Saturday marked Valentine's Day, a time traditionally associated with public displays of affection. However, with the majority of professional footballers engaged in matches or preparations, social media saw fewer overt romantic gestures than usual. Yet, for some stars, the day offered a unique opportunity to blend their personal and professional lives in creative ways.
Jude Bellingham's Dual Celebration
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained earlier this month, found a perfect balance between romance and football. The 22-year-old was photographed alongside his girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro, 28, in the VIP section of the Santiago Bernabeu. Together, they watched Real Madrid secure a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in LaLiga on Saturday night.
This outing allowed Bellingham to support his teammates while spending quality time with Castro, demonstrating how athletes can navigate the demands of their careers alongside personal commitments. His injury, though unfortunate, provided a rare chance for such a dual celebration on a day typically reserved for love.
Other Football Stars' Romantic Gestures
Across the football world, other players seized the occasion to showcase their romantic sides. In England, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, whose team had a free weekend, surprised his fiancee, Tolami Benson, with a lavish bouquet of flowers. Benson shared an image of the gift on her Instagram story, captioning it 'My Forever Valentine X', highlighting the tender moments off the pitch.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison, also without a match after his team's FA Cup exit, was featured in a series of affectionate photos with his model girlfriend, Amanda Araujo. Posted on Araujo's Instagram, the images captured the couple enjoying time together in London, with one particularly playful shot showing Araujo licking Richarlison's face. The caption 'My Valentine' underscored their close bond.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who played in his team's 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton, still made room for romance. Before the match, he dedicated social media posts to his girlfriend, Ailen Cova, sharing photos that celebrated their relationship amidst his professional duties.
A Surprise Wedding Announcement
Perhaps the most unexpected Valentine's Day story came from former Rangers manager Russell Martin, who married former Page Three model Lucy Pinder. The ex-Celebrity Big Brother star shared a wedding day photo on social media, showing Pinder in a white, short-sleeved dress as they kissed after exchanging vows.
Their relationship, which became public in August 2024 when Pinder attended Martin's honorary degree ceremony at the University of Brighton, has been described as 'smitten'. This marriage adds a touch of celebrity glamour to the football romance narratives, illustrating how love stories can unfold beyond the pitch.
Overall, Valentine's Day 2024 revealed a nuanced picture of footballers' lives, where injuries, match schedules, and personal moments intersected. From Bellingham's VIP outing to Saka's floral tribute and Martin's wedding, these stories highlight the human side of sports stars, reminding fans that behind the athletic prowess lies a capacity for romance and connection.
