WE once viewed 2006 as the year of the WAG with Victoria Beckham undeniably the powerhouse.
But the likes of Abbey Clancy, Cherly Cole and Alex Gerrard are certainly being given a run for their money by this year’s Euros cohort.
13
While The Three Lions lads are pocketing hundreds-of-thousands of pounds battling it out on the pitch at the Euros, their glamorous side kicks are en route to catching up, according to predictions by one celebrity PR expert.
And the money is sure to keep rolling in long after the final whistle has been blown at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on July 14.
Ed Hopkins says that by cementing themselves as social media stars, this year’s wives and girlfriends are on track to earn tens-of-thousands of pounds per POST on Instagram.
Here, we take a closer look at the 2024 WA-Gang who could cash in 10k a DAY watching their men play footy and reveal the one who has seemingly dropped off the fan radar.
Leading the charge
The charge is led by Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson and Megan Pickford, wife of goalie Jordan.
Both women have seen their Instagram following count dramatically increase since England’s first game of the tournament on June 18.
Tolami, 23, has already been dubbed the “WAG of the season” and an “icon” by fans.
Some think she’s even emulating the same vibe as the most iconic WAG of our generation – Posh Spice herself.
Ghost of WAG’s past
Hertfordshire-based Tolami ordered a custom Three Lions leather jacket from small-time designer Antonia Bronze, who documented the process on TikTok.
The response from fans? “Victoria Beckham would be proud”.
“Fashionista WAGs are back,” one fan beamed.
“Real WAGS are back,” another echoed. “Posh would ADORE you – thank you for your service.”
Her eye for style, coupled with “spicy” stadium pictures on Instagram, have cemented her as a favoured WAG.
She is gaining an eye-watering 1,870 Instagram followers a day, according to research from Casino.org.
“Tolami embodies the spirit of the golden WAGs like Cheryl Cole, Posh Spice and Abbey Clancy by maintaining a glamorous public image and staying active on social media,” Ed comments.
13
13
England’s new Euros Wags
ENGLAND football stars will be hoping their other halves will bring them good luck in Germany this summer and SunSport runs down the new faces to expect to see.
Erica Correa: We exclusively revealed Man Utd star Marcus Rashford has been growing close to the Colombia-born model.
Laura Celia Valk: The Dutch stunner is rumoured to be dating Jude Bellginham and staying in his Madrid mansion.
Ellie Alderson: The interior designer is with Ollie Watkins, who will be hoping for a place on the plane after missing the last Euros and World Cup.
Dani Dyer: The actor and reality TV star is going out with Jarrod Bowen, who is in fine form and in line for a Euros call up.
Annie Keating: Girlfriend to Anthony Gordon, who is vying for a place in England’s competitive frontline.
Iris Law: The model and daughter to actor Jude sparked romance rumours with Trent Alexander-Arnold after they were spotted together.
“Her style and presence reflect the quintessential blend of fashion, beauty and charisma that defined the golden WAG’s era.
“Her increasing popularity suggests that fans see her as part of the legacy of these iconic figures, who were not just partners of footballers but also celebrities in their own right.”
Ed adds that Tolami has an “ability to connect with followers through engaging content, alongside her association with Saka’s rising stardom”.
Tolami’s style and presence reflect the quintessential blend of fashion, beauty and charisma that defined the 2006 golden WAGs era
Ed Hopkins
“With her Instagram gaining significant traction, she is poised to capitalise on her newfound fame through brand endorsements and partnerships,” he says.
At present, Tolami can expect to make anywhere between £3,000 to £6,000 per sponsored post, depending on her engagement rates and the brand.
However, Ed sees this rate surpassing £10,000 per post if she keeps up her online presence post-tournament.
The time to shine
Not far behind Tolami is Megan Pickford, who Ed also believes has the ability to rake in five figures per Instagram post.
The 28-year-old, from Sunderland, England goalie Jordan aged 14 at secondary school, and the pair legally wed in 2020.
13
13
She’s been a feature at plenty of international tournaments before this one, but Ed reckons the Euros 2024 is Megan’s time to shine.
“Megan shares several traits with the WAGs of the 2006 World Cup, such as maintaining a high-profile public image and a keen sense of style,” he says.
“Like her predecessors, she often features glamorous outfits and luxurious lifestyles on social media.
Megan’s visibility at Euros 2024 matches and events mirrors the supportive and public role that the 2006 WAGs played
Ed Hopkins
“This draws parallels with the fashion-forward and media-savvy WAG’s of the past.
“Her visibility at matches and events also mirrors the supportive and public role that the 2006 WAG’s played.”
But what sets mum-of-two Megan apart from other veteran WAG’s is her drama-free relationship.
Loving is easy
Unlike the high-profile love triangle between Annie Kilner, Kyle Walker and Lauryn Goodman (which followed the team to Germany) and Kieran Trippier’s marriage crumbling rumours, Megan and Jordan appear solid.
“In a time when other high-profile relationships in the team are reportedly turbulent, Megan and Jordan’s enduring partnership provides a sense of stability and positivity,” Ed explains.
13
13
“This likely endears her to followers who appreciate her grounded and supportive presence.”
That’s why the experienced WAG has raked in a whopping 21,000 Instagram followers since the tournament started.
“Like Tolami, she can leverage her platform for brand endorsements, which can range from fashion and beauty products to lifestyle brands,” Ed says.
“Depending on her engagement and the types of collaborations she secures, Megan could potentially earn tens-of-thousands per post, translating to a lucrative side income.”
Nailed on earning potential?
Meanwhile, Olivia Naylor, girlfriend of England defender John Stones, has seen her social media following more than DOUBLE since the tournament started.
She’s jumped from 5,305 to over 12,300 followers on Instagram.
13
13
13
D-Day for Dani
The same success can’t be said for Dani Dyer, girlfriend of England wide man Jarrod Bowen.
According to Casino.org, Love Island star and mum-of-three Dani has painfully lost over 100,000 Instagram followers since June 18.
The Euros 2024 are the 27-year-old’s first international tournament as a WAG after England gaffer Gareth Southgate gave Jarrod the call up.
Dani is already worth £4 million in her own right thanks to her social media stardom, clothing brand LOVALL and partnership with luxury motherhood brand My Babiie.
Unlike some WAG’s who prominently feature their footballer partners and immerse themselves in the football world, Dani has her independent career and identity
Ed Hopkins
So, it would make sense if being a professional WAG isn’t her calling.
“Fans might be focusing more on new and emerging WAGs, leading to a shift in attention,” Ed suggests on the recent decline of her following count.
“Additionally, if Dani’s content hasn’t resonated with her audience during this period, it could contribute to the decline.
“Changes in public interest and the dynamic nature of social media followings also play a role.
“And unlike some WAGs who prominently feature their footballer partners and immerse themselves in the football world, Dani has her independent career and identity.
“This independence might distance her from the traditional WAG image, which often includes being highly visible at matches and events and engaging deeply with the football community.”
13
13