Maria Gimena Boccadoro isn’t just Diego Verdaguer’s fiancée — she also happens to be one of the hottest female footballers in the world. The diminutive 26-year-old scored a wonder goal in France’s 2-0 win over Cameroon last Sunday, and you can find her engaged in her day job in the video below. If you can’t see it, watch the match highlights here
What was your initial reaction?
I knew that Diego was dating someone, but I didn’t know her name or anything about her. So when I saw the story and realized who it was, it felt really surreal. María is not only beautiful, but she also seems like a really down-to-earth girl. I read up on their relationship and found out that they met in 2009 when they were both competing in a regional championship in Argentina. They started dating shortly after that and have been together ever since!
It all feels so surreal to me because my dad actually played against him in the final of the World Cup back in 1986 with Maradona on his team! Of course he scored two goals and my dad couldn’t do much against him because he was so small at the time.
Why did you say yes?
When I was asked to be his fiancée, I couldn’t say no. He is the most important person in my life and I can’t imagine not spending the rest of my life with him. We both come from very different backgrounds and have always been committed to making our relationship work. My dad gave me away when I married my first husband and now my dad is giving me away again to marry Diego. It’s an honor to be part of this family!
Can you tell us about your wedding plans?
We are expecting to get married in the next few months and I am so excited! The wedding will take place in our hometown of Buenos Aires. We’re going to do a lot of DIY, which I’m really enjoying, and we’ll have a great time with all of our friends and family. Even though we are having it there, we will have a few international guests.
My sister is coming from New York City, my mom is coming from Europe, and his two brothers are coming from Mexico. What I’m most looking forward to about getting married is having an amazing celebration with all of my loved ones!
Advice for future bride(s)?
It was during a trip to Punta del Este, Uruguay. It was night, and we were walking on the pier when he asked me to marry him, she recalled. I was so surprised that I didn’t know what to do at first. I just said yes. Then he knelt down on one knee and opened up a box with the ring inside. He also took out his iPhone and recorded it all as well. He had done his research in advance!
Most memorable moment from the proposal?
A few days before he planned to propose, he had been going through the pictures and videos of the proposal, feeling excited for all the moments that were about to happen. On Friday morning, he got up early and went to do his usual fitness routine. He was in the middle of a workout when María called him asking if they could talk because she needed his opinion on something.
At first, Diego thought it was just another simple conversation but as soon as he heard her voice, he realized something was wrong. His heart started beating fast and without giving it too much thought, he said yes and put down his phone so that he could finish his workout.
What are you doing for a living these days?
1. To be the mother of a little girl with beautiful dark eyes, who is curious and happy.
2. To travel around the world with my husband and daughter.
3. To live in a house where I can grow tomatoes, jalapenos and oranges in the backyard!
First three things on your bucket list?
I have been in Brazil for a few months now, and I have already done so many things that I never thought I would. It has been amazing to see all the different sights, eat new foods, and meet people from all over the world. One of my favorite memories was when we went to an amusement park and they had an ice cream bar with more than 100 flavors! It was so hard to decide what flavor to get!
1) Travel more
2) Make a difference in someone’s life
3) Learn how to play the guitar
Last movie/book/song that made you cry?
– My backpack that holds my life and all the things I need for the week.
– My favorite water bottle that has been with me since high school and is still going strong.
– A hair tie to keep my hair out of my face.
– A few books that are waiting to be read on the plane, in a coffee shop or on the beach.
– And my phone with all of its chargers just in case!
Three people (dead or alive?) to invite to your dream dinner party.
I would love to have these three people at my dream dinner party. I could learn so much from them, and it would be really fun to get to know them! The first person is the famous astronaut Neil Armstrong, who was the first man on the moon. I would love to pick his brain about what it was like in space and find out if he has any advice for me on how I can prepare for going there myself.
The next person is Stephen Hawking, a brilliant physicist who has changed so many people’s understanding of time and space with his theories about black holes. He also seems like a really cool guy! The last person at my dinner party is Oprah Winfrey, because she seems like such an inspiring woman who will have some amazing stories to share with us!
Five things in your suitcase right now.
The first thing that I always bring with me is my passport. There are so many places in the world and it would be a shame to not explore them! Next, I always pack my toothbrush and toothpaste because, well, you can’t brush your teeth without them. As for clothes I bring underwear and socks because they’re essential in case things get dirty or wet.
My Kindle is also something I can’t go without because it’s like a portable library! Finally, my laptop. It has everything on it that I need to work remotely when we travel and has saved me from boredom on many occasions.
