Nigerian international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has become the latest celebrity linked to American rap superstar Cardi B after the pair were seen together during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, triggering widespread speculation about a possible romance.
The rumours began after Okoye and Cardi B attended the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture show in Paris, where they were seated next to one another in the front row. Videos circulating on social media showed the Udinese goalkeeper helping the Grammy Award-winning rapper to her seat before handing her a fan during the event.
The pair were later filmed chatting and laughing together on the terrace of a Paris restaurant, with the footage quickly going viral across social media platforms. Their relaxed interaction prompted thousands of comments from fans, many of whom suggested there could be more than friendship between the two celebrities.
Neither Okoye nor Cardi B has publicly commented on the speculation, and there has been no confirmation that they are in a romantic relationship.
The attention has also introduced many international fans to Okoye, who has long been admired by football supporters for his striking appearance. The 26-year-old goalkeeper, who was born to a Nigerian father of Igbo heritage and a German-French mother, currently plays for Italian Serie A club Udinese and has represented Nigeria at international level. Although the Super Eagles did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Okoye has continued to attract attention away from the pitch, particularly within the fashion world.
Cardi B has been one of the biggest attractions at Paris Haute Couture Week, making headlines for a series of bold designer outfits while attending runway shows across the French capital.
The romance rumours come months after Cardi B’s highly publicised split from NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Meanwhile, Okoye has previously been linked to Dutch model Jelicia Westhoff, with whom he shares a son.
Whether the Paris meeting marks the beginning of a new celebrity romance or simply a friendly encounter remains unclear. For now, neither star has addressed the growing speculation, but their appearance together has become one of the most talked-about moments of this year’s Paris Fashion Week.
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