An attractive offer and an initial rejection
In a world where celebrities' personal secrets are often sold for exorbitant sums, British actress Gemma Atkinson offered a rare example of loyalty and integrity. Atkinson revealed that she received a lucrative offer after her split from football legend Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007, in exchange for disclosing negative or sensational details about their brief relationship. However, she chose to categorically reject the offer, insisting that there was nothing negative about her experience with him.
In comments reported by the Daily Mail, Atkinson said, “I was offered a lot of money to speak negatively about him, but I didn’t want to. There was nothing bad to say about him, so why would I make things up?” This stance reflects her noble character and respect for the past, in a time when celebrity scandals have become a lucrative commodity.
Historical context: Ronaldo on the verge of global glory
The relationship between Atkinson and Ronaldo dates back to 2007, a pivotal period in the Portuguese star's career. At that time, Ronaldo was 22 years old and had begun to establish himself as one of the best players in the world with Manchester United. This was the period that saw his transformation from a talented young player into a global icon, as he was on the verge of winning his first Ballon d'Or (which he did in 2008) and leading his team to victory in the Champions League. This meteoric rise in his career made him a focus of global media attention, which was eager for any details about his personal life.
Simple memories away from the spotlight
Contrary to the glamorous image often surrounding the lives of football stars, Atkinson described their four-month relationship as simple and quiet. She was living near Manchester at the time, filming scenes for a popular British soap opera, and recalled that their dates were far removed from extravagance and the spotlight. She explained, “We would go to my house, have tea, and watch a sitcom. It was very simple.” These details paint a more human picture of Ronaldo, away from the pressures of fame and the fierce competition of the football world.
Different paths and a stable life
The relationship between the two ended amicably when they were both in their early twenties, and they subsequently pursued different paths in life. Today, Cristiano Ronaldo is in a relationship with his partner Georgina Rodriguez, which began in 2016, and together they have a large family. Gemma Atkinson, on the other hand, married the Spanish dancer Gorka Marquez, and they have two children. Both have successfully built stable family lives separate from their previous relationships.
Ronaldo's legacy: From football star to billionaire
Beyond his personal life, Ronaldo continued to make history both on and off the pitch. Not content with winning five Ballon d'Or awards and numerous major titles with Real Madrid and Juventus, he also became an economic phenomenon. In 2025, Bloomberg reported that Ronaldo had become the first footballer in history to surpass a net worth of $1 billion, with estimates reaching $1.4 billion. He currently earns an estimated £194 million annually with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, in addition to lucrative sponsorship deals, embodying an exceptional career for a player considered one of the greatest to ever grace the game.
