So, here we are in 2026, and everyone is still trying to figure out who is actually holding the umbrella for the internet’s favorite "Short n' Sweet" pop star. If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the chaos. One minute she’s single, the next minute there’s a blurry photo of a guy with a man-bun in Italy, and then suddenly she’s dropping a song that makes everyone want to send a "u up?" text to their ex just to delete it immediately.
Honestly, the Sabrina Carpenter boyfriend saga has become more complicated than the plot of a prestige HBO drama.
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For a long time, the answer was Barry Keoghan. You know, the guy from Saltburn who basically became the president of her fan club? He was everywhere—wearing her name on friendship bracelets, filming her from the front row at Coachella, and even starring as the unlucky inmate in the "Please, Please, Please" music video. But things took a sharp turn toward the end of 2024. Despite the "on and off" rumors that plagued them all summer, sources confirmed by December 2024 that they had officially pressed pause.
Why the Barry Keoghan Breakup Still Matters
People are still obsessed with this split because it wasn't just a quiet "we're moving in different directions" type of deal. It felt personal. According to insiders at People, the official line was that they were both "young and career-focused." Standard Hollywood PR, right? But the internet rarely accepts the boring answer.
There were whispers about Barry's "party animal" lifestyle and a 7-year age gap that made things tricky. Barry is 33 now, with a son named Brando, while Sabrina is 26 and currently conquering the planet. While they looked like the ultimate "cool couple" at the 2024 Met Gala, the reality of their schedules—and maybe some personality clashes—seemed to burn it all down.
By the time 2025 rolled around, Sabrina wasn't just moving on; she was writing. Her track "Manchild" became the unofficial anthem for anyone who has ever dated a guy who acts like he needs a nap and a juice box. She even posted a TikTok at the start of 2026 using a trend about being relieved she didn't get back with her ex. Talk about subtle shade.
The Mystery Man and the Current Status
So, who is the Sabrina Carpenter boyfriend today?
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Right now, she is technically single. Or at least, she’s "doing the single thing," as she told Rolling Stone. But "single" in celebrity-speak often means "I'm dating, but I'm not telling you."
Last summer, rumors went nuclear when she was spotted in Italy at La Giostra with a "tall, hot, blonde" mystery man. There were reports of her leaning into him at Soho Farmhouse in the UK, too. Some fans thought it might be a new flame, while others pointed out it could just be a close friend from her inner circle.
Then there was that weird moment with Joe Keery from Stranger Things where they had a flirty exchange at one of her shows. Everyone lost their minds for about 48 hours before it was confirmed they aren't actually dating. It’s a lot to keep up with.
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You can't talk about her dating life without mentioning the 2021 drama. The Joshua Bassett and Olivia Rodrigo situation was the "drivers license" heard 'round the world. It was messy. It was public. It was, as Sabrina later admitted, "unfortunate."
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The good news? It’s 2026, and the beef is officially cooked. Seeing Sabrina and Olivia hugging at the Grammys recently basically ended a five-year cold war. It’s nice to see that they’ve both grown past the "blonde girl" lyrics and the TikTok theories.
What’s Next for Sabrina?
It seems like she is leaning into her "solo era." Between filming Super Bowl commercials for Pringles and gearing up for more music, she doesn't seem to have much time for a serious relationship. Her upcoming album, Man's Best Friend, is expected to give us even more details about what really went down with Barry and whether there's a new guy in the picture.
If you’re trying to keep track, here is the current breakdown of where things stand:
- Barry Keoghan: Officially over since late 2024. They seem to be on "shade-throwing" terms lately.
- Shawn Mendes: That was a brief 2023 blip that never really turned into a "thing."
- The Mystery Italian Guy: Still unidentified, though they haven't been seen together in months.
- Current Vibe: Focused on her career, her tour, and probably laughing at the latest rumors about her.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on her song lyrics. Sabrina has always been a "tell-all" songwriter, and she usually reveals more in a bridge than a publicist ever will in a press release.
To get the most out of your Sabrina obsession, you should probably:
- Watch the "Manchild" lyrics closely: Fans are already finding clues about Barry's alleged "antics."
- Follow the European tour dates: That’s usually where "mystery men" tend to pop up in the background of grainy fan videos.
- Don't believe every TikTok "blind item": Half of them are just fans trying to manifest their favorite actors into her life.