Louis Rees-Zammit splits from famous girlfriend after leaving her to chase ‘NFL dream’

Louis Rees-Zammit is chasing his NFL dreams as a single man after breaking up with influencer Saffron Barker – who dropped him off at the airport when first flying to America

Popular YouTuber Saffron Barker has announced that she’s no longer dating NFL hopeful Louis Rees-Zammit.

Barker and Rees-Zammit had been dating since the end of last year, when they were first seen together in public at the world premiere of ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. At the time Rees-Zammit was a Wales international and Gloucester rugby star, but he made a major career decision in January.

Rees-Zammit announced he would be quitting rugby after agreeing to participate in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Programme (IPP), in the hopes of landing a future contract. His decision has paid off so far, as he’s reportedly been offered a $900,000 (£711,000) contract by three NFL teams to join their summer training camp.

But his career ventures may have led to the end of his relationship with Barker, as the influencer confirmed their split on Instagram. Fans were looking out for Barker’s reaction to Rees-Zammit’s NFL Pro Day on Wednesday, but a day later she revealed that they were no longer together.

“I have so much exciting news to update you on, and I promise to keep you all posted on that. For now though I wanted to address some of the questions re my relationship,” Barker wrote on Instagram. “Whilst I won’t be going into any detail, I am no longer in a relationship.

“I am fully focused on my well-being, wonderful family, & career. I want to thank all of the incredible people who have sent me messages of love & strength over the past few weeks.

“I have read every single one & I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me. The community I’ve built on here for nearly 10 years (how amazing!) are always there for me. It feels so special to have your support & strength – so thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. “I know good things come to good people so I hold onto the hope that 2024 is going to be a positive year for me. Lots of love, Saffron.”

Barker announced her split with Rees-Zammit on Instagram ( Image: Getty Images)

Rees-Zammit and Barker only started dating late last year, but within months his decision to fly to Florida for the intense 10-week training course presented them with their first spell of long distance.

Barker drove Rees-Zammit to the airport back in January and posted a story to wish him good luck. “Dropped this one off to the airport this morning for his new venture! Going to miss you so much,” Barker wrote back then.

But their romance has come to an end, with both of them focusing on their own careers. Both Barker and Rees-Zammit are 23, and although Saffron is an established social media personality, Louis is grafting to land a life-changing NFL contract.