Zayn Malik, the enigmatic former One Direction member, has captivated audiences not only with his music but also with his high-profile romantic entanglements. From his early days on The X Factor to his most significant relationship with model Gigi Hadid, Malik's love life has often been under the public eye, marked by intense passion, public scrutiny, and ultimately, personal growth. His journey through romance reflects the complexities of navigating relationships in the glare of superstardom.
Malik's first publicly known romance began during his time on The X Factor in 2010 with fellow contestant Geneva Lane, a member of the girl group Belle Amie. Their relationship was initially kept secret due to a dating ban imposed by Simon Cowell, but after the show's finale, they went public, with cameras catching them kissing. The brief romance, however, did not end amicably. Years later, following Malik's split from Perrie Edwards, Lane publicly expressed strong negative opinions about him, calling him a "heartbreaker" and a "massive c***" on social media, reflecting a bitter end to their short-lived connection.
Following his brief relationship with Lane, Malik was linked to another X Factor alumna, Rebecca Ferguson, in 2011. Their relationship lasted approximately four months. The pairing garnered attention due to their age difference; Ferguson was 23, and Malik was 18. Ferguson later reflected on the relationship, expressing regret and noting that she often bore the financial responsibilities. She told The Independent that it was her "first mistake" and that the age dynamic was perceived differently because she was older.
One of Zayn Malik's most significant early relationships was with Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards, whom he met on The X Factor in 2011 when One Direction returned for a performance and Little Mix was competing. Their romance quickly blossomed, becoming a fan favorite and earning them the portmanteau "Zerrie." The couple became engaged in August 2013, confirming the news through a label representative who stated, "Zayn and Perrie are engaged, but any further detail regarding their relationship is private."
Their engagement lasted for two years, with fans eagerly anticipating a wedding. However, in August 2015, the couple abruptly called off their engagement. Edwards later revealed in Little Mix's autobiography, Our World, that Malik ended their four-year relationship via a single text message, a revelation that caused a significant stir among fans and the media. She described it as "horrible, the worst time in my life," adding that a "four-year relationship, two-year engagement ended by a simple text message."
Shortly after his split from Perrie Edwards, Zayn Malik began a highly publicized on-again, off-again relationship with supermodel Gigi Hadid in late 2015. Their romance quickly became one of the most talked-about pairings in the celebrity world. They made their debut as a couple in Malik's "Pillowtalk" music video in January 2016, which instantly became iconic. Throughout their relationship, they graced magazine covers together, attended high-profile events, and shared intimate moments on social media, offering fans a glimpse into their bond.
Their relationship was characterized by several breakups and reconciliations. In March 2018, they announced their first public split, with both issuing heartfelt statements about their mutual respect and love. However, they soon reconciled, only to reportedly break up again in January 2019. Despite the tumultuous nature, their connection remained strong. In April 2020, news broke that the couple was expecting their first child together, a development that delighted their fans.
Their daughter, Khai Hadid Malik, was born in September 2020. The birth marked a new chapter for the couple, who embraced parenthood. Malik often spoke about the joy and responsibility of fatherhood, emphasizing his desire to be a good example for Khai. However, their relationship faced another significant challenge in October 2021, when reports emerged of a dispute between Malik and Gigi's mother, Yolanda Hadid. Multiple sources confirmed to Us Weekly that the pair had called it quits "for good" after "having problems for a while."
Despite their romantic separation, Malik and Hadid have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship for Khai. Gigi Hadid has publicly spoken about their effective co-parenting dynamic, telling Vogue in March 2023 that they "do our custody schedule months in advance." Malik also discussed co-parenting on the Call Her Daddy podcast in July 2023, stating, "Since I’ve had my daughter, the main thing in my mind is trying to be a good example to her." Their commitment to their daughter remains a priority, demonstrating a mature approach to their post-romantic relationship.
In March 2023, Zayn Malik sparked dating rumors with singer and actress Selena Gomez. The speculation began after fans noticed Malik had recently followed Gomez on Instagram. The rumors intensified when they were reportedly seen having dinner together in New York City, with witnesses claiming they saw them holding hands and sharing kisses. A TikTok user, who worked at the restaurant, further fueled the rumors by stating she seated the pair and observed them being "hand in hand making out."
While the sightings suggested a potential new romance, neither Malik nor Gomez officially confirmed a relationship beyond these reported encounters. Sources close to the situation indicated that Malik had "known Selena for years and he's definitely into her," as reported by Us Weekly. However, the nature and duration of their connection remained largely private and unconfirmed, fading from public discussion in the months that followed.
Zayn Malik's romantic history, from his early X Factor days to his current co-parenting dynamic with Gigi Hadid, illustrates a journey through intense public interest and personal evolution. Each relationship has contributed to his narrative, showcasing his growth both as a public figure and in his personal life, culminating in his role as a dedicated father.