Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is married to Melli Monaco, a French social media influencer and singer. The couple tied the knot in January 2025 after a year-long engagement. Despite settling into married life, Arenas' romantic history continues to intrigue fans, with notable relationships including Laura Govan and Lindsay Faulk.
Profile Summary
Gilbert Jay Arenas Jr. was born on 6 January 1982 in Tampa, Florida. He is 44 years old as of 2026. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 215 pounds, the former basketball player is of African-American ethnicity and practices Christianity. He has five children and is currently married to Melli Monaco.
Gilbert Arenas' Wife: Melli Monaco
Melli Monaco is a French social media personality and singer known for songs like Enjoy Yourself, Come Close, and War. Her relationship with Arenas reportedly began in 2023 during one of her livestreams, where Arenas expressed interest in the comments. Viewers helped the former NBA star get her attention. The couple got engaged in August 2024 at the Eiffel Tower in Paris and married on 20 January 2025 in a private ceremony.
In a May 2025 YouTube video, Monaco shared insights into their relationship: 'I want to say accepting each other for who we are, but also being willing to change and adjust when one feels uncomfortable. It is a mix, but I really don’t think it is hard.' She added that marriage did not significantly change their dynamic, stating, 'I felt like what we had before would be the same once we were married.'
Gilbert Arenas' Dating History
Laura Govan (2002-2014)
Arenas' most publicized relationship was with Laura Govan, a TV personality. They began dating in the early 2000s and were engaged but never married. Together, they had four children: Izela (2005), Alijah (2007), Hamiley (2009), and Aloni (2011). Their relationship was marked by public disagreements and an on-and-off nature. Govan described it as emotionally intense, saying, 'We would fight, and then we'd let loose. And it was our love language.' After splitting in 2014, they faced disputes over finances and child support.
Lindsay Faulk (2014)
After his split from Govan, Arenas was linked to Lindsay Faulk, an aesthetician and entrepreneur. They kept their relationship private but welcomed a daughter, Gia Arenas, in November 2014. Faulk was previously married to Marshall Faulk and has three children from that marriage. She appeared on reality shows like Basketball Wives LA.
Draya Michele (Unknown Period)
In a 2024 interview, Arenas confirmed a past relationship with Draya Michele, describing it as a time when he was 'wild.' Laura Govan alleged the relationship occurred while she and Arenas were together, claiming he gifted Draya $25,000. Draya denied the claims, stating the encounter happened before she knew Govan. Rumors that Arenas fathered Draya's eldest son were dismissed by both parties.
FAQs
Who is Gilbert Arenas' ex-wife? He has no ex-wife as he has never divorced.How did Gilbert Arenas and Melli Monaco meet? They connected through Monaco's livestreams.When did they marry? 20 January 2025.Is he still married? Yes, to Melli Monaco.Who are his kids? Izela, Alijah, Hamiley, Aloni, and Gia.Who are the mothers? Laura Govan (four children) and Lindsay Faulk (one child).What happened with Laura Govan? They had a tumultuous relationship ending in public disputes.Did he date Draya Michele? Yes, he confirmed a past relationship.
Gilbert Arenas remains focused on family and fatherhood despite past controversies. His wife Melli Monaco and their marriage mark a new chapter in his life.
