Saudi Arabia Turned A 'Blind Eye' To Ronaldo's Live-In Relationship. Here's Why

Last Updated:August 14, 2025, 08:13 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo is engaged to Georgina Rodriguez. Despite Saudi Arabia's conservative norms. His status and Al-Nassr contract have led authorities to overlook their cohabitation.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Georgina Rodríguez Moved To Riyadh in 2022

Legendary Portugal and Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo is finally engaged to his long-time girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez. However, the couple’s live-in relationship raised several eyebrows as they are cohabiting in conservative Islamic kingdom, Saudi Arabia.

The location marked on Rodriguez’s Instagram post where she announced her engagement was Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom is known to have a rather conservative approach when it comes to unmarried couples, live-in relationships, and sex outside marriage. These practices, until recently, were punishable by flogging.

However, Ronaldo’s case highlights the changing atmosphere in the Kingdom and how it is evolving for foreigners. But why did Saudi Arabia turn a blind eye on Ronaldo’s relationship?

Ronaldo plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. In July 2025, he signed a new two-year deal at Al-Nassr, that means he will live with his family in Riyadh till June 2027.

As per the reports, Cristiano Ronaldo and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez were permitted to live together and local authorities have ‘turned a blind eye’ to their situation after Ronaldo penned a deal with Al Nassr in 2022.

As per a report by The Sun, Cristiano Ronaldo got $700 million for his second innings at Al-Nassr. Additionally, he also gets a rumoured 15% share in the team. Plus, a signing bonus of $33 million. Al-Nassr is also slated to cover the costs of Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s lavish Saudi lifestyle, adding another $2 million to the footballer’s pay package.

The football legend’s partner took to social media, showing off a shiny ring with caption, “Yes I do. In this and in all my lives." It has almost been a decade since both have been dating and have five children together.

The 40-year-old icon is aiming for a brilliant season with Al-Nassr, with an eye on the biggest prize, the Saudi Pro League title, a trophy which he has not been able to win since he arrived in the Middle East way back in 2023.

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

News world Saudi Arabia Turned A 'Blind Eye' To Ronaldo's Live-In Relationship. Here's Why

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