Cristiano Ronaldo and his fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez, have lived together in Saudi Arabia for more than two years, raising questions about the country’s shifting social rules.
The Portuguese star, 40, and Spanish model, 31, recently announced their engagement, drawing attention not just to Rodriguez’s huge diamond ring but also to the fact they have long shared a home despite not being married.
In conservative Saudi Arabia, where cohabitation outside marriage is technically illegal, such an arrangement would normally be impossible. But while authorities now largely turn a blind eye for foreigners, Saudis themselves still face restrictions.
“Conservative rules are still on the books, but they are applied more flexibly today,” said Sebastian Sons of the German think tank CARPO.
Social change for foreigners, limits for locals
Foreign couples, including Muslims, are now allowed to stay in hotels or live together without marriage, a relaxation that was unthinkable only a decade ago. In big cities, men and women can mix freely in cafés and public spaces, and women can drive, travel alone, and forgo traditional coverings.
Still, most Saudis do not live together before marriage. The practice remains rare, largely limited to wealthy expatriates in private compounds.
Divided reactions
Ronaldo and Rodriguez’s glamorous lifestyle, often shared on social media with revealing outfits and luxury settings, has been well-received by many young Saudis, most of whom are under 35. Their engagement was greeted with congratulations, jokes, and memes.
But some criticism also emerged online, with a minority accusing the couple of defying Islamic values. One user wrote: “How could the land of the two holy mosques accept such impurity for two years?” Others went as far as calling their children “children of sin.”
Saudi’s transformation strategy
These reactions highlight Saudi Arabia’s balancing act under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The crown prince has overseen sweeping reforms designed to modernise society and diversify the economy beyond oil.
Cinemas, live music, and major sporting events have returned, while international stars are increasingly drawn by Saudi petrodollars. Ronaldo himself, signed by Al Nassr in 2023, has become central to this campaign.
His arrival paved the way for other global players to join the Saudi Pro League, while the kingdom secured hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
“Ronaldo is seen as both a role model and an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s global ambitions,” Sons explained.
In June, Ronaldo extended his Al Nassr contract until 2027, ensuring that he and Rodriguez — soon to be officially married — remain central figures in Saudi Arabia’s changing cultural landscape.
About the author
Haaland’s agent dismisses Barcelona transfer rumours
Erling Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has rubbished reports linking the Manchester City striker with a summer move to Barcelona, insisting there has been no contact with the Catalan club. Recent speculation in Spain suggested that Barca presidential hopeful Victor Font and other figures around the club were exploring a deal to lure Haaland to Camp Nou in the coming seasons. Some reports claimed that Barcelona had already started sounding out the player’s camp. But speaking in an interview with Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, Pimenta said there is “a lot of respect and admiration” for Barcelona, yet no one from the club or any presidential candidate has made contact about a transfer. She stressed that Haaland is “very happy” at Manchester City and fully focused on his current project under Pep Guardiola. The agent also pointed out that the Norwegian […]
Sabalenka storms into semis as Medvedev reaches Indian Wells last four amid controversy
World number one Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant form at Indian Wells, reaching the semi finals with a straight sets win over Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko. Sabalenka prevailed 7–6(0), 6–4 in one hour and 51 minutes, but was pushed hard by the 19 year old 10th seed, who recently won the 2025 Canadian Open and is regarded as one of the brightest young talents on the WTA Tour. The Belarusian did not drop serve, landing 94 percent of her first serves and saving all five break points she faced to secure a fourth straight Indian Wells semi final. She will next face Czech player Linda Noskova, who ended the impressive run of Australia’s Talia Gibson with a 6–2, 4–6, 6–2 victory to book her own place in the last four. In the other semi final, Elina Svitolina will meet Australian […]
EPL: Spurs fight for survival as Arsenal gear up for title charge
Tottenham Hotspur travel to Liverpool on Sunday desperately searching for salvation in their fight against relegation, while Premier League leaders Arsenal look primed for another push in the title race. Spurs have lost their last six matches in all competitions, the worst run in the club’s history. Igor Tudor’s side sit 16th, just one point above West Ham and Nottingham Forest, and could drop closer to the bottom three if results go against them before they kick off at Anfield. The north Londoners were thrashed 5–2 by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie in midweek, a chaotic night in which Tudor substituted goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after just 17 minutes following two costly errors. With only nine league games left and no win in their last 11, Tottenham know they must “dig deeper” to […]
Iran war: Falana urges Nigeria to work with other countries to pressure Trump
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on Nigeria to collaborate with other countries to mount diplomatic pressure on United States President Donald Trump over the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel and the US. Falana said Nigeria should revive its tradition of multilateral diplomacy, like in the days of the Non Aligned Movement, by working with other nations to ensure respect for international law and to push for restraint on all sides. He criticised Trump for what he described as contempt for international law and United Nations resolutions, noting that the US under his watch has withdrawn from dozens of UN decisions. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria argued that Nigeria and other countries must persuade global powers such as China and Russia to intervene diplomatically in the crisis, since they wield significant influence over […]
ECOWAS urges restraint as Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone border tensions rise
The Economic Community of West African States has appealed for calm and restraint from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone following renewed tensions and reported armed incidents along their shared borders. Recent reports say Guinean soldiers allegedly crossed into Liberian territory in Foya District, Lofa County, firing sporadic gunshots and briefly hoisting their national flag on Liberian soil, weeks after a similar confrontation near the Sierra Leonean border in which several Sierra Leonean security personnel were detained. The incidents have sparked fears of escalation in the Mano River Union region. In its response, ECOWAS called on all three governments to exercise maximum restraint, avoid inflammatory statements and resolve outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and existing regional mechanisms. The bloc reiterated that only a comprehensive regional approach can restore lasting security along the Guinea–Liberia–Sierra Leone frontier. The organisation also expressed support for […]
Police investigate alleged shooting of comedian Broda Shaggi
The police have opened an investigation into the alleged shooting of popular skit maker and comedian Samuel Perry, better known as Broda Shaggi, during a skit shoot in Ogun State. Reports say Broda Shaggi sustained a gunshot injury on Sunday afternoon while filming a comedy skit under the Sango Ota bridge in the Sango Ota area of Ogun. A police source quoted in multiple reports said the exact circumstances of the shooting remain unclear, but confirmed that the injury occurred at the location where he and his crew were working. He was first rushed to Blooming Care Hospital in the Alakuko area of Lagos, where he received initial treatment, before being transferred to Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja for further care. Hospital staff subsequently notified the Lagos State Police Command that a gunshot victim had been brought in. Confirming the […]
Related
Iran war: Falana urges Nigeria to work with other countries to pressure Trump
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on Nigeria to collaborate with other countries to mount diplomatic pressure on United States President Donald Trump over the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel and the US. Falana said Nigeria should revive its tradition of multilateral diplomacy, like in the days of the Non Aligned Movement, by working with other nations to ensure respect for international law and to push for restraint on all sides. He criticised Trump for what he described as contempt for international law and United Nations resolutions, noting that the US under his watch has withdrawn from dozens of UN decisions. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria argued that Nigeria and other countries must persuade global powers such as China and Russia to intervene diplomatically in the crisis, since they wield significant influence over […]
Police investigate alleged shooting of comedian Broda Shaggi
The police have opened an investigation into the alleged shooting of popular skit maker and comedian Samuel Perry, better known as Broda Shaggi, during a skit shoot in Ogun State. Reports say Broda Shaggi sustained a gunshot injury on Sunday afternoon while filming a comedy skit under the Sango Ota bridge in the Sango Ota area of Ogun. A police source quoted in multiple reports said the exact circumstances of the shooting remain unclear, but confirmed that the injury occurred at the location where he and his crew were working. He was first rushed to Blooming Care Hospital in the Alakuko area of Lagos, where he received initial treatment, before being transferred to Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja for further care. Hospital staff subsequently notified the Lagos State Police Command that a gunshot victim had been brought in. Confirming the […]
Anti terror war: Tinubu boosts military equipment for tougher security push
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has moved to further strengthen Nigeria’s anti terrorism and anti banditry campaign by boosting the supply of modern military equipment to the armed forces. He has approved the procurement of additional mine resistant ambush protected vehicles, armoured vehicles and patrol trucks to improve troop protection and battlefield mobility across all theatres of operation. The government has also refurbished more than 100 armoured fighting vehicles and returned them to active service as part of a wider effort to upgrade existing assets. Tinubu said his administration is committed to the full modernisation of the armed forces through better training, equipment and enhanced operational capacity to confront evolving threats. Beyond land platforms, the President has in recent months inducted new air assets into the Nigerian Air Force, including T 129 ATAK combat helicopters, A109S Trekker helicopters, King Air surveillance […]
Court warns Sowore, threatens to revoke bail and order his arrest
A Federal High Court in Abuja has threatened to revoke the bail granted to activist and politician Omoyele Sowore and issue a warrant for his arrest in his ongoing cybercrime case. Sowore is standing trial on amended charges of cyberstalking and criminal defamation over social media posts in which he allegedly described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” and made other statements the prosecution says could incite public disorder. The case was filed by the Department of State Services under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention and Amendment) Act, 2024. At the latest hearing, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, expressed displeasure that Sowore was not in court. In a brief ruling, he warned that if the defendant fails to attend the next sitting, the court will revoke his bail and order his arrest so he can be produced by force. […]
FG designates Ikom Dam as strategic national asset
The Federal Government has declared the Ikom Dam in Cross River State a strategic national asset, underscoring its importance for water supply, irrigation, power and food security. Officials said the dam and its associated Boki Ikom Irrigation Project are central to plans to open up more than 2,000 hectares of arable land for large scale, commercially viable farming in the region. The Cross River Basin Development Authority described the scheme as a key intervention that can attract private and foreign investment and boost agro industrial value chains. By granting the “strategic asset” status, the government aims to prioritise funding, maintenance and security for the dam and related infrastructure. The move aligns with a wider policy shift that treats major dams and irrigation projects as critical to national development, climate resilience and rural employment. The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation […]
Senate confirms Dakingari as non career ambassador
The Senate has approved the appointment of former Kebbi State governor Saidu Usman Dakingari as a non career ambassador, following a fresh nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the confirmation during plenary after the lawmakers considered the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which screened Dakingari and recommended his approval. The confirmation puts an end to weeks of controversy over his earlier botched posting as ambassador to Turkey. In January, the presidency had named Dakingari among new ambassador designates and announced his posting to Turkey, claiming the appointments were drawn from 68 envoys confirmed by the Senate in December 2025. It later emerged that his name was not on the original list screened and approved by the upper chamber, forcing the presidency to withdraw the announcement and blame a “naming mix up.” To […]