Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has publicly denied allegations that he cheated on his former partner, Maya Jama, following confirmation of their separation. In an Instagram post shared on Friday, 29 May, the Portuguese footballer addressed the rumours head-on, stating unequivocally that he had not been unfaithful.
Dias Speaks Out on Infidelity Claims
Dias wrote: “That’s where I draw the line.” He elaborated: “When my 85-year-old grandad is asking me if I’ve cheated on my girlfriend because he's seen it repeatedly on the news, that's where I draw the line on what’s acceptable and what’s not.” The 29-year-old emphasised that his relationship with Jama was “built on mutual respect” and that “no line was ever crossed in that regard.”
While he typically refrains from discussing his personal life, Dias felt compelled to respond to the persistent speculation. “I believe it’s wrong to lie to people and to portray an opposite image of someone just for clickbait,” he explained. “A lie told often enough can start to feel like the truth and for that reason I tell you that I didn’t cheat, nor did I ever have the intention or temptation to.”
Breakup Confirmation and Privacy Request
Dias’s statement confirmed that the couple have indeed parted ways, though he insisted their reasons remain “private and belong to us.” He added: “We’ve both dealt with it in a very mature way.” The footballer urged his followers to “respect me, respect Maya, and understand that not always one has to betray the other in order for a relationship to end.”
Public speculation about their relationship had intensified in recent weeks after both Dias and Jama removed photos of each other from their social media accounts. Jama, 31, has not yet commented publicly on the split. The Independent has contacted her representative for comment.
Background of the Relationship
The former couple confirmed their relationship in April 2025, having met in November 2024 at the MTV European Music Awards in Manchester. They most recently lived together in the city, where Dias has played since joining Manchester City in 2020 from SL Benfica. Dias is set to represent Portugal in the upcoming World Cup next month.
Jama, who has hosted Love Island UK since 2022, will next appear as a contestant in the second series of The Celebrity Traitors UK, scheduled to air later this year.
