Prem icon 'off the radar' in Dubai after divorce of football's 'hottest couple'

A Premier League icon who fell away from the public spotlight said he is living in Dubai after divorcing his long-time partner, once dubbed football’s ‘hottest couple’

Posted Friday, October 24, 2025 by Dailystar.co.uk

Graziano Pelle revealed his new life in Dubai

The Italian starred for Southampton in the Premier League between 2014 and 2016 with his chiselled looks and an eye for a spectacular goal, seeing him fondly remembered by Saints and top-flight fans respectively.

But since hanging up his boots in 2021 at Parma, Pelle has been out of the public eye. That was until he recently re-appeared during a legends match between Celtic and his former club Feyenoord, and afterwards, he gave an update on his life away from the spotlight.

"I live in Dubai and also do some work for Lecce, my club in Italy," Pelle told AD. "I haven't been back here (Feyenoord) very often. Just once. It's very special to be here. When they asked me, I came right away.

"They love me here, but I also love them forever. We didn't always win then. And me and the club love to win. In that respect, it was not always good. But the warmth of the people makes up for a lot."

Graziano Pelle split from wife Viky Varga

Pelle proved to be a goalscoring machine with the Rotterdam club, netting 50 times in 59 games, earning him the move to Southampton.

On the south coast, he scored 30 times in 80 games before ditching the Premier League for the lucrative Chinese Super League.

During his career, the Italian's relationship with Hungarian model and entrepreneur Viky Varga made as many headlines as his exploits in front of goal.

Varga and Pelle were together for 12 years

The couple were together for 12 years and were dubbed as 'the most beautiful couple in football'.

But they split last December just two years after tying the knot in Puglia.

Varga, 44, shared an update on Instagram announcing their split, she wrote: "Although as you know I don't often talk about my private life, I think it's correct to tell you that Graziano and I have decided to separate.

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"The 12 years we spent together were full of beautiful memories, growth and shared moments that we will always carry in our hearts. I kindly ask you for your understanding and respect for this moment."

The reason for the separation has not been made public and Pelle has never spoken about it.