Living in “sin”? Ronaldo, Rodriguez highlight Saudi Double Standard

When Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez announced their commitment this month, two things stood out: the huge diamond ring and their unmarried coexistence in conservative Saudi Arabia.

The celebrity pair and the mixed Brod of the five children live in Islam for more than two years, without being laws against extramarital affairs.

Their condition emphasizes the fact that while authorities are now closing their eyes for foreigners, such privileges remain out of bounds for the Saudis, who must marry before they live together.

Foreign couples, including Muslims, can now move together or stay in hotels without getting married, a regulation that has only been tolerated in recent years.

It is “part of a broader social transformation in Saudi Arabia,” said Sebastian sons of the German Think Tank Carpo.

“While conservative rules and regulations remain in force, they are less dominant than in previous years.

As a result, these strict rules are now applied with greater flexibility and realism, “he told AFP.

In the big cities, after decades of gender separation, the young Saudis can now be freely mixed in public places, another sign of relaxation in the country.

However, living together before marriage remains rarity, intended mainly for well -preserves who share quiet accommodation in expensive residential compounds.

Ronaldo, 40, and the 31 -year -old Rodriguez model, is an unusual feature of Saudi life, constantly publishing about their luxurious lifestyle, often with sad clothing.

They have been generally embraced by the youth population of Saudi Arabia, two -thirds of under 35, who reacted to their commitment with good desires, mimics and jokes.

However, he was buried among the good answers-and comments about the many millions of dollars-were pockets of disapproval.

“How could the land of the two sacred mosques accept such dirt for two years?” Raad Mohammed on X was published, referring to Mecca and Medina, Islam, the most sacred locations of Islam.

“Their children are children of sin,” wrote another social media user called ASMA.

It is difficult to imagine that Ronaldo and Rodriguez in Saudi Arabia just a few years ago, when religious police would give women to violate the strict clothing code and forbidden cinemas and live music.
Under Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the De Facto ruler has changed a lot as he is trying to open the country and end his financial dependence on oil.

Many women now give up veils and head coverage in urban centers, non -Muslim tourists are allowed, and since 2018 women can legally drive.

Saudi Petrouda has attracted a stable stream of international stars and sports events, and areas with rich resorts and recreational areas have erupted.

“In the past we are strictly controlling the family status” of visitors, said one Riyadh -based hotel manager, who gave his name as Al Waleed.

“Now we don’t care who is left with whom.”
Ronaldo, signed by Al Nassr for a heavy fee in early 2023, has a central position in this strategy.

Since his arrival at huge fanfare, a stream of top players has joined the Saudi Pro League, and Saudi Arabia won a giant award: hosting the 2034 World Cup.

“Ronaldo has acquired a significant prominent position in the Saudi Arabian community, where he is considered both a model and an ideal ambassador for the ambitious goal of the government to firmly place Saudi Arabia on the world football map,” Sons said.

Ronaldo and Rodriguez, soon to get married, will remain an accessory in Riyadh for some time.
In June, after many speculations, the five-year Ballon d’Or or the winner expanded his contract with Al-Nassr by 2027.