In a bold move that’s set tongues wagging, Alicia Scholes, daughter of Manchester United icon Paul Scholes, has taken her budding romance with Love Island star Ayo Odukoya to new heights by inking his name on her neck. The couple, who’ve been dating for just a few whirlwind months, are clearly head-over-heels, and Alicia’s not shy about showing it.
The 24-year-old netball star and influencer, boasting over 100,000 Instagram followers, recently shared a series of loved-up snaps with Ayo, proudly displaying her new tattoo. In striking red lettering, the word “Ayomi”—Ayo’s full name—now adorns her neck, a permanent tribute to their fast-moving romance. From cozy mirror selfies to beaming smiles, the couple’s chemistry is undeniable, with Alicia ensuring her inked declaration of love takes center stage in every shot.
Alicia, the only daughter of football legend Paul Scholes, 50, and his wife Claire Froggatt, is no stranger to the spotlight. A standout player for London Pulse in the Netball Super League and a proud representative of England on the international stage, she balances her athletic career with a thriving social media presence. Her bold tattoo choice has only added fuel to her growing fame.
The romance first sparked public interest back in June when Ayo, a breakout star from Love Island series 11, made their relationship Instagram official. He posted a carousel of images featuring Alicia looking stunning in a black dress, alongside subtle hints of their connection—like a photo of their shoes side by side. Fans didn’t miss a beat, quickly piecing together clues when Alicia shared cryptic posts, including one of a man’s head from behind and another of her holding hands with someone in a black hoodie identical to one Ayo had worn on his own profile. The telltale goatee in the photos? Another dead giveaway.
The couple was recently spotted together outside a Manchester coffee shop, engrossed in their phones while awaiting an Uber. Their casual yet affectionate vibe only solidified their status as one of the city’s most talked-about pairs.
Ayo, who rose to fame as an original contestant on Love Island last year, had his share of drama on the show. He initially connected with Mimii Ngulube before getting caught in a love triangle with Uma Jammeh. His journey took another turn in Casa Amor, where he coupled up with Jess Spencer, ultimately finishing fourth in the competition. But it seems his real love story began off-screen with Alicia, and their romance is moving at lightning speed.
From subtle Instagram hints to a permanent tattoo, Alicia Scholes and Ayo Odukoya are proving that when it comes to love, they’re all in—no matter how fast the clock is ticking.