Inside Maya Jama’s new romance with Portuguese footballer Ruben Dias – after Gary Lineker ‘confirmed’ relationship

Maya Jama made headlines last summer when she and Stormzy announced they were splitting for good, after rekindling their romance the year before. 

And in the months since, the Love Island host has been linked Portuguese footballer Ruben Dias, 27. 

The brunette beauty has reportedly been secretly dating the Manchester City player since the pair met at the European Music Awards in November.

Rumours surrounding the pair’s romance later intensified after Ruben shared a photo from his New Year celebrations in Ibiza.

The snap was of two people gazing at a sunset with their faces obscured, and fans became convinced it was Maya. 

The pair have kept their romance relatively under wraps – but earlier this month Gary Lineker seemingly confirmed their relationship by referencing her ‘boyfriend’.

And in the months since, the Love Island host has been linked Portugese footballer Ruben Dias, 27 (Ruben seen in December)

On Sunday, Maya was in the stands at José Alvalade Stadium to see her footballer beau win 5-2 for Portugal in their clash against Denmark for the Nations League quarter-final second leg.

And after the win, Maya celebrated with Manchester City centreback Ruben, posting a social media snap of their romantic fireside retreat at 3:30am.

The snap is believed to have been taken at the footballer’s Cascais region home, with a vast swimming pool and fire pit glimpsed in the picture. 

The presenter made merry with a friend and glasses of wine in a VIP hospitality box – usually reserved for friends and family of players. 

And just last week, Maya added fuel to speculation as she hinted she is taking Portuguese lessons.   

In a video on Instagram after the BRIT Awards, a voice reported by Game Set & Match to be that of Ruben can be heard in conversation with Maya, who is speaking back to the defender in Portuguese.

And pouring fuel on the fire, Maya captioned the post: ‘Lessons have started’.

Breaking her silence on the romance in January, Maya replied to an online troll.  

Rumours surrounding the pair’s romance later intensified after Ruben shared a photo from his New Year celebrations in Ibiza

The presenter made merry with a friend and glasses of wine in a VIP hospitality box – usually reserved for friends and family of players

After the win, Maya celebrated with Ruben, sharing a social media snap of their fireside retreat in Lisbon at 3:30am. The snap is believed to have been taken at the footballer’s home

One user had penned a tweet about people who ‘sit on the net all day and obsess about people they don’t know and their relationships’.

Maya quoted their tweet with screenshots of earlier posts from the same user, where they reacted to news of her romance with Ruben by writing: ‘She don’t rest’ and that ‘women who jump from relationship to relationship are scary’.

Hitting back, the presenter simply wrote: ‘Oh.. but ..’ alongside two laughing emojis.  

Then in February, Maya and Ruben were spotted wearing matching £5,050 ‘LOVE Bracelets’ by Cartier in a further hint at their romance. 

Though the pair have kept tight-lipped on the dating rumours, earlier this month Gary took matters into his own hands as he appeared to publicly confirm Maya and Ruben’s new relationship.

Following the announcement that Maya would serve as a manager in the Baller League alongside Juventus forward Alisha Lehmann, she appeared on their social media to react to the news.

She jokingly called Micah Richards her ‘nemesis’ and made fun of his age as they played up their rivalry.

Micah told her: ‘You disrespected me, didn’t you? You said I look 40 years old, I’m only 36! You do me wrong man. How old are you?’

Maya laughed as she replied: ‘I’m 30 actually, on the dot. Just 3, 0, new, fresh 30. I just got there.’

Maya was joined by three of her friends in the private box earlier, which are usually designated to VIPs and the family and friends of a player or coach

Though the pair have kept tight-lipped on the dating rumours, earlier this month Gary took matters into his own hands as he appeared to publicly confirm Maya and Ruben’s relationship

However, Gary suddenly appeared in the frame to interrupt the pair’s playful banter and seemingly let slip confirmation of Maya’s romance with Ruben.

He said: ‘Micah, stop flirting and get her boyfriend to play for us!’ sparking a burst of laughter.

While Maya seemed to be taken aback by the public reference to her relationship, as she shouted: ‘Get out! This is why I don’t talk to old people. They’re so weird’.

A source previously told The Sun: ‘Maya and Ruben swapped details at the EMAs and have chatted since, but things went up a gear in early December.

‘When Ruben got injured and had to miss the congested new year fixtures, he jumped at the chance to see in 2025 with Maya in Spain. Spending New Year’s Eve together was a real step forward in their relationship.

‘They get on really well and obviously make a gorgeous couple, but it’s early days.’