THE word WAG conjures up a life of designer handbags and shopping hauls where money is no object and splashed around freely.
And while Abbie Guy, 26, says she doesn’t get ruffled when she’s labelled one, she refuses to be called flashy.
She’s the wife of Carlisle United F.C. midfielder Callum Guy, and says the idea that the WAG (wife or girlfriend) of a footballer is made up of nothing but spa days and champagne is misguided.
She gets her kicks from watching her 27-year-old husband on the pitch instead.
“I don’t hate the label but I don’t like the stigma that comes along with the title, such as flashy items and being only interested in money as those things don’t matter to me,” she says.
“I am proud of my husband and his career but I definitely don’t ever call myself a WAG – even though everyone else does.”
However, when it comes to the original WAGs such as the likes of Victoria Beckham and Colleen Rooney, Abbie says they are in fact her ‘absolute icons’.
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She says: “Just because their husbands are footballers, that hasn’t stopped them pursing their own career and having their own identity.”
I get a lot of criticism for taking my children to watch him play every single game
Abbie Guy
Like their mum, Abbie’s daughter Ava, four, and son George, three, are no strangers to the pitch – which has caused backlash from online trolls who claim she pushes her children to watch.
But she insists that ‘watching Daddy play football’ is something her kids ask to do – it isn’t something she forces on them.
“I get a lot of criticism for taking my children to watch him play every single game,” she reveals.
“People tell me how to parent saying my children shouldn’t go to every game and I should prioritise other things over football.
“But what people don’t know is we count down the days until it’s football Saturdays, the children cheer on their daddy louder than anyone.
“I think it must be very inspiring to them to watch their daddy at work doing something he loves.
“Our little boy has said he would like to be a footballer just like his dad when he’s older. “
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In fact, despite footie season currently having its summer break Abbie says the family are still buzzing about the Euros.
“We’re so excited. The children have matching football kits and Ava has personalised hair bows with the England flag on.
“My mum always dressed me and my brother and sister head to toe in a full kit and face paint and have a street party so I intend to carry on that tradition.”
But despite her dedication, Abbie admits her decision to be a stay-at-home mum also attracts criticism.
But she says looking after her two kids is a ‘huge challenge in itself’.
“We are a young family who want to continue to grow,” Abbie says.
“Once my children are grown I will the focus on my own career, but for now I’m enjoying my little ones being little.”
Meet England’s Euro 2024 Wags
England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s daughter)
Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here
And the harsh criticism won’t stop Abbie from posting about her life as a WAG and mum of two.
“I think no matter what you do, you can’t please everyone so what is the point in holding back and letting anyone stop you from doing what you want to do?” she mused.
“I just think we live in a world where it’s becoming easier to sit behind a screen and write nasty comments.
“I liked football before I met Callum – we both support Nottingham Forest as well as England– but I wasn’t anywhere near as invested as I am these days.
“Not only do I know Callum’s teammates but I also am now interested in the transfer window, and who’s going to which team and if Callum’s tells me certain teams are playing I will watch with him.
“It definitely has brought us so much closer when I took a real interest in it too.”
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And while Abbie’s posts will always spark the odd negative comment, there are also those who praise her for the sports-based coverage.
“I’ve had lots of messages from other football girls in the same situation relating to me and thanking me for sharing my experience,” she adds.
“And I have also had messages from football fans asking to see more behind-the-scenes content.
“But I obviously don’t walk around broadcasting that my boyfriend plays football.”
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