Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez have been dating for almost a decade, but it seems he is still yet to pop the question. The pair met in 2016 at a Gucci store in Madrid, and by the Portuguese icon's own admission, it was "magical" love at first sight. Fast-forward nine years, and the couple shares two kids, with Rodriguez acting as stepmother to Ronaldo's other three children. Manchester United hero Ronaldo and Argentinian-born Rodriguez have formed a love-filled family together. Still, as their relationship has gone from step to step, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has often been asked about his intentions to make matrimony a winner.

As Ronaldo hits 40, Mirror Football examines all of the former Real Madrid and Juventus man's potential marriage admissions and rumours that he and Rodriguez have already tied the knot in secret. Just two years into their relationship, months after Ronaldo and his family made a blockbuster move to Turin, pictures from the 2018 World Cup appeared to confirm reports made by Correio da Manha that Ronaldo had popped the question.

Images snapped during Portugal's 1-0 group stage win over Morocco pictured Rodriguez donning what was allegedly a £615,000 Cartier ring. This left many wondering whether the pair were engaged, though these claims were soon shut down. Ronaldo shut down the rumours that December as Rodriguez told Spanish magazine Hola!: "What if Cristiano asked me to marry him? Not for now, but I would love to.". Though earlier rumours proved not to be true, Ronaldo sat down for an interview with Piers Morgan in 2019 and confirmed that marriage was on the cards.

Ronaldo stated: "She's a fantastic person. Yes, it is [true love]. Yes, it was [like magic meeting for the first time]. Gio is part of me. She helps me so much. "Of course, I'm in love with her. She's the mum of my kids. I'm so passionate for her. She's my friend, we have conversations. I open my heart to her. She opened her heart to me. [She's the greatest love of my life]... Why not [get married]. Not now! Not in this interview. Why not, one day... We'll one day, for sure. It's my mum's dream.".

Four years on, and while no public announcement has been made, Rodriguez, much like Ronaldo, seemed to suggest that it is a case of when, not if, as she responded, "Of course," to Spanish broadcaster Telecinco when asked if the pair would soon marry. After the interview with Morgan and over the past two years, though it remains almost a certainty that the pair will one day be husband and wife, many feel the knot could have already been tied in private. Ronaldo often fuels such rumours, with the 40-year-old referring to Rodriguez on multiple occasions as his wife.

Speaking on the WHOOP podcast in early 2024, Ronaldo admitted that his early morning routine included 'speaking with his wife' and in a YouTube video uploaded to his UR channel in August last year, the pair played a game of Mr and Mrs - both wearing what looked like wedding rings - with the icon again referring to Rodriguez as his wife. At an awards ceremony in Dubai just two months ago, Ronaldo was named the Best Middle Eastern player and bagged an award for the Top Goalscorer of All Time. In his acceptance speech, he stated: "It's a big pleasure to win this trophy. My oldest son is here, and my wife [Georgina] is here.".

Even in late January, the Al-Nassr star took to Instagram to celebrate his partner's 31st birthday and wrote: "For the mother, partner, friend, my wife... happy birthday, love. Your light illuminates us and your love infects us," alongside a heart emoji. The pair have never confirmed their marriage publicly, but various hints throughout the years and Ronaldo's use of language perhaps point towards a secretive ceremony. Now, as the Red Devils legend celebrates his own birthday, fans eagerly await what seems like an inevitable announcement of wedlock.

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