LIVING A FAIRYTALE

From waitress to model to superwag – the rags-to-riches story of Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner, Georgina

- MAXINE PETERS

IT’S a modern-day Cinderella story: a young woman from a modest background meets her Prince Charming and her life is transformed forever.

Except in this case, the glass slipper is more like a collection of designer shoes, the pumpkin coach pales in comparison to a fleet of top-of-the range vehicles she’s driven around in and the ballgown has made way for a walk-in wardrobe full of fabulous fashion.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Georgina Rodríguez, partner to Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the richest football players on the planet.

The 37-year-old Manchester United star became the first active team-sport athlete to surpass $1 bi l lion (R15,5bn) in career earnings in 2020. He asks for no less than $1 million (R15,5m) to endorse an item on Instagram, where he has more than 395 million followers. He also has a lifetime deal with sports brand Nike along with his CR7-branded clothing, accessories, hotels and gyms.

He owns multi-million dollar estates in Manchester, Spain, Italy and Madeira, where his mom and brother live in his $10m (R155m) home. Vacations are taken on his $7m (R108,5m) superyacht or at his holiday home on the Costa del Sol.

He also lavishes money on his lady love. Case in point: when Georgina turned 28 recently, he reportedly spent $68 000 (over R1m) to light up the Burj Khalifa in Dubai – the world’s tallest building – with her image. The family was on holiday there and Georgina was delighted.

“I can’t find the words,” she said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, Cristiano.”