Nicolas Pépé was once recording signing and a symbol of hope of Arsenal. He is now grabbing headlines for his off-pitch life. The Ivorian winger, who struggled in north London, is dating American former adult film star Teanna Trump. Pepe was recently treated to a lavish £23,000 ($30k) holiday by his partner. What was once a struggling football story has shifted into a personal life spotlight. Fans can’t stop talking about this story.
Nicolas Pepe at Arsenal
Pépé joined Arsenal in 2019 for a club-record fee of around £72 million, a massive price tag that instantly turned expectations sky-high. At Arsenal, he scored 27 goals in 112 appearances, but many fans felt he never matched the price or promise, especially as others like Bukayo Saka developed into world-class stars. One of his goals against Wolves showed his real capability and class. Despite flashes of skill, consistency was missing and his defensive work rate often drew criticism. Under different managers, he never truly settled in the Premier League.
After a loan to Nice in 2022–23, Arsenal terminated his contract in September 2023, allowing him to move on as a free agent. He then joined Trabzonspor before signing with Villarreal in 2024.
🇨🇮✨ Nicolas Pepe (30) this season for Villarreal…
🥇 La Liga Player of the Month for August
🥇 Player of the Match vs Juventus
🪄 Assist which sealed win vs Real Oviedo
⚽️ Scored vs Girona & Celta Vigo
Enjoying life in Spain. 👏 pic.twitter.com/GblikJgvlj
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 7, 2025
Nicolas Pepe and his Partner, Teanna Trump
In 2024, Pépé’s life took a surprising turn off the pitch. He began dating Teanna Trump, an American personality best known for her work in adult entertainment but now a social media figure and content creator. Trump publicly confirmed the relationship after sharing photos of them together in late 2024, including dining out and attending Villarreal matches in VIP seats.
Recently, Trump surprised Pépé with a £23,000 holiday for his 30th birthday. It was a lavish gift that sparked fresh media interest. In an interview to Just Riadh, she made it clear she isn’t with him for his money. She said that she pays her own way and was financially independent even early in the relationship.
On the pitch at Villarreal, Pépé has found more stability than in London. His performances are steady, and he helped his team push into top-flight European competition, though he hasn’t hit the star heights expected from his Arsenal price tag.
The contrast between his club struggles and high-profile personal life has kept his name in the news far beyond goals and assists.
Curious Fan Reactions
Fans on social media are divided. Some mock the long-talked-about Arsenal flop tag, saying Pépé’s personal life now overshadows football talk. Others defend him, saying everyone deserves happiness off the field. Many Arsenal supporters use his story as a reminder of how difficult big transfers can be — especially when price tags become expectations. A slice of the online crowd jokes that his £23k trip is more newsworthy than his Gunners days, while others simply express relief that the player seems content in his new phase of life.
Impact on his Career
Pépé’s Arsenal time has become a cautionary tale on transfers. His move for a huge fee that didn’t fully deliver changed how some fans view big signings. Clubs now stress fitting a player’s style and personality into team systems. Off-field stories like his relationship with Trump have kept him in headlines, even while his football career continues quietly in Spain. For Villarreal, having a player with international recognition — both for past Premier League history and personal media buzz — can be a mixed blessing.
🚨🗣️ Teanna Trump: "I am not with Nicolas Pepe for his money. I have my own money."
"In the first year we were seeing each other, I paid for my flights every two weeks for our dates so that he wouldn't think I was with him for that."
"On his 30th birthday, I took him on a trip.… pic.twitter.com/eCG4lMieU7
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 6, 2025
Author’s Insight
Nicolas Pépé may never shake the Arsenal flop label, but his life now mixes football with high-profile personal moments. Fans will be watching both his Villarreal performances and how his life off the pitch shapes his public story.
As featured on GoonerNews.com