Sean Penn, the Oscar-winning actor and director known for his intense performances and outspoken public persona, has once again found himself in the spotlight—this time, not for a film role or political statement, but for his relationship with Moldovan model and actress Valeria Nicov. The pair, whose romance has been the subject of tabloid fascination since 2024, were most recently photographed hand-in-hand shopping in Santa Monica, California, on January 14, 2026. Their public outing followed Penn’s solo appearance at the 2026 Golden Globes, fueling speculation and curiosity about their relationship’s status and dynamic.
Their romance first caught the public eye in September 2024, when Page Six published photos of Penn and Nicov kissing and strolling together in Madrid, Spain. This revelation surprised many, as only a few months earlier, Penn had declared in a New York Times interview that he was enjoying single life after a series of high-profile relationships. “I’m just free,” Penn said at the time, reflecting on the end of his year-long romance with actress Olga Korotyayeva. “If I’m going to be in a relationship, I’m still going to be free, or I’m not going to be in it, and I’m not going to be hurting. I don’t sense I’ll have my heart broken by romance again.”
Penn’s romantic history is well-documented. He was married to pop icon Madonna from 1985 to 1989, then to actress Robin Wright from 1996 to 2010, with whom he shares two children. His third marriage, to Australian actress Leila George, ended in 2022 after just over a year. Even after their separation, Penn admitted to Hollywood Authentic in 2022, “There’s a woman who I’m so in love with, Leila George, who I only see on a day-to-day basis now, because I f–ked up the marriage.”
Valeria Nicov, meanwhile, brings her own impressive credentials to the relationship. Born and raised in Chisinau, Moldova, Nicov spent her formative years immersed in the arts. She studied drama in her home country before moving to London to attend the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), where she completed the Advanced Acting Fundamentals Course. Her training continued at Cours Florent and Valerie Poleacov School in France, reflecting a commitment to honing her craft across borders.
Nicot’s modeling career is equally cosmopolitan. She’s worked with renowned brands such as Carolina Herrera, Bonanza, Dada Sport, and La Galpa, and is currently signed with Premium Models in Paris. For her acting work, she is represented by Agence Plan A in France and Engers Portelli in the UK. Her multilingual abilities—she speaks French, English, Spanish, Russian, Italian, and Romanian—have no doubt helped her navigate the international fashion and film industries. According to her agency profile, Nicov is also trained in piano and has a passion for sports like boxing and horse riding. She maintains a lively presence on Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her professional life and personal friendships, including a close bond with Emily in Paris star Camille Razat.
Nicov’s acting career began in earnest in 2018 with a role in Cedric Anger’s film Paris Pigalle. Since then, she’s built a diverse resume, appearing in films such as Chacun chez soi, Lineman Up: Storm Soldiers 3, and Ténor. On television, she’s had recurring roles in the series Mike and Don’t Worry About the Kids, and even made a cameo as a bartender in Emily in Paris. In 2025, she took to the stage in the play Monstre Sacré, expressing her excitement on Instagram: “So looking forward to this! Thank you thank you thank you to the most wonderful and funny partners.”
The age gap between Penn and Nicov—reportedly 34 years—has not gone unnoticed. Penn, born in 1960, was 64 at the time of their latest appearance, while Nicov, around 30, represents a new generation of European talent. The couple’s public outings have often sparked commentary, but they seem unfazed by the attention. After their initial sighting in Madrid, they were seen together at Los Angeles International Airport in October 2024. Their official red carpet debut as a couple came at the Marrakech International Film Festival in November 2024, where Penn was honored with a career achievement award. The two arrived in coordinated black outfits, holding hands as they posed for photographers.
At the Marrakech event, Penn took the opportunity to speak out on issues close to his heart. According to Variety, he remarked, “Around the world [there is] this demand for diversity — but not diversity of behavior and not diversity of opinion or language. I would just encourage everybody to be as politically incorrect as their heart desires and to engage diversity and to keep telling those stories, and I’m very proud and happy to be here. Thank you.”
Since then, Penn and Nicov have made several high-profile appearances together. In May 2025, they attended the Cannes Film Festival, supporting the premiere of Bono’s documentary. Later that year, they were seen at the Lumière Film Festival, where Penn was the guest of honor. Despite these public moments, they have largely kept their relationship out of the limelight, choosing to step out together only for special occasions or when spotted by paparazzi.
Their relationship has also generated interest due to Nicov’s rising profile in the entertainment world. Her friendship with Camille Razat, documented on social media, and her ability to navigate roles in both French and English-language productions, suggest a career on the rise. With more than 20,000 followers on Instagram, Nicov is steadily building her own fan base, independent of her association with Penn.
For Penn, who once declared himself “just free” and unlikely to be heartbroken by romance again, this new chapter appears to be marked by a quieter, more measured approach to love. After decades in the public eye and a series of tumultuous relationships, the actor seems content to let his work and his partner’s achievements speak for themselves. As for Nicov, her journey from Chisinau to the red carpets of Europe and Hollywood is a testament to her talent, determination, and adaptability.
As the couple continues to navigate both their personal and professional lives, their story offers a glimpse into the intersection of old-school Hollywood and the new wave of international stardom. Whether shopping in Santa Monica or gracing film festival galas, Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov remind us that love, at any age and across any distance, can still surprise us all.
