Former Arsenal star Robert Pires has welcomed a new chapter in his personal life after becoming a father for the fourth time at the age of 53. The French football legend announced the arrival of his daughter Olivia on November 6, sharing photographs from the hospital and introducing fans to his growing family. The announcement also brought attention to his new girlfriend, Emmanuelle Lepkin, following his separation from longtime wife Jessica Lemarie.
Pires, who famously helped Arsenal complete their unbeaten Premier League season, has generally kept his romantic relationships away from constant public attention. However, the birth of his youngest daughter has revealed more about his relationship with Emmanuelle, who has largely remained outside the spotlight.
So, who is Robert Pires’ girlfriend, and what is known about his new relationship? Here is everything to know about Emmanuelle Lepkin, his former marriages, children and family life.
Who is Robert Pires’ girlfriend?
Robert Pires’ girlfriend is Emmanuelle Lepkin, who recently welcomed a daughter with the former French international footballer.
Their relationship attracted widespread attention after Pires announced the birth of their baby girl, Olivia Pires, on October 31, 2026.
The former Arsenal midfielder shared the happy news through Instagram, posting photographs that included his newborn daughter and his partner during pregnancy.
Although Pires has been a recognizable figure in European football for decades, Emmanuelle has maintained a relatively private lifestyle.
Her relationship with the former footballer became more widely known following the announcement of their child’s arrival.
The couple have not publicly revealed exactly when they began dating or how they first met.
However, their relationship marks an important personal development for Pires following the end of his marriage to Jessica Lemarie.
Who is Emmanuelle Lepkin?
Emmanuelle Lepkin is the current partner of Robert Pires and the mother of his youngest daughter.
Unlike Pires, who spent much of his professional career in the public eye, Emmanuelle has kept her personal background largely private.
Details about her age, occupation, education and family history have not been widely established through reliable public reporting.
Her Instagram profile has also been described as private, suggesting that she prefers maintaining some distance from the attention surrounding her famous partner.
Emmanuelle appeared in photographs shared by Pires when he announced their daughter’s birth.
The pictures offered fans a rare glimpse into the couple’s personal life, although they revealed little about her professional background.
For now, Emmanuelle is primarily known publicly through her relationship with Pires and their daughter Olivia.
When did Robert Pires and Emmanuelle Lepkin start dating?
Robert Pires and Emmanuelle Lepkin have not publicly confirmed the exact beginning of their relationship.
Their romance became known after Pires’ separation from his former wife, Jessica Lemarie, in 2024.
The former footballer and Jessica had spent more than two decades together before announcing their decision to separate.
Pires subsequently began a new relationship with Emmanuelle, although he kept most details away from public discussion.
Their daughter’s arrival in October 2026 confirmed that the couple had begun building a family together.
Despite the public interest, neither has provided a detailed account of their first meeting or early relationship.
There has also been no widely verified announcement confirming that Pires and Emmanuelle are married.
Was Robert Pires previously married to Jessica Lemarie?
Before his relationship with Emmanuelle Lepkin, Robert Pires was married to French model Jessica Lemarie.
The couple began their relationship in the early 2000s and spent approximately 21 years together.
They married in 2013 and became familiar faces at football celebrations, charity events and public gatherings.
Jessica regularly accompanied Pires during important moments in his professional and personal life.
Together, they welcomed three children and built a family while Pires continued his football career.
However, their relationship came to an end in September 2024.
Pires announced their separation through social media, explaining that they had decided to go their separate ways after 21 years together and 11 years of marriage.
Despite the separation, both emphasized that they intended to remain close and continue supporting their children.
Jessica later spoke positively about their shared history, explaining that she continued to respect Pires and wanted him to be happy.
Their approach to separation attracted attention because they appeared determined to maintain a cooperative family relationship.
Who was Robert Pires’ first wife?
Before marrying Jessica Lemarie, Robert Pires was married to Nathalie Pires.
Their marriage took place during the earlier years of his football career, when he was establishing himself as a professional player in France.
The relationship ended in divorce in 2003.
Unlike his marriage to Jessica, relatively little information about Nathalie and their relationship has remained in the public spotlight.
Pires subsequently began his relationship with Jessica, with whom he spent more than two decades.
His current romance with Emmanuelle represents another chapter in his personal life following those previous relationships.
How many children does Robert Pires have?
Robert Pires is the father of four children.
He shares three children with his former wife Jessica Lemarie: daughter Naïa, born in 2005, son Théo, born in 2007, and son Alessio, born in 2011.
His fourth child, Olivia Pires, was born on October 31, 2026, with his current girlfriend Emmanuelle Lepkin.
Pires announced Olivia’s arrival shortly after celebrating his 53rd birthday.
The former footballer shared photographs of his newborn daughter, receiving congratulatory messages from former teammates and other football personalities.
His son Théo has also pursued football, continuing the family’s connection to the sport.
Pires recently celebrated Théo’s birthday with a heartfelt social media message expressing his love and support.
Although his children have occasionally appeared in public photographs, Pires generally keeps much of their personal lives private.
Robert Pires’ football career and family life
Robert Pires was born on October 29, 1973, in Reims, France. He became one of the most recognizable French midfielders of his generation.
His professional career included spells with Metz, Marseille, Arsenal, Villarreal and Aston Villa.
Pires achieved international success with France, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000.
He is particularly remembered for his time at Arsenal, where he played an important role in the club’s Premier League success under Arsène Wenger.
His performances during Arsenal’s unbeaten 2003-04 league campaign helped establish his reputation as one of the club’s most influential players.
After retiring from professional football, Pires remained involved in the sport through media appearances, coaching-related activities and football events.
He also recently celebrated his career with a testimonial event in Metz, bringing together several well-known football personalities.
Outside football, his personal life has entered a new phase with Emmanuelle and their daughter Olivia.
Are Robert Pires and Emmanuelle Lepkin married?
Robert Pires and Emmanuelle Lepkin have not publicly confirmed a marriage.
Although they now share a daughter, their relationship is generally described as a romantic partnership rather than a confirmed marriage.
The couple have also avoided discussing possible wedding plans.
Pires’ previous marriage to Jessica Lemarie ended after more than two decades together, and he has since chosen to maintain greater privacy around his new relationship.
Today, Emmanuelle Lepkin is known as Robert Pires’ girlfriend and the mother of his youngest child.
Their daughter’s arrival has brought renewed attention to the former Arsenal star’s family life, showing that his personal journey continues to evolve years after his retirement from professional football.
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