In a heartwarming revelation, Francesca Brienza, a prominent sports journalist, has shared that she and Rudi Garcia, the former coach of AS Roma and Napoli, are officially married. The couple, who have been together for over a decade, had a civil ceremony in January 2025 in Cannes, France, attended by a small group of close friends and family. The couple plans to celebrate their union with a religious ceremony on May 1, 2025, at the picturesque church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, situated near the iconic Piazza Navona.
Brienza disclosed these details during an appearance on the show "Storie di Donne al Bivio" hosted by Monica Setta, which aired on April 19, 2025. She expressed her excitement about the upcoming celebration, stating, "We said 'yes' with a few intimate friends and on May 1, we will celebrate the religious rite with a dinner for 250 people at Villa Miani in Rome." This lavish dinner will mark a significant milestone in their relationship, showcasing their commitment to each other.
The couple first crossed paths in 2014 at Trigoria, the training ground of AS Roma, where Garcia was coaching and Brienza was working for the club's official TV channel. Their romance blossomed amidst the backdrop of football, and they have since built a family together, welcoming their daughter, Sofia, into the world on April 8, 2023. Brienza fondly reminisced about how their love grew over the years, saying, "Sofia has made us a family for good."
Despite the glamour surrounding their wedding plans, not all expected attendees will be present. Notably, former Roma star Francesco Totti, who was initially rumored to attend, will not be part of the celebration. This decision has sparked interest and speculation among fans and media alike, highlighting the dynamics of relationships within the football community.
Brienza, who is 38 years old, has made a name for herself in the sports journalism field, having worked with various prominent networks including Rai Sport, La7, and others. Her career began at Roma TV, where she first gained recognition. Interestingly, she had previously joked about her insecurities regarding dating a footballer, stating that she felt "too chubby" to be with one. However, she ultimately found love with Garcia, who is 22 years her senior.
As the couple prepares for their wedding, Brienza has also shared insights into their relationship and how they navigate the challenges of parenthood together. They chose to postpone their honeymoon to spend more time with Sofia, emphasizing their commitment to family. Brienza remarked, "We wanted to stay close to our little girl, who is not even two years old yet."
Their wedding attire has also been a topic of interest, with Brienza's dress designed by the renowned fashion designer Antonio Riva. This choice reflects her sophisticated taste and the significance of the occasion.
The upcoming wedding represents not only a personal milestone for Brienza and Garcia but also a celebration of love that has endured the test of time. Their journey from colleagues to partners and now parents is a testament to the strength of their bond. As they prepare to exchange vows in a religious ceremony, fans and friends alike are eager to witness this next chapter in their lives.
In a world where relationships can often be fleeting, the story of Francesca Brienza and Rudi Garcia stands out as a narrative of love, commitment, and family. Their shared experiences in the realm of sports have only deepened their connection, and as they step into this new phase of their lives, they embody the idea that love can flourish even in the most unexpected circumstances.
As the date approaches, the couple looks forward to celebrating with family and friends, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Their story serves as an inspiration to many, reminding us all that love knows no boundaries.
