Two years ago, rumors surfaced on social media and in the Spanish press about a possible relationship between Princess Leonor and footballer Pablo Páez Gaviria, known as ‘Gavi.’
The Barcelona player was even nicknamed ‘The Little Prince’ by his teammates. However, as is often the case with the private life of the heir to the throne, nothing was ever confirmed.
Despite this, the idea of a relationship between them lingered in the collective imagination, and these comments have resurfaced with the first photos of Princess Leonor and Gavi together.
Photos of Princess Leonor and Gavi Together
On Monday, July 15th, the Spanish royal family received the Spanish national football team at the Zarzuela Palace. The team had won the Eurocup 2-1 against England on Sunday, July 14th, in Germany.
The match was attended by King Felipe and Infanta Sofia, who supported Spain, and Prince William and Prince George, who supported England.
Although Gavi couldn’t participate in the Eurocup due to an injury, he was among the athletes who met with King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Infanta Sofia, and, of course, Princess Leonor.
The Royal Household has shared the first photos of Princess Leonor and Gavi.
Their first encounter was a greeting at the palace. A notable detail is that the king, who initially appeared serious while shaking hands with the players, broke into a big smile upon seeing Gavi.
Princess Leonor also smiled, although her expression didn’t change significantly when greeting him.
In one of the photos taken in the palace garden, Gavi can be seen staring intently at the princess.
Additionally, a video circulated on social media captures the brief moment when Leonor glances at the soccer player. These gestures have fueled speculation online about a possible relationship between them.
The king doesn’t do much to quell the rumors either. For instance, Felipe personally invited Gavi to the match against Germany, saying, ‘See you in the final in Berlin. You can’t miss it; you’re part of that team.’
Gavi, who attended the previous Princess of Girona Awards ceremony led by Princess Leonor, apparently accepted the invitation.
Social media users speculated about how well the athlete gets along with ‘his father-in-law.’
When Did the Rumor About Princess Leonor and Gavi Begin?
The rumors about a possible relationship between Princess Leonor and footballer Gavi started after the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Following Spain’s impressive debut against Costa Rica (7-0), certain Spanish programs claimed that King Felipe had requested a signed jersey from Gavi for Princess Leonor.
However, in reality, it was all speculation. Gavi already had a girlfriend at that time. As time went by the rumors ended, but now they seem to be surfacing again.
gavi 🫂 pic.twitter.com/YGkz28uk5Y
— H! 🇪🇸 (@303GAVI) July 15, 2024