Footballers’ Wives and Girlfriends Redefine Fashion and Fame in the 2020s

The early 2000s saw the rise of the term WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends), coined by British media to describe the partners of footballers like Coleen Rooney, Cheryl Tweedy, and Victoria Beckham. These women became media fixtures during events like the 2006 World Cup, blending football culture with celebrity and fashion, though often portrayed through a misogynistic lens focused on their partners’ status.

In recent years, a new generation of footballers’ partners has emerged, leveraging their visibility to build independent careers in fashion, music, and business. International figures such as Georgina Rodríguez and Antonela Roccuzzo have become influential fashion icons and entrepreneurs, while in Israel, personalities like Noa Kirel and Coral Simanovich have established themselves in music and fashion industries.

Spanish actress Ester Expósito joined this circle through her rumored relationship with French footballer Kylian Mbappé, gaining attention for her sophisticated and sexy style. Antonela Roccuzzo, wife of Lionel Messi, has cultivated a strong fashion presence with 40 million Instagram followers and regular appearances at luxury brand events. Brazilian influencer Bruna Biancardi, partner of Neymar, promotes high-end fashion and beauty brands while managing public scrutiny.

Israeli model Michelle Gertzic, married to Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, has also gained recognition for her elegant, casual style featured in fashion campaigns and shows. Georgina Rodríguez, partner of Cristiano Ronaldo since 2016, has successfully transformed her WAG status into a prominent career, launching her own sportswear brand Mimoa and attending major fashion events like the Met Gala and Cannes Festival.

This evolution reflects a shift from being defined solely by their footballer partners to becoming independent style and business icons, continuing the legacy of figures like Victoria Beckham but with a modern entrepreneurial twist.