Madonna Spotted Holding Hands with 28-Year-Old Boyfriend Akeem Morris in Italy Ahead of 66th Birthday

Madonna was recently seen holding hands with her much younger boyfriend, Akeem Morris, while they walked through Portofino, Italy, just days before her 66th birthday.

The pop icon had her hand tucked into the arm of the 28-year-old soccer player as they enjoyed a leisurely walk.

Madonna and Akeem Morris hold hands in Portofino, Italy, on Tuesday. COBRA TEAM / BACKGRID

Morris wore a tan collared shirt, black-and-white shorts, and sneakers, completing his look with tiny sunglasses. The couple is reportedly in Portofino to celebrate Madonna’s birthday at a private Dolce & Gabbana estate.

This romantic outing followed their Fourth of July celebration in New York City. Madonna shared moments from their night out on Instagram, where she wore a striking red dress and sunglasses while holding hands with Morris, who sported a black tank top and matching jeans. The couple enjoyed fireworks before sharing a cosy moment on the couch, with Morris resting his hand on Madonna’s chest.

Morris was featured in Madonna’s Paper magazine cover shoot in August 2022. Palombi-Mazzarella / MEGA

In her Fourth of July post, Madonna reflected on her health journey over the past year, expressing gratitude for her miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness. She wrote, “A year ago today, I had just come home from the hospital after surviving a life-threatening illness; I could barely stand in my backyard holding one sparkler. I made a miraculous recovery and had an amazing year. Thank you, God. Life is beautiful!”

Madonna and Morris embark on a series of outings in Italy ahead of the star’s 66th birthday Friday. Palombi – Mazzarella/ MEGA

Meanwhile, Morris’ ex-girlfriend, Reagan Rice, has been vocal about her feelings regarding her former partner’s relationship with the global superstar on TikTok. In one of her videos, she lamented, “Put a finger down if your boyfriend of 3 years is now dating Madonna.”

Madonna enjoys a day in Portofino with her boyfriend and friends. COBRA TEAM / BACKGRID

Madonna has been married twice—first to Sean Penn from 1985 to 1989, and later to Guy Ritchie from 2000 to 2008, with whom she shares two children, Rocco, 24, and David, 18. The singer also has four other children: Lourdes, 27, Mercy, 18, and twins Stella and Estere, 11.

Madonna and Morris in Portofino. Palombi – Mazzarella/ MEGA

Madonna and Morris on the Fourth of July in New York City.

Madonna and Morris pack on the PDA in New York City.

Despite her past marriages, Madonna has expressed regret about getting married, calling it a decision she now views as a mistake. However, she has no regrets about her six children, whom she considers her greatest blessing.

Dan Olczak

"Editor with expertise in politics and crime, also known for travel blogging."

See Full Bio