Rita Johal: The Truth About Her Divorce From Riyad Mahrez

Rita Johal is a British-Indian model, influencer, musician, and entrepreneur who became widely known through her marriage to professional footballer Riyad Mahrez. Over the years, she has built her own identity in the public eye through her fashion work, business ventures, and strong social media presence. Rita’s story attracts attention because it combines fame, cultural identity, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the challenges of life in the spotlight. Her marriage, divorce, business growth, and bold personality keep her trending on social platforms. This article explains her complete life journey using only verified facts—covering her early life, marriage, family, controversies, career, and where she stands today—giving readers a clear and trustworthy understanding of who Rita Johal really is.

Profile Bio: Rita Johal

Early Life & Background

Rita Johal was born on August 21, 1992, in Gravesend, Kent, England, into a British-Indian family with Sikh-Punjabi roots. She grew up in a culturally rich household influenced by Sikhism, family values, and South Asian traditions. Her childhood environment gave her a strong sense of identity, confidence, and pride in her heritage. Rita has never publicly revealed details about her parents or siblings, maintaining strict privacy around her family life. From a young age, she showed a strong interest in beauty, music, and fashion—traits that would later shape her modeling and influencing career. Social media posts and interviews reflect her outgoing nature, creative mindset, and love for glamor, which began shaping her personality early in life.

Education & Early Development

Rita attended local schools in Gravesend, where she completed her primary and secondary education. After finishing school, she moved on to a reputed college in her hometown to pursue higher studies. Although she has not publicly shared her major or academic achievements, her early exposure to fashion, beauty, and entertainment helped her develop confidence in front of the camera. Her education played a role in helping her communicate professionally, build a digital brand, and enter the modeling industry with a strong foundation. Rita’s interest in music also grew during this period, as she began exploring recording studios and collaborating with local artists.

Early Career – Modeling, Music & Influencing

Rita Johal began her career in modeling during her late teens, gradually becoming popular in the UK fashion scene. She modeled for various small and mid-level fashion brands and collaborated with photographers, stylists, and makeup artists. Her unique look and glamorous style gained her recognition, helping her grow a strong online following. With time, she also became a brand ambassador for VITANIC, a well-known alcohol-free vitamin cocktail brand. Alongside modeling, Rita pursued music—recording tracks, appearing in music studios, and collaborating with UK rappers and producers. Her social media influence grew quickly, especially on Instagram, where her content blended fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and music. This early career phase set the foundation for her future work as an influencer and entrepreneur.

How Rita Johal Met Riyad Mahrez

Rita first met Riyad Mahrez in 2012 on Oxford Street in London. Their connection formed naturally, and they started dating soon after their first meeting. At that time, Mahrez was still rising in English football after joining Leicester City F.C.. Rita and Mahrez shared cultural similarities, religious values, and a close bond that helped their relationship grow. Their romance developed during the period when Mahrez was becoming one of the Premier League’s standout players. Their pairing attracted public attention, but Rita mostly avoided the spotlight in the early years, choosing to stay private while supporting Mahrez’s growing football career.

Marriage to Riyad Mahrez – Verified Timeline

Rita Johal and Riyad Mahrez married in 2015 after nearly three years of dating. Their marriage began privately, without a lavish public ceremony, as both followed Islamic principles and preferred a modest approach. At the time, they shared religious values and strong family-oriented beliefs. Rita supported Mahrez’s career through his rise at Leicester City, especially during their historic Premier League title win in 2016. The couple often appeared together at football award nights, charity events, and family gatherings. As Mahrez’s fame grew—especially after his record-breaking transfer to Manchester City F.C.—their lifestyle changed significantly, with more media attention and public scrutiny directed at their relationship.

Children – Inaya & Second Daughter

Rita became a mother for the first time in 2016, welcoming her daughter Inaya Mahrez. Her pregnancy, however, was difficult—she suffered from pre-eclampsia, a condition causing high blood pressure and serious complications. Despite this challenge, she embraced motherhood with strength and care. Rita gave birth to her second daughter shortly after, although she has kept her name private to protect her child’s identity. Rita frequently expresses her deep love for her daughters and prioritizes their privacy, rarely posting their faces online. After her divorce, she continued to raise them with attention and emotional support, while balancing her professional and personal responsibilities.

Marriage Problems & Divorce

Rita and Riyad’s relationship began facing difficulties after Mahrez’s career accelerated following his move to Manchester City. Reports suggested differences in lifestyle and personal goals, but neither publicly confirmed the exact reasons for their separation. Media outlets speculated about possible infidelity and lifestyle conflicts, but these claims remain unverified. The couple officially divorced in early 2020. After the divorce, Mahrez later married influencer Taylor Ward, while Rita chose to stay private and did not publicly criticize her ex-husband. Despite the media pressure, Rita handled the separation with dignity, focusing on her daughters and personal growth.

Rita Johal After Divorce – New Life, New Identity

After her divorce from Riyad Mahrez, Rita Johal focused on rebuilding her life with independence, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Instead of allowing the public breakup to define her, she embraced personal growth and created her own path in the fashion and entertainment world. She became more active professionally, working on modeling projects, music recordings, and brand campaigns. Rita openly shared on Instagram that she is in no hurry to remarry and will only commit again if she finds the right soulmate. Her message about “waiting for the perfect person and divine timing” shows her focus on emotional stability and self-worth. Today, she prioritizes her children, personal wellness, and expanding her career—proving she is much more than just a footballer’s ex-wife.

Professional Career – Modeling, Music & Business Ventures

Rita Johal’s professional career grew significantly after her divorce, as she used her rising digital influence to collaborate with brands and express her creativity. As a fashion model, she worked with UK clothing labels, beauty brands, and lifestyle companies. One of her most notable partnerships is her role as a brand ambassador for VITANIC, a popular alcohol-free vitamin cocktail brand in the UK. Rita’s bold style, makeup skills, and glamorous images helped her gain more followers and attract sponsorships.

In addition to modeling, Rita is also active in the music industry. She has appeared in studios, collaborated with UK rappers, and recorded music projects, building a presence as a pop-influenced performer. Her business ventures include beauty promotions, paid advertising, influencer marketing, and exclusive social content. Rita has also confirmed having an OnlyFans account, which she uses for premium lifestyle and modeling content. Altogether, her diverse work allowed her to create a strong personal brand and stable income as an independent entrepreneur.

Controversies

Rita Johal has occasionally been involved in media controversies, though she rarely comments publicly about them. One confirmed incident was in September 2020, when she was fined for breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules after attending an illegal gathering. Additionally, the media sometimes linked her name with public figures such as boxer Deontay Wilder, but she never confirmed a romantic connection. Rita has also made headlines for her bold fashion choices, outspoken social posts, and lavish lifestyle. Despite the controversies, she maintains a strong fan base and often responds to criticism with confidence and positivity. Importantly, she does not engage in rumors or drama, choosing instead to focus on her career and children.

Rita Johal’s Public Image & Influence

Rita Johal is widely recognized for her glamorous appearance, confident personality, and strong digital presence. The media has often compared her look to Kim Kardashian, especially during her time as a footballer’s wife, due to her style, makeup, and fashion sense. Over time, she built an online identity that blends beauty, empowerment messages, lifestyle posts, and inspirational quotes for women. Her Instagram content attracts hundreds of thousands of followers, helping her build credibility as an influencer and brand promoter. Rita is admired for her self-assured attitude, especially after her divorce, and is often praised for encouraging women to value independence, self-love, and high standards in relationships. She uses her influence to collaborate with brands, share fashion trends, and promote positive self-image.

Rita Johal’s Heritage, Culture & Identity

Rita’s British-Indian identity plays a significant role in her life and personality. She comes from a Sikh Punjabi Jatt background and has openly expressed her respect for Sikhism and Indian culture. Her cultural roots influence her values, her parenting style, and her connection to family traditions. She often reflects her heritage through her wardrobe choices, occasional traditional outfits, and the importance she places on loyalty and family honor. Even after becoming a public figure in the UK, Rita continues to maintain cultural ties to her community. Her background also adds to her unique appeal in the modeling and influencer world, allowing her to connect with both Western and South Asian audiences.

Net Worth – Verified & Realistic Information

Rita Johal’s estimated net worth ranges between $2 million and $5 million USD, based on verified reports. Her income comes from multiple active sources, including:

• Modeling contracts

• Brand endorsements

• Social media promotions

• Music collaborations

• Business partnerships

• Paid content subscriptions

• Beauty and lifestyle advertising

Although she gained visibility during her marriage, Rita built most of her current net worth through her independent work. Her strong online presence continues to attract new collaborations and sponsorships, making her one of the most recognized British-Indian influencers in the UK. She maintains a luxurious lifestyle but also focuses on financial stability for her daughters.

Rita Johal’s Relationships After Divorce

Since her divorce in 2020, Rita Johal has confirmed that she is single and not actively seeking marriage. She shared openly in an Instagram Q&A that she will only enter another relationship if she finds someone who is “perfect” for her—someone she considers a soulmate. While she has friendships with artists, influencers, and musicians, she has not confirmed any romantic partner publicly. Rita prefers emotional clarity and spiritual alignment before considering a serious relationship. Her focus remains on raising her daughters, improving her career, and embracing her personal freedom.

Where Is Rita Johal Now?

As of the latest information, Rita Johal continues to live in the United Kingdom, balancing her work as a model, influencer, entrepreneur, and full-time mother. She stays active on Instagram, where she collaborates with brands and shares updates about her lifestyle, beauty routines, and personal reflections. Rita avoids sharing details about her private life and keeps her daughters mostly out of the public eye. She has not remarried, does not confirm dating anyone, and prefers focusing on her family and career. Her current life reflects her desire for privacy, success, and emotional independence.

Little-Known Verified Facts About Rita Johal

• She speaks more than one language.

• Rita loves music and has recorded songs with UK artists.

• She has several tattoos, including one on her hand.

• She once taught Riyad Mahrez English when they first met.

• She began modeling before entering her marriage.

• Her photos often go viral due to her glamorous appearance.

• She does not publicly share her parents’ or siblings’ identities.

• Her daughters’ privacy is extremely important to her.

• She maintains friendships with rappers and influencers.

• Rita avoids discussing her divorce publicly.

Conclusion

Rita Johal’s journey shows how a woman can rise, evolve, and rebuild her life despite intense public attention. She first became known through her marriage to football star Riyad Mahrez, but over time she proved she is much more than a footballer’s ex-wife. Her modeling career, music collaborations, strong online influence, and entrepreneurial work shaped her independent identity. Even after a challenging divorce, Rita chose strength, privacy, and personal growth instead of controversy. She continues to raise her daughters with care, protect her cultural values, and expand her professional life with confidence. Today, she remains a trending figure because she represents resilience, ambition, and the ability to shine on her own terms.

FAQs About Rita Johal 

1. Who is Rita Johal?

Rita Johal is a British-Indian model, influencer, and entrepreneur who became widely known for her marriage to footballer Riyad Mahrez and her growing presence in the fashion and social media world.

2. How old is Rita Johal?

Rita Johal was born on August 21, 1992, which makes her 33 years old as of 2026.

3. Why did Rita Johal and Riyad Mahrez divorce?

Rita Johal and Riyad Mahrez divorced in 2020 after reported relationship issues and lifestyle differences. The exact reasons were never confirmed publicly by either of them.

4. How many children does Rita Johal have?

Rita Johal has two daughters with her ex-husband Riyad Mahrez: Inaya and a second daughter whose name has not been publicly revealed.

5. What does Rita Johal do now?

Rita Johal works as a model, brand ambassador, music collaborator, and social media influencer, while also raising her two daughters in the UK.

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