SHEEN AND GIRLFRIEND KICK OFF HOMELESS WORLD CUP
HOLLYWOOD star Michael Sheen and his pregnant girlfriend Anna Lundberg have been welcoming players and fans to the start of the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff.
The tournament kicked off in the capital yesterday with a parade through the city centre to Bute Park, and the couple appeared in public for the first time since announcing the news they were expecting a baby together.
More than 500 players representing more than 50 countries are taking part in the week-long event backed by Welsh film icon Sheen.
The opening game between Wales and Denmark came just days after the actor announced that his partner was expecting a baby.
In a tweet, 50-year-old Sheen said: “Very happy to let everyone know that my partner Anna and I are expecting a little angel of our own. (Just to be clear – we’re having a baby!) #nottheantichrist”
News of the Port Talbot actor’s relationship with aspiring Swedish actress Anna Lundberg first circulated hours after the 25-year-old shared a picture of them at Sheen’s
premiere of the Terry Pratchett series Good Omens in May.
The couple have been in the Welsh capital in the build-up to the 17th Homeless World Cup.
Sheen has been heavily involved in the event and has been promoting it.
On Friday, Swedish actress Anna told her followers on Instagram about how much her body is changing.
She said: “Let’s be clear about a few things. My waistline’s gone. Stretch marks are decorating my thighs. I can’t sit down anymore for a longer time without getting uncomfortable. I can’t stand up for a longer time without getting uncomfortable.
“My body is making massive changes, which takes some getting used to – but I’m as happy and proud of all of them as I could be! This beautiful bump is growing bigger every day and it thrills me every time I feel an internal somersault, kick or tap.”
Speaking at the Homeless World Cup, Sheen said the couple haven’t had a chance to discuss potential baby names.
He said: “We don’t have any names yet. We haven’t had time to think about it, it’s all been about the Homesless World Cup for us.”
Wales’ bid to host the tournament was bolstered by Sheen’s now legendary and epic speech on The One Show.
Matches will be played in Bute Park and there will be other events linked to the games.
The tournament opener ended in heartbreak for the hosts. Wales lost on penalties to Denmark after a thrilling 6-6 draw.
Sheen, who played legendary football manager Brian Clough in the hit film The Damned United, said the tournament and its wider cause was something he was genuinely passionate about.
“I understand why people are sceptical about why celebrities get behind things like this and there’s no reason why they should be listened to more than anyone else, but you do have a platform and that’s why I’ve made this happen,” he said.
“It is something that can really create change in people’s lives. We made the bid about two years ago so getting it on has been fantastic.
“I’ve watched people take part in previous Homeless World Cups and have seen how their lives have changed. It’s amazing what the feelings of pride, confidence and selfempowerment can do.
“Everyone’s story is different but there are patterns that emerge, especially after speaking to the Welsh team. There’s a lot of people who come out of prison and are homeless, there’s a lot of mental health issues, a lot of addiction issues.
“Having talked to people who work on these issues and people experiencing homelessness the conclusion I’ve come to is that when homelessness does occur, we need to make sure it’s brief, rare and non-recurrent.”