Hello, Football fans! If you love following the Football and admire world-class, Rúben Dias is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Rúben Dias is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Manchester City and the Portugal national team, widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. He is known for his leadership, reading of the game, and impact on Manchester City’s domestic and European success since joining the club in 2020.
Rúben Dias’ Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Rúben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias |
| Nickname | Ruby |
| Date of Birth | May 14, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Academy | Benfica Academy |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Height | 6’1″ (187 cm) |
| Weight | 168 lbs (76 kg) |
| Turned Professional | 2015 |
| Current Net Worth | £42.5 million |
| Annual Salary | £9.1 million |
| Weekly Wage | £175,000 |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship |
| Girlfriend | Maya Jama |
| Children | Reportedly has at least one child (son) |
| Instagram Profile | @rubendias – |
Early Career
Rúben Dias began his footballing journey at local club Estrela da Amadora, where he was initially employed as a striker before transitioning to defence when his team needed defensive reinforcement. In 2008, at just eleven years old, he joined Benfica’s prestigious youth academy.
Dias progressed through the Benfica youth system, eventually making his professional debut with Benfica B on September 30, 2015, at age eighteen. His performances in the second division were impressive, contributing to Benfica B finishing fourth in the 2016-17 season. This period laid the foundation for his remarkable career, showcasing the defensive intelligence and composure that would later define his playing style at the highest levels of European football.
Professional Career
Rúben Dias made his Benfica first-team debut on September 16, 2017, against Boavista in the Primeira Liga. His impact was immediate and profound. After just two months of impressive displays, he underwent appendicitis surgery, which sidelined him for a month. However, he returned strongly and scored his first goal for Benfica in a Taça da Liga match against Vitória de Setúbal on December 29, 2017. At the end of the 2017-18 season, he was voted Primeira Liga’s Young Player of the Year. Over four seasons at Benfica, Dias made 137 appearances and scored 12 goals, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising defenders.
His consistent performances and leadership qualities attracted the attention of Manchester City, who signed him in September 2020 for an initial fee of €68 million, making him the second-highest fee for a Portuguese player leaving the domestic league. Since joining Manchester City, Dias has been a cornerstone of the club’s defence, making over 250 appearances and winning multiple Premier League titles, the Champions League, and domestic cups.
Girlfriend
Rúben Dias was previously in a relationship with Portuguese pop singer April Ivy from 2018 to 2021. However, his romantic life took a turn in late 2024 when he met Maya Jama, a renowned British television presenter and host of Love Island, at the MTV European Music Awards in November 2024. Their relationship developed over the following months before becoming Instagram official in May 2025 when Maya shared a video of Dias on a yacht in Italy.
The couple has been spotted together at various occasions, including at KSI’s Baller League football event at Copper Box Arena in April 2025, where they were photographed kissing. Regarding children, Dias reportedly has at least one son, as evidenced by Instagram posts celebrating his birthday. However, detailed information about his family structure remains relatively private, as Dias prefers to keep his personal life largely away from the public eye while maintaining his professional commitments at Manchester City.
Rúben Dias’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Rúben Dias’s net worth is estimated at approximately £42.5 million. This impressive fortune has been accumulated primarily through his professional football career, particularly his lucrative contract with Manchester City. His annual salary stands at £9.1 million, translating to a weekly wage of £175,000. Beyond his club salary, Dias generates additional income through various endorsement deals with major brands including Nike, his primary kit sponsor.
The Portuguese defender’s wealth has grown substantially since joining Manchester City in 2020, where he initially earned significantly less before receiving contract extensions that substantially increased his compensation. His financial success reflects not only his exceptional performances on the pitch but also his status as one of the world’s most marketable defenders, making him an attractive proposition for commercial partnerships and sponsorship deals.
Contract
Rúben Dias recently signed a contract extension with Manchester City in August 2025 that significantly extends his commitment to the club. His new deal keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until June 2029, with the option of a further 12-month extension that could take him through the 2029-30 season. This extension came after his previous contract was set to expire in June 2027. The new agreement represents a major boost for Manchester City, securing one of the world’s best defenders for the foreseeable future.
The extension also includes performance-based bonus clauses that could increase his annual earnings. This deal underscores Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s confidence in Dias as a cornerstone of the club’s defensive setup, particularly as the club continues to compete for major trophies in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and domestic cup competitions. The contract extension demonstrates the mutual commitment between the player and the club, with Dias now set to spend potentially a decade at Manchester City if all options are exercised.
Career Earnings
| Year | Weekly Wage | Annual Salary | Club | Position | League |
| 2025 | £175,000 | £9,100,000 | Manchester City | Centre-Back | Premier League |
| 2024 | £175,000 | £9,100,000 | Manchester City | Centre-Back | Premier League |
| 2023 | £175,000 | £9,100,000 | Manchester City | Centre-Back | Premier League |
| 2022 | £175,000 | £9,100,000 | Manchester City | Centre-Back | Premier League |
| 2021 | £68,000 | £3,536,000 | Manchester City | Centre-Back | Premier League |
| 2020 | £22,000 | £1,144,000 | Benfica | Centre-Back | Liga NOS |
| 2019 | £23,000 | £1,196,000 | Benfica | Centre-Back | Liga NOS |
| 2018 | £3,700 | £192,400 | Benfica | Centre-Back | Liga NOS |
| 2017 | £700 | £36,400 | Benfica | Centre-Back | Liga NOS |
Endorsements
Rúben Dias has secured several significant endorsement deals that complement his club salary. His primary partnerships include:
- Nike – Dias wears Nike football boots and is part of the brand’s elite athlete roster, regularly featured in their marketing campaigns
- Lamborghini – In May 2025, the Italian luxury car manufacturer announced a major endorsement partnership with Dias, focusing on the revolutionary Revuelto supercar model
- Samsung – Dias has partnered with the electronics giant for various marketing initiatives
- Nebula Sports – He is represented by this sports management agency, which handles his commercial affairs and brand partnerships
- Manchester City Official Merchandise – As a vice-captain of the club, Dias features prominently in Manchester City’s merchandise and promotional materials
Career Records
| Notable Opponent/Achievement | Details |
| vs Cristiano Ronaldo | Famously acted as Cristiano Ronaldo’s bodyguard during Portugal’s matches, displaying his leadership and protective instincts |
| Premier League Appearances | 159 appearances with 5 goals and 4 assists (as of December 2025) |
| Champions League Performance | 64 appearances, consistently ranked among Europe’s top defenders |
| Defensive Duels Won | Averaging 2.93 per 90 minutes with a 65.33% success rate |
| Aerial Duel Dominance | Wins approximately 46% of aerial duels, showcasing his heading prowess despite not being exceptionally tall for a centre-back |
| Ball Recovery | Averages 8.45 ball recoveries per 90 minutes in the Premier League |
| Passing Accuracy | Maintains over 91% passing accuracy, demonstrating exceptional distribution skills |
| vs Real Madrid | Key performer in Manchester City’s Champions League victories against Real Madrid |
| vs Bayern Munich | Instrumental in City’s Champions League success against Bayern Munich |
| vs Liverpool | Regular defensive battles against Liverpool’s attacking prowess, often neutralizing their threats |
| Tackles per Match | Averages approximately 1 tackle per 90 minutes, preferring positioning over reactive defending |
| International Caps | 74 caps for Portugal national team as of December 2025 |
FAQs
1. What makes Rúben Dias such an exceptional defender?
Rúben Dias combines several elite qualities that set him apart: exceptional positioning and reading of the game, strong leadership abilities, consistent passing accuracy above 91%, and remarkable awareness that allows him to anticipate opposition movements. His intelligence means he rarely makes mistakes, often winning the ball through positioning rather than last-ditch tackles. Under Pep Guardiola’s system, his technical abilities and composure on the ball are particularly valuable, allowing Manchester City to build attacks from the back.
2. How did Rúben Dias transition from playing as a striker to becoming a centre-back?
During his youth career at Estrela da Amadora, Dias was initially employed as a striker. However, when his team needed defensive reinforcement during a match where they were losing by two goals, he was moved to defence. This positional change proved transformative, as Dias discovered his true calling. When he joined Benfica’s academy in 2008, he continued his development as a defender, eventually becoming one of the most promising young centre-backs in European football.
3. Why is Rúben Dias considered a rare defender for Manchester City’s system?
In Pep Guardiola’s possession-based football, centre-backs must be comfortable on the ball and capable of playing short passes under pressure. Dias excels in this regard with his 91%+ passing accuracy and ability to carry the ball forward when opportunities arise. He’s also comfortable playing in a high defensive line, pressing opposition players, and transitioning quickly from defence to attack—all crucial elements of Manchester City’s tactical approach.
4. What is Rúben Dias’s relationship with Maya Jama?
Rúben Dias and Maya Jama met at the MTV European Music Awards in Manchester in November 2024. They became Instagram official in May 2025 when Maya posted a video of Dias on a yacht in Italy with the caption “perv cam.” The couple has been spotted together at various public events, including football matches and celebrity gatherings. They went public after several months of dating amid considerable media speculation about their relationship.
5. How many international caps does Rúben Dias have for Portugal?
As of December 2025, Rúben Dias has earned 74 international caps for the Portuguese national team. He made his senior debut in 2018 and has represented Portugal at two FIFA World Cups (2018 and 2022) and two UEFA European Championships (2020 and 2024). He was instrumental in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025, being named man of the match in the 2019 final.
6. What are Rúben Dias’s most significant individual awards?
Dias’s most prestigious individual honours include the 2021 Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award, making him the first defender to win it since Steve Nicol in 1989. He was also named the Premier League Player of the Season for 2020-21 and UEFA Champions League Defender of the Season in 2021. Additionally, he was selected in the FIFA/FIFPro World XI twice (2021 and 2023) and has been included in multiple Premier League Teams of the Year.
7. How much does Rúben Dias earn annually?
Rúben Dias currently earns £9.1 million annually from Manchester City, translating to approximately £175,000 per week. This salary increased significantly after his contract extension in 2025. At Benfica, he earned considerably less, with his highest salary there being around £23,000 per week in 2019. His earnings have grown exponentially since joining Manchester City, reflecting his status as one of the world’s premier defenders.
8. What is Rúben Dias’s height and physical profile?
Rúben Dias stands 6’1″ tall (187 cm) and weighs approximately 168 lbs (76 kg). Despite not being exceptionally tall compared to some other centre-backs, he’s incredibly athletic and muscular with low body fat percentage. His physical profile, combined with his exceptional timing and positioning, makes him dominant in aerial duels, winning approximately 46% of his aerial contests. His strength-to-height ratio is remarkable, allowing him to outmuscle much taller attackers.
9. What is Rúben Dias’s playing style and defensive philosophy?
Dias employs a proactive, positionally-intelligent defensive style that emphasizes reading the game and anticipating opposition movements. He’s not a high-tackle defender but rather someone who wins the ball through smart positioning and interceptions. His awareness allows him to scan his surroundings constantly, meaning he’s rarely caught out of position. He’s also comfortable stepping up to press opposition players and playing in Manchester City’s high defensive line, which requires courage and communication.
10. How has Rúben Dias’s performance evolved since joining Manchester City?
Since arriving at Manchester City in September 2020, Dias has become progressively more influential and consistent. His first season (2020-21) was exceptional, earning him numerous individual awards and establishing him as a world-class defender. Over subsequent seasons, he’s maintained this elite level while also taking on increased leadership responsibilities, eventually becoming vice-captain of the club. His defensive statistics have remained consistently strong, and his passing accuracy has remained above 91%, demonstrating remarkable consistency across multiple seasons and varying tactical demands.