Ashley Cole is a name that resonates deeply in the world of football. Known as one of the best left-backs in football history, he’s made headlines for his stellar performances on the pitch and high-profile relationships off of it. While his past marriage to singer Cheryl Tweedy (formerly Cheryl Cole) received intense media coverage, it’s his relationship and eventual marriage to Sharon Canu, his current wife, that has become a symbol of his personal growth and stability.
In this detailed article, we take a deep dive into the life of Ashley Cole wife, Sharon Canu covering her name, age, career, background, and a complete timeline of their relationship.
Who Is Ashley Cole Wife?
Name: Sharon Canu
Sharon Canu is the long-time partner and now wife of former English footballer Ashley Cole. She is an Italian model and has remained relatively low-key in terms of public exposure, especially compared to Ashley’s first wife, Cheryl.
Though not a public figure in the same way as her husband, Sharon has occasionally shared glimpses of their life together on social media, especially around major events like their engagement and wedding.
Sharon Canu Age and Background
Sharon Canu is believed to be in her mid-to-late 30s as of 2025. Her exact date of birth is not publicly disclosed, and she prefers to keep personal details about her life away from the spotlight.
She hails from Italy and started her career in modeling. According to various sources, Sharon was actively working in the fashion and modeling industry in Italy before her relationship with Ashley Cole began. Her modeling portfolio includes print ads, magazine features, and brand promotions, mostly within Italy and other parts of Europe.
Her Italian roots have played a big part in the couple’s relationship, especially considering where and how they met.
Career Overview What Does Sharon Canu Do?
While Sharon is primarily known as a model, her career has evolved as she embraced motherhood and family life. She is not frequently seen on runways or fashion campaigns in recent years, suggesting that she has either stepped back or fully transitioned out of full-time modeling.
Sharon has occasionally appeared at public events with Ashley and is described by sources close to the couple as someone who supports him behind the scenes especially during his transition from professional football player to football coach.
Though she isn’t actively pursuing a celebrity lifestyle, Sharon has occasionally been featured in interviews and photo spreads related to Ashley’s career or lifestyle pieces following their engagement and wedding.
How Did Ashley Cole Meet Sharon Canu?
Ashley Cole met Sharon Canu in 2014, during his time playing for AS Roma in Italy. At the time, Ashley had just moved from Chelsea FC to join the Italian football club. The couple reportedly met through mutual acquaintances in Rome and began dating shortly thereafter.
Their relationship was kept relatively private in the early years, especially compared to the media frenzy that surrounded Ashley’s prior marriage to pop star Cheryl. Many fans and observers noticed a stark difference in how Ashley approached his relationship with Sharon more grounded, mature, and private.
Relationship Timeline Ashley Cole and Sharon Canu
Let’s break down the relationship timeline from when they met to their marriage in 2023.
- 📍 2014 – First Meeting in Italy
Ashley and Sharon met in Rome during Ashley’s stint at AS Roma. They began dating quietly and built their relationship out of the public eye.
- 📍 2016 – First Child: Jaxon Cole
In 2016, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Jaxon Cole. This marked a new chapter in Ashley’s life fatherhood. Friends close to the couple say becoming a father changed Ashley for the better and encouraged him to settle down.
- 📍 2018 – Second Child: A Daughter
Two years later, in 2018, Sharon and Ashley welcomed their second child, a daughter (whose name has not been publicly revealed). The family was now a unit of four and split time between Los Angeles (where Ashley was working with LA Galaxy) and the UK.
- 📍 March 2022 – Engagement
After nearly eight years together, Ashley proposed to Sharon in a romantic setting filled with candles and roses. Sharon shared the news on social media, calling it “the easiest YES I’ve ever said.”
The proposal was well-received by fans and former teammates, with many congratulating the couple and praising Ashley’s personal growth and maturity.
- 📍 July 2023 – Wedding in Italy
Ashley Cole and Sharon Canu got married on 30 July 2023 in a stunning ceremony held in Ladispoli, Italy, at a venue near Rome. The wedding was elegant, intimate, and deeply meaningful, bringing their love story full circle in the country where it began.
Guests included many of Ashley’s close friends and former teammates, such as John Terry and Frank Lampard. Their two children were also part of the ceremony, making it a family-centered event.
Sharon wore a classic lace gown, and Ashley looked sharp in a tailored tuxedo. The venue was decorated with white flowers, lights, and a romantic seaside backdrop.
How Is Their Relationship Today?
As of 2025, Ashley and Sharon are happily married and focused on raising their two children. Ashley has transitioned into coaching and punditry, having worked with the Chelsea youth academy, Everton FC, and England U21s as a coach.
Sharon remains largely out of the spotlight, preferring a quiet family life. However, the couple occasionally shares glimpses of vacations, family events, and celebrations on social media.
Their relationship has been widely praised for its stability and discretion, a clear shift from the public spectacle of Ashley’s first marriage.
Comparisons to Ashley Cole’s First Marriage
It’s almost impossible to talk about Ashley’s current marriage without mentioning his previous one. Ashley Cole was previously married to Cheryl Tweedy, a UK pop star and X Factor judge, from 2006 to 2010. Their marriage ended in divorce amid multiple allegations of infidelity against Ashley.
The contrast between the two relationships is stark:
| Cheryl Tweedy | Sharon Canu |
|---|---|
| Pop star & public figure | Private, model |
| Highly publicized relationship | Low-profile romance |
| Divorced after 4 years | Together for 9+ years before marriage |
| No children | Two children with Ashley |
The maturity and discretion in his relationship with Sharon have led many to believe Ashley has truly turned a new leaf in his personal life.
Interesting Facts About Sharon Canu
- 🇮🇹 She is Italian and originally worked as a model in Rome.
- 👶 She is a mother of two, both with Ashley Cole.
- ❤️ She said yes to Ashley’s proposal in 2022 after nearly eight years together.
- 💍 Their wedding was held in Italy—a full-circle moment from when they first met.
- 👗 She wore a lace wedding gown, while Ashley sported a sharp black tuxedo.
- 🌍 She prefers a private life and rarely makes headlines on her own.
Final Thoughts
Ashley Cole’s relationship with Sharon Canu is a testament to personal growth, maturity, and second chances. From meeting in Italy to building a family and finally tying the knot, their journey reflects a grounded, family-oriented lifestyle that contrasts strongly with Ashley’s previous media-heavy relationships. Sharon may not be a household name or a tabloid regular, but she’s had a profound influence on one of football’s most famous figures helping him become a devoted father, a loyal partner, and a man dedicated to his family.
