Georgina Rodriguez reflected on being a mum to her fiancé Cristiano Ronaldo‘s son after they enjoyed a ‘special’ family holiday together.

The footballer, 41, and Georgina, 32, are said to be tying the knot at Funchal cathedral next week, before heading to the five-star Savoy Palace hotel for the reception.  

The couple enjoyed a pre-wedding getaway with 16-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo Jr as she took to Instagram to share fun-filled beach snaps.

Georgina gushed over the relationship she shares with her stepson, whose biological mother remains private and the footballer has full custody.

She captioned her post: ‘Fairy tale Baptism. It was always my dream to bathe in a waterfall. Junior, a sculptor, and his talent in everything he sets his mind to

‘Since he was little, this trip has been our special time. Dad, Mom, and him, together at sea, summer after summer.

‘Cris the explorer, Cris and the moon, Seafood tastes even better at sea. This year we’ve discovered many coves

Georgina gushed over the relationship she shares with her stepson, whose biological mother remains private and the footballer has full custody

The footballer, 41, and Georgina, 32, are said to be tying the knot at Funchal cathedral next week, before heading to the five-star Savoy Palace hotel for the reception 

‘My favorite food, grilled ribeye steak cooked on a hot stone [sic]’.

The couple have daughters Alana and Bella together, and welcomed twins Eva Maria and Mateo through surrogacy. 

Bella had a twin brother named Angel, but he sadly passed away shortly after birth.

It was previously claimed the couple were set to wed at the Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra this weekend. 

However, the rumours were cast in doubt as it was open to the public this weekend.

The Sun reported Ronaldo will in fact get married at the cathedral, with weddings usually starting from 3pm before moving to the Savoy Palace hotel, which boasts four restaurants. 

A source said: ‘Guests at the hotel have been told two floors will be out of use on Friday and Saturday, as well as several bar areas.’ 

Funchal is the hometown and birthplace of football star Cristiano. There is a bronze statue in his honour and he even has a hotel named after him. 

While he has an estimated net worth of $1.2billion to $1.4billion, Ronaldo’s choice to revisit his hometown is hugely sentimental as he grew up in poverty and shared a room with all of his siblings. He left home at the age of 11 to join Sporting Lisbon.

The Daily Mail has contacted Georgina and Ronaldo’s representatives for comment.  

The couple have both shown off their huge diamond rings in the lead up to the apparent wedding after flying to Portugal. 

Georgina made a pointed reference to her huge diamond engagement ring in a new post on Friday.

The model showed off her incredible curves as she posed on the beach solo before sharing a family shot with her fiancé and his son Junior, 16.

She also shared a selfie in a beach cover up where she seemed keen to show off her huge ring. 

Before the rumoured big day, Cristiano and Georgina unwound during a beach day as she penned in the caption: ‘Shinrin-yoku’ – a Japanese term for relaxation in nature.

The couple enjoyed a pre-wedding getaway with 16-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo Jr as she took to Instagram to share fun-filled snaps

Georgina gushed over the relationship she shares with her stepson, whose biological mother remains private and the footballer has full custody 

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The couple have both shown off their huge diamond rings in the lead up to the apparent wedding.

The pair got engaged when he popped the question last August after eight years of dating.

Georgina met Cristiano in 2016 when she caught his attention working as a sales assistant in a Madrid Gucci shop.

They moved to Saudi Arabia after Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr in 2022 in a sensational £175million-a-year contract.

His decision to move to Saudi Arabia effectively ended his career at the top level.

It was thought the footballer had been hoping to secure a switch to a Champions League club before the move but it never materialised.

Cristiano is making a remarkable £300-a-minute in Saudi Arabia but last year admitted he wishes he could leave and only play for Portugal.

He also owns a stake in the club itself, boosting his astronomical net worth even more.

He joined rival Lionel Messi in taking up a promotional position with the gulf nation, which has faced criticism for its human rights record, as well as crackdowns on women’s rights activists, LGBTQ+ people and those who speak out against the rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“The good news is if you don’t like the heat and humidity, it won’t last overly long. By the middle part of the week, temperatures will be lowering and we’ll see some much fresher air moving in from the Atlantic on Wednesday and Thursday, so temperatures returning close to average for the time of year.”

Mateus Fernandes has outlined why he chose to sign for Tottenham in a club-record £85m deal despite interest from Michael Carrick and Manchester United

Mateus Fernandes has revealed that Roberto De Zerbi was one of the main reasons behind why he snubbed Manchester United for Tottenham.

United had been long linked with a move to Fernandes before Tottenham accelerated their interest and beat them in the race for the 22-year-old Portugal international. Indeed, last month Spurs confirmed the signing of Fernandes from West Ham for a club-record £85million.

Now, Fernandes has opened up on his move to Tottenham and the decision behind joining the north London club despite interest from United and elsewhere.

Asked why he chose to sign for Spurs, Fernandes told The Athletic: “The desire of playing for a big club, winning games, to fight for the Premier League, for the title.

“The way he [De Zerbi] spoke with me and my family was very important for me. He was calling me every day, so I’m very happy to work with him, and hopefully we can do great things. It was more about (forming a) connection, because my dad and my mum don’t speak English very well. It was more about feelings. He said he would take care of me, that he would be my second dad in England. I’m very happy to work with him.”

Fernandes was relegated with Southampton before suffering the same fate with West Ham last season. But that still didn’t put off suitors with Tottenham smashing their transfer record to sign him.

As well as speaking to De Zerbi, Fernandes added that a conversation with former Sporting CP teammate Pedro Porro was crucial in him making the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Recalling an exchange with Spain World Cup winner Porro, Fernandes said: “He called me one day – I didn’t answer because I was sleeping — he said, in Portuguese, ‘Come on Mateus, you need to play with us, we want you. It was me that told the manager to bring you.’

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“Then when everything was done, I spoke with him a bit about the club, the mentality in the team, the team-mates as well. He’s an important player. He’s one of the best right-backs in the world. He’s a top guy.”

After losing out on Fernandes, United went and signed Andrey Santos for £48m from Chelsea and then Youri Tielemans in a £35m deal from Aston Villa. The Reds could still sign a third new midfielder before the transfer window closes on September 1 with Aurelien Tchouameni linked with a move to Old Trafford.

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Former Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho left Chelsea earlier this summer to join Aston Villa on loan

Alejandro Garnacho’s first appearance for Aston Villa has led to many fans saying the same thing about the former Manchester United winger.

Garnacho left United last summer to join Chelsea in a £40million deal, and just 12 months later, he has completed a move to Villa on a season-long loan, which also includes an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the campaign.

On Saturday, Garnacho made his first appearance for Villa in a pre-season friendly against Indonesia All Stars at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.

Villa claimed a 3-1 win, with Garnacho playing the full 90 minutes as he helped his new club claim a victory. After the game, Garnacho appeared to aim a dig at Chelsea with a post on social media.

Taking to his Instagram story, Garnacho wrote: “See you soon Bangkok! First start after three months. Happy to be enjoying football again. One per cent every day. Thanks Indonesia.”

Garnacho’s performance led to plenty of reaction from United fans, as well as supporters of both Chelsea and Villa, with many in agreement about the Argentina international – and putting the boot in on Chelsea.

One fan wrote: “Chelsea made my boy lose his confidence. 19-year-old Garnacho would do take ons and shoot immediately the post is on sight. Now we watch him do back passes and being too careful even when he’s in the box.”

While another added: “Garnacho clearly has ability, can see it in his first touch. He was frustrated, he made a lot of runs and wasn’t found. Clearly lacking in confidence too.”

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One more fan wrote: “I’m afraid the old Garnacho is gone. The criticism and constant negativity seem to have gotten to him. Confidence is a fragile thing, and once it’s broken, it can change a player completely.”

While another said: “Garnacho debut for Aston Villa, why do I feel he’s learning and correcting all his mistakes.”

Villa have the option of signing Garnacho on a permanent deal for a fee believed to be worth around £42.5million next summer.

United could come up against Garnacho once again this forthcoming season, with United scheduled to face Villa on November 7 at Old Trafford, before the return visit to Villa Park on January 16.

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Every subscription now comes with 135 channels alongside free subscriptions to HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu.

Setting off just after 9.30am this morning, the 2026 Arla Protein 10k took place today (August 2) and saw thousands of runners take to the streets of the city to raise money for charity and push themselves towards their athletic goals.

The route took athletes past some of York’s major landmarks including the City Walls, Rowntree Park, Clifford’s Tower and York Minster before returning to Knavesmire – with the flat course offering runners ample chances for a personal best (PB).

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In the men’s race, Samuel Roberts of the Vegan Runners came out on top with an impressive score of 30:40, with the fastest female finisher – Hannah Hobbs – not too far behind with a time of 34.56

Many of the runners were local to York and had decided to make the most of the atmosphere, including Howard Bury from Dringhouses who dedicated his bib to his granddaughter Evie.

He said: “I started doing the park run about six or seven years ago and every year, my daughter has encouraged me to do the 10K. Four years ago, I did my first one and I just kept going from there – I loved it.

“I’m running for my granddaughter – she wasn’t even born last year and I just thought it would be nice to have Evie’s Granddad on there instead of a normal name, so we can look at it together. I’ve kept all my medals for the past four years too.”

Evie’s very proud granddad Howard Bury (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

Others, such as Jenny Brocksopp from North Derbyshire, who had travelled to aid with their training goals. She said: “I’m training for the Chicago Marathon in October, so this is a nice race for me to do during that training period.

“It’s not local for me, but it didn’t take too long to get here this morning.  I’ve not done the 10K before, but I’ve done York Marathon a few times before and I loved it.

“It was one of my favourite races and last year, I got a PB, so I thought lets go back to York and hope for the best.”

Jenny and her fellow North Derbyshire runners (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

As well as offering runners a chance to enjoy the course and push themselves, the event also brought attention to a range of good causes.

This included sponsor charities such as the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Family Fund, RSPCA, St Leonard’s Hospice, York Against Cancer, The Hut York, York Carers Centre, York City Foundation, York Down Syndrome Support Group, Candlelighters, and Mind York.

Megan Smith and Tam Gorbert for the RSPCA York, (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

One group running for a sponsor charity was Tam Gorbert and Megan Smith who were pledging their support for the RSPCA York, whilst dressed as Oompa-Loompas.

Tam said: “I rescued our little puppy from there a year ago, so we’re running for Spud and all the animals that need rescuing as they do amazing work there and they need all the help they can get.”

Liv Wilson’s loved ones who are running for Meningitis Research Foundation (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

Another team taking part were the loved ones of Livia Wilson, who were running to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of the York teenager who died from the disease.

Gathering under a flag of her face and running in matching shirts, mum Alison Goude thanked all those who had offered their support – adding that the group had raised over £46,000 since they started in Liv’s memory and were keen to continue raising money.

Purple Pete raising money for the Veterans Charity (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

She said: “Lots of Liv’s friends and family just keep coming up with great ways that we can raise more money. We love seeing how many people have turned out today.”

Individual fundraisers taking part included Purple Pete – who was running for the Veterans Charity after 14 years in the Army Catering Corp – and the ‘Pram Man’, 87-year-old John Burskill from Sheffield, who has raised over a million pounds for Macmillian with the York 10K being race number 1036.

The ‘Pram Man’, 87-year-old John Burskill from Sheffield, who has raised over a million pounds for Macmillian (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

John said: “I’ve done races all over the country and they’re just wonderful. I have to start last – it may be very late, but I do finish. There’s no losers and no winners – everyone is a winner here.”

A video showing a group of gleeful Moroccans raising their thumbs after illegally crossing into the Spanish enclave was the catalyst for the mass migrant invasion, according to an expert. 

Dr Myriam Cherti told the Daily Mail the video posted on Facebook days before 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta was a ‘showcase for your peers’.

In the footage, grinning men make peace signs and raise their thumbs to the camera, while some clutch on to what is believed to be temporary identification or registration papers. 

The video spins around the group of migrants as they hide from the sun by leaning against walls, lying by the side of roads and under trees. 

It is captioned ‘stay safe’ with hashtags to Ceuta, while ‘thank you Spain‘ and ‘safe arrival to you’ is written over the top. 

On the eve of the mass invasion, another clip emerged on TikTok showing a building in the Moroccan city of Tetouan seemingly selling swimwear, with one room full of wetsuits and flippers.

The videos were posted mere days before more than 60,000 North African migrants flooded the tiny territory of seven square miles and home of 84,000 Spaniards.

The crowd was captured swimming far out to sea on the Moroccan side, before swimming back on the Spanish side and storming through, while some people documented the journey themselves. 

On the eve of the mass invasion, another clip emerged on TikTok showing a building in the Moroccan city of Tetouan seemingly selling swimwear

It is a scene that has triggered international condemnation and contention, as Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez lashed out at EU partners over what he described as a lack of European solidarity.

In a letter on Saturday to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Sanchez said he had ‘serious concerns’ about the response of some European governments.

This came after Italy temporarily suspended the EU’s border-free Schengen agreement with Spain, with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni deeming the scenes ‘shocking’. This move was supported by Finland and Denmark.  

The influx of people continued into Thursday night and after Spanish military units were deployed, while the hills of the border became overrun with crowds making for the city.

Officials announced on Saturday that around 48,000 of those who illegally entered Ceuta on Thursday had voluntarily returned to Morocco. 

At least 67 people died while attempting the crossing this week, either by drowning or being crushed at the border fence. 

It is the second major influx, following an organised arrival of around 4,000 migrants in September 2024. The movement, the expert added, was driven by hopes of a better life and job security.

Dr Cherti described videos celebrating successful illegal crossings into Ceuta being the inspiration behind more people making the journey.

The journey between Fnideq and Ceuta (translated from the Arabic) has been well-documented on social media, with animations showing the route people should take and the distance of the swim

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Moroccans from different regions of the country ‘overwhelmed’ public transport this week as they flocked to Tetouan and its neighbouring town Fnideq, including from the city of Kenitra

‘The posts started over the weekend. The first post was on Saturday, where there was a group of young Moroccans who have made it to Ceuta and were sharing the news they made it safely,’ the senior researcher at Oxford University’s Centre on Migration, Policy and Society described.

‘It was a group of 20 or 30, so it is a kind of showcase for your peers.’ 

Dr Cherti, who studied the impact of social media on migration, noticed ‘videos gradually progressing from one platform to another’ promoting the illegal migration after the video of the men was posted. 

‘There were posts saying, “El Ghorva” is calling. Ghorva is when you become a foreigner,’ she said.

‘I told my colleagues to watch out on Wednesday and then by Thursday it was all over the news.’

The viral trend inspired Moroccans from different regions of the country to ‘overwhelm’ public transport and flock to Tetouan and its neighbouring town Fnideq, leading to the mass exodus to Ceuta. 

‘The train stations were overwhelmed on Thursday, including the fast train to Tangier. They were empty at 9am but became completely full two hours later,’ Dr Cherti said. 

‘There were also videos of people getting on the trains. It’s an opportunity. It’s an opening. The border is open, you know, so let’s all make it. This, among other things, led to the unfortunate events this week.’

A migrant films himself swimming with a selfie stick as music plays in the background

It is understood the flood of migrants were emboldened by a decision in the country’s Supreme Court in July, meaning migrants who arrive by sea cannot be immediately pushed back across the border without due process. 

The process, described as creating a ‘pull factor’ by Spanish police unions for people to rush through, is unlike those who cross into Spain by land.

It is a route Moroccans were once able to use freely in order to trade, however the frontiers of the two Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla were shut during the pandemic. It was then permanently closed.  

The impact of which resulted in the loss of jobs, Dr Cherti said, and a persistence from Moroccans to still cross the border illegally and enter the Spanish enclave.  

‘Before the pandemic, people were able to trade and go there for the day and come back,’ she added. ‘These mass crossings started happening after the firm closure of borders and not allowing the local population to trade.

‘Many people I’ve interviewed have lost count of how many times they’ve tried to make it. 

‘They get picked up and returned, it becomes a personal challenge. Closing the border isn’t necessarily going to stop them.’

The journey has been well-documented on social media since its closure, with animations showing the route people should take and the distance of the swim. 

Meanwhile, videos have also circulated of people discouraging others to cross the border, having returned to Morocco after struggling to live in Ceuta. 

However, the demographic of those wishing to flee Morocco has differed over the years, Dr Cherti said.

Having previously been dominated by 18 to 29-year-olds, it has grown to include entire families, disabled people and solo women – as seen on Thursday.

This ‘overwhelmed’ Morocco’s police officers at the border, the expert added, while ‘officers had to start rescuing people’. 

Morocco has long struggled with high unemployment rates among its younger population, with 11 per cent of its population unemployed – double that in the UK.

This, coupled with ‘success stories’ of those reaching Spain or further into Europe, encourages people to attempt the illegal and dangerous crossing. 

When questioned over whether events would repeat themselves again, Dr Cherti said: ‘Yeah, it could happen again. You are talking about a population who is already frustrated economically and don’t have many opportunities, they would seize that.’ 

By WILL PICKWORTH, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 18:32 BST, 2 August 2026 | Updated: 19:20 BST, 2 August 2026

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of World Cup villain Valentin Barco on a seven-year deal.

Barco, 22, who can play in midfield and at left-back, joins the Blues from their sister club Strasbourg. 

The Argentine hit the headlines last month when he clashed with Jude Bellingham after England‘s semi-final defeat at the World Cup.

Barco made just one substitute appearance at the tournament, but he infuriated the Three Lions after he sprinted across the pitch when Enzo Fernandez equalised late on in the clash.

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He ran right in front of several England players and appeared to taunt them, before John Stones reacted by giving him a shove. 

Barco later also came onto the pitch in the aftermath of Lautaro Martinez‘s winning goal. 

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of World Cup villain Valentin Barco on a seven-year deal

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Barco clashed with Jude Bellingham after Argentina’s semi-final victory over England

There were also reports that the new Chelsea star had been winding up the England bench for the entirety of the 90 minutes. 

In response to his antics, Bellingham gave the 22-year-old a slap on the back of the head after the full-time whistle as Argentina’s players celebrated, causing a scuffle on the pitch. 

Given his involvement in the World Cup, Barco won’t join up with his new team-mates until later in pre-season.

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The versatile star began his career back home with Boca Juniors, making his debut at the age of 16.

After impressing in Argentina, Barco joined Brighton in 2024 for £7.4million yet he struggled to establish himself on the south coast, and spent time on loan at Sevilla and Strasbourg.

He joined Strasbourg permanently in July 2025 and was regularly linked with a move away after impressing in France, where his side qualified for Europe.

Barco contributed 12 goals and assists last season and his strong form saw him earn a place in Argentina’s World Cup squad, although he played just 19 minutes in a group stage victory over Jordan. 

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Bellingham slapped Barco on the back of the head following his overzealous celebrations 

His arrival at Stamford Bridge comes following the exit of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, although Chelsea are still in negotiations with Rayo Vallecano for left wing-back Pep Chavarria after making an improved offer. 

Barco is the Blues’ seventh signing of the summer, with Danny Welbeck, Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra and former Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha all also joining the club. 

He has similarly become the 13th player to move between the French side and Chelsea since BlueCo took over Strasbourg in 2023, a year after they purchased the Premier League side.  

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Natalia Dontcheva, who starred in the French remake of Doc Martin, has died aged 56 after a decade-long illness.

The Bulgarian actress’ stepson and film producer, Hugo Selignac, paid tribute to her on Instagram.

Writing in French alongside a headshot of the late star, he said: ‘I never liked the title “stepmother” – because when we met, I was no longer a child, and I’d already had a stepmother before.

‘But you have no idea what a truly beautiful person I found you to be, or how deeply I loved who you were.’

‘Thank you for the bond you fought so hard to nurture within our family.

‘Thank you for the confidence you instilled in me by always looking at me with pride, ever since my teenage years.’

He went on to remark on her relationship with his director father Arnaud Selignac, who was Dontcheva’s partner of 25 years.

He said: ‘Thank you for helping our dad be a better one, but most of all thank you for caring for him for 25 years, thank you for admiring, caring, supporting, forgiving and most of all loving passionately.’

Hinting at Dontcheva’s illness, Selignac concluded: ‘After a ten-year battle, you are finally going to rest. Enjoy it to the fullest; it’s been so long since you’ve had that chance. I will miss you, my beautiful Natalia.’

Dontcheva’s agent Laurent Savry confirmed the star’s death to The Sun, but did not share any further details on the nature of her illness.

He said in a statement: ‘It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Natalia Dontcheva.

‘A profoundly talented artist and woman of great sensitivity, Natalia Dontcheva touched audiences with the precision of her performances, her elegance and her dedication to her craft.

A study revealed that almost half (48%) of tradespeople spend at least four hours of a typical working day alone

Northern Irish comedian Dave Elliott has said he is “humbled” to be the face of a new mental health campaign focusing on the power of connection for tradespeople.

New research from MacBlair, one of Northern Ireland’s leading builders’ merchants, has revealed that 92% of tradespeople in Northern Ireland say a quick chat with someone during the day has a positive impact on their wellbeing.

The findings come as almost half (48%) of tradespeople spend at least four hours of a typical working day alone, highlighting the important role everyday conversations can play in helping people stay connected.

In light of these figures, MacBlair has launched its ‘How’s the Head?’ campaign, focusing on the value of everyday connections, recognising that while working independently is a valued part of life in the trades, day-to-day interactions with others can play an important role in supporting overall wellbeing.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Dave said he was both surprised yet not shocked to see the figures in relation to tradespeople across Northern Ireland.

“I think that you probably would assume straight away that the trades are always craic 24/7, you know – but at the same time, when you think about it, there are a lot of people that are by themselves when working on jobs,” he explained.

“And when you are isolated, whether while working by yourselt or being alone in general, you can often let issues stew and lead people to struggle a bit.

“I think making people more aware of what’s going on in the industry and maybe a bit less ignorant, because that’s how I would have described myself – I think I was probably ignorant of the stats until I heard them.”

94% of participants agreed that staying in touch with friends and family is important for their overall wellbeing, while 64% say interactions with other people during the working day are very or extremely important.

Working independently is a key part of life in the trades, and the research shows that many tradespeople value the flexibility it brings.

Almost a quarter (24%) say the best thing about working independently is being able to work at their own pace, while 20% value the flexibility it provides and 16% enjoy being their own boss.

The research also highlights the reality that many spend long periods working alone. When asked about the challenges of working alone, 46% cited getting the balance right between work and personal life, followed by the pressure to get jobs completed on time (42%) and managing multiple responsibilities (40%).