As millions of fans around the world prepare for the 2026 World Cup and closely follow every move of football’s biggest stars, their partners continue to arouse just as much interest.
Known as WAGs (wives and girlfriends of footballers), many of them are now successful figures in business, fashion, music, media and social media. Their support from the stands and constant presence in public have become an inseparable part of the football spectacle.
Georgina Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner, Georgina Rodríguez, is arguably the most famous WAG in the world. Their story began in 2016, when Georgina was working at a Gucci store in Madrid. Today, she is an internationally renowned entrepreneur, model and influencer, and is also known to the public from her Netflix reality show, “I Am Georgina.”
Antonella Roccuzzo and Lionel Messi
The love story between Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo began many years before the Argentine became one of the greatest footballers in history. The two have known each other since childhood in Rosario, Argentina. The couple married in 2017 and have three sons. Antonela is today a successful influencer and ambassador for many fashion and charity projects, being one of the most followed women in Latin America.
Vanja Modrić and Luka Modrić
Although she rarely appears in public, Vanja Modrić is considered the most important person and the biggest supporter in the life of Croatian captain Luka Modrić. They met when Vanja worked at the sports agency Mamić Sport, and they married in 2010. She has been by his side throughout his career, from Dinamo Zagreb and Tottenham to his successes with Real Madrid. The couple has three children and is known for maintaining their privacy away from the media.
Isabel Haugseng Johansen and Erling Haaland
Unlike many footballers’ partners, Norwegian Isabel Haugseng Johansen has not built her fame through social media. She and Erling Haaland have known each other since childhood, when they trained together at the Bryne club’s academy. Their relationship only became public after Haaland achieved world fame. In 2024, the couple became parents for the first time.
Michele Lacroix and Kevin De Bruyne
Michele Lacroix, the wife of Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, is very active on social media and often accompanies the footballer to major international tournaments and competitions. They married in 2017 and are parents to three children.
Erika Choperena and Antoine Griezmann
French international Antoine Griezmann’s wife, Erika Choperena, is a child psychologist by profession. They have been together for more than a decade and married in 2017. Although she occasionally collaborates with fashion brands, Erika is known for keeping her private life away from the media spotlight.
Rike Nooitgedagt and Virgil van Dijk
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk and his wife Rike Nooitgedagt have been together since they were teenagers. Rike used to work in the fashion industry, but later decided to leave her job to follow her husband on his professional journey. Today, she is considered one of the most discreet partners of footballers and rarely appears in public.
Katie Goodland and Harry Kane
England captain Harry Kane is married to his school sweetheart Katie Goodland. Their love story has lasted for more than 20 years and is often cited by the British media as one of the most stable relationships in the world of sport.
Oriana Sabatini and Paulo Dybala
The partner of Argentine footballer Paulo Dybala, Oriana Sabatini, is a star in her own right. She is a singer, actress and model known in Latin America, where she has enjoyed great popularity for years. Thanks to her career, Oriana often attracts as much media attention as Dybala himself.
Tini Stoessel and Rodrigo De Paul
Argentine singer Tini Stoessel, one of the most popular artists in Latin America, has been in a relationship with midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. With millions of fans worldwide, Tini is one of the football players’ partners who has achieved global fame thanks to her success in music and not because of her relationship with athletes.
Mina Bonino and Federico Valverde
Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde has been in a relationship with Argentine sports journalist Mina Bonino for years. Their relationship has often been in the media spotlight, as Mina was a well-known television personality long before she met the Real Madrid star.
Gone are the days when footballers’ partners were known only for their romantic relationships. Today, among them are entrepreneurs, psychologists, journalists, singers, models and influencers who have built their own successful careers and attract millions of followers around the world.
And while the eyes of the world will be on names like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić and Erling Haaland during the 2026 World Cup, there is no doubt that the women who support them from the stands of the biggest stage of world football will also receive great attention.
