Lamine Yamal is basically the crown prince of Barcelona right now. He’s 18, he’s winning trophies, and he's terrifying defenders twice his age. But honestly, as much as people love his "La Pausa" on the pitch, they’re way more obsessed with who he’s hanging out with after the whistle blows. If you've spent even five minutes on TikTok lately, you've probably seen a dozen different theories about his relationship status.
It's chaotic. It’s messy. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a teenager who also happens to be a global superstar.
Who is Lamine Yamal dating right now?
Right now, heading into 2026, the short answer is: Lamine Yamal is officially single.
I know, that’s not as juicy as a secret wedding, but it’s the truth. Following a whirlwind 2025 that saw him go public with Argentine singer Nicki Nicole, the pair called it quits late last year. Lamine actually went as far as to clear the air himself to Spanish journalists, specifically Javier de Hoyos, to stop the rumor mill from spinning out of control.
He was pretty blunt about it. He said they just separated and it wasn't about anyone cheating.
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The Nicki Nicole Era: What actually happened?
This was the big one. After months of "are they or aren't they," the couple made it Instagram official in August 2025. It was her 25th birthday, and Lamine posted a photo of them together with a simple heart and cake emoji. For a few months, Nicki was a staple at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, even sitting with Lamine’s family during matches.
People were weirded out by the seven-year age gap, though. She’s 25; he was barely 18. That’s a massive difference in life stages, even if he's a millionaire athlete. By October 2025, the vibes shifted. Lamine briefly turned his profile picture to a black circle—the classic Gen Z "I'm going through it" move—and deleted their photos together.
While there were rumors that he met up with an Italian influencer named Anna Gegnoso in Milan, Lamine denied that this was the reason for the breakup. He insisted they were already over before that trip even happened.
The Alex Padilla Drama (The Euro 2024 Mystery)
We can't talk about who Lamine Yamal is dating without mentioning Alex Padilla. This feels like a lifetime ago in internet years, but it was only the summer of 2024. Alex was the girl everyone saw on the pitch after Spain won the Euros. They looked like the perfect "it" couple.
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Then, the internet did what the internet does. A video surfaced of Alex seemingly sitting on someone else’s lap during a livestream. Lamine unfollowed her almost instantly.
- The "Cheating" Video: Alex later claimed she was just sitting on a stool and the angle was bad.
- The Unfollow: Lamine didn't care for the explanation; the digital cord was cut.
- The Dubai Sighting: They were spotted together again in Dubai in December 2024, leading people to think they’d reconciled.
But that reunion never really went anywhere serious. It was more of a "staying friends" or "trying again and realizing it's broken" situation. By the time 2025 rolled around, Alex was out of the picture and Nicki Nicole was in.
Why Lamine’s personal life is so scrutinized
It’s kinda crazy when you think about it. Most 18-year-olds are figuring out how to do laundry or pass a mid-term. Lamine is carrying the weight of a billion-dollar club and having his Instagram follows tracked by millions of "investigators."
The scrutiny has actually become a bit of a talking point at FC Barcelona. There were reports that the club was slightly worried his off-field drama was distracting him, especially during a period where he was dealing with some nagging groin issues. It’s hard to focus on a Hansi Flick tactical session when you’re also dealing with paparazzi in Milan or breakup rumors in Argentina.
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What we know for sure (The Facts)
There are a lot of fake "official girlfriend" accounts on TikTok and Twitter. Don't believe them. Here is the actual timeline of his confirmed or heavily evidenced relationships:
- Alex Padilla (2024): The viral Euro 2024 partner. Ended after social media drama.
- Nicki Nicole (2025): The high-profile relationship with the Argentine rapper. Confirmed in August, ended in late October/November.
- Rumored Flings: Names like Fati Vázquez and Anna Gegnoso have popped up, but these were mostly tabloid speculation or brief sightings that never became "official."
Lamine seems to be taking a breath right now. After a year of intense public relationships, he’s shifted his focus back to the pitch. Barcelona is in a tight race for trophies, and he’s the main man.
How to stay updated without the fake news
If you want to know if Lamine is actually dating someone new, keep an eye on his Instagram Stories. He isn't shy. When he’s actually in a relationship, he eventually posts a photo. If you only see him posting about training, his "Rocafonda 304" celebration, or his teammates like Gavi and Pedri, he’s probably still single.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the source: If a "report" doesn't cite a specific journalist like Javier de Hoyos or a reputable outlet like Mundo Deportivo, it’s probably just fan fiction.
- Watch the stands: The most reliable way to see who he's dating is to see who is sitting in the family section at the stadium. That's how Nicki Nicole was first truly "confirmed."
- Respect the age: Remember, despite the fame, he's still a young guy. Relationships at that age are rarely permanent, especially with the pressure of being the face of Spanish football.
Lamine is currently focused on his recovery and his form. For now, the only "date" he has is with the ball at the back of the net.