Love Island host Maya Jama is in a serious relationship with Manchester City and Portugal defender Rúben Dias, with the pair having grown from private whispers to a very public couple over the past year. Their romance has captivated fans of both showbiz and football.
From EMAs to Ibiza: The Secret Start of a Showbiz-Sports Romance
The couple's story is believed to have begun at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) in Manchester in late 2024. Shortly after the event, eagle-eyed fans noticed the pair, Maya Jama, 31, and Rúben Dias, 28, had followed each other on Instagram, sparking the first rumours of a connection.
Insiders suggest they started talking in December 2024. The relationship quickly progressed, with the pair choosing to spend New Year's Eve together in Ibiza. This getaway was a strong early indicator that their romance was more than just a fleeting flirtation, though they successfully kept a low profile in the initial months of 2025.
Going Public: Affectionate Appearances & An Amalfi Declaration
The first major public sighting that confirmed their status came in March-April 2025. They attended KSI’s Baller League event in London, where they were photographed looking affectionate and comfortable together, leading to widespread media coverage.
However, it was in late May 2025 that Maya made things Instagram official. She posted a series of sun-drenched photos from a romantic holiday on Italy's Amalfi Coast with Rúben. These posts served as a clear signal to fans that the relationship was serious and committed, moving firmly into the public eye.
Life as a Public Couple: Football Matches & Future Speculation
Since going public, the couple have been regularly spotted together. Maya has become a familiar face supporting Rúben from the stands, not just at Manchester City games but also at Portugal's World Cup qualifying matches. She has also been seen socialising with his family and teammates, further cementing her place in his life.
Reports from friends suggest they are exceptionally happy together, with many close to them describing them as a strong and solid couple. This has naturally led to speculation about long-term commitments, including marriage. Their ability to blend their high-profile worlds—premier league football and top-tier television presenting—has become a focal point of interest.
Looking Back: Their Previous High-Profile Relationships
Before finding love with Rúben, Maya Jama was most famously in a long-term on-off relationship with British rapper Stormzy. After rekindling their romance in 2023, they ultimately split for good in July 2024.
For his part, Rúben Dias was previously in a relationship with Portuguese pop singer and media personality April Ivy (real name Mariana Gonçalves) from 2018 to 2021. They lived together in Manchester after his transfer to City but parted ways, with reports citing differing preferences for public versus private lifestyles.
The footballer was also briefly linked to Love Island star Arabella Chi between 2023 and early 2024, a relationship that lasted only a few months before he met Maya.
