How Ruben Dias used secret weapon to win over Maya Jama as pals claim couple are plotting major next move
But eight months on since they quietly started dating, we can reveal the secret weapon Ruben used to score a future with the Love Island host - and pal's claims that they're planning to take a major step in their relationship.
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Maya Jama turned 30 and is ready for the real deal when it comes to love
Credit: Getty
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Portuguese footballer Ruben Dias has won Maya's heart
Credit: Instagram
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The stunning Love Island host is plotting her next steps with beau Ruben
Credit: Instagram
Having met months after a failed last-ditch effort with her rapper ex Stormzy, the 30-year-old wasn't looking for love when Ruben asked for her number at the MTV Europe Music Awards in his football team's hometown.
It had been Maya and Stormzy's second go at a relationship. They first split after five years together in 2020 not long before Maya got engaged to NBA player Ben Simmons following a whirlwind romance.
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While both
relationships
weren't meant to be forever, the experiences helped clarify what the presenter wanted - and didn't want - from her
next
partner.
In the weeks before dating footballer Ruben, Maya said: 'The next person I meet I want to marry and have kids with, so obviously I'm feeling fussy.'
Our sources say her surprise connection with 28-year-old Ruben caught Maya by surprise - and his commitment early on in dating secured their fate.
Pals claim they're now putting plans in place to move in together as their relationship goes from strength to strength.
A source told The Sun: 'Maya is incredibly headstrong and confident. After everything she's been through, she knows her worth and won't settle for anything less.
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'Her relationship with Ruben is totally different to when she was with
Stormzy
. She's described how they were
babies
when they met and his career was more established than Maya's.
'This time, she's come into the relationship on a level playing field as two hugely successful individuals.
'They've both reached their career goals and the world is their oyster, so they're now at a stage where they can focus more on their love lives.
Maya Jama kisses footballer boyfriend on romantic holiday and shows off her stunning bikini body
'It's important to Maya that she can trust the person she's with and they are certain about what they want in their future.
"She knows who she is now and is looking for someone on equal pegging to enjoy life with."
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Our insider added: 'Ruben made sure from the start that his intentions with Maya were clear.
'He knows he's struck gold and wants to make sure Maya knows how seriously he feels about her.
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Maya with her former fiancé Ben Simmons
Credit: Getty
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Maya with her ex-rapper boyfriend Stormzy, pictured in 2017
Credit: Getty
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They dated between 2017 and 2024
Credit: Instagram
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She's been enjoying extended holidays with Ruben this summer as she balances her Love Island work
Credit: Instagram
"Being honest and open about what he wants from their future was the secret weapon in securing a future with Maya.
"Maya's work, home and friends are in London so she doesn't want to leave there entirely, but is considering going between there and Manchester."
Ruben was previously linked to Love Island All Stars'
Just like his relationships with pop singer April Ivy and actress Daniela Melchior, both from
Portugal
, their lifestyle differences drove them apart.
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While the women were happy with the spotlight, Ruben has always preferred a private life.
After swapping numbers with Bristol-born Maya, he soon made clear he was looking for something serious away from the cameras.
'This was a real turning point for Maya.' our source added.
'She was impressed that he wasn't looking to gain from their popularity as a couple. He made her feel it was a genuine connection from the off.
'Even though they know their romance is bound to attract attention, they keep the details of their relationship strictly confidential, but he's been keen to post pictures of them together to let everyone know he's taken.
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'He's obviously attracted to successful and powerful women. He loves how Maya lights up every room she's in and shines as an individual, but it was also important to him that they are a strong team together.
"That was very attractive to Maya."
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Maya has hosted Love Island since 2023
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Ruben's desire in a partner matches that of Maya who had a lightbulb moment following the end of her engagement to Australian basketballer Ben and the break-up of her five-year relationship with Stormzy the first time around.
'I refuse to dim myself down," she said at the time.
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It's a life lesson she has lived by, revealing: 'I'm such a lover, but I am a big leaver as well.
'I know what makes me happy and I know what I like — and this is no disrespect to anyone I've been in a relationship with, but if it's not that then I will leave it.
'My point I always try to make is that I am really, really happy and I have curated this lovely little life for myself and my friends.
'I only want you if you are going to add to that or make it better, otherwise I am not really on it.'
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The presenter's career has soared since finding fame as Stormzy's girlfriend
Credit: Alamy
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Maya is adored by millions as host of Love Island UK
Credit: Instagram
Maya's presenting career soared in 2023 when she landed the hosting job on Love Island, after years of being known as Stormzy's girlfriend.
In the same year, Ruben made
history
with his
FA Cup
, and Champions League within a week of each other.
The rare feat was a career highlight for the Portuguese national player, who returned to training at City Football Academy this week after spending the
summer
with Maya.
The smitten pair travelled to Italy's Amalfi Coast in a private jet where they sailed on a
luxury
yacht
as they soaked up the sun.
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It was during this extended break when Maya and Ruben made their relationship official to fans by posting pictures of them together on social media for the first time.
In her most recent Instagram post, Maya shared snaps from her holidays with Ruben and filming the latest series of Love Island, captioning it: "Work & play balancing."
They've come a long way in the last few months, with Maya having reportedly met Dias's family.
She's even started taking Portuguese lessons to impress her other half.
A friend said: "It's the happiest we've ever seen Maya. Her career and relationship are both going from strength to strength and she deserves it all."
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