Few figures in basketball loom as large — both physically and metaphorically — as Shaquille O’Neal.
Even though he retired more than a decade ago, Diesel is drawing more interest than ever after establishing himself as one of basketball’s most prominent media members. Such stature helped O’Neal fortify his status not just as an insightful mind on the hardwood but also as one of sport’s grandest celebrities.
As athletes gain gained celebrity status, they’re subject to the same whims as Hollywood’s stars — including the mainstream desire to know more about their personal lives.
O’Neal is no exception. Without further ado, here’s a look at O’Neal’s latest love interest and his dating history.
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Who is Shaquille O’Neal’s girlfriend?
O’Neal has most recently been linked with Nigerian-American actress Annie Ilonzeh. The pair began dating in 2019, but neither O’Neal nor Ilonzeh has made any public comments regarding their relationship in recent months.
Shaquille O’Neal dating relationships timeline
O’Neal’s marriage to “Basketball Wives” star Shaunie Henderson represents his longest-term relationship, but he’s had a number of notable connections over the years.
Arnetta Yardbourgh, 1992-96
Arnetta Yardbourgh was O’Neal’s first well-known girlfriend. He dated the then-Magic standout from 1992-1996, and he had his first child, daughter Taahirah, with Yardbourgh back in 1996.
Shaunie Henderson, 1998-2010
O’Neal has been married just once, to Henderson, an entrepreneur and reality TV star who most famously created and appeared on VH1’s “Basketball Wives” from 2010 to now.
O’Neal shares five children with Henderson — Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, Me’arah and his stepson Myles, who was born to Henderson prior to her relationship with the NBA star.
The pair split back in 2010. Since their divorce, O’Neal has admitted that he was unfaithful at times in their relationship. Henderson is now married to Keion Henderson, who serves as the pastor of a church in Houston.
Karrine Steffans, 2004-05
O’Neal reportedly dated actress and author Karrine Steffans while married to Henderson, with their relationship beginning in 2004.
Dominica Westling, 2007-2010
O’Neal and Westling — a Swedish actress and model — allegedly met and started a relationship while the basketball star was still married to Henderson, although neither party has admitted to an affair.
Laura Govan, 2008-09
O’Neal reportedly met and dated television personality Laura Govan, Gilbert Arenas’ ex-partner, from 2008 to 2009. Govan also starred on “Basketball Wives.”
Nicole Alexander, 2010-13
Following the breakdown of O’Neal and Henderson’s marriage, O’Neal dated television personality Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander, the former winner of VH1 shows “Flavor of Love” and “I Love Money.” The pair were engaged to be married but split in 2013.
Annie Ilonzeh, 2019-present (?)
O’Neal has most recently been linked with Nigerian-American actress Annie Ilonzeh, per multiple reports, though the status of their relationship is unclear.
Ilonzeh has starred on a variety of television programs over the course of her career, including “General Hospital,” “Arrow” and “Charlie’s Angels.” She also played Kidada Jones in “All Eyez on Me,” a 2017 biopic about Tupac Shakur.
How many kids does Shaquille O’Neal have?
O’Neal has six children. His eldest child, Taahirah, was born in 1996 to Yardbourgh. He had four children with Henderson —Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir and Me’arah — and also has a stepson in Myles, Henderson’s child from a previous relationship.
