The 34-Year Difference: Who Is Valeria Nicov, Sean Penn's New Girlfriend In 2025?

Sean Penn’s tumultuous and high-profile romantic life continues to capture global attention, with the Hollywood icon stepping out in 2025 with a new partner, Valeria Nicov. The relationship has quickly become a subject of intense public discussion, primarily due to the significant 34-year age gap between the 65-year-old Oscar winner and the 30-year-old Moldovan model and actress. This article, updated in December 2025, provides the most current details on their relationship, Nicov’s impressive background, and the ongoing public reaction to the controversial pairing.

The couple’s public appearances throughout 2025, from the Cannes Film Festival to exclusive galas, have solidified Nicov’s place as the actor's current girlfriend, following his third divorce from actress Leila George in 2022. While Penn remains a powerhouse in cinema, starring in recent films like Asphalt City and Daddio, his dating life often overshadows his professional work, prompting a deep dive into the woman who now holds his attention.

Valeria Nicov: A Comprehensive Profile of Sean Penn's Partner

Valeria Nicov is far more than just "Sean Penn's girlfriend"; she is a multilingual model, actress, and creative with a rapidly growing career. Her background is a fascinating blend of European culture and artistic ambition.

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• Full Name: Valeria Nicov
• Year of Birth: 1998 (Approximate Age: 27 in late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Chișinău, Moldova
• Current Base: Paris, France
• Profession: Actress, Model, Blogger
• Education: Studied acting at the Academy of Music, Theatre, and Fine Arts in Moldova, followed by additional training in France.
• Notable Film/TV Roles: She is credited with a cameo role as a "Bartender" in the popular Netflix series Emily in Paris. Her other French TV and film credits include Paris Pigalle, Faites des gosses, and Mike.
• Modeling Career: Nicov has worked with several high-end fashion brands, including Carolina Herrera, Maison Ola, and Bonanza Paris.
• Impressive Skills: She is an accomplished polyglot, reportedly speaking up to seven languages fluently, including French, English, Spanish, Russian, Romanian, Ukrainian, and Italian.

Nicov's extensive linguistic capabilities and European artistic training demonstrate a sophisticated profile that goes beyond the typical celebrity model. Her move from Chișinău to the Parisian fashion and film scene highlights a strong drive and career focus.

The Timeline of Penn and Nicov's Age-Gap Romance

Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov’s relationship became public knowledge in late 2024, though it is speculated they had been quietly dating for some time prior. Their first major public appearance together set the stage for the media frenzy that followed.

Public Debut and Red Carpet Appearances

The couple made their red-carpet debut at the 21st Marrakech International Film Festival, an event that instantly drew global media attention. The sight of the veteran actor, known for his intense roles in films like Mystic River and Milk, hand-in-hand with the young Moldovan actress sparked immediate commentary on the significant age difference.

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Throughout 2025, they have continued to appear at high-profile events, including the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival, a staple for Penn who often premieres his work there. However, some media outlets noted instances where the couple appeared "distant" or "cold" at recent galas, sparking further speculation about the dynamics of their private relationship.

The 34-Year Age Gap Controversy

The 34-year age difference has been the primary focus of the media narrative, leading to a significant amount of "relationship backlash" on social media platforms. At 65, Sean Penn is closer in age to Nicov's father, and the actress is reportedly younger than both of Penn's adult children, Dylan Penn (34) and Hopper Penn (32), whom he shares with ex-wife Robin Wright. This detail has fueled the "May-December romance" discussion, with many critics questioning the power dynamics inherent in such a large age disparity.

Despite the public scrutiny, Penn has offered a glimpse into his philosophical approach to relationships. In a previous interview, he stated, "I'm just free. If I'm going to be in a relationship, I'm still going to be free, or I'm not," a sentiment that suggests his pursuit of connection is unconstrained by conventional expectations or public opinion.

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Sean Penn's Storied and Complex Dating History

Valeria Nicov joins a long and illustrious list of women who have been romantically linked to the two-time Academy Award winner. Penn's relationship history is as famous as his filmography, marked by three marriages and several high-profile partnerships.

The Three Wives: Madonna, Robin Wright, and Leila George

Penn's three official marriages are foundational to understanding his complex romantic journey:

• Madonna (1985–1989): His first marriage was to pop superstar Madonna. Their highly volatile and intensely scrutinized union was a constant tabloid fixture during the 1980s.
• Robin Wright (1996–2010): Penn's longest marriage was to actress Robin Wright, which produced his two children, daughter Dylan Frances Penn and son Hopper Jack Penn. This relationship was often characterized by its on-again, off-again nature before their final divorce.
• Leila George (2020–2022): His most recent marriage was to actress Leila George, the daughter of actor Vincent D'Onofrio. The couple married during the pandemic and divorced just two years later, with George citing irreconcilable differences.

Other Notable Relationships

In the periods between his marriages, Penn has also dated other major Hollywood figures, further cementing his status as one of the industry's most sought-after bachelors. These include actresses Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson, demonstrating a consistent pattern of dating successful, strong women in the entertainment field.

The Future of the Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov Romance

As 2025 draws to a close, the relationship between Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov remains a focal point of celebrity news. The pairing brings together Penn’s legacy as a cinematic and political activist—a man known for his work with CORE Response and his recent film projects like One Battle After Another—with Nicov’s rising star in the European modeling and acting world.

Their shared life in the spotlight, particularly given the contentious age gap, ensures that every red carpet walk, every public interaction, and every quote will be dissected by the media and the public. Whether this relationship will follow the brief trajectory of his marriage to Leila George or settle into a more enduring partnership remains to be seen. For now, Valeria Nicov is the latest chapter in the compelling, unconventional love story of one of Hollywood’s most enduring and controversial figures.

The couple’s ability to navigate the intense scrutiny—especially the discussions surrounding the "age gap romance" and "relationship backlash"—will ultimately determine the longevity of their connection. With both individuals having demanding careers, Nicov’s modeling for brands like Carolina Herrera and Penn’s upcoming projects like Animals in War (2025), managing their time and public image will be key to their success.