FOOTBALL season has arrived, and that means so have the WAGs. The battle for the Premier League title kicked off yesterday and football fans have 33 weekends, four midweek rounds and a Bank Holiday match week to look forward to. And with that comes the return of the WAGs - the prem players' wives and girlfriends.
But there's an entirely different cohort to look out for this season and that's the stunning partners of the men who manage the teams. Earlier this month, The Sun exclusively revealed that Southampton FC boss Russell Martin, 38, is said to be besotted with former glamour model Lucy Pinder, 40. The Southampton manager grew close to Lucy and pals said they were “smitten” at a Sky Sports social function.
A source told The Sun: “She is a regular face at Southampton functions and is always around the club as a die-hard fan. “Over the weeks and months their friendship grew into something more. “They’re a match made in heaven — or at least in Southampton.
They’re mad for each other.” Former Page 3 star Lucy first gained public attention in 2003 when a freelance photographer discovered her on Bournemouth beach. Throughout her time as a glamour model, she became popular in lads magazines including Nuts, FHM, and Loaded.
Lucy's popularity gained traction and in 2007, Ralph Magazine awarded her the title of ‘Best Boobs in the World,’ and she ranked 16th on FHM’s Sexiest Women list. In 2009 she joined Celebrity Big Brother - but was voted off in the first week - and has since ventured into an acting career. Lucy, who is reportedly worth £2m, also appeared in comedy horror Strippers vs Werewolves, which was followed by supporting roles in several others.
She starred alongside Martin Kemp in the 2015 film Age of Kill, and the 2018 movies Suburban Fairytale and Fanged Up. Lucy isn't the only stunning woman to turn heads and give the players' other halves a run for their overflowing money. Here, we take a look at the partners of the team managers - and it could be argued that the WAGs just got even hotter! Mikel Arteta married to Lorena Bernal Lorena Bernal, the wife of Arsenal manager and former Everton star Mikel Arteta , knows how to shoot her shots when it comes to working hard.
The 43 year old, who was born in Tucuman, Argentina , before moving to Spain aged one, is known for her work as a model, actress, and television host. At seven, she moved to America to pursue a modelling career. Fluent in French, Spanish, and English, Lorena has graced both Spanish and American screens, appearing in shows like Chuck and CSI: Miami.
She met Mikel in 2002, unaware of his football career, and they married in Mallorca, Spain, in 2010 after six years of dating. The couple have three sons, Gabriel, 15, Daniel, 12, and Oliver, nine. Lorena has amassed a substantial social media following, with over 34,300 Instagram followers, where she shares glimpses of both her professional and personal life.
She also has over 19k Twitter followers, though she is more low key on that platform. Steven Gerrard married to Alex Curran Alex Curran, 41, is a well-known English model, fashion columnist, and businesswoman. She was once among the ‘leading WAGs’ bunch after marrying Steven Gerrard, the former Liverpool and England footballer, in 2007.
Alex first gained public attention as a model before launching her own fragrance called Alex in 2007. In 2010 came her own fashion collection, Forever Unique by Alex Gerrard, and a second collection followed in 2011. She was announced as the model for the Lipsy VIP Collection in 2013.
Alex's net worth is believed to be between £1m and £3m, money earned from modelling, her work as a fashion columnist, and her various business endeavours. Diego Simeone married to Carla Pereyra Carla Pereyra, 36, who has built a successful career in the fashion and TV industry, began her modelling career at a young age. She worked with high-profile fashion brands including Max Mara and Alberta Ferretti, whilst also appearing in various international magazines including Vanity Fair.
As well as her modelling and TV work, Carla is also an entrepreneur as she launched her own fashion and lifestyle projects. Carla and Diego Simeone got together in 2014, and the couple now have two daughters Francesca, seven, and Valentina, four. While specific figures regarding Carla Pereyra's net worth are not publicly available, her earnings from modelling, television, and business ventures, combined with Diego Simeone's substantial net worth - estimated to be around £40 million - means the couple enjoy a luxurious lifestyle.
Xabi Alonso married to Nagore Aranburu The Spanish actress, 44, is not only wife of Spanish footballing legend Xabi Alonso , but she has carved out her own successful career in the entertainment industry too. Nagore has appeared in various Spanish television series and films, showcasing her versatility and talent as an actress. In addition to acting, she has also worked as a television presenter, gaining popularity for her engaging on-screen presence.
The couple, who share Jontxu, 15, Ane, 13, and Emma, ten, are estimated to be worth around £20m. Brendan Rodgers married to Charlotte Searle Charlotte Searle maintains a relatively private life but has garnered public attention due to her relationship with the high-profile football manager Brendan. Before her marriage, Charlotte worked in the hospitality and travel industry.
The couple met while she was employed as a travel coordinator for Liverpool FC, where Rodgers was the manager. They got married in June 2017 in a ceremony in Loch Lomond, Scotland . Although her net worth is not known, Brendan is estimated to be worth around £16m.
Together, they enjoy a comfortable and affluent lifestyle, often seen supporting various charitable causes and attending high-profile events. England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories. Katie Goodland (Harry Kane's wife) The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham's girlfriend) The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star. Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden's girlfriend) Foden's childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games. Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen's girlfriend) England's most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders' Danny Dyer.
Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold's girlfriend) Dani Dyer isn't the only actor's daughter dating an England star. Iris' dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law. Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford's wife) Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old.
The couple married in 2022 and have one son. Olivia Naylor (John Stones' girlfriend) The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son. Read more about the Wags supporting England at Euro 2024 here.
