Cardi B and Maduka Okoye are giving fans another reason to wonder exactly what is going on between them. The Grammy-winning rapper and Nigerian soccer star were spotted spending time together in Milan on Tuesday, September 22, during Milan Fashion Week, months after their earlier appearances together sparked romance rumors.
Cardi, 33, and Okoye, 27, were seen talking and having drinks at an afterparty following Cardi’s appearance at Vogue World: Milano. A roughly minute-long video shared by a Cardi B fan account on X showed the two engaged in conversation, with their latest reunion quickly reigniting speculation about whether their connection extends beyond friendship.
Neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed that they are dating. Still, Milan is far from the first time the pair have been seen enjoying each other’s company.
Cardi B and Maduka Okoye spotted together at Milan Fashion Week
Cardi’s latest encounter with Okoye came during an especially high-profile night for the rapper. She walked in Vogue World: Milano at the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, wearing a Versace look featuring Vogue cover imagery.
© GC ImagesThe fifth Vogue World event officially opened Milan Fashion Week on September 22 and focused on Italian craftsmanship and the “human touch” in an increasingly technological era.
Okoye had his own fashion-related reason to be in Milan. His Serie A club, Udinese Calcio, participated in Milan Fashion Week to present its 2026/27 third kit, designed by Giuseppe Buccinnà in collaboration with Macron. The presentation was part of the club’s continuing effort to bring together soccer, fashion and contemporary culture.
Later, Cardi and Okoye crossed paths again.
Video from the evening showed them standing close together while talking over drinks. While the footage has prompted plenty of interpretations online, it does not establish their relationship status.
Cardi B’s comments about Maduka Okoye are getting attention again
Cardi has already spoken publicly about Okoye. During an August 27 interview with Vogue Arabia, Cardi discussed meeting the goalkeeper during Paris Couture Week. The publication noted that the two had attracted attention while sitting together at the Viktor & Rolf show. “He was really sweet,” Cardi said of Okoye. “When you see him on social media, he looks very strict, stern, but he is very kind.”
Asked whether people might see more of Okoye, Cardi replied with a giggle: “I hope so.”
© Getty Images for Beautycon/SundiHow Cardi B and Maduka Okoye romance rumors started
Both work with celebrity stylist Kollin Carter, which provides a professional connection between them. PEOPLE reported that Carter styled both stars when they sat together at the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter Haute Couture show in Paris.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupThey were also photographed smiling and spending time together at another Paris event. Later in July, reports and photos placed Cardi and Okoye together at a dinner overlooking a Venice canal.
Who is Maduka Okoye?
Maduka Okoye is a German-born Nigerian professional goalkeeper who plays for Udinese in Italy’s Serie A and represents Nigeria internationally.
© Getty ImagesHis growing presence in fashion has also put him in spaces well beyond the soccer field. Udinese’s Milan Fashion Week project is part of a continuing partnership involving the club, Macron and Camera Moda Fashion Trust, with the club describing the initiative as a way to connect sport with fashion and design.
The Milan sighting also coincided with attention around his international duties. Nigerian sports reports noted that Okoye was late joining the Super Eagles camp ahead of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, while his Milan Fashion Week appearance drew additional scrutiny.
