Celebrity relationships are no small matter. Once the public get word of a new relationship, they will tear their teeth into it and will follow it like a shadow. All kinds of things can happen as a result. Rumours can be spread and false information can be created. It's a never ending cycle of behaviour. People won't stop posting these kind of information to get clicks and viewerships.
Sporting couples are no different. A whole new avenue of information is created.
There have been two news stories: a footballer ghosting someone and a break-up that has been filled with rumours.
Dutch footballer, Memphis Depay, has found himself at the centre of controversy in Brazil. Influencer, Lary Simoes, claimed she is pregnant with the current Corinthians star’s child and accused him of ignoring her since she broke the news.
According to Brazilian entertainment journalist, Fábia Oliveira, Simoes, a lifestyle and beauty influencer, discovered she was pregnant about a month ago. Sources close to her reportedly said the 31-year-old Corinthians forward "didn’t react well" when informed of the pregnancy and has cut off contact since.
"According to people close to Lary, Memphis Depay didn’t react well to being told she was pregnant and completely distanced himself from her," Oliveira wrote. "He has not responded to messages since then."
Fabia, whose report is being echoed by other Brazilian media, also quoted Lary as telling her: "It’s true, he’s ignoring everything. “Up until now, not a single lawyer has come forward to address any questions or concerns he might have, nothing."
She went on to publish a series of photos which included one of Memphis laying in black shorts and a vest top on a sofa beside a woman Fabia identified as Lary and said she had been taken at the footballer’s home.
Another was a photo of the positive home pregnancy test the digital creator is said to have sent the striker and a third one of her in a Corinthians top supposedly signed by Depay, who has yet to officially comment on the claims but posted a bizarre tweet on social media.
Earlier this month, Memphis made headlines when he missed the start of international duty after reporting his passport stolen in Brazil.
Coach Ronald Koeman ended up dropping the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer for arriving late at the national team’s training camp after obtaining an emergency travel document.
The manager announced he was going to bench his star for the start of the clash with Malta two days after Depay eventually turned up. Koeman said at the time: "When he wanted to leave for the airport, about an hour beforehand, he packed his things and couldn’t find his passport. This is unfortunate – first and foremost for Memphis, but also for us."
Memphis was linked to a model and influencer from the Canary Islands called Coral Gutierrez in July 2023. Reports in Spain in March said Real Betis defender, Marc Bartra, was now getting close to the pretty brunette.
Simoes and Depay reportedly met at a birthday party in São Paulo earlier this year and began seeing each other in February. Oliveira’s report, echoed by several Brazilian media outlets, also quoted Lary as confirming that the player has remained unresponsive.
Meanwhile, after a few months of dating, Nicki Nicole and Lamine Yamal put an end to their relationship, news that generated a wave of speculation on social networks; especially after rumours of infidelity by the Barcelona player.
However, it was the footballer himself who came out to deny all the versions circulating on the internet about the reason for the separation from the Argentine singer: "We just broke up and that's it. Everything that is coming out has nothing to do with our relationship."
In addition, the singer also denied the rumours by stating: "If they had been unfaithful to me, I would be the first to say so, but that was not the case."
After putting an end to their relationship, Nicki Nicole reappeared on social media with a message that quickly went viral. It was an Instagram story where the singer shared a fragment of her new song "Boquitas pintadas" and a video announcing her new song in which she collaborates with the Argentine band, Tan Bionica: "Let me be filled with joy, let this pain be calmed."
The post was immediately interpreted by many followers as a nod to her recent break-up with Lamine Yamal, although the post was in thanks to the band: "It is always good to thank them for this great opportunity. Their music always accompanied me, and I dreamed many times of this moment that today is reality."
The curious thing was that the release of her new song coincided with their separation, which led fans to interpret it as a hint to the footballer, although the singer has not commented on the matter.
Lamine Yamal has focused on his football career with Barcelona, preparing for his next Champions League match when they visit Belgian side, Club Brugge on 5 November. The match ended in a draw, 3-3.
Spanish media and sources close to the player have claimed that Lamine recently moved to a quieter area of Barcelona to focus "100% on his career" and avoid distractions off the pitch.
For her part, Nicki Nicole is preparing for new collaborations, taking refuge in her music to face the break-up with the footballer and her new success "Boquitas pintadas" is a sign that she is now focused on her career as a singer.
Despite rumours about the separation of Lamine Yamal and Nicki Nicole, both have decided to take different paths to focus on their careers, denying the alleged infidelity and continuing in what they are most passionate about: soccer and music.
Memphis Depay should step up and take responsibility. Ghosting won't do anything helpful. At one point, people will go after him for the action. You can't hide from your problems forever. This is especially true if a child is involved.
I absolutely despise rumours. It's a disgusting act. No good can come of it. Once started, it can spread like wildfire. I believe that the former couple did the right thing and make statements to clear the air. If this didn't occur, all sorts of false information and stories can be spread. It's best to stop the fire as soon as possible.