Jessica Pegula Announces Stunning News: Set to Wed French Football Star Désiré Doué in a Transatlantic Love Story for the Ages
Jessica Pegula Announces Stunning News: Set to Wed French Football Star Désiré Doué in a Transatlantic Love Story for the Ages
In a moment that has taken both the tennis and football worlds by storm, American tennis star Jessica Pegula has officially announced her engagement to rising French football sensation Désiré Doué. The news, which broke through a heartfelt joint Instagram post early Sunday morning, has been met with an outpouring of support and excitement from fans, athletes, and celebrities across the globe.
The post featured a sun-drenched photo of the couple on a private beach in the South of France, where Doué is currently spending his offseason. Pegula, 31, beamed in a flowing white dress while Doué, 20, held her hand as she showed off an elegant, custom-designed engagement ring. The caption read simply, “Forever starts now. 💍❤️ #Engaged #LoveAcrossBorders.”
A Love Story that Crossed Courts and Fields
The pairing of Pegula and Doué might seem unexpected at first glance, but those close to them describe their relationship as a blend of mutual admiration, grounded values, and a shared love for competition and family.
Pegula, currently ranked in the top 10 on the WTA Tour and daughter of Buffalo Bills and Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula, has long balanced the pressures of professional tennis with her family’s high-profile business endeavors. Known for her grit, humility, and steady rise through the ranks, she’s become one of America’s most respected and admired athletes.
Doué, a dynamic midfielder for Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais and one of the most promising young talents in European football, has drawn international attention for his maturity, technical skill, and leadership on the pitch—especially impressive for a player who only turned 20 earlier this year.
According to sources close to the couple, Pegula and Doué first met at a charity gala in Paris in early 2023, where both were representing youth sports initiatives. Despite the age gap and demanding travel schedules, the two reportedly connected over their shared experiences in elite sports, long hours of training, and their mutual desire to give back through philanthropic work.
Engagement and Wedding Plans
While the couple has kept much of their relationship private, it is believed they became engaged during a recent vacation in Provence, where Doué proposed during a sunset picnic overlooking lavender fields. The engagement ring, crafted by a Parisian jeweler, features a rare, ethically sourced sapphire surrounded by small diamonds, said to symbolize “clarity, loyalty, and strength”—qualities both athletes clearly embody.
In a short statement released by Pegula’s publicist, the tennis star shared,
> “Désiré has brought such joy, peace, and love into my life. Despite the pressures of our careers and the miles between us, he’s always been my biggest cheerleader and grounding force. I never imagined love could feel this balanced, this full.”
Doué added through his agent,
> “Jessica inspires me every day. She’s brilliant, driven, and full of heart. I’m proud to walk beside her on and off the field.”
Wedding plans are already underway, with sources close to the couple revealing they are aiming for a dual ceremony—a private family celebration in Buffalo and a second, larger celebration in Rennes, France, to honor Doué’s heritage.
Sports Worlds React
Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement. Fellow tennis stars like Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka chimed in with congratulatory messages. Gauff wrote, “YESSS!! So happy for you both. Power couple of the year 🔥💍💞.”
French international Kylian Mbappé posted a photo of Doué with the caption, “My brother is engaged to a legend! Let’s gooo!” while U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe tweeted, “This is the kind of cross-sport romance the world needs. Huge congrats to Jessica and Désiré!”
The story also captured international media attention, with coverage on ESPN, L’Équipe, BBC Sport, and People Magazine, all praising the pair’s low-key relationship and their inspiring success on their own terms.
What’s Next?
Despite the buzz, both athletes have signaled they plan to continue focusing on their respective sports. Pegula is expected to compete in Wimbledon this summer, while Doué is preparing for the start of the 2025–26 Ligue 1 season. Sources close to the couple say they’ve worked hard to make their schedules align, with frequent meetups during off-seasons and breaks.
Their engagement is not just a celebration of love, but also a powerful symbol of what’s possible when two people from very different worlds commit to building something lasting together.
As sports fans everywhere toast to this modern-day fairytale, one thing is certain: Jessica Pegula and Désiré Doué are not just playing the game—they’re rewriting the rules of what it means to be a power couple in the world of sport.
Congratulations to Jessica and Désiré—from Buffalo to Rennes, your love story has captured the world’s heart.
