A Closer Look at Britain’s WAGs

During the 2006 World Cup, the clever British press coined the term WAG—those lucky wives and girlfriends of the football stars. Five years on, the term is used when referring to the female counterparts of other sports players as well, not just football. WAGs get a lot of attention in the press and from passersby, as their lives look to many as one of glamour and fun. WAGs may have their own careers (many are former or current models) and be well known in their own right—or not. But one thing is for certain: the press seems to focus on only one thing about these women: their looks.

Three of the most beloved WAGs of today are Cheryl Cole, Imogen Thomas and Coleen Rooney. Cole was a successful singer, model, and actress before becoming tied to her ex-husband, footballer Ashley Cole. Likewise, Thomas, a Welsh model and television personality, dated a number of modeling and sports personalities and had a degree of fame in her own right before becoming recently entangled with footballer Ryan Giggs. Coleen Rooney, on the other hand, is best known for her role as wife of ManUtd’s star Wayne Rooney. Coleen, who met Rooney when she was 12 and has been in his life nearly ever since, has developed a career in television and product endorsements.

So why so much attention on the WAGs? Could it be that the average British tabloid reader is a tad nosy? Jealous? Just trying to understand how these women parlayed their good looks and special talents into long-term relationships with sports celebrities? Whatever the answer, it is hard to miss the WAGs, as they are captured by the media, often bikini clad and sunning on a tropical island, shopping in an exotic location, or surrounded by a group of great-looking men—which, upon review, might be reason enough for all the interest.