Man City defender’s Cheshire home burgled during match night

January 30, 2026 Oliver Obel

Police are investigating a late-night burglary at a Cheshire property linked to Manchester City defender Ruben Dias, the latest in a series of break-ins targeting footballers while they are away on match duties.

Cheshire Police said officers were called to an address in Alderley Edge shortly after 11.10pm on Wednesday 28 January, after reports that a property had been entered and items stolen. The force said enquiries are ongoing and did not disclose what was taken.

Discovery after Champions League fixture

According to reporting by The Sun, Dias discovered the burglary when he returned to the property later that night. The newspaper reported that several rooms had been searched through.

The Portugal international, 28, had spent the evening with Manchester City during their Champions League fixture against Galatasaray. Although he did not feature due to a hamstring injury, Dias was with the squad as City recorded a 2–0 victory.

Jama abroad at time of incident

The property is also home to TV presenter Maya Jama, who was not in the UK at the time of the break-in. Jama, 31, was in South Africa filming the latest series of Love Island, which she hosts.

Neither resident was present during the burglary, police confirmed.

First shared home

Dias and Jama are reported to have moved into the four-bedroom house shortly before Christmas after beginning their relationship in 2024. The Sun quoted a source describing the couple as “devastated,” adding that the property held particular significance as their first home together.

The source said the house’s secluded location, on a quiet street with limited passing traffic, had been one of its attractions.

Pattern of targeted burglaries

The incident follows a familiar pattern across English football, with organised groups exploiting players’ predictable absences during high-profile matches. Such groups are often referred to as “away day” gangs.

Several Premier League players have previously been affected by similar crimes, including Dias’ former Manchester City teammates Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez, according to past media reports.

Security questions

Media reports have said the Alderley Edge property is equipped with alarm systems, CCTV and electric gates, and that private security checks are carried out. While this has prompted speculation that the burglary was planned, police have not commented on how entry was gained.

For investigators, the focus remains on identifying those responsible and recovering stolen property.

Sources: The Sun, Cheshire Police