Ollie Watkins Wife Ellie Flees Saudi Arabia Amid Security Concerns
Ellie Watkins, the wife of English footballer Ollie Watkins, has fled Saudi Arabia with their two children and returned to the United Kingdom. The sudden departure comes only months after the 30-year-old striker completed a high-profile transfer from Aston Villa to the Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in a deal worth more than £50 million.
While the forward prepares for an upcoming fixture against Dubai-based Shabab Al-Ahli, his family is staying in the UK until the security situation in the region improves. The move back home follows ongoing conflict and safety fears that have disrupted daily life and forced changes to several major international sporting schedules in the country.
Why Ellie Watkins Left Saudi Arabia
Ellie Watkins used the social media platform TikTok to share the news of her abrupt return to the UK with her followers. In the video footage, she described the relocation as an unexpected development driven by safety concerns.
She told her followers that there is a little bit of conflict and things going on in Saudi Arabia, prompting the family to stay in the UK until the situation calms down. She explained that she felt the need to make this decision for the sake of her children to maintain some form of normality until the family can eventually reunite.
The safety fears intensified after a missile attack by Yemen's Houthi movement struck Riyadh's airport last month. That incident resulted in 13 deaths and left more than 300 people wounded, sending shockwaves through the expatriate community and international visitors.
Impact on International Sporting Events in Saudi Arabia
The security situation has affected more than just the families of visiting athletes. Growing safety concerns led officials to postpone the upcoming Asian Cup, which was scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia, moving the tournament back by 11 months.
Other high-profile sporting events have also faced cancellation or indefinite suspension due to the regional instability. The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition event was scrapped entirely, while the Asian Tour indefinitely called off its season-ending golf tournament.
Ollie Watkins' Career and Transfer Background
Ollie Watkins sealed his lucrative move to Al-Hilal during the summer transfer window after leaving Aston Villa. The money-spinning transfer provided an unexpected financial windfall for EFL minnows Exeter City, where the striker previously developed his career before spells at clubs including Brentford.
Since arriving in the Middle East, the English forward has performed strongly on the pitch. He has recorded six goals and five assists in his first 10 appearances for Al-Hilal, establishing himself quickly within the squad despite the off-field disruption.
Family Background and Upcoming Fixtures
Ellie, also 30, has been a prominent supporter of her husband throughout his professional football career. The couple began dating in 2018 and formally married last year, with Ellie frequently seen supporting him at major tournaments, including cheering him on during the World Cup in North America this summer.
Ollie Watkins will not have his wife or children in the stands on Tuesday when Al-Hilal faces Shabab Al-Ahli in an AFC Champions League fixture. The striker remains focused on his sporting commitments on the pitch while his family stays safe in the United Kingdom.
