)
As we navigate the twists and turns of the sports world in 2023, these dating rumors serve as a reminder that, beyond the stadiums and arenas, the personal lives of athletes are just as intriguing and closely followed by their adoring fans.
In the realm of sports, where victories, defeats, and moments of glory take center stage, there's an underlying fascination with the personal lives of athletes.
Fans eagerly anticipate and speculate about the romantic relationships that may be brewing behind the scenes.
As we conclude 2023, Pulse Sports Lifestyle Desk explores 10 of the biggest dating rumours that rocked the sporting world, unraveling the mysteries of love off the field.
)
19:08 - 13.12.2023
Top 10 Most Fashionable Nigerian Football WAGs of 2023
The world of Nigerian Football WAGs in 2023 is a captivating blend of cultural diversity, individuality, and impeccable fashion taste.
)
11:59 - 14.12.2023
Georgina Rodríguez: 5 Reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend is the Most Influential Football WAG of 2023
Heralded as the most influential Football WAG of the year, Georgina Rodríguez has effortlessly transcended the traditional boundaries of a partner to a star in the footballing world.
1. Marcus Rashford and Courtney Caldwell
)
The rumour mill had been buzzing with whispers of a budding romance between Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and American fitness model and influencer Courtney Caldwell.
Following reports of Rashford calling off his engagement to his ex-fiance and childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi, the 26-year-old England international had been spotted on several occasions with the New Jersey-based model, fueling speculation about a potential power couple emerging in the sports world.
However, it remained unclear as to whether or not Rashford and Caldwell dated as weeks ago, the Man United no.10 was once more spotted going on a date night with his former flame, Lucia Loi.
2. Lewis Hamilton and Shakira
)
In an intriguing fusion of the sports and entertainment worlds, speculation emerged hinting at a potential connection between the seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton and Colombian music icon Shakira.
Notably, Shakira, previously romantically linked to Gerard Pique, embarked on a musical journey post-breakup, releasing diss tracks that not only set and shattered records but also garnered her multiple prestigious awards.
Despite the success of her musical endeavors, Shakira's relocation to Miami, Florida, with her children sparked a social media frenzy.
Numerous sightings of the Colombian songstress and Lewis Hamilton together fueled widespread curiosity, leading fans to ponder whether their alleged relationship transcended mere speculation.
However, the buzz surrounding this rumored romance took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that the 46-year-old singer would soon be romantically linked to another athlete, this time from the NBA.
3. Jimmy Butler and Shakira
)
Weeks after the Hamilton-Shakira rumours watered down, the Colombian songstress was linked to NBA star Jimmy Butler.
A report from US Weekly also revealed the Miami Heat star and Shakira were dating but taking things slow after the pair were spotted on a date night.
Shakira was reportedly taken out of Novikov Restaurant & Bar by Butler's security team.
Shakira and Butler also followed each other on Instagram, and her son wore Butler's jersey for his Halloween costume.
However, neither of the pair have officially confirmed the rumours of a potential relationship.
4. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
)
In the scintillating tale of love that unfolded in July 2023, NFL sensation Travis Kelce and the illustrious Grammy-award-winning popstar Taylor Swift found themselves entangled in the captivating web of dating rumours.
The spark ignited when the Kansas City Chiefs tight end made a bold move during Swift's Eras Tour concert, attempting to pass on his phone number discreetly through a friendship bracelet.
Although his initial attempt fell short, a mysterious ally on the inside played the role of "Cupid," ensuring that fate had other plans for this potential power couple.
Swift, candidly acknowledging the incident, shared that their connection evolved from that moment, with Kelce playfully putting her "on blast."
As whispers of their budding romance circulated, Travis Kelce's older brother, Jason, threw fuel on the speculative fire by confirming that the rumors were indeed "100 percent true."
In the subsequent weeks, the duo made public appearances together at various events, offering glimpses into their chemistry through candid moments shared on social media.
What started as mere speculation unfolded into one of the most enchanting love stories of 2023.
From meeting the parents to becoming each other's unwavering cheerleaders, Kelce and Swift's journey blossomed into a narrative that captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
5. Romelu Lukaku and Megan Thee Stallion
)
Megan Thee Stallion’s love life has been under the spotlight, particularly concerning her relationship with Belgium striker and former Roc Nation signee Romelu Lukaku.
The pair was spotted getting cosy at the wedding or Lukaku’s former teammate at Inter, Lautaro Martinez.
The glamorous ceremony which held in Como entertained high profile guests of the Argentine striker including Lukaku and Megan Thee Stallion.
Following her split from Pardi Fontaine, the “Cobra” crooner seemingly sparked dating rumours with Romelu Lukaku just before Inter’s champions league final against Manchester City in May.
Lukaku, now playing for AS Roma never confirmed the rumour and neither did the beautiful American rapper.
Although, the Roma striker was spotted engaging Megan’s post on Instagram amid speculation.
Pulse Sports gathered that Megan and Lukaku’s relationship was simply cordial as the duo were both signed to the same management company.
Megan’s frequent appearances in Italy was understood to be related to Roc Nation Sports’ plans of setting up an office in Italy this year.
However, Lukaku reportedly ended his relationship with Jay Z’s management company months later.
6. Odell Beckham Jr and Kim Kardashian
)
One of the biggest rumours of 2023 is no doubt the alleged ship between NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. and Billionaire socialite Kim Kardashian.
Weeks ago, Kim K reportedly attended OBJ’s 31st birthday bash in New York in what stoked up the rumors and speculation that Kim and OBJ are dating—though sources say they are just friends.
Back in September, PEOPLE reported that the pair was "hanging out," while an insider told E! News that "Kim and Odell are friends and have a lot of mutual friends in common. She's not seriously dating anyone at the moment but open to finding love again if she meets the right person. Right now her main focus is on her kids and her businesses."
Meanwhile, Kim had recently teased she had been talking to a new man named “Fred” on The Kardashians show.
However, neither the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver nor Kim K confirmed the reports.
7. Jude Bellingham and Azra Mian
)
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham as been making headlines not only for his performances on the field but also for his rumored relationship with a number of influencers.
First, the Three Lions star was linked to a UK based model of Ghanaian descent named Asantewa Chitty.
However, Pulse Sports reported the rumours to be false, before the influencer put the story to bed herself.
Months ago, Bellingham was also linked to an American TikToker named Azra Mian.
The pair made the headlines after the model was spotted texting the Real Madrid star days after he completed his mega switch to the Santiago Bernabeu last summer. .
The duo sparked further speculation after they followed each other on Instagram and started engaging each other’s posts.
However, neither Bellingham nor Mian ever confirmed the rumours as sources have also denied they are in a relationship.
8. Samuel Chukwueze and Ikeme Amara
)
Perhaps, the biggest story this year in the Nigerian football dating scene.
Super Eagles and AC Milan winger Samuel Chukuwueze made the trends on social media over his relationship life.
The 24-year-old former Villarreal star had been dragged into a relationship triangle involving two of his close buddies and Nigerian influencers, Asiwaju Lerry and Ikeme Amara.
It remains unclear if Chukwueze is in a relationship.
However, what we do know is that he is best friends with Ikeme Amara, who was understood to be in a relationship with Asiwaju Lerry.
The alleged triangle that exist/existed between the trio is yet to be fully understood as Lerry and Amara are well known friend of most Super Eagles stars including Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface.
Although, Pulse Sports gathered that Chukwueze and Ikeme Amara are not romantically involved.
9. Francis Ngannou and Kim Kardashian
)
Another unlikely rumour emerged this year involving former UFC heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou and Billionaire socialite and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian.
Months ago, an unconfirmed report revealed Kim K was interested in going out with the Cameroonian MMA superstar.
However, the report turned out to be false as Kim K has since been linked to a romantic relationship with another athlete.
Kim K, known for dating a plethora of athletes, did not even bother responding to the false reports and neither did Ngannou.
10. Memphis Depay and DJ Cuppy
)
Popular Nigerian disc jockey Florence Otedola popularly known as DJ Cuppy is one of the biggest names in the Nigerian music scene.
The daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola was in the headlines months ago after her engagement with British boxer Ryan Taylor fell through.
Taylor and Cuppy endured a brief relationship before their plans to tie the knot fell apart mysteriously.
Although it remains unclear the cause of their split, fans had quickly speculated that it was related to Cuppy’s trip to Ghana where she linked up with Atletico Madrid and Netherlands forward Memphis Depay.
The two shared photos of their time together on their social media pages, followed each other on Instagram, leading fans and supporters come up with different narratives.
None of which has been confirmed by either the footballer or the DJ.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)