Football's Christmas moments

Despite a packed holiday schedule, footballers still found heart-warming moments on and off the pitch. Liverpool shared a cheerful Christmas Eve photo on Wednesday, showing the squad in buoyant spirits during training, dressed in red practice kits and Santa hats while linking arms on the pitch. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland joined the celebrations by dressing up as Santa Claus and posing with a sack full of presents. Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski struck a cosy note, posing with his family in matching red checkered pyjamas, while City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma smiled alongside his partner and child in front of a Christmas tree. Spain and Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella also shared a festive family photo in matching blue pyjamas, and Brazil winger Raphinha beamed with his family in a Christmas-themed snap. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, however, did it differently as he was seen in shorts on a beach next to a Christmas tree. While such moments offered festive warmth, football's relentless calendar rolls on, with the Premier League and Serie A set to stage Boxing Day fixtures even as much of the rest of Europe pauses for a winter break. Photos: Instagram/Facebook