Cardi B, Maduka Okoye spark fresh dating rumours after Milan sighting

American rapper Cardi B and Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye have sparked fresh dating rumours after they were spotted together in Milan, Italy.

The pair were seen together on Tuesday, during Milan Fashion Week, extending a series of public appearances that have fuelled speculation about a possible relationship.

Okoye, who plays for Italian club Udinese, was in Milan representing the club at an event where he modelled its new third kit. Videos circulating online also showed him spending time with Cardi B.

The sighting came as the goalkeeper was yet to join the Super Eagles camp, where Nigeria had begun preparations for its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures. Reports said Okoye was expected to join the squad afterwards.

Cardi B, meanwhile, took part in Vogue World Milano on the same day, walking the runway in a vintage Versace dress from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection.

Summer of public appearances

The latest sighting follows several occasions where the pair have been seen together since July.

They first attracted widespread attention during Paris Couture Week, where Okoye was photographed sitting beside Cardi B at the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show.

He was also seen taking her hand as he helped her to her seat. The moment quickly circulated online and triggered speculations about their relationship.

On 19 July, the pair were again spotted together in Venice, where they had dinner at Gio’s restaurant at the St. Regis Venice with a group of other people.

There was no reported public display of affection, although the two appeared comfortable sitting beside each other and interacting during the dinner.

The pair were also spotted together around Udine in early September, where Okoye plays for Udinese.

What Cardi B has said

Neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed that they are in a romantic relationship.

However, Cardi B addressed Okoye during an interview with Vogue Arabia in August.

Speaking about the Nigerian goalkeeper, she said, “He was really sweet. When you see him on social media, he looks very strict and stern, but he is very kind.”

When asked whether fans would see more of him, Cardi B replied, “I hope so,” with a giggle.

The comments added to speculation surrounding the pair but stopped short of confirming that they are dating.

Who’s Maduka Okoye?

Okoye, 27, is a German-born Nigerian goalkeeper who plays for Serie A club Udinese and represents the Super Eagles.

He began his football career in Germany, then had spells in the Netherlands and England, and joined Udinese in 2023.

The goalkeeper has also attracted attention for his interest in fashion and his appearances at major fashion events.

For now, the repeated appearances in Paris, Venice, Udine, and Milan, coupled with Cardi B’s comments about the goalkeeper, continue to fuel dating speculations.

However, there has been no official confirmation from either of them that they are a couple.