The football icon and Georgina Rodríguez revealed their engagement from the Saudi capital, drawing attention to how personal freedoms are evolving in a traditionally conservative society.
Engagement That Sparked Debate
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez’s engagement announcement, shared from Riyadh, made global headlines. While the dazzling diamond ring caught attention, it was the location that stirred debate. The couple, who have been living together in Saudi Arabia since 2022, publicly celebrated a milestone in a country where cohabitation outside marriage was long considered a punishable offense.
Living in a Kingdom of Shifting Boundaries
Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia in 2022 under a record-breaking contract with Al Nassr, bringing his partner and children with him. Since then, the family has showcased a glamorous lifestyle in Riyadh — from red carpet appearances to luxury getaways.
Their life has unfolded against the backdrop of reforms introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Women now drive, dress more freely, and pursue new opportunities. Yet ambiguity persists around dating, cohabitation, and family rights, leaving questions about whether Ronaldo’s global celebrity status afforded him freedoms not typically granted to ordinary Saudis.
Contradictions of Change
Just a decade ago, religious police enforced strict social codes, including harsh punishments for unmarried couples. Today, scenes of women in casual Western attire and underground nightlife point to a society in flux.
However, many locals still face limitations. Without marriage certificates, women often cannot register their children, access healthcare, or secure legal documentation. Ronaldo and Rodríguez’s ability to live openly as an unmarried couple highlighted the privileges of fame in navigating Saudi Arabia’s shifting but unevenly applied rules.
Public Reaction
The engagement sparked online humor and sharp commentary across the Arab world. Some joked about Ronaldo “working two years in Saudi Arabia to afford marriage,” while others mocked the idea of their nine-year relationship being just a prolonged “getting to know each other” phase.
Though Ronaldo has occasionally referred to Rodríguez as his wife, she clarified on her Netflix show that they were not married. Ronaldo himself has teased fans by saying: “When we get that click.”
Saudi Arabia’s Use of Sports as Soft Power
Ronaldo’s presence in the kingdom is not just about football — it’s part of a larger strategy. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in sports and entertainment to diversify its economy, reduce reliance on oil, and reshape its global image.
Bringing in high-profile athletes like Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar serves multiple goals:
- Sportswashing Allegations: Critics argue these signings help distract from the kingdom’s human rights record by shifting global attention toward sports achievements.
- Global Branding: Ronaldo, the most-followed person on Instagram, acts as an informal ambassador, showcasing a more modern side of Saudi Arabia to millions of fans worldwide.
- Domestic Influence: The presence of international stars bolsters national pride and encourages youth participation in sports, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s goal of promoting healthier lifestyles.
Global Comparisons
Ronaldo is not alone in being tied to Saudi Arabia’s global rebranding project. Lionel Messi signed on as an official tourism ambassador, promoting Saudi destinations to millions of fans. Meanwhile, Karim Benzema, Neymar Jr., and other stars were recruited to strengthen the Saudi Pro League’s international profile.
Each of these figures plays a different role:
- Messi lends credibility to Saudi tourism campaigns.
- Neymar and Benzema boost domestic football appeal.
- Ronaldo embodies the highest-profile acquisition, serving as a face of the league and a household name to bridge Saudi Arabia’s conservative past with its ambitious global future.
Together, these partnerships illustrate how sports and celebrity culture are central to the kingdom’s soft power ambitions. Ronaldo’s engagement, therefore, is not just a personal milestone — it becomes a symbolic moment in Saudi Arabia’s broader attempt to rebrand itself as both modern and globally influential.
Looking Ahead
Ronaldo recently extended his Al Nassr contract for two more years, affirming his commitment to living in Saudi Arabia. “The Saudi people treat us very, very good. That’s why we want to continue our life here,” he said.
As the kingdom continues its rapid reforms, Ronaldo’s family life — and now his engagement — will remain a public test case for how far Saudi Arabia is willing to bend tradition in pursuit of modernization, international recognition, and soft power through sports.