Taylor Ward, the wife of former Manchester City and Leicester City footballer Riyad Mahrez, has spoken out about feeling safer and more at ease since the couple relocated from England to Saudi Arabia. The move, driven by Mahrez’s recent transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, has not only provided a fresh start in his football career but also brought unexpected peace of mind to his family.
In a candid conversation, Ward revealed how their life has drastically changed for the better since leaving England—especially in terms of security and mental peace. Their new home in Saudi Arabia is reportedly ten times bigger than their property in the UK, and more importantly, she no longer lives in fear of burglars breaking in.
Living in Fear in England’s ‘Golden Triangle’
The fear Ward talks about is not uncommon for many football families in the UK, especially those residing in areas like Cheshire’s so-called “Golden Triangle” – which includes Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, and Prestbury. These luxurious areas have become hot targets for criminal gangs that specialize in robbing the homes of professional footballers.
Premier League players are known for their wealth, and their high-profile lifestyles often make them easy targets. Burglars tend to strike while players are away for matches or training, breaking into lavish properties and stealing expensive watches, jewelry, designer clothes, and cash.
Taylor Ward, who lived in an upscale part of Cheshire before the move, admitted she was deeply affected by the rising number of burglaries. “I’ve never stayed in England on my own, ever,” she said. “We lived in an apartment, and I was just too conscious of all the burglaries. There are so many bad things happening, especially in Cheshire. It’s a massive problem.”
Why the Move to Saudi Arabia Brought Relief
Since relocating to Saudi Arabia, Ward’s quality of life has improved not only in terms of luxury but also in mental wellness. She shared that she finally feels safe enough to relax and sleep peacefully at night—something she struggled with back in England.
“I feel way safer in Saudi,” she explained. “I can actually sleep at night now. Our house here is ten times bigger, but I feel so much more secure.”
Security isn’t just about having guards or alarms. It’s also about the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home, family, and belongings are safe from threats. That feeling, according to Ward, is something she never fully experienced in England, despite living in what many would consider one of the country’s most secure and high-end neighborhoods.
A Growing Problem for Footballers in the UK
Ward’s fears are echoed by several other partners and families of Premier League stars who have also fallen victim to burglaries. In one high-profile case, England and Manchester City star Jack Grealish’s £5.6 million home was raided on Boxing Day while his family was inside. Thieves escaped with an estimated £1 million worth of luxury items, including watches, handbags, and jewelry.
These incidents are more than just financial losses—they leave emotional scars and a constant feeling of vulnerability.
Ward admitted that the stress even affected the gifts she received from her husband. “I used to tell Riyad not to buy me watches or expensive jewelry because I didn’t feel safe having them at home,” she said. “It just didn’t feel worth the risk.”
Now, in Saudi Arabia, she feels comfortable accepting and enjoying the thoughtful gifts from her husband without constantly worrying about who might be watching or targeting her.
Life in Saudi Arabia: Different, but Comfortable
Moving to Saudi Arabia wasn’t just about security—it also involved major lifestyle changes, from culture and customs to language and community dynamics. Ward, who is also a reality TV personality and social media influencer, acknowledged that adapting to a new way of life wasn’t entirely easy at first.
“There’s no champagne here. The social life is very different from England,” she explained. “Back home, we’d go out for brunches, events, or girls’ nights. Here, things are more reserved. People keep to themselves more.”
Still, she’s found a new rhythm and enjoys the family-oriented culture, the warmth of the people, and the peaceful atmosphere. She also travels often and has been documenting her experiences in the second season of Prime Video’s docuseries Married to the Game, which follows the lives of footballers’ wives and girlfriends.
In the show, Ward shares her day-to-day life in Saudi Arabia, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at how she’s balancing motherhood, marriage, and her own career in a completely new environment.
Mahrez’s New Chapter in Saudi Football
Riyad Mahrez, who played key roles in Leicester City’s historic Premier League win in 2016 and Manchester City’s recent dominance, made headlines in 2023 when he signed a £30 million deal with Saudi club Al-Ahli.
The move came during a wave of high-profile transfers of European players to Saudi Arabia, lured by lucrative contracts and the opportunity to be part of a fast-growing football league. For Mahrez, it was also a chance to escape the pressures of the Premier League and enjoy a more balanced life with his family.
Since joining Al-Ahli, Mahrez has impressed fans with his skill, leadership, and experience, helping to boost the profile of the Saudi Pro League. For Ward, the move meant much more than football—it was a decision that brought safety, space, and stability to her family life.
The Bigger Picture: Why Safety Matters
Taylor Ward’s story sheds light on the emotional and psychological toll that fame and wealth can bring, especially for the families of footballers who often live under the shadow of security threats.
Her decision to speak openly about feeling unsafe in England—and how life has improved in Saudi Arabia—has sparked conversations about how professional athletes and their families manage personal safety. It also raises questions about what more can be done to protect those in the public eye who feel trapped by fear in their own homes.
It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how luxurious a house might be, it can never replace the basic human need for safety and peace of mind.
Conclusion
Taylor Ward and Riyad Mahrez’s move to Saudi Arabia wasn’t just a career decision—it was a personal one rooted in a desire for security, comfort, and peace. While adjusting to a new culture and way of life may come with its own challenges, Ward says the benefits far outweigh the difficulties.
“I’m happy here. I feel safe. That’s what matters most,” she said.
Their journey highlights a growing trend of footballers seeking not just professional success, but also personal well-being and a secure environment for their families—no matter where in the world that might be.
