Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the formidable Manchester United defender, has largely maintained a private stance regarding his personal life, yet his romantic journey has occasionally drawn public attention. While his on-field prowess as "The Spider" is widely celebrated, his relationships, particularly those that have spilled into the public domain, offer a glimpse into the complexities of life in the spotlight for a professional footballer. His romantic history, though not extensively publicized, reveals a progression from early, more private connections to a settled family life.
Before his high-profile move to Manchester United in 2019, Wan-Bissaka's dating life remained largely out of the media's glare. Reports from early 2019 suggested he was not publicly known to be dating anyone, indicating a preference for privacy in his pre-fame years. However, this changed as his career ascended, and his relationships became a subject of public interest, albeit often through indirect means.
One of Wan-Bissaka's most significant early public relationships was with Rhianna Bentley. While the exact start date is not widely reported, their relationship was understood to have spanned approximately three years, concluding in December 2019. This period coincided with his emergence as a key player for Crystal Palace and his subsequent transfer to Manchester United. The relationship was primarily private during its course, but its end would later become a matter of public record, particularly due to events that unfolded in late 2020.
The breakup with Rhianna Bentley was followed by a contentious period that saw their private lives become a subject of legal action. In October 2020, Ms. Bentley made a series of posts on social media, including private messages between them and information regarding Wan-Bissaka's new relationship and impending fatherhood. These actions led to Wan-Bissaka securing a High Court injunction against her in November 2020, on the grounds of misuse of private information. The court case highlighted the challenges public figures face in maintaining privacy, even after a relationship has ended.
Around late 2019, following his split from Rhianna Bentley, Aaron Wan-Bissaka began a relationship with April Francis. Their connection blossomed away from the immediate glare of the media, as they sought to keep their budding romance private. April Francis, known as an Instagram model and influencer, brought a new chapter to Wan-Bissaka's personal life, marking a period of stability and growth for the footballer.
The relationship with April Francis quickly progressed, and the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Amiri, in October 2020. This significant milestone was initially kept private, reflecting their desire to protect their family life from public scrutiny. The news of Amiri's birth eventually became public, often through the very social media interactions that led to the legal dispute with his former partner.
During October 2020, the private nature of Wan-Bissaka's relationship with April Francis and the impending birth of their child were inadvertently brought to light by Marliesia Ortiz. Ortiz, who had previously been linked to Wan-Bissaka's Manchester United teammate Jesse Lingard, posted intimate pictures with Wan-Bissaka and revealed that he was expecting a child with another woman, identified as April Francis. This revelation, combined with Rhianna Bentley's subsequent social media activity, created a brief but intense period of public speculation surrounding Wan-Bissaka's personal life.
Despite the brief public storm, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and April Francis have continued to build their life together. As of late 2023, reports indicate they have been together for over five years, signifying a long-term and committed partnership. April Francis has been a consistent presence in his life, supporting him through his career at Manchester United. Their relationship is characterized by a blend of public appearances and a continued effort to maintain a degree of privacy, especially concerning their daughter.
Wan-Bissaka's romantic journey illustrates a common narrative for public figures: the struggle to balance a high-profile career with a desire for personal privacy. From the legal battles stemming from a past relationship to the quiet joy of building a family, his love life reflects the challenges and rewards of navigating relationships under the intense scrutiny that comes with being a top-tier athlete. His current partnership with April Francis and their shared parenthood represents a settled and stable chapter in his life, away from the headlines of past romantic entanglements.