Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez are reportedly set to marry this weekend, capping a decade-long relationship that has seen them build a family and navigate significant career and personal milestones. The proposal itself, which occurred last August, came nine years after their relationship began.
Ronaldo, 41, explained in a recent interview that the proposal was not meticulously planned but felt like the "right time." He recounted how his daughters, who were present, encouraged him to propose to Rodríguez. "My daughters were in bed sleeping," Ronaldo told Piers Morgan. "One of my friends gave me the ring to offer Gio (Georgina) and as I was giving her the ring, my two kids come in and say 'Daddy, you're going to give the ring to mum and you're going to ask her to get married.'"
He added that while he is "not a very romantic guy" in the traditional sense, he expressed his love in his own way. The public announcement of their engagement surprised many, as numerous fans had assumed the couple was already married. This assumption may have stemmed from the longevity of their relationship and the lack of public discrediting of persistent rumors of a prior marriage.
The couple first met in 2016 at a Gucci store in Madrid. At the time, Ronaldo was a star player for Real Madrid, and Rodríguez worked as a shop assistant. Their relationship progressed, and they have since welcomed four children together. Their family life has involved several major relocations, including moves from Madrid to Turin for Juventus, then to Manchester for Manchester United, and most recently to Saudi Arabia for Al Nassr.
During their time together, the couple has faced personal challenges, including the tragic death of one of their twins during childbirth in April 2022. Ronaldo has also faced legal scrutiny, including accusations of rape dating back to 2009. He has vehemently denied these claims, and in November 2023, a U.S. appeals court upheld a previous dismissal of a civil lawsuit filed by accuser Kathryn Mayorga, rejecting an appeal to force Ronaldo to pay more than the $375,000 settlement he had previously made. Las Vegas police had previously decided not to pursue criminal charges in the case.
Reports suggest the wedding ceremony will take place in Funchal, Ronaldo's hometown on the island of Madeira. The celebrations are expected to be elaborate, with hotel bookings indicating a significant event is planned.