Rúben Dias In 2026: Net Worth, Salary, Bio, Personal Life & FAQs

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Rúben Dias has firmly established himself as one of the world's elite defenders since joining Manchester City in 2020. The Portuguese international's impact on the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable, transforming City's defense and collecting numerous accolades along the way. As we head into 2026, Dias continues to be a cornerstone of both his club and national team, commanding respect from fans, teammates, and opponents alike.

Net Worth and Salary in 2026

 When it comes to financial success, Rúben Dias has done exceptionally well for himself. Based on various financial reports and salary databases, Icon Polls estimates that his net worth is between $45 million to $50 million as of 2026. This impressive figure reflects not just his football earnings but also his smart investments and endorsement deals.

Salary-wise, Dias is earning around £250,000 per week at Manchester City, which translates to approximately £13 million annually. That's roughly $16.5 million per year. His current contract with the club runs until June 2029, giving him financial security for several years to come. When you compare this to what he was earning at Benfica just a few years ago (around £22,000 per week), it's clear how far he's come in his career.

Beyond his club salary, Dias has several endorsement deals that boost his income. He's partnered with Nike for his football gear, and he also works with other lifestyle brands. These endorsements add several million dollars to his annual earnings. The Portuguese defender also owns luxury properties in both Portugal and Manchester, along with an impressive car collection that includes high-end vehicles like a Ferrari and a Lamborghini.

Biography

Early Life and Family

Rúben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias was born on May 14, 1997, in Amadora, a city just northwest of Lisbon, Portugal. He grew up in a middle-class Portuguese family where football was always part of life. His father, João Dias, has been a constant source of support throughout his career, though he's admitted to being surprised by just how far his son has come in the sport.

Rúben isn't the only footballer in the family. He has an older brother, Ivan Dias, who also plays professional football as a center-back for Portuguese third-tier club Oriental Lisboa. Ivan gave Rúben his nickname "Ruby," which has stuck with him throughout his career. The two brothers grew up playing football together, whether in the streets of their neighborhood or even in the corridors of their home. He also has two sisters, Beatriz and Carolina, who remain his biggest fans.

As a kid, Rúben idolized defenders like John Terry, Nemanja Vidić, Rio Ferdinand, and Vincent Kompany. He dreamed of playing in the Premier League like them, and that dream would eventually become reality.

The Journey from Amadora to Benfica

At age 9, a family friend took young Rúben to C.F. Estrela da Amadora, where he began playing organized football. Here's an interesting fact: he actually started as a striker! During one match when his team was losing, he switched to defense, and that's where he found his true calling. In 2008, Benfica scouts noticed his talent and brought him into their youth academy.

At Benfica, Dias initially played as a midfielder before transitioning to center-back. He spent years developing through various age groups, learning the tactical and technical skills that would define his career. In September 2015, at just 18 years old, he made his professional debut for Benfica B in Portugal's Segunda Liga.

His breakthrough with Benfica's first team came in 2017. He quickly became a defensive anchor for the club, winning the Primeira Liga Young Player of the Year award in his debut season. By the 2018-19 season, he helped Benfica win the league title. Over his time at Benfica, Dias made over 100 appearances and scored nine goals, an impressive tally for a defender.

Manchester City Era

On September 29, 2020, Rúben Dias made what would become one of the most important transfers in Manchester City's history. The club paid Benfica an initial fee of €68 million (around £62 million), which could rise to €71.6 million with bonuses. Nicolás Otamendi went the other way as part of the deal. At the time, some questioned whether he was worth such a hefty price tag. Those doubts were quickly silenced.

Dias made his Premier League debut on October 3, 2020, against Leeds United. His impact was immediate. He brought something City had been missing: defensive solidity, composure under pressure, and genuine leadership. By November, he was already named Manchester City Player of the Month.

The 2020-21 season was extraordinary for Dias. He scored his first goal for City against West Ham United and was instrumental in helping the team win the Premier League title. His performances earned him the FWA Footballer of the Year award, making him the first defender to win it since 1989. He also won Manchester City's Player of the Season and the Premier League Player of the Season. Not bad for a debut campaign!

Since then, Dias has been central to Manchester City's success. He's helped them win multiple Premier League titles (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), the UEFA Champions League in 2023, FA Cups, EFL Cups, and the FIFA Club World Cup. On September 15, 2021, he captained Manchester City for the first time in a Champions League match against RB Leipzig, even providing an assist in a 6-3 win.

International Career with Portugal

Dias has represented Portugal at every level, from the Under-16 team all the way up to the senior squad. He captained the Portuguese U-19 team at the 2016 European Under-19 Championship and the Under-20 team at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

He made his senior international debut on May 28, 2018, in a friendly match against Tunisia. Just a year later, he played a pivotal role in Portugal's victory at the 2019 UEFA Nations League, earning the Man of the Match award in the final. He's also represented Portugal at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and the 2020 and 2024 European Championships.

Most recently, in June 2025, Dias helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League again, defeating Spain in a penalty shootout. His girlfriend, Maya Jama, even sent him a congratulatory message on social media, to which he responded with "love," showing a softer side to the tough defender.

Personal Life

Relationship with Maya Jama

Rúben Dias has had his share of high-profile relationships over the years. From 2018 to 2021, he dated April Ivy, a Portuguese pop star and model. Their relationship ended after reports suggested lifestyle differences—Dias preferred a more private life while Ivy was more public-facing. In September 2023, he began dating Arabella Chi, a Love Island star and model, but that relationship was short-lived, ending around early 2025.

In March 2025, news broke that Dias was in a relationship with Maya Jama, a British television presenter and radio DJ best known for hosting Love Island. The news was surprisingly revealed by football pundit Gary Lineker in an online video, backed up by photos from insider sources. Maya and Rúben reportedly met at the European Music Awards (EMAs) in November 2024 and hit it off immediately.

The couple went public with their relationship in April 2025 when they were spotted together at a Baller League football event at London's Copper Box Arena. Since then, they've been seen on romantic getaways, including a stunning vacation on the Amalfi Coast in May 2025. Maya even posted a cheeky "perve cam" video of Rúben's topless torso on her Instagram story, showing their playful dynamic.

What's interesting is that despite dating a Manchester City star, Maya doesn't actually support City. Her football loyalties lie with Bristol Rovers and West Ham United, her hometown teams. It's a fun detail that probably leads to some good-natured teasing in their relationship.

Lifestyle and Interests

Off the pitch, Dias lives a relatively private but comfortable lifestyle. He owns luxury properties in both Portugal and Manchester. His car collection is impressive, featuring high-performance vehicles including a Ferrari 488 GTB and a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, each worth around $400,000.

Despite his wealth and fame, those who know him describe Dias as down-to-earth and family-oriented. He maintains close relationships with his siblings and parents, often sharing moments with them on social media. He's also known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft, spending countless hours studying game footage and working on his fitness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rúben Dias

1. What is Rúben Dias's net worth in 2026?

Icon Polls estimates Rúben Dias's net worth to be between $45 million and $50 million in 2026. This includes his football salary, endorsement deals, property investments, and other income sources.

2. How much does Rúben Dias earn per week?

Dias currently earns approximately £250,000 per week at Manchester City, which amounts to about £13 million per year or roughly $16.5 million annually.

3. When does Rúben Dias's contract with Manchester City expire?

His current contract with Manchester City runs until June 30, 2029, giving him several more years of security with the club.

4. Who is Rúben Dias dating in 2026?

Rúben Dias is in a relationship with Maya Jama, a British television presenter and Love Island host. They began dating in early 2025 and went public with their relationship in April 2025.

5. How old is Rúben Dias?

Born on May 14, 1997, Rúben Dias is 28 years old as of 2026.

6. What position does Rúben Dias play?

Dias plays as a centre-back, typically on the left side of central defense despite being right-footed. He's known for his strength, aerial ability, and ball-playing skills.

7. How tall is Rúben Dias?

Dias stands at 6 feet 2 inches (187 cm) tall, which gives him a significant advantage in aerial duels and defensive situations.

8. How much did Manchester City pay for Rúben Dias?

Manchester City paid Benfica an initial fee of €68 million (£62 million) for Dias in September 2020, which could rise to €71.6 million with performance bonuses. Nicolás Otamendi was also sent to Benfica as part of the deal.

9. What trophies has Rúben Dias won?

Dias has won numerous trophies including multiple Premier League titles (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), the UEFA Champions League (2023), FA Cups, EFL Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal (2019, 2025).

10. What individual awards has Rúben Dias won?

His individual honors include the FWA Footballer of the Year (2020-21), Premier League Player of the Season (2020-21), Manchester City Player of the Season (2020-21), and Primeira Liga Young Player of the Year. He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Year and FIFA FIFPro World XI.

11. Does Rúben Dias have siblings?

Yes, Dias has three siblings. His older brother Ivan Dias is also a professional footballer who plays as a center-back. He also has two sisters, Beatriz and Carolina.

12. What is Rúben Dias's jersey number?

Dias wears the number 3 jersey for Manchester City and the number 4 jersey for Portugal's national team.

13. Who are Rúben Dias's football idols?

Growing up, Dias idolized legendary defenders John Terry, Nemanja Vidić, Rio Ferdinand, and Vincent Kompany. He aspired to play in the Premier League like them from an early age.

14. What brands does Rúben Dias endorse?

Dias has endorsement deals with major brands including Nike (for his football equipment), Axi, and other lifestyle brands. These partnerships significantly supplement his football income.

15. Where did Rúben Dias start his career?

Dias began his organized football career at C.F. Estrela da Amadora at age 9, initially as a striker. He joined Benfica's youth academy in 2008 at age 11, where he developed into a center-back.

16. Has Rúben Dias ever captained Manchester City?

Yes, Dias first captained Manchester City on September 15, 2021, in a Champions League match against RB Leipzig, which City won 6-3. He has since worn the captain's armband on multiple occasions.

17. What cars does Rúben Dias own?

Dias owns an impressive collection of luxury vehicles, including a Ferrari 488 GTB and a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, each valued at approximately $400,000.

18. Did Rúben Dias play at the 2022 World Cup?

Yes, Dias represented Portugal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and also at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, though he didn't play in any matches in the 2018 tournament.

19. What is Rúben Dias's playing style?

Dias is known for his physical strength, exceptional positioning, aerial dominance, and composure on the ball. He's particularly skilled at ball progression and can play accurate passes with both feet. His leadership qualities and tactical intelligence make him one of the world's best defenders.

20. Has Rúben Dias invested his money?

Yes, Dias has made smart investments beyond football. He owns multiple properties in Portugal and Manchester worth several million dollars, and he has invested in stocks and other financial instruments to ensure a steady income stream independent of his playing career.

Rúben Dias's journey from the streets of Amadora to becoming one of the world's elite defenders is nothing short of inspiring. At just 28 years old, he's already achieved what many can only dream of multiple Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, international honors, and recognition as one of the best in his position.

With a net worth estimated between $45 million and $50 million and a contract at Manchester City that runs until 2029, Dias's financial future is secure. But what stands out even more than his wealth is his dedication to the sport, his leadership on the field, and the respect he's earned from teammates, opponents, and fans worldwide.

As he continues to perform at the highest level for both Manchester City and Portugal, there's no doubt that Dias will add more trophies to his collection. Whether you're a Manchester City supporter, a Portugal fan, or just someone who appreciates world-class defending, Rúben Dias is a player worth watching. His story proves that with talent, hard work, and the right opportunities, dreams really can come true.