This Sunday, Argentina and Spain will headline the 2026 World Cup final. While millions of fans prepare to support their national team, there will be one person who will experience the match in a very special way.
This is Irene Ariza, Giuliano Simeone’s girlfriend. She was born in Madrid and has been in a relationship with the Argentina national team forward for six years, so the clash between the two countries will inevitably find her with a divided heart.
Although she has never stated which jersey she will root for in a match like this, those who follow the couple know that Irene accompanies Giuliano at every step of his career and is often present at the most important moments of his sporting life.
A love story that began during the pandemic
The story between Giuliano and Irene began in 2020, when they were barely 18 years old and living in Madrid. The footballer had just settled permanently in Spain to continue his career with Atlético de Madrid, the club led by his father, Diego “Cholo” Simeone.
Since then they have built a solid relationship, free from scandals and excessive exposure. On social media they share some moments together, though always with a very discreet profile.
Over the years, Irene has become one of the main pillars of the footballer, accompanying him in both moments of success and in the toughest times.
Who is Irene Ariza, Giuliano Simeone’s Spanish girlfriend
Irene Ariza is 24 years old and was born in Madrid. In 2024 she graduated in Business Administration and Management from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
Besides, she is developing a growing presence as a content creator on social media, where she shares posts about fashion, beauty, skincare routines, fitness, and some travel.
She currently has more than 40 thousand followers on Instagram.
The great support for Giuliano in the toughest moments
One of the hardest chapters the couple faced occurred in 2023, when Giuliano Simeone suffered a serious fibula fracture and an ankle dislocation during a pre-season friendly.
The recovery took several months, and throughout the process Irene stayed by his side. The footballer himself has acknowledged in various interviews the importance she has in his life.
“My girlfriend Irene helps me a lot. When you feel good and happy at home, everything else also gets better,” he said in an interview with ESPN.
Always present in the big moments
Irene accompanied Giuliano during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and was also present when he renewed his contract with Atlético de Madrid until 2030.
On that occasion she shared an emotional message on social media:
“I admire your consistency, your effort, and the incredible person you are, on and off the field. How happy I am to be by your side on this journey“.
Now she is once again by his side at another historic moment: the World Cup final.
Argentina or Spain: a match impossible to experience with indifference
For Irene, the meeting will hold a very special meaning. She was born in Spain, but six years ago she began sharing her life with one of Argentina’s most promising footballers.
Beyond the result, everything suggests she will be back in the stands cheering for Giuliano Simeone, the man with whom she built one of the most solid and discreet love stories in today’s football.
