggest club in England. “For me, the way I look at the pressure, it’s something that, if I want to be a good player, I have to have. I take it as a privilege,” he said.
“It’s something that has [to be there] if you want to play at the highest level, and it’s about accepting it and not really caring about it. For me, it didn’t really affect me [the pressure to score goals this season] and I don’t think for Cunha and Bryan as well.”
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Speaking about his relationship with Cunha and Mbeumo, Sesko said: “We are understanding each other. There is a lot on the training field where we are working a lot. It’s also the way Bryan made a pass [for the winning goal] because he saw that I was running, he saw that I wanted that ball.
“And obviously, with his quality to make a perfect pass because it’s also not easy to do that to put it directly there. That’s what it’s about, to have such quality in the team. Obviously, it looks so easy [to finish], but because you have so much time, many things are on your mind, but I chose one corner, and I went fully for that.”
Sesko has made an electric start to 2026, but he was keen to credit Carrick and his coaching staff for the work they have done at Carrington. “Everyone is working for each other and I said many times the coaching staff in general, not just Carrick, but also the others he has beside him are unbelievable,” he said.
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“They are working on individuals and you can see that on the pitch. In the end, to win so many games and secure so many points, it’s made out of details and that’s how we get all these points.”
Travis Binnion, formerly Under-21 manager, has been a big help for Sesko. “After the trainings, it’s work in the box, on the edge of the box, short contacts because in the Premier League you don’t have time,” he explained.
“This is where it’s really helping me, and not just me, but also the other players. I’m really happy that I can work with [Binnion] because he’s helped me a lot.”
Speaking about his mental preparation, he added: “The most you can improve is on the pitch because the ball is, in the end, the thing that has to hit the net, and this is where the most work comes out. Obviously, it’s really important when I arrive home to do some work, which is really important for the mental part.”
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A rumour circulated that Sesko had spoken to Dimitar Berbatov about his finishing technique. Sesko confirmed it was not true, but said it would be “nice” to speak to him before crediting the coaching staff again. “They are doing individual work each day, which is really helping me to focus,” he said.
Sesko politely said “thank you so much” when he was congratulated at the beginning of the five-minute chat. “As much as it means to me, it means more to our team to secure the win because it was a really tough game,” he said.
“We were fighting from the start. It was an interesting game, but even though in the end it was quite hard because of the corners, we were fighting and secured the win, which was really, really important.”
Sesko is becoming a key part of this United team – and his best years are ahead of him.
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