As football fans get ready for a month of global excitement with the Club World Cup kicking off this weekend, there’s just as much buzz off the pitch as on it.
While top teams from every corner of the world prepare to battle it out on American soil, the spotlight is also turning to the WAGs — the wives and girlfriends of some of the game’s biggest names.
With a record $1 billion in prize money on the line and 32 teams vying for glory across 12 U.S. stadiums, it’s not just the players making headlines.
From romantic getaways to quiet support from afar, here’s a look at the women standing behind football’s brightest stars.
Maya Jama Keeps It Long-Distance While Hosting Love Island
Maya Jama, known for her TV charm and now dating Manchester City’s Ruben Dias, won’t be heading stateside.
Though the pair recently enjoyed a dreamy escape to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Maya is currently busy hosting the latest season of Love Island in Mallorca.
Despite being in that early, smitten phase, she’ll be cheering her man on from a distance — and probably sneaking in match updates between islander recouplings.
Isabel Haugseng Johansen Stays Home With Baby While Haaland Heads to the States
Erling Haaland will be chasing silverware with Manchester City, but his partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen will be at home with their newborn.
The couple welcomed their first child in December 2024, and Isabel will be supporting her superstar striker quietly from home as he aims to close out a mixed season on a high note.
Connie Grace Is Set to Cheer for Chelsea’s Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer, now shining in Chelsea blue, has the full backing of his longtime girlfriend Connie Grace.
The pair met as teens and have grown up together through football fame.
Connie, a Manchester-based nail salon owner and influencer, has kept a relatively low profile but offered sweet insights during Amazon Prime’s “England’s Lions: A New Generation” doc.
Aine May Kennedy Could Be in Madrid Colors for Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher, formerly of Chelsea and now at Atletico Madrid, may have girlfriend Aine May Kennedy supporting him in the stands.
A model from Ireland, Kennedy moved with Gallagher to Spain last year and has already embraced the city’s culture — including catching Ed Sheeran at the club’s home stadium.
Ashlyn Castro Joins Jude Bellingham’s Growing Support Crew
Madrid’s midfield magician Jude Bellingham has American model Ashlyn Castro in his corner.
With ties to celebs like Michael B. Jordan and Terance Mann, Castro is now firmly in Jude’s world. She’s been spotted at Santiago Bernabéu and even joined his mum at England’s recent friendly.
Expect her to be waving the flag proudly in the U.S.
Gabriely Miranda Shares Spotlight with Real’s Teenage Star Endrick
Teen phenom Endrick might be new to the spotlight, but he’s already got a strong support system in Gabriely Miranda.
At 23, she’s five years older than Endrick and rumored to be his wife under a unique “say I love you no matter what” pact.
The couple’s bond seems serious, and Gabriely will likely be by his side during his Club World Cup journey with Real Madrid.
Antonela Roccuzzo Stands by Messi Yet Again — This Time in Miami
Wherever Lionel Messi goes, Antonela Roccuzzo is sure to follow.
Messi’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of their three sons has embraced their new Miami life with style.
Now, with Inter Miami hosting the tournament, Antonela will be front and center as her husband leads the charge for another piece of silverware.
Sofia Balbi Continues the Journey with Luis Suarez in Florida
Sofia Balbi, wife of Luis Suarez, knows what football life is all about.
After years in Europe, the couple have made a fresh start in Miami, following Messi’s lead.
The couple, who met as teenagers, now raise three children together and are tackling life in America as a unit.
Catherine Harding Settles Into Brazil With Flamengo’s Jorginho
Freshly signed by Flamengo, Jorginho is embarking on a new chapter with singer wife Catherine Harding.
The pair recently tied the knot in Italy, just in time to start their life in South America.
Harding, who shares a child with Jude Law, became well-known after appearing in Amazon’s Married to the Game, and now, she’s backing her new husband on a different continent.
Claudia Rodriguez Prepares for Another Trophy Run with Marc Cucurella
Claudia Rodriguez, wife of Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, could be headed to the U.S. as well.
The couple, who have three children, have spoken candidly about parenting challenges — including raising an autistic child — in the Married to the Game docuseries.
Claudia’s Instagram showcases her jet-setting lifestyle, often between London and sunny getaways.
Football Isn’t Just About the Pitch — It’s About the People Behind the Players
As the Club World Cup kicks off with Al Ahly vs Inter Miami, it’s not just a celebration of football talent.
It’s a showcase of love, support, and the real lives these stars live beyond the stadium lights.
Whether they’re in the stands or cheering from thousands of miles away, the women behind the players are adding their own quiet strength to football’s global stage