Sports

35 Athletes With Famous Wives And Girlfriends

Darren Ryding - December 30, 2019
Sports

35 Athletes With Famous Wives And Girlfriends

Darren Ryding - December 30, 2019

Being a successful athlete often comes with increased fame. This leads to money but it can bring other benefits. Many elite sportspeople date and marry celebrities because they get close to them. So today, we took a look at 35 athletes from across the sports spectrum with famous wives and girlfriends.

All of these women share the fact that they’ve achieved fame in their own right. They’re all successful as well as stunningly beautiful. And some of them have even attained more celebrity than their partners. Some of these are obvious, while other relationships are surprising. Check out our list below via Business Insider.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

35. Russell Wilson and Ciara

Wilson is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks’ superstar is a Super Bowl winner as well as an eight-time Pro Bowler. He’s also one of the best players of his generation. Meanwhile, he is one-half of Seattle’s most famous power couples. He is married to the noughties R&B sensation, Ciara. Now that’s a glamorous duo.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

A Grammy Award winner, Ciara has sold over 23 million records so far. The Texan is also a successful model. Furthermore, Wilson and Ciara have numerous charitable ventures and do their best to make a difference for the betterment of society. They also own shares together in the Seattle Sounders MLS franchise which shows how much work they do outside of their regular careers.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

34. Nina Ansaroff and Amanda Nunes

These two women are two of the best MMA fighters on the planet. Let’s start with Ansaroff, who competes in the UFC strawweight division. She has the potential to be a championship contender. But her biggest win was her marriage to the UFC bantamweight and featherweight champion, Nunes. The Brazilian double champ is the greatest female MMA fighter in the history of the sport.

Mandatory Credit: People

In 2020 they welcomed their first child into the world after Ansaroff gave birth. These two women do a lot of good for the LGBT community because they are high-profile and open about their relationship in a traditionally hypermasculine sport. The only way is up for these two fighters because they are extremely talented and motivated. They also have the opportunity to become more famous.

Mandatory Credit: Sky Sports

33. Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff

Two of the best tennis players of their generation, their marriage effectively makes them the king and queen of the sport. Agassi famously had a love-hate relationship with the sport but he was brilliant on the court either way. The only men’s career Super Slam winner in history, he was magnificent throughout the nineties. And Graff was a gamechanger when it came to women’s tennis.

Mandatory Credit: Bleacher Report

Fans of Serena Williams won’t agree, but many contend that Graff is the greatest female tennis player ever. Graff formerly held the record for most career grand slam wins and remains the only Golden Slam winner in the history of the sport. It’s rare that two all-time-greats from the same sport get together and stay in a healthy relationship, but Graff and Agassi managed this.

Mandatory Credit: People

32. P.K Subban and Lindsey Vonn

Regular NHL fans know Subban as a defenseman for the New Jersey Devils. A Norris Trophy winner, Subban entered the league in 2007 and became one of the league’s most consistent players. He also played in the Stanley Cup Finals with the Nashville Predators. In 2020, Subban was engaged to another winter sports athlete, however, she was much more famous than him.

Mandatory Credit: Harper’s Bazaar

One of alpine sports’ greatest ever athletes and the best U.S. skier in history, Vonn brought the sport to the mainstream. An Olympic gold medallist and a multi-world champion, few people enjoyed the same success as her. She has a history of relationships with famous athletes like Tiger Woods and her former husband, Thomas Vonn. Clearly, she admires highly-competitive athletes.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

31. Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek

One of the NFL’s most popular players, ‘Gronk’ spent the bulk of his career in New England. One of his most incredible achievements was the fact people liked him even though he was a Patriot. This was down to his juggernaut-like play and his incredible partying. Elsewhere, the Tampa star is in a long-term relationship with the model and media personality Kostek.

Mandatory Credit: Page Six

A former Sports Illustrated and Maxim Magazine cover girl, Kostek has enjoyed great success in the beauty industry. Furthermore, she is a Reebok ambassador and a former cheerleader so she maintains a connection to the sports world. Recently, Kostek entered the acting world and now has multiple high-profile movie credits to her name. This pair is one of the NFL’s most famous power couples.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

30. Dillon Danis and Savannah Montano

Love him or hate him, Danis is one of the top BJJ athletes on the planet. The New York native broke into the mainstream through his friendship with UFC star Conor McGregor. Fellow MMA promotion Bellator signed him because of his skills and name-value. Danis also has a reputation for being an online troll, but this hasn’t dissuaded his stunning model girlfriend, Montano.

Mandatory Credit: Insider

With almost two million followers on Instagram, Montano is part of the new wave of famous influencers. She also represents many famous brands and is one of the most noteworthy U.S. models out there today. The South Florida native is a canny social media user having built up her fame on Tumblr before transitioning to other platforms. Many people think Danis is punching above his weight.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

29. Stephen and Ayesha Curry

The Golden State Warriors’ talisman is a phenomenal shooter and three-time NBA champion. He won back-to-back NBA MVP awards and is also a six-time All-Star. Long story short, he is one of the best talents of his generation and a true franchise gamechanger. Furthermore, he is in a relationship with a famous media personality, having married his wife Ayesha in 2011.

Mandatory Credit: Insider

Ayesha is most famous for her work in the world of cooking. She released several cookbooks and also regularly features on TV. Curry’s story is interesting because she had no formal culinary training before breaking out on Youtube with her video tutorials. The Curry couple are very religious and place significant emphasis upon their faith, which they insist makes their bond stronger.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

28. Zach Ertz and Julie Ertz

This is a true athletic power couple. Let’s start with the Philadelphia Eagles’ star Zach. The tight end joined the Eagles in 2013 and stayed loyal to the franchise. There’s no doubt that his greatest moment came when he scored the game-winning touchdown against the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. This was the stuff of dreams for Ertz. If one person understands that, it’s his wife Julie.

Mandatory Credit: Bleacher Report

She is one of the stars of the USWNT. The 2017 US Soccer Female Player of the Year is a valuable player for the U.S. and the Chicago Red Stars. These two stars spend a lot of time apart because they have to travel all over the nation with their teams. Meanwhile, their franchises are based in separate cities so it isn’t easy for them to see each other all of the time.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

27. Rickie Fowler and Allison Stokke

One of the most recognizable golfers in the United States, Fowler always wears orange on the final day of a tournament. He says that this honors Oklahoma State University, but maybe he is trying to take the shine off of his girlfriend, former pole vaulter Stokke. The PGA tour member started dating her in 2017 and the couple married two years later.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated

Stokke broke out in 2011 at the NCAA level and achieved unlooked-for sex symbol status. She failed in her effort to reach the Olympics but she was still one of the most famous college athletes in the U.S. After retiring from athletics, she became a full-time fitness model. Fowler and Stokke have enjoyed a lot of success and happiness together because they are a high-flying couple.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

26. Max Holloway and Alessa Quizon

Former UFC featherweight champion Holloway is one of the best MMA fighters on the planet. A proud Hawaiian, he is one of the island state’s top athletes and is incredibly skilled. ‘Blessed’ is very popular because of his nice-guy personality and all-around skills. Meanwhile, he enjoys a stable relationship. His girlfriend, Quizon, is also a successful athlete in her own right.

Mandatory Credit: Stabmag

Quizon is a decorated professional surfer and regularly competes in World Surf League events. The pair are the perfect Hawaiian couple because they emblemize all of the values of Aloha. Athletes are often drawn to each other because they understand the challenges that they will face in their lives. However, regular people don’t always comprehend the sacrifices famous athletes must make.

Mandatory Credit: The Hindu

25. Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo

Messi is the most talented soccer player of his generation. The Argentine maestro is a truly phenomenal talent and also one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. A serial winner with Barcelona, his skills must be seen to be believed. However, Messi is very down to earth. He married his childhood sweetheart Roccuzzo, who also hails from his hometown of Rosario.

Mandatory Credit: AS

Roccuzzo played an essential role in Messi’s rise as emotional support. But she’s also a successful woman in her own right. She is a brand ambassador for many fashion labels and maintains a massive social media following. On Instagram, she has an insane 12 million followers. That’s four times the population of Ireland. Of course, her relationship with Messi helped her to gain fame. But she doesn’t rely on him and has her own identity.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

24. Aaron Rodgers and Danica Patrick

Let’s kick this list off with a sensational athletic couple. In this case, the wife has probably achieved as much or almost as much fame as her male counterpart. Recently retired, Patrick was a phenomenal driver. She was the first woman to lead the IndyCar 500, as well as competing in NASCAR. This helped her to viral global stardom.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, Rodgers hasn’t done too badly himself. The Green Bay Packer stalwart won Super Bowl XLV and has spent all of his career in Wisconsin. After spending several seasons behind NFL legend Brett Favre, he broke out to become one of the best NFL quarterbacks ever. What a couple this is.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

23. Brett and Deanna Favre

Everybody knows Favre as the legendary quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. A legend in Wisconsin, he’s one of the best players to ever throw a ball in the NFL. His wife Deanna is a successful author, but there’s no doubt that her fame has increased as a result of her relationship with Favre.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated

The couple has been together since 1996. However, they’ve had to endure massive ups and downs as a result of Favre’s addictions through the years. He has dealt with alcoholism and Vicodin abuse as well as accusations of ‘sexting’ New York Jets ‘Gameday’ host Jenn Sterger. She’s a long-suffering woman, yet has stood by Favre.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

22. Hank Baskett and Kendra Wilkinson

This relationship only recently came to an end, so we’re cheating a little bit by including it. Baskett is a former NFL wide receiver, playing for the likes of the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts. He only spent four seasons playing football but somehow did enough to impress the former Playboy model Wilkinson.

Mandatory Credit: People

The glamorous pair appeared together in several reality shows. Married for nine years, they had two children before Wilkinson decided she wanted a divorce. This stunning woman definitely won’t have any problem finding herself a new man. She’s incredibly beautiful and successful.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY

21. Neymar and Bruna Marquezine

Love him or hate him, there’s no arguing with the fact that Neymar is a superstar. The Brazilian soccer hero is one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. He’s the most expensive player in the world after moving from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for massive money. He’s also the talisman of the Brazilian national team.

Mandatory Credit: The Sun

Of course, his level of fame attracts massive media attention. This can make it difficult for maintaining a healthy relationship. Enter Brazilian bombshell Bruna. The actress is very popular in her home country and we can see why. Since 2012, the pair have had an on-again, off-again relationship. In short, he’s a lucky man.

Mandatory Credit: Sky Sports

20. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Perrie Edwards

Oxlade-Chamberlain plays for the best soccer club in the world right now. The midfielder stars for Liverpool FC in the Premier League. The England international offers a dynamic goal-scoring threat. However, he has a history of injuries at bad times. Despite this, fans like him because he gives his all.

Mandatory Credit: Entertainment Daily

His long-term girlfriend Edwards is a hugely successful pop star. A member of the British girl band Little Mix, they’ve been together since 2017. Little Mix has won Brit and MTV Music Awards, amongst many other accolades. The future looks bright for this high-achieving young couple.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

19. Carmelo and La La Anthony

Few people can claim to have had an NBA career as good as Carmelo Anthony’s. A 10-time All-Star, he was also the 2013 scoring champion. Anthony has also set multiple records for the US national team. In short, he’s one of the best players of his generation and a potent attacking threat.

Mandatory Credit: Page Six

His wife is the actress, MTV star, and businesswoman La La. These two haven’t always had the best of times. When Carmelo got a stripper pregnant, La La almost left him. But somehow, their relationship managed to survive. You have to wonder if her patience will one day run out.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

18. Osi Umenyiora and Leila Lopes

One of just five British-born players to win a Super Bowl, Umeniyora had great success in the NFL. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants. Now he’s working as a broadcaster for the BBC in the UK.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Umenyiora’s wife is the former Miss Universe Leila Lopes. The couple has one child together. Born in Angola and educated in the UK, she’s an incredible woman. A committed social activist, Lopes is more than just a beautiful face. She is an outspoken advocate for AIDS sufferers. Lopes continues to raise awareness about the disease.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

17. Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe

The only same-sex relationship on this list, Bird and Rapinoe are incredible athletes and high achievers. Rapinoe broke out in 2019, gaining global fame. The World Cup winner picked up the Ballon d’Or and plaudits for her social activism. She’s one of the most recognizable female sports stars on the planet right now.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, Bird is an elite athlete in her own right. The Seattle Storm legend has won three WNBA championships and has also won four Olympic gold medals. That’s an outstanding record by any measure. These two women continue to support each other on and off the playing field. They were also the first same-sex couple to be on the cover of ESPN’s Body Issue.

Mandatory Credit: Sky Sports

16. Xabi Alonso and Nagore Aranburu

The former Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich star, Alonso oozes class and confidence. The midfielder was one of the best passers in the game. He is currently the manager of Liga Segunda side Real Sociedad B. Alonso won the World Cup winner with Spain as well as a host of major honors at the club level.

Mandatory Credit: AS

Alonso’s long-term partner is the gorgeous Nagore Aranburu. She’s the mother of his three children and is an actress and writer. Although not globally famous, she is well-known in her native Spain. Married for over 10 years, they have one of the strongest relationships on this list.

Mandatory Credit: Instagram

15. Shannon Brown and Monica

Brown is a former NBA star, most notably for the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Red Bulls. However, he hasn’t necessarily achieved all that he could have, most recently playing in the NBA G-League. Brown has also appeared in music videos and movies.

Mandatory Credit: Instagram

He’s famous for his relationship with Grammy Award-winner Monica. The R&B star was one of the most famous of her genre in the ’90s. However, their relationship went sour in the last few years and they split up in October 2019. Some relationships just don’t last.

Mandatory Credit: Sky Sports

14. Wayne and Coleen Rooney

This couple is one of the most recognizable in the soccer world. First of all, Wayne achieved greatness with Manchester United. As well as playing for Everton and LA Galaxy, the former England international is now with Derby County as a player-coach. Meanwhile, his wife Coleen is a major TV personality in her own right in the UK.

Mandatory Credit: BBC News

They have many ups and downs over the years, but Coleen has stuck with her man. Infamously, Wayne has a history of soliciting prostitutes and causing embarrassment for his wife. The worst moment was when he slept with a 48-year-old grandmother. That’s as rough as it gets. Somehow they are still together.

Mandatory Credit: Golf

13. Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky

One of the best golfers in the world right now, Johnson held the No. 1 spot for 64 consecutive weeks. The American was also the first man to win each of the four World Golf Championship events. In short, he’s been a top professional for the past couple of years and could be getting even better.

Mandatory Credit: Bleacher Report

Johnson has also found success off the golf course. He’s in a long-term relationship with Wayne Gretzky’s stunning daughter Paulina. The heiress is also a model and actress. Johnson must be doing something right, as the couple has two children together.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

12. Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington

Washington is a multi-Emmy award-winning actress. She first came to prominence as Olivia Pope in HBO’s series Scandal. However, she has also appeared in several high-profile movies like The Last King of Scotland and Django Unchained. Despite her fame, she keeps a lid on her private life.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY

But we do know who her husband is. Asomugha might not have the same level of international fame as his wife, but he was an outstanding athlete in the NFL. In fact, he was arguably the best shutdown corner in the league during his prime. In short, he’s arguably one of the Oakland Raiders’ greatest-ever players.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

11. Dion Phaneuf and Elisha Cuthbert

Phaneuf most recently played hockey for the Los Angeles Kings but is currently a free agent. He’s had a solid if unspectacular NHL career, but his main success has definitely been off the ice. That’s right, we’re talking about his gorgeous, award-winning actress wife, Elisha Cuthbert.

Mandatory Credit: People

Voted TV’s Most Beautiful Woman by Maxim in 2013, Cuthbert made her name on the hit TV show “24.” She achieved worldwide fame as Kim Bauer. Then she moved to Hollywood. Even though she has been in fewer quality roles over the last couple of years, she was still a famous name at one point.

Mandatory Credit: US Weekly

10. Eric Decker and Jessie James Decker

Now retired, Decker starred in the NFL for eight seasons as a wide receiver. He played for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and the Tenessee Titans. Meanwhile, he also served as a member of the Patriots’ practice squad. However, there’s no doubt that his wife is more famous than him.

Mandatory Credit: Country Now

An accomplished country singer, Jessie James has released three albums so far. She cites Shania Twain, Christina Aguilera, and Jessica Simpson as influences. The couple also starred in their own reality TV show called, ‘Eric & Jessie: Game On.’ They’re definitely not afraid to be in the spotlight.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY

9. Tom Brady and Giselle Bundchen

Talk about a power couple. Brady is easily the most recognizable NFL star on the planet. The former Patriots quarterback has won Super Bowl after Super Bowl as well as being All-Pro multiple times. Even though he’s coming to the end of his career, he’s still shining bright in Boston. That’s before we even talk about his partner.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY

Bundchen was the first supermodel to emerge from Brazil. For several years, she was the highest-earning model on the planet. Married to Brady since 2009, Bundchen is definitely his equal in terms of fame and wealth. The couple has three children together. Those are some incredible genes to pass down.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

8. James Neal and Melanie Collins

Neal currently stars for the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers in Canada. Nicknamed ‘The Real Deal,’ he’s a very popular figure with fans. He set a franchise record for the most goals scored in the first six games of the season. To sum up, Neal is one of the best players on the Oilers today.

Mandatory Credit: Everipedia

Meanwhile, his girlfriend is also hugely successful. Neal is an excellent and gorgeous reporter for CBS. While she mostly broadcasts from NFL games, she has also presented several other highly-viewed programs. This couple is almost as glamorous as Hollywood royalty.

Mandatory Credit: Sky Sports

7. Iker Casillas and Sara Carbonaro

Spain’s Casillas is his country’s most capped player of all-time. The Real Madrid legend was one of the two best goalkeepers in the world, alongside Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon. A World Cup winner, Casillas now plays for FC Porto in Portugal. A legend of the game, he’s been a magnificent goalkeeper.

Mandatory Credit: Indian Express

Meanwhile, his girlfriend is one of Spain’s most famous TV reporters. FHM voted her as the sexiest journalist in the world. Her profile rose during the 2010 World Cup. In fact, some Spanish fans accused her of distracting Casillas. The couple has two children together.

Mandatory Credit: Youtube

6. Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez

For the past 10 years, Ronaldo has been one of the two greatest soccer players on the planet. The Juventus star previously had massive success with Real Madrid and Manchester United. A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo’s career is nothing short of special.

Mandatory Credit: TheNet

Ronaldo was previously in a relationship with Russian supermodel Irina Shayk. However, after they broke up, he became involved with the Stunning Spanish Instagram star Rodriguez. Her fame has grown by association with her megastar partner. Ronaldo has said they will definitely marry in the future.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY

5. Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian

Thompson is an excellent basketball player. He’s an NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers and also represents Canada in international competition. Furthermore, he attracted the attention of one of the most famous families in the world. That’s where Kardashian comes in.

Mandatory Credit: Entertainment Weekly

She obviously has a thing for basketball players after a previously disastrous relationship with Lamar Odom. But things ended badly for the couple in 2019 after he cheated on her with her younger sister Kendall’s best friend. The worst part was that she was pregnant at the time. Now that’s cold.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY

4. Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood

Recently retired, Fisher was a very good hockey player. He spent most of his career split between the Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators in the NHL. He played in multiple Stanley Cup finals, but never managed to land the big prize. Somehow, he snagged country superstar Underwood as his wife. Finally, the pair married in 2010 and raised a family together.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY

She’s way more famous than him, so this is quite the coup. A seven-time Grammy award winner, Underwood is one of the most successful female musicians in the world. She’s estimated to be worth about $200 million. In short, selling 70 million records makes you very rich. Fisher definitely did well.

Mandatory Credit: Bleacher Report

3. Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union

This 13-time All-Star is an NBA and Miami legend. The Heat’s all-time leader in points, games, assists, steals, shots made and shots taken, Wade definitely made an impression in the Sunshine State. However, he’s also been very lucky in love, marrying Hollywood actress Gabrielle Union.

Mandatory Credit: NBC

Union was a regular in comedies through the noughties before a career revival saw her step into action roles. In 2018, she took the lead role in the thriller ‘Breaking In.’ This is definitely a high-achieving couple. Despite several ups and downs, their relationship has been able to survive the test of time so far.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY

2. David and Victoria Beckham

These two are celebrity royalty. First of all, David became the first megastar of the soccer world. His fame transcended his abilities on the playing field and only increased when he married pop princess Victoria. In short, this pair is one of the biggest power couples in the world today.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

‘Posh’ was initially famous as a member of the Spice Girls. But after embarking on a solo career, she found success as a fashion designer. Victoria has defied the odds to set up her label and make it a global success. To sum up, they’re possibly the two most famous people on this list.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY

1. Gerard Pique and Shakira

Pique is one of the most decorated soccer stars on the planet. The Barcelona and Spain legend has won everything in his path, including the World Cup and the Champion’s League. But arguably his biggest achievement was marrying Colombian pop sensation Shakira. There is no doubt that she is more famous than him but there is no shame in this.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY

Shakira is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet today. The blonde bombshell is famous for anthems like Waka Waka and Hips Don’t Lie. The pair have two children together so look to be in it for the long haul. In 2020, Shakira is set to perform during the Super Bowl halftime show. That’s massive for any artist. A three-time Grammy winner, Shakira is a sensation.

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