Rumors surrounding the romantic life of rugby star Antoine Dupont have piqued the public's interest, especially following his recent victories on the field and his unexpected injury off it. Known predominantly for his skillful play with Stade Toulousain and the French national team, Dupont's heart seems to have found new territory amid gossip linking him to Iris Mittenaere, the former Miss France and Miss Universe.
On March 17, 2025, influencer Aqababe ignited discussions by alleging the pair had been seen together multiple times, most recently holding hands during outings in Switzerland and Paris. This relationship speculation started to grow post their sightings at the Kalamata restaurant, a chic eatery located in Paris's upscale 8th arrondissement. The tweet from Aqababe, which included the caption, "Spotted: Iris Mittenaere & Antoine Dupont au Kalamata hier soir à Paris," underscored the media frenzy around the two after shared visuals went viral.
Despite previous assertions about his relationship status, Dupont had publicly claimed he was single during interviews leading up to March 2025. Speaking on the program Rencontres du Papotin, he stated, "I don’t have a girlfriend," leaving fans to wonder about the potential for romance earlier than speculation began. This lack of romantic openness contrasted sharply with what observers began to witness soon after.
Rumors first surfaced about Dupont and Mittenaere’s budding romance when Aqababe revealed his inside scoop just days prior, mentioning the couple was seen together, "spotted hand-in-hand" walking through Paris. The sighting, reported on March 14, coincided with Dupont's recovery efforts from knee surgery, which has kept him inactive on the field and potentially available for social engagements.
The public's fascination with the duo's rumored connection is also colored by Mittenaere's notable past relationships. Renowned for her proud titles—Miss France 2016 and Miss Universe—that have cemented her as one of France's most recognized figures, her romantic history is as engaging as her professional career. She has experienced both high-profile romances and painful breakups, including significant relationships with comedian Kev Adams and entrepreneur Diego El Glaoui, whom she was previously engaged to until their split in 2024.
Iris recently candidly commented on love, sharing her thoughts on relationships during interviews. "The perfect couple is fake. It doesn’t exist... Everything can’t always be beautiful and rosy," she elaborated. Despite her humble perspective on love, she has attracted intrigue by seemingly moving on swiftly from her recent heartbreak.
Dupont’s proximity to Mittenaere, juxtaposed with his vulnerability from injury, has led to speculation about whether this relationship could lead to something meaningful—or if it's merely the result of coincidences and chance meetings. To fans and observers alike, it’s significant to note both individuals are now single and navigable within the world of relationships.
With the foundation of their respective careers, Dupont as captain of his national team and Mittenaere as both media personality and beauty queen, the speculation only intensifies. Their combined fame augments public interest, with social media platforms buzzing with curiosity as followers track the evolution of their relationship.
Questions have started to arise: will this be the fleeting romance of two celebrities, or could it blossom? Their mutual engagements are compounded by Anecdotes from close sources and onlookers, asserting they witnessed moments of intimacy shared between the two, like being "spotted" together at various events, including nightclubs and casual outings.
The significance of such sightings at locations like Kalamata—a well-frequented place known for its vibrant atmosphere—suggests more than just mere coincidence and raises eyebrows about the duo's intentions, either as friends or something more serious.
While Dupont maintains his focus on rehabilitation and team responsibilities, having recently carried the pressures of his performance as team captain, he finds himself thrust once again at the center of public attention for reasons unrelated to sport. How well will he balance the demands of both his professional obligations and new explorations of romance?
Patrons, fans, and social media followers are undoubtedly eager to see whether Dupont will affirm the early whispers of romance and how Mittenaere navigates her return to public attention after her last serious relationship. The impending weeks promise to deliver either confirmation or denial, depending on how both decide to approach their newfound association.
Let's not forget how the dynamics of their lives could influence the narrative, shaping their public images with every shared moment captured and broadcasted across digital platforms. Whether or not they will continue to publicly engage remains to be seen, but their story already feels like one worth following fervently.
