Photo credits: Cristiano Ronaldo Instagram.
Monaco, March 8, 2025 – The Mediterranean sun casts a golden veil over the Principality, as the world pauses to celebrate International Women’s Day. On this radiant Saturday, men from across the globe, including Monaco’s cherished visitors Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Paulo Coelho, raise their voices to honor the women. Their words, shared on Instagram and carried by the gentle sea breeze, weave a tapestry of gratitude that resonates with Monaco’s timeless spirit.
A Celebration Woven in Monaco's Tapestry
Monaco shines brighter this Women’s Day, its streets adorned with the glow of empowerment. The PowHer event at Espace Léo Ferré filled the air with feminine power, while men expressed their admiration with flowers and heartfelt gestures. In this jewel of the Riviera, where luxury meets soul, the connection between men and women feels like a dance—graceful, mutual, and eternal. This day, social media became a canvas for this celebration, with icons sharing messages that echo Monaco’s blend of inspiration and depth.
Cristiano: A Toast to Strength and Love
Cristiano Ronaldo, a familiar figure at Monaco’s Stade Louis II and its starlit soirées, posted a touching tribute on Instagram. Alongside a photos of himself and women of his family, he wrote: “To the incredible women in my life — Gio, my daughters, my mother and my sisters — thank you for your strength and love. You inspire me every day. Happy International Women’s Day!”
At the core of Ronaldo’s journey is his mother, Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro, a woman whose resilience forged the foundation of his dreams. Born in Funchal, Madeira, Ronaldo grew up in a modest tin-roofed home overlooking the ocean, where financial struggles were a daily reality. Dolores worked tirelessly as a cook and cleaner to support her family, often bearing the weight of hardship as her husband, José Dinis Aveiro, battled alcoholism. Despite these challenges, her love for her youngest son was a beacon of hope. In her 2014 autobiography Mother Courage, Dolores revealed a heart-wrenching moment—she considered terminating her pregnancy with Cristiano due to their dire circumstances but chose to carry on, a decision she later called her greatest blessing. Dolores instilled in Ronaldo a fierce determination and work ethic. “My mother taught me to never give up,” Ronaldo has often shared, crediting her sacrifices for his relentless drive. She was his first cheerleader, attending his matches and celebrating his victories, even as he rose to global stardom with clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid. In Monaco, where Ronaldo has been honored at events like the UEFA Champions League group phase draw, he has spoken of her as his “rock,” a constant source of strength.
Since 2016, Georgina Rodríguez has been a constant presence in Cristiano Ronaldo's life, not only as his partner but as a source of unwavering support and love. A Spanish model and influencer, she first met him while working at a Gucci store in Madrid. What started as a serendipitous meeting soon blossomed into a deep connection, one that has anchored Ronaldo through both personal and professional challenges. Together, they have created a beautiful family. In addition to raising Ronaldo’s older children—Cristiano Jr., born in 2010, and twins Eva and Mateo, born via surrogate in 2017—they welcomed their daughter, Alana, in 2017. Georgina has embraced her role as a mother to all of Ronaldo’s children, creating a warm and nurturing home that radiates love and unity. Her influence reaches far beyond the family unit. Georgina has stood by Ronaldo’s side through major career transitions, from his time at Juventus to his return to Manchester United, and now his groundbreaking move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia with a record-breaking contract in 2023. Her steadfast support has been a cornerstone of his resilience, offering emotional grounding during the high-pressure moments of his career. Through it all, Georgina has become a symbol of strength and grace. In her Netflix series I Am Georgina, she revealed, “Cristiano is great, he’s a very normal guy. I dreamed of having a Prince Charming by my side, and now I have him.” But beyond these words, it is evident that she has given him a sense of balance and peace in the whirlwind of fame and fortune. Her love and presence have not only shaped his journey but have also empowered him to embrace both his successes and his struggles with a renewed sense of purpose and joy.
Photo credits: Cristiano Ronaldo Instagram.
David Beckham: Advocating for a Future of Dreams
David Beckham, whose impeccable style graces Monaco’s Grand Prix used his platform to amplify a global cause. His Instagram post features him with girls supported by UNICEF, accompanied by the caption: “This International Women’s Day together with @UNICEF, I am standing with girls around the world and advocating for their right to realise their full potential. It’s not just about amplifying their voices but also about securing their right to a future where they can thrive. Whether it’s Mariam in Egypt breaking down barriers of football or Nabila in Indonesia who dreams of starting her own business, these inspiring young women remind us that when girls are given the chance to speak, to dream big and to follow their passions there’s no limit to what they can achieve." #GirlGoals #IWD2025.”
Photo credits: David Beckham Instagram.
Paulo Coelho: The Alchemist of Belief
Paulo Coelho, whose soulful presence has graced Monaco’s literary events, offers a timeless reflection. On this Women’s Day, his earlier words from The Witch of Portobello resonate anew: “You are what you believe yourself to be,” a sentiment shared on his Instagram.
Photo credits: Paulo Coelho Instagram.
Paulo Coelho, the renowned Brazilian author, has spoken about his wife, Christina Oiticica, with deep affection and admiration. Coelho met Christina in the 1990s, and she quickly became an important part of his life. In interviews, he has often credited her with bringing stability, peace, and love into his world. Coelho has shared that Christina, an artist herself, has been a source of great inspiration and support throughout his journey, both personally and professionally. He has mentioned that her influence has been profound in helping him through difficult times, offering him a sense of grounding. In his book The Valkyries, Coelho writes about his journey with Christina in the desert, which explores themes of love, faith, and transformation. His deep connection to her is a recurring theme in his work, as she has been both his muse and his partner in navigating life's challenges. Coelho has often emphasized that their relationship is built on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared spiritual journey, reflecting the values of love and support that permeate much of his writing. He believes that love is a transformative power, and Christina has embodied this in his life.
Photo credits: Christina Oiticica Instagram.
Women's Influence: The Heartbeat of Dreams
In Monaco, where the extraordinary is woven into daily life, Women’s Day 2025 becomes a love letter to the feminine. Ronaldo toasts to the love of Georgina , his daughters, mother, and sisters; Beckham advocates for girls’ dreams worldwide; and Coelho appears with a gentle reminder.. These men, giants in their realms, reveal a universal truth: women are the heartbeat of every dream, their influence a blend of boldness and subtlety. As the sun sets over Monaco, painting the sky in rose and gold, The Principality stands as a testament to this legacy—a celebration of Women, by Men, for All.