Madonna and 28-Year-Old Boyfriend Look Smitten and Stylish as They Celebrate Her Birthday in Italy

Madonna ’s dating history is nearly as iconic as her career. She’s been with an award-winning director, legendary rapper , and many other high-profile people. However, the “Material Girl” singer’s most recent liaison might be her youngest yet. Paparazzi recently spotted Madonna touring Italy with a 28-year-old in tow. See the new couple as they celebrate her 66th birthday.

Jamaican-born soccer player Akeem Morris appeared in Madonna’s Paper Magazine photoshoot in August 2022. However, the paparazzi didn’t spot him with the “Like a Virgin” singer again until last month, when Madonna shared Instagram photos of them getting cozy on July 4 in NYC. In one photo, Morris placed his hand over her chest as they partied at The Standard’s Le Bain bar. Since then, Madonna has shared more pics and allowed the paps to spot the pair on several occasions.

Most recently, Madonna and Morris arrived in Italy via a private jet from London. Now, they’re staying at Dolce & Gabbana’s private waterside villa estate in Portofino. At the beginning of the week, they boated along the Italian Riviera. Fans of the Michigan native know Italy is one of Madonna’s favorite travel destinations. She visited various areas of the country in 2017, 2021, and 2022.

On Friday, Madonna’s actual 66th birthday, she’s hosting a five-star dinner at a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Pompeii. Some have criticized the “Like a Prayer” singer for using the Large Theatre, the 2,200-year-old amphitheater that sits among the ancient ruins, for her party. As Newsweek reports, she booked the theater for approximately $32,750.

Before the big party, however, cameras spotted her and Morris exploring Portofino hand in hand. Who is this guy? The former D1 soccer player competed at Stony Brook University between 2014-18. He earned his degree in government and political science. At 28, Morris is 38 years Madonna’s junior. Although the age difference is significant, the pair seem to greatly enjoy each other’s company.

Of Italian descent herself, Madonna’s grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from the Abruzzo region. During the actor’s birthday celebration, she’ll likely wear a custom ensemble from Italian fashion designer Francesco Scognamiglio. The party will involve 500 guests and stops in Naples and Capri aboard a private yacht before or after the shindig.

How Britney Spears Felt When She Had to Be on Set With Madonna

Over the years, Madonna has experienced several high-profile loves , including Dennis Rodman, Vanilla Ice, Tupac Shakur, Warren Beatty, Sean Penn ( married from 1985–89 ) and Guy Ritchie (2000–08). Morris isn’t the first younger man she’s dated. Madonna has been with model Jesus Luz, dancer Brahim Zaibat, and dancer Ahlamalik Williams. At 36 years her junior, Williams was her largest age-gap relationship until Morris.