The Women Of Shaq's World: Who Is Shaquille O'Neal's Current Girlfriend In 2025? (Plus The OnlyFans Model Rumor He Shut Down)
Shaquille O'Neal's dating life remains one of the most speculated topics in sports and celebrity media, a constant source of curiosity that keeps fans and tabloids guessing. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the NBA legend's romantic status is officially private, yet multiple recent sightings and high-profile rumors continue to link him to various successful women, from long-term alleged partners to social media stars.
The 7'1" Hall of Famer, known globally as 'Shaq' or 'DJ Diesel,' has maintained a notably low-key approach to his personal relationships since his high-profile divorce, but the intense public interest surrounding his love life means every casual photo or public appearance sparks a viral rumor. While one long-term alleged relationship has persisted for years, recent months have been dominated by the kind of sensational speculation—including a denial of dating an OnlyFans model—that only a global icon like O'Neal can generate.
Shaquille O'Neal: Full Biography and Profile
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal is one of the most dominant and recognizable figures in the history of professional sports. His career and life story are marked by unparalleled success both on and off the court.
- Full Name: Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal
- Date of Birth: March 6, 1972
- Place of Birth: Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
- Age (as of 2025): 53
- Height: 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
- Weight: Approximately 325 lbs (147 kg)
- College: Louisiana State University (LSU)
- NBA Career: 1992–2011
- Teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics.
- Championships: 4x NBA Champion (3x Lakers, 1x Heat)
- Awards: 15x NBA All-Star, 3x NBA Finals MVP, 1999–2000 NBA MVP, NBA Hall of Fame (2016).
- Current Role: Sports Analyst on TNT's Inside the NBA and professional DJ (DJ Diesel).
The Long-Term Link: Is Annie Ilonzeh Still Shaq's Girlfriend?
For the past few years, the woman most consistently—though unofficially—linked to Shaquille O'Neal has been actress Annie Ilonzeh. The relationship, which reportedly began around 2019, has been defined by its privacy and lack of official confirmation from either party, yet public sightings have been frequent enough to keep the rumors alive into 2025.
Who is Annie Ilonzeh?
Annie Ilonzeh is a Nigerian-American actress best known for her roles in major network television dramas.
- Occupation: Actress
- Notable Roles: She is widely recognized for playing the role of Emily Foster on NBC's hit series Chicago Fire, as well as appearances in General Hospital, Charlie's Angels, and the film He's Just Not That Into You.
- Background: Born and raised in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, she is a talented performer who launched her career in the mid-2000s.
- The Age Gap: Ilonzeh, born in 1983, is approximately 11 years younger than O'Neal, a relatively modest age difference compared to some of the other women he has been rumored to be dating.
Despite the persistent reports and multiple public appearances together since 2019, neither Ilonzeh nor O'Neal has ever officially confirmed their relationship status. In fact, Shaq himself once referred to her as his "rumored girlfriend" in a 2023 interview, a subtle acknowledgement that suggests a private relationship they prefer to keep out of the intense media spotlight.
Recent Rumors: The OnlyFans Model and the Mexican DJ
The latter half of 2024 and early 2025 saw a flurry of new speculation, largely driven by social media, forcing Shaq to publicly address his dating life and clarify his boundaries. This is where the most recent and "fresh" news about the NBA icon's romantic interests lies.
The Sophie Rain OnlyFans Rumor (The Public Denial)
In a major viral moment in late 2024, rumors began swirling that the 53-year-old O'Neal was dating 21-year-old OnlyFans model and social media influencer Sophie Rain. The speculation ignited after a photo of the two standing together at her birthday party went viral across platforms.
Shaq, however, was quick to shut down the rumors. In a direct and widely publicized statement, O'Neal explicitly denied any romantic involvement with the young model, citing their significant age gap. He stated, "I don't date that young," effectively putting an end to the sensational claims. This public denial offered a rare glimpse into O'Neal's personal dating philosophy and his preference for dating women closer to his own age.
The Jessica Audiffred (Mexican DJ) Connection
Another rumor that gained traction involved Mexican DJ and bass music producer Jessica Audiffred. The speculation was fueled by a comment O'Neal—who performs as 'DJ Diesel'—left on one of Audiffred's Instagram posts, simply saying "Love you."
The age difference (reportedly around 30 years) between the two artists, who have also collaborated professionally, sparked immediate media attention, with some outlets reporting that Shaq had mentioned having a "Mexican Girlfriend." However, similar to the Sophie Rain situation, Jessica Audiffred reportedly shut down the dating rumors, clarifying that their relationship was strictly professional and platonic, focused on their shared passion for music.
Shaq's Candid Views on Love and His Past Marriage
To understand O'Neal's current relationship approach, it is essential to look at his past, particularly his marriage to Shaunie O'Neal (now Shaunie Henderson). The couple married in 2002 and divorced in 2011, having five children together (four biological, one from Shaunie's previous relationship).
Shaq has been remarkably candid about the failure of his marriage, often taking full responsibility for its demise. He has publicly stated that he was not the best husband, admitting that his constant travel and focus on his career, combined with his own shortcomings, ultimately cost him his family.
This experience has shaped his current dating philosophy. The NBA legend has expressed hesitation about remarrying, noting the difficulty of maintaining a committed relationship while managing his demanding schedule as an analyst, businessman, and DJ. He has also been open about the challenges NBA players face in sustaining relationships due to the nature of their work and constant travel.
A History of High-Profile Relationships
Before his long-term link to Annie Ilonzeh, O'Neal was involved in several other significant, high-profile relationships, showcasing a history of dating strong, successful women:
- Shaunie O'Neal (Ex-Wife): His former wife and the mother of his children, who went on to star in the reality series Basketball Wives.
- Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander: A reality television personality and winner of the show Flavor of Love. They were engaged after his divorce from Shaunie, but the relationship ended in 2013.
- Laura Govan: A brief relationship in 2008–2009 with the television personality, who also appeared on Basketball Wives.
- Laticia Rolle: O'Neal was romantically linked to the model and former college basketball player for several years after his split from Alexander.
In conclusion, while the public's fascination with "Shaq and girlfriend" continues to generate viral headlines about OnlyFans models and international DJs, the most stable and long-standing connection remains with actress Annie Ilonzeh, a relationship that O'Neal has chosen to keep deeply private. His focus on his career, his children, and his open acknowledgment of past relationship failures suggest that for the 'Big Aristotle,' privacy and stability are the new game-winners in his personal life.
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