Ellie Watkins, wife of England and Al-Hilal striker Ollie Watkins, has returned to the UK with their two young children due to escalating conflict in Saudi Arabia. The family's move back to England is intended to provide a sense of "normality" for their children amid missile attacks in the region.
Major airports in Saudi Arabia have experienced reduced operations following a missile attack by Yemen's Houthi movement on Riyadh's airport, which resulted in 13 fatalities. Additionally, two individuals were killed in an attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
"There's just a little bit of conflict and things going on over in Saudi and we basically decided just to stay here until it calms down," Ellie said in a social media post. "I felt like I needed to do that for the kids so there is some form of normality until we can get back out there and all be together."
Ollie Watkins, who transferred from Aston Villa to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for approximately £51 million in the summer, will remain in Saudi Arabia to continue his football career. He is reportedly earning a tax-free salary of at least £20 million annually. Al-Hilal is scheduled to play Shabab AlAhli in the Asian Champions League.
The couple, along with their children Amara, five, and Marley, three, had recently been settling into their new life in Riyadh, including redecorating their home and finding schools. These plans have now been interrupted by the security concerns.
The ongoing regional instability has also impacted other sporting events. The 2027 AFC Asian Cup has been postponed until December 2027 due to "exceptional circumstances," logistical complexities, and travel disruptions. Formula One is also expected to relocate its end-of-season races, and the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition event has been canceled.