Barcelona’s teenage football sensation, Lamine Yamal, has made headlines on and off the pitch.
Recently, the 17-year-old winger has reportedly moved on from his relationship with TikTok influencer Alex Padilla and is now romantically linked to 19-year-old Italian model and actress Anna Gegnoso.
The breakup with Alex Padilla
Lamine Yamal, born on July 13, 2007, had a relationship with Alex Padilla, a 20-year-old TikTok influencer, which captured the public’s attention during the Euro 2024 celebrations.
The pair made headlines when they were spotted celebrating Spain’s victory together, with Padilla notably wearing a Spain jersey with Yamal’s number 19.
Their relationship seemed like fairytales, with both young stars ascending in their respective careers — Yamal on the football field and Padilla on social media.
However, the fairy tale didn’t last long. After a vacation to Milan and Greece, where they were seen enjoying a luxurious breakfast together, the relationship hit a snag.
Lamine Yamal’s relationship with Alex Padilla ended under dramatic circumstances.
Rumours began swirling when Yamal unfollowed Padilla on Instagram, a move often interpreted in the digital age as the beginning of the end.
The situation escalated when a viral video emerged suggesting Padilla was seen in a compromising position, leading to widespread speculation about infidelity.
Despite Padilla’s attempts to clarify the situation, the damage was done, and their once public displays of affection turned into a public display of the end.
Who is Anna Gegnoso?
Fast forward, and whispers of a new romance have circled Yamal. This time, the spotlight shines on Anna Gegnoso.
Anna Gegnoso, Yamal’s rumoured new girlfriend, is a 19-year-old Italian model and TikTok influencer.
Known for her striking beauty and social media presence, Gegnoso boasts 595,000 Instagram followers and 835,000 followers on TikTok.
In addition to her modelling career, she has dabbled in acting, further enhancing her public profile.
How they met
Reports suggest that Yamal and Gegnoso began following each other on Instagram before their relationship became public.
The two teenagers were said to communicate frequently online before meeting in person.
Their romance gained attention when Gegnoso and her influencer friend, Fabiola Baglieri, flew from Italy to watch Barcelona’s La Liga match against Las Palmas at the Estadi Olímpic.
Despite Barcelona’s 2-1 loss in that game, Yamal seemed to have found some personal joy as he was later spotted shopping with Gegnoso and Baglieri at La Roca Village in Barcelona.
Keeping it casual
While sources close to the situation reveal that Yamal “really likes” Gegnoso, the couple is reportedly keeping things casual for now.
This approach may be due to their young age and Yamal’s burgeoning football career, which has seen him rise to stardom over the past year.
He shone during Euro 2024 for Spain and even clinched the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2024.
Public appearances
The pair has not shied away from public outings. Gegnoso supported Yamal at his games, including the match against Las Palmas.
Their shopping trip at La Roca Village further fuelled rumours about their relationship.
Fans have quickly noticed their chemistry and have taken to social media to express their excitement about this new chapter in Yamal’s life.
Public reaction and future speculations
The reaction to Yamal’s new relationship has been mixed. On one hand, fans and followers of the young footballer are keen to see him happy both on and off the pitch.
On the other hand, a segment of the audience is concerned about the dynamics of this new pairing, considering their young age and the spotlight that comes with dating someone of Yamal’s rising fame.
Social media has been abuzz with comments, memes, and discussions about what this means for Yamal’s career and personal life.
Some see it as a sign of maturity, others as a cautionary tale about the pressures of fame at such a young age.
The impact on career and image
For Yamal, whose career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric, this personal life shift could influence his public image.
His performances have already set records, making him the youngest scorer in Euro history and earning him the Young Player of the Tournament award.
However, the personal is very public when you’re in the limelight, and how he manages his relationships could either bolster or challenge his standing in the public eye.
With Barcelona and the Spanish national team banking on his talents, Yamal’s life choices will continue to be interesting.
