The Shocking Truth About Sabrina Carpenter's Boyfriend: Why Her Latest Split Is Inspiring New Music

As of December 2025, Sabrina Carpenter is officially single, having recently ended her year-long, high-profile relationship with Irish actor Barry Keoghan. The pop sensation's dating life has always been a major talking point, but her latest split has generated an intense buzz, particularly with the release of her new single, "Manchild." Fans and media alike are dissecting the witty, scathing lyrics for clues about the real reasons behind the breakup with the *Saltburn* star. The current focus is less on who her new boyfriend is, and more on the aftermath of her most recent romance, which saw the couple make headlines from the Met Gala red carpet to intimate appearances at the Eras Tour. While she is currently concentrating on her booming music and acting career, this article dives deep into the man who was her last official partner and explores the complete timeline of her love life.

Barry Keoghan: The Last Man Standing in Sabrina's Love Life (For Now)

Barry Keoghan, the Irish actor known for his compelling and often unsettling performances, was Sabrina Carpenter's most recent confirmed boyfriend. Their whirlwind romance captivated fans globally, blending the worlds of pop music and prestige cinema.

Barry Keoghan's Biographical Profile

• Full Name: Barry Keoghan
• Date of Birth: October 18, 1992
• Place of Birth: Summerhill, Dublin, Ireland
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 33
• Occupation: Actor
• Notable Accolades: BAFTA Award winner, Academy Award nominee (for *The Banshees of Inisherin*), two-time Golden Globe Award nominee.
• Breakthrough Films: *The Killing of a Sacred Deer* (2017), *Dunkirk* (2017), *The Banshees of Inisherin* (2022), *Saltburn* (2023).
• Major Roles: Martin in *The Killing of a Sacred Deer*, Dominick in *The Banshees of Inisherin*, Oliver Quick in *Saltburn*.
• Other Appearances: Druig in *Eternals*, uncredited role as The Joker in *The Batman*.

The Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan Relationship Timeline

The relationship between the "Feather" singer and the acclaimed actor began quietly, but quickly escalated into one of Hollywood's most talked-about pairings. Their dynamic—a pop princess and a serious, quirky film star—was instantly fascinating.

December 2023: The First Spark

Rumors first ignited in December 2023 when the pair were spotted on an intimate dinner date in Los Angeles. Sources suggested they had met a couple of months prior.

Early 2024: Public Appearances and Subtle Nods

The couple began to be seen together more frequently, often attending industry events and private parties. Keoghan was famously seen supporting Carpenter during her performances on the global Eras Tour, making subtle appearances that delighted fans.

May 2024: Red Carpet Debut

The relationship was officially cemented when they made their stunning red carpet debut together at the 2024 Met Gala. This high-fashion moment confirmed their status as a power couple.

December 2024: The Breakup Rumors Surface

After nearly a year of dating, sources began to report that the couple had decided to take a break from their romantic relationship. The split was reportedly amicable, with both prioritizing their demanding film and music careers.

May 2025: The Separate Met Gala

One year after their debut, the two attended the 2025 Met Gala separately, a clear sign to the public that the break was a definitive split. Sources close to Carpenter indicated she was "not sad" over the breakup and was staying "busy and distracted."

The Real Meaning Behind "Manchild" and the Ex-Boyfriend Speculation

Following the split from Keoghan, Sabrina Carpenter released her highly anticipated single, "Manchild," in June 2025. The song, a catchy, witty track about dating an emotionally immature partner, immediately set the internet ablaze with speculation. The lyrics of "Manchild" are a scathing, yet sparkly, take on the absurdity of dating a man whose emotional maturity seems to have peaked in their younger years. The song's theme centers on the annoyance of having to deal with an immature man, rather than deep heartbreak. While Carpenter has not explicitly named anyone, fans were quick to point the finger at Keoghan, given the timing of the song's release just months after their breakup. However, the song's message is broad enough to reflect a pattern in her dating history, depicting that she has historically dated guys with "red flags" and tumultuous relationships.

Sabrina Carpenter's Notable Dating History: From Disney to Drama

While Barry Keoghan is the most recent name on the list, Sabrina Carpenter's love life has been a subject of intense public and media scrutiny for years, often intertwined with her career and the careers of her ex-partners.

Bradley Steven Perry (2014)

One of her earliest public relationships was with fellow Disney Channel actor Bradley Steven Perry. The two dated in 2014, a sweet, early romance that she even discussed in interviews at the time.

Griffin Gluck (2019–2020)

Carpenter dated actor Griffin Gluck after they starred together in the movie *Tall Girl*. They were linked from 2019 into early 2020.

Joshua Bassett (2020–2021)

Perhaps her most scrutinized relationship was with actor and singer Joshua Bassett. Their rumored romance, which began around 2020, became a global media sensation due to its alleged link to a love triangle involving singer Olivia Rodrigo and her hit song "drivers license." Carpenter's song "Skin" was widely interpreted as a response to the drama, though she has always maintained the song is about not letting outside noise affect you.

Shawn Mendes (2023)

In early 2023, Sabrina was briefly linked to Canadian singer Shawn Mendes. The two were seen together on multiple occasions, sparking dating rumors, though their connection appeared to be short-lived and never officially confirmed as a long-term relationship.

The Current Status: Single and Focused on Her Career

As of late 2025, Sabrina Carpenter's main focus is her career. The breakup with Barry Keoghan, whether a temporary break or a permanent split, appears to have been a catalyst for new music and creative energy. She is staying busy and distracted with work, embracing her single status. The artist is currently enjoying massive success, both with her music and her continued presence on the global stage, including her high-profile appearances on the Eras Tour. While fans are always eager to know who Sabrina Carpenter's boyfriend is, it seems she is currently her own priority, channeling her life experiences into chart-topping hits like "Manchild." For now, the "mystery boyfriend" is just that—a mystery—and Sabrina is clearly enjoying the freedom of the single life.