Ronaldo and Georginas Engagement Sparks Debate in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s engagement in August 2025 has stirred mixed reactions in Saudi Arabia. The couple, together since 2016 and raising five children, openly live together despite local traditions. While many young Saudis welcomed the news, conservatives criticized their lifestyle. Ronaldo, signed by Al Nassr in 2023 and extended till 2027, remains central to Saudi football’s global ambitions.

As the engagement of Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez made headlines this month, it sparked debates in Saudi Arabia due to their long-standing live-in relationship. The couple, together since 2016 and raising five children, has lived in Riyadh for over two years despite traditional laws discouraging extramarital cohabitation. Their high-profile lifestyle, shared openly on social media with glamorous photos, has been embraced by much of Saudi Arabia’s youthful population, with many offering congratulations and lighthearted reactions.

Still, conservative voices criticised the arrangement, with some calling their children “children of sin.” Saudi Arabia has seen major social reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including relaxed rules on gender segregation, hotel stays for unmarried couples, women driving, and growing entertainment options. While foreign couples like Ronaldo and Rodriguez benefit from these changes, such freedoms remain rare for Saudis themselves.

Ronaldo’s presence in the country has also been central to Saudi Arabia’s push to promote football and global visibility, highlighted by its successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Recently, the 40-year-old star extended his contract with Al Nassr until 2027, ensuring his continued role as both a football icon and a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation.