One moment you're at the pinnacle of English football's glamorous social scene; the next, it's all gone. That was the stark reality for model Taylor Ward when her husband, Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, called to say he was leaving for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. Her response? She broke down in tears. His explanation for the life-altering move was blunt: 'It's part of the game, innit.'
The High Price of Glamour: Instability and Heartbreak
The life of a footballer's partner promises immense wealth, status, and opportunity, but it is profoundly a double-edged sword. The glitter is sharpened by constant compromise, relentless instability, and often, deep loneliness. High-profile infidelities play out in public, while transfers can demand a global move at a moment's notice. Partners live under the intense scrutiny of millions, where a thick skin is a far greater asset than pampered skin.
Former Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock, married to striker Andre Gray, knows this well. In just four years, Gray has played in Greece, Saudi Arabia, Plymouth, and now Turkey. In a good month, they see each other only three times, as Pinnock remains in the UK to focus on her music career. Their marriage, which has produced twin daughters, survived an early 'heartbreaking' betrayal that tested their trust. Gray admitted to being 'selfish', sought therapy, and Pinnock chose to forgive.
Even seemingly stable relationships face immense strain. Another Little Mix alum, Perrie Edwards, has been with former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for eight years and they share a young son, Axel. Yet, she revealed in 2024 that they have never lived together. When Oxlade-Chamberlain moved to play for Besiktas in Turkey, Edwards stayed behind for her solo career and their child. 'I can’t lie, it is hard,' she admitted, highlighting the logistical nightmare of long-distance parenting.
Culture Shock and Isolation: The Saudi Arabia Challenge
The growing trend of high-profile moves to Saudi Arabia has introduced a new layer of difficulty, particularly for the female partners. Taylor Ward's experience, documented in the Amazon Prime series 'Married to the Game', lays bare the culture shock. She spoke of her dismay at discovering women were not allowed in her hotel pool, a rule that triggered a 'meltdown' as a stark 'reality check'.
'I'm not even bothered about swimming, it's just the reality check, you're not moving to Spain or somewhere - it's a very different way of living,' she explained. Ward also described the loneliness of watching matches alone in Saudi Arabia, a far cry from the family-and-friends-filled executive boxes at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.
Other families have sought creative solutions. When Jordan Henderson moved to Al-Ettifaq, his family accompanied him but chose to live over the border in the more liberal Bahrain. The cultural adjustment can be severe; one unnamed English player told the Daily Mail his partner was hissed at in a mall for wearing shorts and did not stay long.
When Distance Breaks More Than Just Routine
The strain of constant relocation and separation can have devastating personal consequences. The story of former Liverpool and England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is a tragic case. When he moved to the Turkish club Caykur Rizespor in 2023, he left his wife and three children behind.
Alone in a remote city with little to do, Shelvey spiralled, becoming addicted to sleeping tablets to pass the time. 'I ended up taking three or four sleeping tablets and I'd pass out until the next morning for training,' he confessed. This destructive cycle, which continued after a move to Istanbul, severely damaged his relationship with his family. 'It destroyed my relationship with my kids. I was never present,' he said, crediting his wife for helping him recover.
These stories underscore a relentless truth in football: a player's stint at a club can be fleeting, making it impractical for families to uproot each time. Yet, some do. Spare a thought for Kim Holloway, wife of veteran manager Ian Holloway, who estimates they have moved house at least 48 times during his career in football.
Ultimately, behind the designer outfits and VIP seats lies a world of profound sacrifice. It's a life where personal dreams are often put on hold, stability is a luxury, and 'for better, for worse' is tested by geography, fame, and the relentless, unforgiving schedule of the beautiful game.
