Ronaldo Nazário, widely known as the legendary Brazilian striker R9, captured global attention with his unmatched talent on the pitch. Yet, his personal life, marriages, and high-profile relationships have matched his football career in generating headlines. From early athletic marriages to high-profile media relationships and quiet modern partnerships, the romantic history of the iconic forward remains a frequent topic of public curiosity.
Understanding Ronaldo's marital history requires looking past tabloid noise to examine the timelines, the women who shared his life, and the children who formed his blended family.
The Timeline of Marriages and Major Relationships
Ronaldo's romantic journey spans decades, transitioning from young football stardom in Europe to his current life as a business owner and team executive. Each chapter reflects a different stage of his personal growth.
Milene Domingues (1999–2003)
The first major chapter of Ronaldo's marital life began in April 1999 when he married Milene Domingues, a Brazilian professional footballer and model often celebrated for her exceptional ball-juggling skills.
- The Union: Their marriage occurred during Ronaldo's peak years at Inter Milan.
- Children: The couple welcomed their first son, Ronald, born in Milan.
- The Split: Strains of constant travel, intense media scrutiny, and the physical toll of Ronaldo's early career injuries contributed to their separation in 2003. Both parties maintained a mature co-parenting relationship afterward, prioritizing their son's upbringing.
Daniella Cicarelli (2005)
Ronaldo's relationship with Brazilian model and MTV host Daniella Cicarelli became one of the most publicized celebrity romances of the mid-2000s.
- The Whirlwind: Their romance moved at an accelerated pace, culminating in a lavish, highly publicized engagement ceremony at a French castle in early 2005.
- The Fallout: The union dissolved after just a few months amid intense media pressure and public scrutiny. No children came from this relationship, and it remains a brief, high-intensity chapter in the footballer's history.
Maria Beatriz "Bia" Antony (2008–2012)
Following his high-intensity relationships, Ronaldo found a steadier partnership with public relations professional Maria Beatriz Antony, commonly known as Bia Antony.
- The Stability: Beginning around 2007 and formalizing their marriage in 2008, Bia offered a quieter domestic environment during the final years of Ronaldo's playing career and his eventual transition into retirement.
- Children: The couple shares two daughters, Maria Sophia and Maria Alice.
- Challenges: The marriage weathered significant public storms, including a high-profile hotel incident in Rio de Janeiro in 2008. Although they stayed together for several more years, the couple officially separated in 2012.
Celina Locks (2023–Present)
Ronaldo found long-term stability with Brazilian model and entrepreneur Celina Locks. The couple began dating in 2015, maintaining a much more private dynamic than Ronaldo's earlier relationships.
- The Wedding: After years together, the couple became engaged and officially married in a ceremony in Ibiza, Spain, in September 2023.
- Current Status: Celina frequently works alongside Ronaldo in his business ventures and philanthropic efforts, marking a mature, settled era for the football icon.
Other Significant Relationships and Children
Beyond his formal marriages, Ronaldo's family life includes children from other relationships. Most notably, his relationship with fitness trainer Michele Umezu resulted in the birth of his son Alexander in 2005. Following a court-ordered DNA test in 2009, Ronaldo officially acknowledged Alexander, integrating him into his blended family alongside Ronald, Maria Sophia, and Maria Alice.
Ronaldo's ability to maintain functional, respectful bonds with the mothers of his children has helped keep his large family closely connected despite past separations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Ronaldo Nazário been married?
Ronaldo has been legally married four times: to Milene Domingues, Daniella Cicarelli, Bia Antony, and Celina Locks.
How many children does Ronaldo have?
He has four children: Ronald (with Milene Domingues), Alexander (with Michele Umezu), and Maria Sophia and Maria Alice (with Bia Antony). None of his children pursued professional football careers, opting instead for paths in music, digital media, and business.
Who is Ronaldo currently married to?
Ronaldo is married to Brazilian model and entrepreneur Celina Locks. The couple married in Ibiza in September 2023.
Did any of Ronaldo's wives play professional sports?
Yes, his first wife, Milene Domingues, was a professional football player who played in Italy and represented the Brazil women's national football team.
