Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped hints about marrying Georgina Rodriguez as he reaches 40

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez have been an item for nearly a decade, but it appears the ex-Manchester United star has yet to propose. The couple first crossed paths in 2016 at a Gucci store in Madrid, and according to the Portuguese legend himself, it was 'love at first sight.'

Fast forward nine years, and they are now parents to two children, with Rodriguez also playing stepmother to Ronaldo's other three kids. Despite their blossoming family life, the Portugal hero and his Argentine partner have faced constant speculation about when they might tie the knot.

As Ronaldo approaches his 40th birthday, Express Sport delves into all the rumours and potential hints about the former Real Madrid and Juventus player's marriage plans, including a tell-all interview with Piers Morgan and whispers that he and Rodriguez may have already secretly wed.

A ring is spotted

Reports of an engagement ring surfaced just two years into their relationship, shortly after Ronaldo and his family made a high-profile move to Turin.

Photos from the 2018 World Cup seemed to corroborate claims by Correio da Manha that Ronaldo had proposed. Images captured during Portugal's 1-0 group stage victory over Morocco showed Rodriguez sporting what was reportedly a £615,000 Cartier ring, sparking speculation that the pair were engaged.

However, these rumours were quickly quashed. Ronaldo dismissed the speculation that December, with Rodriguez telling Spanish magazine Hola!: "What if Cristiano asked me to marry him? Not for now, but I would love to."

Ronaldo's telling interview

Despite previous speculation being debunked, Ronaldo confirmed in a candid 2019 interview with Piers Morgan that he was indeed contemplating tying the knot, reports the Mirror.

The Portuguese forward gushed: "She's a fantastic person. Yes, it is [true love]. Yes, it was [like magic meeting for the first time]. Gio is part of me. She helps me so much.

"Of course, I'm in love with her. She's the mum of my kids. I'm so passionate for her. She's my friend, we have conversations. I open my heart to her. She opened her heart to me. [She's the greatest love of my life]... Why not [get married]. Not now! Not in this interview. Why not, one day... We'll one day, for sure. It's my mum's dream."

Fast forward four years, and while there has been no official word, Rodriguez hinted at an inevitable wedding with Ronaldo during an interview with Spanish broadcaster Telecinco, simply stating, "Of course," when asked about marriage prospects.

A secret ceremony?

Post-Morgan interview, and over the last couple of years, many believe the power couple may have already exchanged vows away from the public eye. Ronaldo himself has added fuel to the fire by referring to Rodriguez as his wife on several occasions.

Speaking on the WHOOP podcast earlier this year, Cristiano Ronaldo let slip some intimate details about his daily life, including 'speaking with his wife' as part of his morning routine.

In a YouTube video from August last year on his UR channel, Ronaldo and Rodriguez play a game of Mr. and Mrs., both sporting what appear to be wedding bands. Ronaldo again refers to Rodriguez as his wife.

At a recent awards ceremony in Dubai, where he was honoured as the Best Middle Eastern player and received an accolade for being the Top Goalscorer of All Time, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude: "It's a big pleasure to win this trophy. My oldest son is here, and my wife [Georgina] is here."

In late January, the Al Nassr star further took to Instagram to celebrate Georgina's 31st birthday with a heartfelt message: "For the mother, partner, friend, my wife... happy birthday, love. Your light illuminates us and your love infects us," complete with a heart emoji.

Despite no official confirmation of their marriage, Ronaldo's choice of words over time suggests they may have tied the knot in secret. As the football icon celebrates his own birthday, fans anticipate an impending announcement of their union.