Anthony Martial's personal life has often drawn as much media attention as his career on the pitch. From his high-profile marriages to his family background, public interest in the former Manchester United forward extends far beyond his goals. The narrative surrounding his relationships involves high-profile splits, French reality television stars, and a quiet upbringing in Les Ulis.
Understanding the man behind the headlines requires looking past tabloid rumors. Let's break down the realities of Anthony Martial's relationships, family dynamics, and personal milestones.
The Early Years and Family Roots
Long before signing a multi-million-pound contract in the Premier League, Martial grew up in Massy, Essonne, and was raised in Les Ulis, a commune south-west of Paris. He comes from a tight-knit family of Guadeloupean descent.
Football runs deep in the family. His older brother, Johan Martial, carved out a professional career as a defender, while another brother, Dorian, captained the senior team at FC Les Ulis. His cousin Alexis also played professional football. Despite the athletic pedigree, Martial's parents placed a heavy emphasis on education. Childhood coaches often described him as exceptionally shy and quiet, a stark contrast to the loud, brash world of modern football stardom he entered as a teenager.
Relationship History: Samantha Jacquelinet
Martial's first major public relationship was with Samantha Jacquelinet. The pair met when Martial was still an up-and-coming prospect in France, long before his high-profile transfer to Manchester United in 2015.
During their relationship, they welcomed a daughter named Peyton. However, the intense spotlight of English football, combined with Martial's sudden rise to fame, placed immense strain on the household. Tabloid scandals and allegations of infidelity dominated sports pages, ultimately leading to a messy public separation. The split played out across British and French media, establishing a pattern where Martial's private life frequently spilled into public view.
Marriage and Separation from Melanie Da Cruz
The most widely discussed chapter of Martial's romantic life involves French reality TV star and influencer Melanie Da Cruz. Da Cruz, known for her appearance on the French show Secret Story, began dating Martial around 2016.
The couple welcomed a son named Swan in 2018. After years of dating, they married in an intimate ceremony in 2019. For several years, Da Cruz was a fixture in Manchester, frequently documenting their family life on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
Cracks in the relationship began to show publicly in early 2022. In March 2022, Da Cruz announced via social media that she and Martial were officially separating. She noted that the decision came after careful consideration, though the split generated significant media coverage in both France and the UK regarding the challenges of maintaining high-profile relationships under constant scrutiny.
Navigating Fatherhood and Life After Manchester United
Martial is a father to multiple children from his relationships, and balancing professional football with co-parenting has been a central focus of his adult life. Following his departure from Manchester United and subsequent moves, he has kept a lower profile regarding his dating life, focusing instead on his children and his career trajectory.
He announced the birth of another son via Instagram, signaling a new chapter focused on family stability away from the intense English media microscope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anthony Martial's ex-wife?
Anthony Martial was previously married to French reality television star and influencer Melanie Da Cruz. They married in 2019 and officially separated in March 2022. He was also in a long-term relationship with Samantha Jacquelinet.
How many children does Anthony Martial have?
Martial has children from his previous relationships, including a daughter named Peyton with Samantha Jacquelinet and a son named Swan with Melanie Da Cruz, alongside other additions to his family.
What is Melanie Da Cruz known for?
Melanie Da Cruz is a French reality television personality, YouTuber, and social media influencer who gained prominence after appearing on the French reality show Secret Story.
Where did Anthony Martial grow up?
Martial grew up in Les Ulis, a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, France, where he developed his football skills before joining the Lyon academy.
