By Tim Stannard

Hopping Neymar breaks internet

See? That’s what an international break in soccer does to the news cycle. Off it goes into hibernation for two weeks like a hungover hamster.

So that’s why the biggest story pinging around the world of the beautiful game concerns someone hopping. That person happens to be Neymar and it is a special week in the Neymar’s world as it is the birthday of his sister, an event the PSG-man never, ever seems to miss.

Fortunately, this year’s event coincided with the Brazilian breaking bits of his foot, forcing a recuperation in his homeland and the chance to be filmed happily hopping about in an effort to join in the festivities. After close examination of the clip, Neymar’s bad foot did not touch the floor at any point, to save the internet from exploding.

While Neymar was hopping about, his Brazil teammates were gearing up for a friendly against Russia on Friday – live on beIN SPORTS at 11:50AM ET / 8:50AM PT – and at the training camp, Brazil’s General Coordinator Edu Gaspar confirmed that Neymar’s recovery was going to plan - “Neymar has already started doing some exercises. Tite and I have talked to him and we felt that he is in a good mood. But I cannot give any date (for his return).''

Ronaldo fumes over fake news

Really? This is what else is making the news? Ok then.

Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to report fake news. Now what this fake news could be is anyone’s guess. But the leading suspect is a report on Monday that Ronaldo was still struggling to come to an agreement with Spain’s tax authorities in an ongoing fraud case. However, it might be something else close to Ronaldo’s heart – that he has put on 0.2 pounds in a week, a wrinkle may be visible above an eye, or that his branded blankets are just too snug when the heating is on at night.

  Não tentem apagar o momento bonito que estou vivendo com notícias falsas!!! Life is good. Blessed A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) on Mar 19, 2018 at 9:07am PDT

Either way, Ronaldo with a perfectly framed, filtered, black-and-white head shot-selfie has written that "don't try to spoil the beautiful moment I'm living through with fake news." “Life is good. Blessed," added Ronaldo for good measure.  

Chiellini to return for Real Madrid match-up

Time to drop in on the heady world of Italian football where Juventus have been buoyed by the news that center-back stopper extraordinaire, Giorgio Chiellini, should be fine and dandy for an upcoming Champions League clash against Real Madrid – but will not be available for Italy duty after withdrawing from the training camp with a thigh injury.

“Nothing serious,” soothed a statement on the club’s website. Italy’s next friendly against Argentina will be live on beIN SPORTS on Friday at 3:35PM ET / 12:35AM PT.

Juventus have also been in the news after Paolo Dybala and his brother / agent were spotted in Madrid on Monday. The footballer, who was not called up by the Argentina squad, is apparently enjoying a few free days’ vacation with some buddies and is definitely not signing for Real Madrid next season.

The team chasing Juve at the top of the Serie A standings, Napoli, are also experiencing some good news onTuesday with coach, Mauricio Sarri, reportedly close to agreeing an extended deal with the club.

New Zealand makes tempting bid for LeBron

The combination of fine form for LeBron James – and free agency – might see the current Cleveland Cavaliers giant moving to the other side of the earth to perform his basketball stylings.

LeBron, who scored a triple-double - 40 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists – on Monday night in a 124-117 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, is being courted by franchises all over North America. Add Oceania to that list with the New Zealand Breakers, who compete in the Australian league, apparently making a play for King James with a tempting billboard.

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The life philosophy of Sports Burst is that if you are not upsetting someone, then you are not trying hard enough. Sports Burst is a daily trawl and troll through the morning's sports news to bring you fact-nuggets to make you both smile and swear. Hopefully at the same time.