Maya Jama & Ruben Dias ‘devastated’ after gang of callous burglars ransack their £4million dream home
LOVE Island host Maya Jama and her footballer boyfriend Ruben Dias have been left heartbroken after an “away day” gang ransacked their home.
Their £4million Omaze prize-draw mansion in Cheshire was targeted by raiders who took jewellery, electronics and clothes.
Sign up for the newsletter
Thank you!
Love Island host Maya Jama has been left devastated after a gang ransacked the home she shares with her footie ace boyfriendCredit: Instagram
The view from outside the sprawling mansion loved by MayaCredit: Omaze
Maya with footballer boyfriend Ruben Dias, who were both away when the gang targeted their homeCredit: Refer to source
Maya, 31, was filming for Love Island in South Africa while Ruben, 28, was at Manchester City’s clash with Galatasaray.
Portugal defender Ruben returned home just after 11pm on Wednesday to discover rooms upturned before calling 999.
Ruben and Maya had moved into the four-bedroom property before Christmas.
A source said: “They are devastated. The house is the first they have moved into as a couple and is very special to them.
ISLAND ARRIVALS
Maya Jama ‘steals’ All Stars from villa for US bombshells in shock twist
SHE’S BACK!
Maya Jama returns to All Stars villa with brutal news for Islanders
“Thankfully, neither was at home, but they are very upset that their personal space has been invaded.
“They love the house because it is tucked away down a very quiet street with no passing traffic.”
The raid is the latest by away day gangs, so named because they target homes when players are involved in high-profile games.
Previous victims include Ruben’s former Manchester City teammates Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 11.10pm on Wednesday 28 January, police received reports of a burglary at an address in Alderley Edge.
“Officers attended and found entry had been made to the property and a number of items had been stolen. Enquiries are currently ongoing.”
Maya and Ruben visting the mansion for a viewing in autumn before they bought itCredit: Eamonn & James Clarke
Omaze shots of the lounge area in the £4million dream homeCredit: Facebook
Another publicity shot of the couple’s lavish homeCredit: Facebook
The couple’s 6,300 sq ft house has landscaped gardens, a full indoor leisure suite including swimming pool, spa bath, sauna and gym.
It has hi-tech security including a sophisticated zoned alarm system, CCTV and electric gates.
The couple are also understood to employ a security company to carry out spot checks on the house.
The village of Alderley Edge is part of Cheshire’s Golden Triangle and counts dozens of Premier League stars among its residents.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez lives a stone’s throw away. Ex-United stars Rio Ferdinand and Cristiano Ronaldo previously owned properties in the same street.
‘Council house Queen’
Last week, Maya told of her delight at going from a council house, growing up in a tough part of Bristol, to property mogul as she told her three million Instagram followers that she now had property in London, Cheshire and the Cotswolds.
When a fan asked if she had moved from London, Maya replied: “To answer my DMs right now lol I also bought a house in the Cotswolds last year so I’ll be there sometimes.
“Writing it like that just makes you sound like a braggy f**k but I’m very proud of myself.
“Council house Queen to multiple property owner.”
They are very upset that their personal space has been invaded.
On Tuesday, she was pictured arriving in South Africa — following a relaxing few days at home with Ruben.
A source said: “Maya is in South Africa filming Love Island but she flew back to the UK a few days ago and spent some time at the house with Ruben.
TV star Maya shows off Christmas decorations inside the propertyCredit: Instagram
Ruben Dias signed for Manchester City for £65million in 2020Credit: Alamy
Maya and Ruben share a kiss on a night out togetherCredit: Instagram
“She was very proud to move into her first home with Ruben and took lots of videos and pictures while in the house which she posted on her social media.
“Previously in their relationship, she was back and forth from London and he was living in a city centre flat.
“That’s why this property means so much to them.”
Ruben and a removal team posed for the cameras on December 17 as the couple moved in.
And in the run-up to Christmas, Maya excitedly posted pictures and videos from inside.
Among the photos was one of a huge Christmas tree surrounded by dozens of presents from designer shops including Selfridges.
Others showed her and family and friends cooking. In another, she posed by a stunning staircase.
The house is spectacular. I can see why it’s so popular with millionaire footballers.
Omaze winner Emily Ward
The property was won in September by mum Emily Ward, who bought a £25 ticket as part of an Omaze charity raffle.
The 48-year-old, from Devon, also scooped £250,000 in cash.
She said: “The house is spectacular. I can see why it’s so popular with millionaire footballers.
“It will be quite surreal popping out to buy a pint of milk and bumping into Wayne or Coleen Rooney.”
Latest Land Registry records still show Mrs Ward as the owner, suggesting Maya and Ruben rent it from her.
The couple met at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2024 and were seen together on New Year’s Eve in Ibiza.
Maya and Ruben pose with their luggage before a vacation togetherCredit: Instagram
The loved-up couple take a mirror selfie together on holidayCredit: Instagram
Maya has been pictured regularly at the Etihad cheering on City.
Ruben signed for them for £65million in 2020.
Announcing a two-year contract extension in August, he said: “I am incredibly happy today. I love Manchester.
“It is my home now — and I love the Manchester City fans.”
Maya moved to London aged 16 to pursue a career as an actress.
In 2014 she started presenting on MTV and hit the big time when she hosted the Brit Awards red carpet in 2017.
She has been hosting Love Island since January 2023.
Representatives for Maya and Ruben were contacted for comment.
AWAY DAY VICTIMS
OTHER victims of “away day” gangs include Rúben’s teammate Jack Grealish, currently at Everton.
Jack’s partner, Sasha Attwood, and family were watching him play for Manchester City on TV when raiders used a ladder to get into the master bedroom.
Nobody has been caught over the 2023 break-in.
Ex-Chelsea and City star Raheem Sterling’s Surrey home was burgled during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He flew home to comfort his family.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba was playing at Old Trafford in 2022 when his home was targeted as his children slept.
Thieves took his 2018 World Cup winner’s medal.
