While FIFA President Gianni Infantino is one of the most recognizable figures in world football, constantly in the global spotlight, his wife, Leena Al Ashqar, has remained remarkably private despite being by his side for more than two decades. Here are 10 fascinating facts about the couple.
1. They met through football
Long before Infantino became FIFA President, Leena Al Ashqar worked in administrative and event-planning roles for the Lebanese Football Federation. Their shared involvement in football administration brought them together, and they married in 2001.
2. Leena is of Lebanese heritage
Al Ashqar has Lebanese roots, a connection that has become even more significant in recent years following Infantino’s growing ties with Lebanon.
3. Infantino is now a citizen of three countries
Born in Switzerland to Italian parents, Infantino already held Swiss and Italian citizenship. In February 2026, he became a Lebanese citizen, giving him citizenship in three nations.
4. They are parents to four daughters
The couple has four daughters, Shania Serena, Alessia, Dhalia Nora, and Sabrina. They have largely kept their children away from the public eye.
5. A World Cup health scare united the family
During the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, their daughter, Dhalia Nora, underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis in St. Petersburg. Both parents stayed by her side throughout the ordeal.
6. They have lived in several countries
The family has maintained residences in some of the world’s most exclusive locations, including Doha, Switzerland, and more recently near Miami, reflecting the global nature of Infantino’s role.
7. Qatar became their temporary home before the 2022 World Cup
Ahead of the Qatar World Cup, the family relocated to Doha, where two of their daughters reportedly attended school while Infantino oversaw preparations for football’s biggest tournament.
8. Leena has mastered life away from the spotlight
Unlike many spouses of high-profile sports executives, Leena Al Ashqar has never granted a known media interview and maintains no public social media presence, making her one of football’s most private figures.
9. She still appears at major FIFA occasions
Although she avoids publicity, Leena has accompanied her husband to several landmark events, including the FIFA Club World Cup final, World Cup ceremonies, and high-profile gatherings attended by world leaders.
10. They have built a partnership spanning more than two decades
Married since 2001, Gianni Infantino and Leena Al Ashqar have navigated football’s biggest stages together, from UEFA to FIFA, while balancing public leadership with a fiercely protected family life.
Despite Gianni Infantino’s global profile, Leena Al Ashqar has remained one of the least publicized spouses in international sport, a deliberate contrast that has allowed their family to enjoy a measure of privacy while living at the center of world football.
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