While Liam Delap has been making headlines for his performances on the pitch with Chelsea at the Club World Cup, things off the field seem far less victorious for the young striker.
According to recent reports, Delap’s year-long relationship with Scottish model and influencer Leanna Paul has come to an unexpected end—right in the middle of his time away with the squad.
A Breakup from Across the Atlantic
Delap, 22, is currently in the U.S. representing Chelsea in the Club World Cup, but his personal life back home appears to have taken a hit.
Entertainment outlet Glam, Set & Match claims that Paul, 25, decided to call things off while he was still overseas with the team.
The timing couldn’t be more awkward, as Delap is not only trying to establish himself at a new club following his £30 million move from Ipswich, but he’s also gunning for a starting spot as Chelsea’s No. 9 heading into the new Premier League season.
Leanna Paul Drops Hints on Instagram
Though neither of them has publicly commented directly on the breakup, Paul didn’t exactly stay silent.
On Instagram, she posted a cryptic but telling story:
“You can’t keep someone loyal by loving them harder.”
The message sparked speculation among her followers, many of whom quickly connected the dots back to Delap.
Paul, who boasts just under 200,000 Instagram followers and more than 325,000 on TikTok, is well-known for her influencer content and fashion blogging.
She and Delap had been dating for over a year before things apparently soured.
Delap Stays Focused On the Pitch
Despite the heartbreak, Delap hasn’t let his personal situation affect his game.
He’s been in fine form at the Club World Cup, scoring his first goal for Chelsea during a dominant 3–0 victory over Esperance Tunis.
The forward has started the last four matches and has featured in five overall, showing strong signs of settling into life at Stamford Bridge.
With Chelsea preparing to face Brazil’s Fluminense in the semi-finals on Tuesday night, Delap will no doubt be hoping to keep his focus sharp—both for his club and his personal momentum.
Aiming for Glory in the Club World Cup
If Chelsea overcome Fluminense, they’ll book a spot in the Club World Cup final on Sunday, where they’ll face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid.
A major international trophy this early in Delap’s Chelsea career could provide a huge confidence boost—and potentially overshadow any personal drama that’s been playing out in the background.