Christian McCaffrey is making headlines after the Carolina Panthers traded him to the San Francisco 49ers on October 21. This is not the first time the star footballer has taken centre stage.  His relationship with former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo has also generated a lot of media attention.

Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo sparked rumours in 2019 that she was dating Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey after the football player liked an Instagram photo Culpo posted. A few months later, the two were photographed together on a vacation to Mexico.

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Culpo quickly became a fixture at Panthers football games, and the couple began opening up about their sentiments for one another on Instagram in November 2019. By Valentine’s Day 2020, it was clear that Culpo and McCaffrey were in a relationship. To mark the occasion, the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model shared a photo of the pair on Instagram with the caption, “Happy Valentine’s Day to my best friend. Thank you for changing my life and showing me the kind of love I always wanted but never thought was possible.”

Who is Olivia Culpo?

Olivia Culpo is an American actress, model, influencer, and contestant in beauty pageants. She became well-known in 2012 after winning the Miss Universe contest. Culpo has appeared in The Other Woman (2014) and I Feel Pretty (2018). Additionally, she appeared in the TV shows Model Squad (2018) and Paradise City (2021). Culpo was the cover model for Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue in 2020.

She was born on May 8, 1992. Culpo won Miss USA 2012 for her home state of Rhode Island. Olivia first won the Miss Rhode Island USA competition in 2012, her first pageant, in a $20 rented gown. She was crowned Miss Universe in 2012, the first time the United States had won the title since 1997.

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The former “College of General Studies” sophomore is a skilled cellist who has now made the leap into the restaurant industry. Olivia, in addition to modelling, worked with her father to open a restaurant in her hometown. Her other business ventures include a clothing line.  Olivia also has a successful career as a social media influencer, with over four million followers on her ‘Instagram’ page. Her stunning photos on the platform have helped her gain a large fan base.

Her journey in the modelling industry, however, has not been easy. Olivia was dragged into a controversy shortly after winning the prestigious international pageant. People questioned her victory at Miss Universe pageant, claiming it was pre-determined by Donald Trump. In addition, she was sued for a “inappropriate” photo shoot in front of the Taj Mahal.