- I have been romantically linked for about a year
- Play together for powerhouse Arsenal
- They are currently on holiday together in Rome
Ireland captain Katie McCabe and Matildas goalkeeper Caitlin Foord confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in world football this week by officially announcing themselves as a couple on Instagram.
Rumors surrounding Arsenal’s teammates have been swirling ever since a fiery love triangle emerged during last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup – and now, almost 12 months later, the cat is out of the bag thanks to a single word in a post.
Foord and McCabe are currently on holiday together in Rome, with the Matildas star sharing a host of cheerful snaps from their time away.
She posted the images with the caption: “Sick time away in Rome.”
Injured Matildas captain Sam Kerr took the opportunity to make some lighthearted jokes, replying: ‘Real sick time?’ with a laughing emoji.
But it was McCabe’s response that seemingly cemented their relationship status, with the Irish star simply replying: ‘Amore’ – Italian for love – including a love eyes emoji.
Australian Matildas star Caitlin Foord and Arsenal teammate Kate McCabe appear to have made their relationship official on Instagram
McCabe’s ex-partner Ruesha Littlejohn (left) was not very happy with Foord (right) at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia last year
Foord and McCabe’s romance had been rumored for 12 months before they made it official on social media
The romance is rumored to have started after McCabe broke off her long-term relationship with international teammate Ruesha Littlejohn just before the World Cup.
That got tongues wagging that McCabe and Foord were an item, but aside from the occasional photo or video of the two together, they remained tight-lipped.
Littlejohn made her feelings very public, with her Ireland teammates having to physically restrain her after she aggressively approached Foord at the end of their World Cup match. When the players shared high fives, Littlejohn completely ignored Foord.
Foord had also recently become single after splitting from Swiss midfielder and Arsenal teammate Lia Walti, further fueling the rumours.
‘It’s clear now [sic] that there is some drama between Katie, Reusha and Caitlin,” one Tik Tok user wrote.
“Ruesha, that’s too personal,” wrote another.
Some have suggested that the recent holiday to Rome (pictured) could be an anniversary for Foord and McCabe
The pair were also spotted holidaying together in Australia for Christmas and New Year’s 2023
The happy couple are enjoying some down time following the end of Arsenal’s season
Foord declined to comment at the time. But now that their relationship appears to be Instagram official, their current teammates couldn’t be happier.
However, one follower wasn’t happy about posting a vomit emoji and was quickly reprimanded by McCabe who posted: “Who do you think you are?” with a skull emoji.
However, most fans loved it.
“That’s just the cutest who thought big badass Katie McCabe could be so cute,” one follower replied.
‘I love that they stop hiding it and just be themselves! Good for you both,” said another.
“Rome is a great place for anniversaries,” wrote another in a cheeky reference to the timing compared to last year’s World Cup.
Others suggested that while this post might be the ‘hard launch’ of their relationship, those in the know have been aware of their romance for much longer.
“Ppl say ‘hard launch’ like they forgot Nye,” one follower posted.
McCabe and Foord were photographed enjoying the Christmas holidays together last year, with the Irish star spotted wearing a custom-made bracelet that said ‘Foord’.