Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly finalised the venue for his long-awaited wedding to long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez, with the ceremony scheduled to take place next summer after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The couple, who announced their engagement in August earlier this year following a nine-year relationship, are set to tie the knot at the centuries-old cathedral of Funchal, one of the most iconic landmarks of the island.
A historic venue close to Ronaldo’s roots
According to reports in The Sun, the 39-year-old Portuguese legend has chosen the Funchal Cathedral, the oldest place of worship in Madeira, as the location for the ceremony. Inaugurated in 1514, the cathedral stands less than two kilometres from the hospital where Ronaldo was born and is also a short distance from his childhood club, Nacional da Madeira.
The selection of this venue underscores Ronaldo’s enduring connection to his hometown, despite his global stardom and decades spent playing across Europe and the Middle East. For Madeira residents, the cathedral is not just a religious site but an architectural treasure that has stood for over five centuries.
Ronaldo and Georgina: A relationship in the spotlight
Ronaldo first met Georgina Rodríguez in 2016 while he was still playing for Real Madrid. Their relationship quickly captured international attention, not only due to Ronaldo’s fame but also because of Rodríguez’s rise from a store employee to a global influencer and entrepreneur.
The couple share two children together—daughter Alana Martina and baby Bella. Ronaldo also has three older children born via surrogacy. Over the years, Georgina has frequently spoken about their blended family and her role in raising all five children together.
Why Ronaldo took his time to propose
The football icon had previously revealed the reasons behind the timing of his proposal during an interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan.
“I’m always saying the good things come at the right time,” Ronaldo shared. “Sometimes you need time to realise that, so you don’t make mistakes… It’s the right moment, not only because she’s the mother of my kids but because she’s the person I love the most.”
He added that marriage would not change their relationship but would instead mark “a beautiful chapter” in their life together. “I knew that one day I would do it, but I didn’t know when or how,” he said, explaining that proposing is always about finding the perfect natural moment.
Wedding plans expected after 2026 World Cup
With Ronaldo still an active player for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and aiming to appear in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the timing of the wedding is expected to align with his professional commitments. Sources indicate that the ceremony will take place after the World Cup concludes in North America, giving the couple an opportunity to celebrate without sporting pressures.
Given Ronaldo’s global fanbase and the significance of the venue, the wedding is likely to attract enormous media attention, although it remains unclear whether the ceremony will be private or open to limited public glimpses.
A symbolic homecoming
For many in Madeira, Ronaldo’s choice to marry at the Funchal Cathedral symbolises a return to his roots. The island has long celebrated the achievements of its most famous son, from renaming the local airport after him to erecting statues and museums in his honour.
By selecting the cathedral where generations of Madeirans have worshipped, Ronaldo appears to be emphasising family, legacy, and cultural identity as he enters a new phase of his personal life. For Georgina, who has embraced Madeira and its traditions, the location also reflects her deep connection to Ronaldo’s upbringing.
A new chapter for football’s power couple
As one of the most followed celebrity couples in the world, Ronaldo and Rodríguez’s journey has often unfolded before millions of fans. Their upcoming wedding marks a milestone in a relationship that has weathered personal challenges, public scrutiny, and the overwhelming spotlight that comes with global fame.
With Ronaldo approaching the twilight years of his career and Georgina carving her own path as a fashion icon and media personality, the marriage is being viewed by many as a moment of stability and celebration for the family of seven.