Riyad Mahrez's Love Story: From Rita Johal to His Enduring Partnership with Taylor Ward

Riyad Mahrez, the celebrated Algerian professional footballer, has seen his personal life, particularly his romantic journey, unfold in the public eye alongside his illustrious career. Known for his dazzling skills on the pitch, Mahrez's relationships have garnered significant media attention, showcasing a progression from a private early marriage to a highly public and celebrated union.

Mahrez's first significant public relationship was with Rita Johal. The couple tied the knot in August 2015, a period that coincided with Mahrez's burgeoning career at Leicester City, just before their historic Premier League title win. Their marriage was initially kept relatively private, but as Mahrez's fame soared, so did the public interest in his family life.

During their marriage, Riyad and Rita Johal welcomed two daughters. Their first daughter, Inaya, was born in 2015 or early 2016, followed by their second daughter, Ayla, in 2017. The family often appeared together in public, particularly during Leicester City's incredible title-winning season, with Rita frequently seen supporting Mahrez from the stands.

However, as Mahrez's career reached new heights with his transfer to Manchester City in 2018, reports suggested that the pressures of his increasing fame and a more public lifestyle began to strain their relationship. Rita Johal herself became a figure of media interest, often appearing in headlines for her lavish spending and public appearances, which reportedly caused friction between the couple.

Their marriage ultimately came to an end, with the divorce finalized in 2020. The dissolution of their union became public news, with various reports citing irreconcilable differences and the challenges of adapting to a high-profile celebrity lifestyle as contributing factors. The divorce proceedings, particularly those involving financial settlements, also drew considerable media scrutiny.

Following his divorce from Rita Johal, Riyad Mahrez quickly found love again with Taylor Ward. Their relationship became public in early 2020, marking a new chapter in his romantic life. Taylor Ward is a well-known model and social media personality, the daughter of former footballer Ashley Ward and reality TV star Dawn Ward from The Real Housewives of Cheshire, bringing her own level of public recognition to the relationship.

Their romance progressed rapidly, and Mahrez proposed to Taylor Ward in June 2021 during a holiday in Mykonos, Greece, presenting her with a stunning £400,000 diamond ring. The engagement was widely celebrated by fans and media alike, with both sharing the happy news on their respective social media platforms, indicating a more open approach to their relationship.

The couple reportedly had their first wedding ceremony, an intimate Islamic Nikah, in early 2022. This traditional ceremony made their marriage official under Islamic law, a significant step for the couple before their larger civil celebration. Taylor Ward confirmed this quiet ceremony, stating, > "We did a Nikah, which is a Muslim marriage, and a civil ceremony is to come in the summer."

Their family expanded quickly, as Riyad Mahrez and Taylor Ward welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Mila, in July 2022. This marked Mahrez's third child and first with Taylor, further cementing their bond and adding another dimension to their public family life, often shared through heartwarming posts on social media.

The couple then celebrated their union with a lavish second wedding ceremony in September 2023 in London, which was a grand affair attended by numerous celebrity guests and widely covered by the press. This public celebration served as their civil ceremony, fulfilling Taylor Ward's earlier mention and showcasing their commitment to each other in a grand style.

Currently, Riyad Mahrez and Taylor Ward are happily married and frequently share glimpses of their life together on social media, from family moments with their daughter Mila to their travels and public appearances. Their relationship appears to be strong and stable, with Taylor Ward often seen supporting Mahrez at his football matches, both during his time at Manchester City and now with Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.

Mahrez's romantic journey reflects a common narrative among high-profile athletes, where personal relationships evolve under intense public scrutiny. From the private beginnings and eventual public challenges of his first marriage to the openly celebrated and seemingly stable partnership he shares with Taylor Ward, Mahrez's love life has been a significant part of his public persona, demonstrating his growth and adaptation both on and off the field.