Ski superstar Federica Brignone. © Instagram

"My new boyfriend? Nobody will find out."

In a detailed interview, Federica Brignone gave deep insights – and spoke about private topics.

July 29, 2026

From: sn

Federica Brignone is one of the best skiers in Italian history, and therefore also one of the most popular athletes in the country. Nevertheless, one thing is sacred to the 36-year-old from Aosta: her privacy. Brignone rarely speaks about personal matters, true to the motto: what is private stays private.

At the 2026 Winter Olympics – where Brignone became one of the great heroines with two gold medals – this privacy suffered. "Fede" found herself in the gossip headlines after her new boyfriend was spotted in the stands. James Mbaye, a former basketball player and current model, is the new man at Brignone's side, and she made their relationship official a few weeks later with an appearance on the red carpet.

Federica Brignone and her new boyfriend James. © Instagram

In an interview with the Corriere della Sera Brignone was asked about her new relationship – and about the fact that, unlike before, she now appears in public with her boyfriend. "That's not really true. I also appeared in public with my previous boyfriend. He was in the front row when I won globes and medals. Only he was a ski instructor, and nobody recognized him – I'm sorry about that. But I'm the kind of person who never posts unusual photos with anyone. I am and will remain private: Nobody will find out anything about James and me."

"Someone didn't take care of their own business." Federico Brignone

Brignone also spoke about how her privacy was violated at the Olympic Games. "Someone didn't mind their own business, and that still bothers me today. On the other hand, I told myself: If I'm in a relationship, I can't hide my whole life. My rules, however, always remain the same."

Baby yes, wedding no

Italy's ski heroine also spoke about her future – and about a possible baby and a wedding. "Becoming a mother is one of my biggest dreams – unlike getting married. However, it's impossible to become a mother while I'm still an athlete. When I end my career, I want to travel and do other things. Six months here, six months by the sea, doing other extreme sports. I'll never lead a normal life."