It’s been 20 years since Coleen Rooney, Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Tweedy were branded ‘hooligans with visas’ by a Spanish newspaper after their antics during the 2006 World Cup in Germany generated more headlines than the games.
But the new generation of England WAGs are, overall, a far more retiring bunch. Among those likely to be amongst the crowds for this year’s tournament are a lawyer, engineer, marketing executive, intensive care nurse and interior designer.
Whilst they might like a designer shopping splurge, and showing off their holidays on social media, their impact at the competition in the US, Mexico and Canada, which kicks off today, is expected to be more low-key than that of their predecessors.
However, fear not. If you’re looking for a fashion show worthy of Posh Spice and moments of uncontrolled passion from the stands, you need only look towards the international WAGs, who will no doubt bring the real glamour to the proceedings.
The little-known wives and girlfriends of footballers from the likes of Brazil, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia and South Africa, include models, fashion designers and glamorous influencers.
Read on to discover the charming, stylish and glitzy WAGs you need to know about this World Cup…
Michelle Peters – wife of Tim Payne
As New Zealand defender Tim Payne prepares to make his World Cup debut, there is bound to be one person in the crowd supporting his every move: his glamorous wife, Michelle Peters
The loved-up pair, who wed in 2024, have mostly kept their relationship away from the public eye. However, they are understood to share one child together
Michelle, who is both a model and professional photographer, has more than 173,000 Instagram followers and frequently shares images of her life of travel, photo shoots and family life
As New Zealand defender Tim Payne prepares to make his World Cup debut, there is bound to be one person in the crowd supporting his every move: his glamorous wife, Michelle Peters.
The loved-up pair, who wed in 2024, have mostly kept their relationship away from the public eye. However, they are understood to share one child together.
Michelle, who is both a model and professional photographer, has more than 173,000 Instagram followers and frequently shares images of her life of travel, photo shoots and family life.
However, fans may best know her from the creation of the phrase ‘No Payne, No Gain’ – a catchy saying composed by fans in honour of the New Zealand player, and in direct reference to his wife.
Taking to Instagram to respond to the viral phrase, Michelle said: ‘You guys are brilliant, I haven’t stopped singing it and laughing at all the comments.’
Robyn Hendry – wife to Jack Hendry
Former Celtic defender tied the knot with long-time girlfriend Robyn Hendry last summer in Tuscany after celebrating seven years together
The loved-up pair first met in 2018 while Jack was playing for Celtic and initially kept their relationship private before sharing details about their romance the following year by putting each other’s initials in their Instagram bios
Robyn, who undertook a psychology degree at the University of Nottingham, is now an emerging model
Former Celtic defender tied the knot with long-time girlfriend Robyn Hendry last summer in Tuscany after celebrating seven years together.
The luxurious wedding venue featured a pool and gorgeous views across the mountain, with Robyn, who amasses more than 31,000 followers, sharing gorgeous photos from the day.
The loved-up pair first met in 2018 while Jack was playing for Celtic and initially kept their relationship private before sharing details about their romance the following year by putting each other’s initials in their Instagram bios.
Robyn, who undertook a psychology degree at the University of Nottingham, is now an emerging model who has worked for several British clothing brands and now shares details of her life on social media.
She and Jack also share two young children – Archie and Blair.
Chloe Gelmi – fiancée of Matthew Ryan
Australian goalkeeper Matthew Ryan and fiancée Chloe Gelmi grew up in the same part of Perth and attended the same school, though few details are known of when they first made things official
The glamorous model has a background in law and holds more than 9,000 Instagram followers, where she shares intimate details of her life supporting Matthew both on and off the pitch
During a luxurious trip to the Maldives last June, Matthew popped the question to Chloe. The month prior, the loved-up pair announced the gender of their soon-to-be born child on the pitch of Stade Bollaert-Delelis
Australian goalkeeper Matthew Ryan and fiancée Chloe Gelmi grew up in the same part of Perth and attended the same school, though few details are known of when they first made things official.
The glamorous model has a background in law and holds more than 9,000 Instagram followers, where she shares intimate details of her life supporting Matthew both on and off the pitch.
During a luxurious trip to the Maldives last June, Matthew popped the question to Chloe. The month prior, the loved-up pair announced the gender of their soon-to-be born child on the pitch of Stade Bollaert-Delelis by kicking a football which erupted with blue powder.
On September 21, the couple welcomed their baby boy, Preston James Ryan, to the world, sharing shots of their newborn son on Instagram to announce the news.
‘Welcome to the world, little one,’ the post read. ‘You’ve already filled our hearts in ways that we never knew possible.’
Yasmin Bright – fiancée of Max Crocombe
New Zealand goalkeeper Maxime Crocombe is a regular for All Whites and has been in a relationship with social media star Yasmin Bright since 2016
She now shares her life of travel and creative endeavours online, while continuing to support her fiancé in London while he plays for Millwall
Yasmin, who studied French and Spanish at university, is represented by the Blaized influencer agency and has done numerous promotional deals with fashion brands such as Zara, Boohoo and Misguided
New Zealand goalkeeper Maxime Crocombe is a regular for All Whites and has been in a relationship with social media star Yasmin Bright since 2016.
In May 2023, the couple took to Instagram to announce their engagement.
Dressed in an all-white attire in front of a dazzling sunset, Yasmin announced the joyous news with a video captioned: ‘I’m marrying my best friend’.
Yasmin, who studied French and Spanish at university, is represented by the Blaized influencer agency and has done numerous promotional deals with fashion brands such as Zara, Boohoo and Misguided.
She now shares her life of travel and creative endeavours online, while continuing to support her fiancé in London while he plays for Millwall.
Kaylee Ake – wife to Nathan Ake
Manchester City and Netherlands defender Nathan Ake married his childhood sweetheart, Kaylee Ramman, in a private villa ceremony in June 2022
While Kaylee is frequently seen in the stands supporting Nathan, she has also built a name for herself as a successful fashion designer and businesswoman
Manchester City and Netherlands defender Nathan Ake married his childhood sweetheart, Kaylee Ramman, in a private villa ceremony in June 2022.
A host of big name players – many from Ake’s native Holland – put on their sharpest suits to celebrate, with Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk, Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek and PSG’s Georginio Wijnaldum all in attendance – with European WAGS also putting on a stylish display in summer attire.
The same year that they walked down the aisle, the pair welcomed their first daughter together.
While Kaylee is frequently seen in the stands supporting Nathan, she has also built a name for herself as a successful fashion designer and businesswoman.
The effortless star runs a swimwear brand called Jua Jane, which makes all of its clothing items from recycled plastics.
Mackenzie Medlock – girlfriend of Lucas Bergvall
Swedish social media influencer Mackenzie Medlock first crossed paths with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall in 2011, though the pair’s relationship was not made public until 2020
While she is relatively new to the public eye, the social media star has already built up a following of nearly 30,000 on Instagram where she showcases her glamorous life of travel and supporting her boyfriend on the pitch
Swedish social media influencer Mackenzie Medlock first crossed paths with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall in 2011, though the pair’s relationship was not made public until 2020.
Based in Stockholm, Mackenzie has built a public online profile for herself where she shares lifestyle, fashion and aesthetic content on TikTok and Instagram.
Alongside sharing her life online, Mackenzie is also affiliated with modelling agency Talent Model Management.
While she is relatively new to the public eye, the social media star has already built up a following of nearly 30,000 on Instagram where she showcases her glamorous life of travel and supporting her boyfriend on the pitch.
Noa van der Bij – girlfriend of Cody Gakpo
Dutch football star Cody Gakpo has been dating his glamorous blonde girlfriend Noa van der Bij since around December 2020
She has worked as a booker for Cachet Models ever since completing her studies in management at Avans University of Applied Sciences
The couple welcomed their first child in April 2024 named Samuël Seth Gakpo, who often joins Noa in the stands, cheering on Liverpool
Dutch football star Cody Gakpo has been dating his glamorous blonde girlfriend Noa van der Bij since around December 2020.
As their relationship has blossomed, Noa has since amassed more than 121,000 followers on TikTok where she shares details of her fashion, mum life, and her glamorous travels around the globe.
She has worked as a booker for Cachet Models ever since completing her studies in management at Avans University of Applied Sciences.
The couple welcomed their first child in April 2024 named Samuël Seth Gakpo, who often joins Noa in the stands, cheering on Liverpool.
Noa and Cody shared a sweet snap of them together as a family with young Samuël donning a mini Liverpool kit, with number 18 on the back.
Mikky Kiemeney – wife of Frenkie de Jong
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong first started dating his now-wife, Mikky Kiemeney, in 2014 during school, before the couple tied the knot in May 2024 in a private ceremony
The sophisticated Dutch entrepreneur is a keen hockey player, and in 2015 made her debut for HC Den Bosch’s women’s team at the age of just 17
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong first started dating his now-wife, Mikky Kiemeney, in 2014 during high school, before the couple tied the knot in May 2024 in a private ceremony.
The sophisticated Dutch entrepreneur is a keen hockey player, and in 2015 made her debut for HC Den Bosch’s women’s team at the age of just 17.
However, she now leads a more glamorous life off the pitch, and takes to Instagram to share intimate insights into her and Frenkie’s life in Barcelona, Spain with their two young children, while he plays for FC Barcelona.
With an impressive 1.7million followers on Instagram, Mikky is one of the most high-profile WAGs and in June 2018 was crowned queen of the WAGs by the Dutch version of FHM magazine in their annual top 500 poll.
Lina Kimmich – wife to Joshua Kimmich
German football captain Joshua Kimmich met his now-wife Lina in 2013 in the city of Leipzig, and the pair have been inseparable ever since
The loved-up couple tied the knot in 2022 in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their close friends and family
German football captain Joshua Kimmich met his now-wife Lina in 2013 in the city of Leipzig, and the pair have been inseparable ever since.
At the time, Lina was studying law and worked on a part-time basis in the club’s merch store. Sharing in Joshua’s love of sports, she previously had her own successful stint as a volleyball player.
In 2015, the pair were forced to go the distance as Joshua relocated to Munich, while Lina stayed in Leipzig to complete her studies.
The loved-up couple tied the knot in 2022 in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their close friends and family.
They share four children, whom they choose to keep the names of private, however, Lina frequently takes to Instagram to share insights into their family life and travels.
Cam Reading – girlfriend to Scott McTominay
Former Man-United star Scott McTominay and Cam Reading first started dating in 2022, however speculation began mounting that the pair had first crossed paths as early as 2020
Former Man-United star Scott McTominay and Cam Reading first started dating in 2022, however speculation began mounting that the pair had first crossed paths as early as 2020.
The Scottish and Napoli midfielder’s model girlfriend now shares her life with Scott in Italy on social media and has become incredibly popular among football fans who have affectionately dubbed her the ‘Queen of Italy’.
Alongside her modelling, Cam also manages Fortress Capital Partners and collaborates with brands, while sharing images to her 88,000 Instagram followers.
The loved-up pair often step out together at high-profile events, such as the Gran Gala del Calcio.
Sara Stokes – fiancée to John McGinn
Clydebank footballer John McGinn first started dating his long-term fiancée Sara in 2014, and the pair’s relationship has gone strength to strength
Clydebank footballer John McGinn first started dating his long-term fiancée Sara in 2014, and the pair’s relationship has gone strength to strength.
While Sara has often strived to keep her life out of the public eye, the couple are known to reside in Birmingham since McGinn’s move to Aston Villa FC in 2018.
In a previous interview, McGinn revealed that he had so much admiration for his partner making the move to England with him, and also revealed that she was working as a social worker.
He added: ‘When she came down here with me she thought, ‘Everyone thinks I am just going to sponge off John, that I’m coming down here for a holiday’.
‘So she decided ‘stuff that’ and did three years at university and she is now a social worker. There are times when I have been so wrapped up in my own little bubble I forget how tough her reality is when she is working with kids who are going through awful times.’
Melissa Cardona – wife to Julio Enciso
Paraguayan footballer Julio Enciso wed his long-time Colombian influencer fiancée Melissa in May 2025
Now, Melissa shares her life to her 266,000 Instagram followers – including fashion, lifestyle and travel all over the globe as she supports her beloved husband with his sporting success
Paraguayan footballer Julio Enciso wed his long-time Colombian influencer fiancée Melissa in May 2025.
The pair, who initially went public with their relationship in late 2024, tied the knot in a beautifully intimate ceremony in Caaguazú, Paraguay.
Her husband, Julio, plays as a forward for Brighton & Hove Albion while representing the Paraguay national team.
Now, Melissa shares her life to her 266,000 Instagram followers – including fashion, lifestyle and travel all over the globe as she supports her beloved husband with his sporting success.
Luz Mendez – fiancée to Brahim Diaz
The latest of the international players to announce their engagement, Brahim Diaz popped the question to his long-time girlfriend Luyis Mendez last month
Glamorous Luz was born in Tenerife and works as both a pilates instructor and social media creator, amassing more than 320,000 followers on Instagram where she shares tips on healthy living and workout routines
The latest of the international players to announce their engagement, Brahim Diaz popped the question to his long-time girlfriend Luyis Mendez last month.
Speculation that the pair may be dating began in 2022, but they are believed to have first met in 2020 during the football star’s time in Italy.
Glamorous Luz was born in Tenerife and works as both a pilates instructor and social media creator, amassing more than 320,000 followers on Instagram where she shares tips on healthy living and workout routines.
She is also the co-founder of Elements Madrid, a membership-based brand which helps to connect individuals through ‘luxury wellness events’.
Ines Degener – wife to Bernado Silva
Bernado Silva tied the knot with model Ines Tomaz in front of 250 guests including teammate Ruben Dias in 2023
The happy couple welcomed the birth of their first child in 2024. Silva told Hello magazine: ‘It’s a dream come true being a father. It’s a moment that changes your life. From that moment there is a new, most important thing in your life’
Bernado Silva tied the knot with model Ines Tomaz in front of 250 guests including teammate Ruben Dias in 2023.
Laura Woods is at the top of her game, but away from the field she has tackled fierce criticism of her ex-Love Island fiancé.
Now, as she prepares to take centre stage at the World Cup, she opens up in an exclusive interview as she discusses sexism, stalkers and ‘bad boy’ Adam Collard.
Read what Laura had to say
The ceremony and celebration took place on Saturday at a hilltop hotel and winery on a 120-hectare vineyard estate in the Douro Valley an hour and a half’s drive inland from the northern Portuguese city of Porto.
Silva confirmed in May 2020 he had found love again with Ines after his split from French model Alicia Verrando.
Ines went public with their relationship by posting footage on her Instagram of the footballer with his arms round her on a beach.
The playmaker responded with his own photo, showing them oozing happiness and looking tanned and relaxed at a dinner table.
The couple’s love blossomed during the coronavirus lockdown which they spent with friends in a large house near Lisbon.
Ines, whose sister Mariana represented Portugal at Miss Global 2017, posted a selfie of her showing off her engagement ring as she cuddled up to her partner when she revealed they were engaged and wrote: ‘Forever YES. My endless love.’
The happy couple welcomed the birth of their first child in 2024. Silva told Hello magazine: ‘It’s a dream come true being a father. It’s a moment that changes your life. From that moment there is a new, most important thing in your life.
‘Greeting her when I get back home from games and training sessions is always a moment of happiness and joy, and mostly forgetting about everything else and just focusing on being happy with her.’
Sophia Havertz – Kai Havertz’s partner
Sophia Havertz (pictured) is the partner of Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, with the pair hailing from the same town in Germany
Sophia, who almost has half a million Instagram followers, and Kai are seen celebrating after Arsenal’s win
Sophia Havertz is the partner of Kai Havertz, with the pair hailing from the same German town.
The Instagram star, who has almost 500,000 followers, started dating the footballer, who has also played for Chelsea, in 2018.
The couple tied the knot in 2024 and welcomed a baby boy together last year.
However, Sophia was at the centre of a horrific case of trolling at the start of last year.
A teenager was arrested in January after Arsenal forward Havertz’s wife was sent sickening social media abuse following the club’s FA defeat.
Havertz, 26, missed a penalty in Arsenal’s shootout defeat at the Emirates on January 12 before his partner, Sophia – who was expecting her first child with the German international at the time – said she received abusive messages on Instagram.
She posted screenshots of the DMs to her Insta story, urging people to be more ‘respectful’ and called the abuse ‘shocking’.
Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed a 17-year-old boy from St Albans had been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications.
Natalia Becker – wife of Alisson Becker
Natalia Becker first met the Liverpool goalkeeper in 2012 in their native home of Brazil
The couple welcomed their third child in 2021 following the birth of daughter Helena in 2017 and son Matteo in 2019
Natalia Becker, who is a doctor, first met the Liverpool goalkeeper in 2012 in their native home of Brazil.
She went on to complete her degree at the Catholic University of Pelotas before they went on to marry in 2015.
Alisson previously praised his wife for leaving Brazil to move to Rome with him months after graduating.
He said: ‘That meant a lot to me. I enjoyed supporting her while she was finishing her studies at university.’
The couple welcomed their third child in 2021 following the birth of daughter Helena in 2017 and son Matteo in 2019.
