The World Cup isn’t just about football anymore. Every four years, there’s another side of the tournament that takes over social media, red carpets and stadium stands: the WAGs.
By now, it’s not really about the labels. It’s about the influence, style and how these women naturally become part of the biggest tournament in the world without trying too hard. Some are already well-known to the world, some are just starting to step into the spotlight. But for sure all of them are worth watching this World Cup.
And now that we’re halfway through the Group Stage and the games are getting more interesting, it’s time to get to know the WAGs of some of our favourite players that we’ve been rooting for. Because at this point, the World Cup isn’t only watched on the field. It’s watched everywhere around it, too.
ESTER EXPÓSITO
The Spanish actress who made her breakthrough with the Netflix series, Elite, and established herself in both international and Spanish cinema, starring in thrillers and dramas. She’s also become known in the football space as the girlfriend of French national team captain and Real Madrid’s star, Kylian Mbappé. The two have been dating since the beginning of the year. We’re all wondering the same! If it comes down to France vs Spain, whose side will she be on?
GEORGINA RODRÍGUEZ
You can’t talk about football WAGs without mentioning Georgina Rodríguez. The model, entrepreneur and Netflix star has become a global celebrity in her own right with millions following her every move. As Cristiano Ronaldo’s fiancée, she has spent years in the spotlight. But what makes her stand out is how she built a brand beyond football. Whether she’s attending fashion week, starring in campaigns or giving her fans a glimpse into her family life, she has mastered how to capture attention at its best. With Ronaldo leading Portugal’s national team at what could be one of his last World Cups, expect Georgina to be one of the most photographed faces in the stands.
ANTONELLA ROCCUZZO, LIONEL MESSI’S WIFE
The Argentinian entrepreneur and social media favourite has been by Messi’s side long before the trophies, Ballon d’Ors and World Cup glory. The couple’s love story began in their hometown of Rosario, making them one of football’s most beloved long-term relationships. Despite keeping much of her personal life private, Antonela has built a loyal following thanks to her effortless style, fitness content and glimpses into her family life with their three sons. As Argentina seems to be going to make another deep run in this World Cup, all eyes will once again be on the woman who has been cheering Messi on from the sidelines for decades.
TOLAMI BENSON, BUKAYO SAKA’S FIANCÉE
Tolami Benson may be one of the newer names on the global WAG radar, but she’s quickly becoming one of the most talked about. The British-Nigerian marketing professional and content creator has been linked to Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka for several years. With Saka continuing to be one of England’s most exciting players, don’t be surprised if Tolami becomes one of the standout faces throughout the season.
ISABEL HAUGSENG JOHANSEN, HAALAND’S GIRLFRIEND
Isabel Haugseng Johansen may be dating one of football’s biggest names, but she has largely tried to stay away from the spotlight. She has known Erling Haaland since their teenage years, with the pair growing up in the same hometown and sharing a long history before taking their relationship public. Unlike many football partners, Isabel keeps a low profile, rarely giving interviews or sharing details of her private life. That sense of mystery has only made fans more curious about her. As Haaland continues to dominate on the world stage, Isabel remains by his side, proving that sometimes the most intriguing WAGs are the ones we know the least about.
ASHLYN CASTRO, JUDE BELLINGHAM’S GIRLFRIEND
Ashlyn Castro is one of the newer faces making appearances in the football world. The Los Angeles-based influencer made it to the headlines when she was linked to England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, but she quickly built a following of her own thanks to her fashion, beauty and lifestyle content. While the couple tends to keep their relationship relatively private, their public appearances have only fueled interest around them. With Bellingham expected to play a key role for England this tournament, Ashlyn is set to be one of the most-watched WAGs of the World Cup.
CHLOE ORTOLANO, GIO REYNA’S WIFE
Chloe Ortolano is one of the quieter names in this lineup and that’s exactly what makes her interesting. The American creative and digital personality has been linked to the USA National Soccer Team star Gio Reyna and the couple got married last summer in Tarrytown, New York. The couple has kept their relationship away from constant public attention. Unlike the more high-profile WAGs, Chloe tends to stay behind the scenes, focusing on her own life and work while still occasionally appearing at the matches and key moments.
INÉS GARCÍA, LAMINE YAMAL’S GIRLFRIEND
The Spanish influencer has recently gone public with FC Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal, after the couple made their first appearance together at the club events and were later seen supporting each other during key moments. Known for her fashion and lifestyle content on social media, she has quickly gained attention for her effortless, minimal style and calm presence despite the growing spotlight around her relationship. As Yamal’s career continues to take over the world stage, Inés is becoming one of the names everyone will be watching this World Cup.
This story first appeared in Grazia INTERNATIONAL.
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