Manchester City Defender Ruben Dias Targeted in Cheshire Burglary
Manchester City are offering their full support to defender Ruben Dias following a distressing burglary at his new Cheshire mansion. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening while the 28-year-old Portuguese international was playing for City against Galatasaray and his partner, Love Island host Maya Jama, 31, was abroad filming in South Africa.
Property Ransacked While Occupants Were Away
Intruders broke into the property on Woodbrook Road in Alderley Edge, making off with thousands of pounds worth of designer clothing, jewellery, and electronics. The couple had only recently moved into the Omaze prize-draw mansion, which reportedly costs £20,000 per month to rent. Dias reportedly raised the alarm after returning home to discover the house had been turned upside down with valuable items missing.
A source close to the couple revealed their devastation, stating: 'They are devastated. The house is the first they have moved into as a couple and is very special to them. Thankfully, neither was at home, but they are very upset that their personal space has been invaded.' The insider added that Jama had been particularly proud of their first home together, sharing numerous videos and pictures on her social media accounts.
Police Investigation Underway
Cheshire Police confirmed they received reports of the burglary shortly after 11:10pm on Wednesday 28 January. Officers attended the scene and found entry had been made to the property with a number of items stolen. Enquiries are currently ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.
The targeted attack follows a pattern of similar incidents in the affluent Cheshire area known as the 'Golden Triangle', which includes Alderley Edge, Prestbury, and Wilmslow. This region has long been popular with Premier League footballers and celebrities, making it a frequent target for organised criminal gangs.
Football Community Shows Solidarity
Manchester City assistant manager Pep Lijnders, speaking at the club's weekly press conference, confirmed the club's support for their defender. 'We try to support him as a club of course,' Lijnders said. 'I didn't speak with him personally but Ruben will come back Monday to team training. These are the things you don't want to happen. We will support him and let's see how it goes from there.'
The burglary represents another security concern for footballers in the region, with former City teammates Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, and Riyad Mahrez having all been previously targeted in similar geographical areas. Grealish's £5.6million mansion in Chelford was raided on Boxing Day in 2023, with thieves stealing £1million worth of jewellery while his family were inside watching him play on television.
Dias Set for Injury Return
The incident comes as Dias prepares to return from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for almost a month. His return to training on Monday could see him in contention for Manchester City's upcoming trip to Liverpool, providing a timely boost for the title-chasing side.
The stunning 6,300 square foot four-bedroom property boasts panoramic views, landscaped gardens, a luxury indoor leisure suite, and a sophisticated security system. Originally won by mother Emily Ward with a £25 Omaze ticket, the mansion remains listed in her name as the property owner while being available for rent or sale.
Safety advisors have recently highlighted the particular risks facing celebrities in Cheshire's exclusive enclaves, where high-value properties attract organised criminal attention. The Golden Triangle features some of northern England's most expensive homes, with properties in Prestbury's Withinlee Road averaging £1.2million and one Alderley Edge home recently advertised for £15million.
Other high-profile residents of the area who have experienced similar burglaries include David and Victoria Beckham, Wayne and Coleen Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and current Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. The pattern suggests coordinated criminal activity targeting wealthy individuals in the region.
