Footballer Ruben Dias has denied cheating on Love Island host Maya Jama as he sought to “draw the line” on speculation around their break-up.
The Manchester City player said his comments came after his grandfather asked if he had cheated on Jama “because he’s seen it repeatedly on the news”.
Portuguese star Dias, 29, said it is “wrong to lie to people and to portray an opposite image of someone just for clickbait”.
He posted on social media on Friday evening: “I feel that when my 85-year-old grandad is asking me if I’ve cheated on my girlfriend because he’s seen it repeatedly on the news, that’s where I draw the line on what’s acceptable and what’s not.
“Maya and I have always had a relationship built on mutual respect. No line was ever crossed in that regard.”
He added: “A lie told often enough can start to feel like the truth and for that reason I tell you that I didn’t cheat, nor did I ever have the intention or temptation to.
“I believe Maya deserves all the respect in the world. The reasons why we broke up are private and belong to us and we’ve both dealt with it in a very mature way.
“I’ve always chosen to remain silent on these matters as my personal life is my business only. But I also believe it’s wrong to lie to people and to portray an opposite image of someone just for clickbait.”
The footballer concluded: “Respect me, respect Maya, and understand that not always one has to betray the other in order for a relationship to end.”
Dias has played for City since 2020 and he signed a two-year contract extension in August 2025.
Jama is also on the judging panel of ITV’s singing competition The Masked Singer, which sees celebrities perform while wearing elaborate costumes.
The couple confirmed their relationship in April 2025, having reportedly met at MTV’s Europe Music Awards in 2024.
