7 Shocking Reasons Why Zayn Malik Just Called Niall Horan His 'Favourite' One Direction Member In 2025

The dynamic between Niall Horan and Zayn Malik has always been one of the most intriguing and closely watched relationships among the One Direction bandmates. For years, the public narrative suggested a significant distance between the two, especially following Zayn’s abrupt departure from the group in 2015. However, in a stunning and highly publicized turn of events, Zayn Malik recently broke the silence on his former bandmates, singling out Niall Horan with effusive and surprising praise that has sent the fandom into a frenzy.

As of December 12, 2025, the conversation around a potential One Direction reunion is less about music and more about mended friendships, thanks to Zayn's candid comments. This deep dive explores the history of their relationship, the shock of Zayn's recent revelation, and what this sudden shift in public sentiment truly means for the future of the five global superstars.

The Unexpected Praise: Zayn's 2025 Revelation and Niall's Reaction

For nearly a decade, the relationship between Zayn Malik and the remaining members of One Direction—Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne—was often characterized by silence, occasional public spats, and mutual distance. Niall, in particular, had previously admitted that keeping in contact with Zayn was difficult and that they were not really friends anymore, a sentiment that saddened many fans.

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That narrative was completely rewritten in late 2024 and early 2025 when Zayn Malik gave a series of candid interviews. When asked about his former bandmates, the famously private singer dropped a bombshell that instantly became headline news: he named Niall Horan as his favourite One Direction member.

• The Core Quote: Zayn didn't just mention Niall; he offered genuine, specific praise, stating that Niall "makes the best music" among the solo artists.
• The Shock Value: This was a monumental statement, as Zayn had rarely spoken positively about his time in the band or his former colleagues since his exit.
• Niall's Response: According to reports, Niall Horan, known for his laid-back and diplomatic nature, received the news and reportedly "returned the love," acknowledging the praise and signaling a mutual respect that fans hadn't seen in years.

This public olive branch is a massive step towards reconciliation and suggests a deep, underlying respect for Niall's successful solo career, which includes his hit albums like Flicker and The Show. It also highlights a potential shift in Zayn's own perspective on his time with the group and his willingness to acknowledge the talent of his former bandmates.

A Deep Dive into the Niall-Zayn Dynamic: From X Factor to Solo Stardom

To understand the magnitude of Zayn's recent comments, one must look back at the unique bond and subsequent rift between the two singers.

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The Early Years: The Brotherly Bond

Niall and Zayn were two of the five young men thrust into global superstardom after being put together on The X Factor in 2010. While all members shared a close bond, Niall’s easy-going, affable nature often contrasted with Zayn’s more reserved, enigmatic personality. They shared countless moments on tour, in interviews, and on stage, forming a deep professional and personal relationship that was foundational to the group's chemistry.

The 2015 Exit and the Fallout

Zayn Malik’s departure in March 2015 was a pivotal moment that sent shockwaves through the music industry. His exit, which he described as a need to be a "normal 22-year-old," created an immediate strain. While the remaining members, including Niall, publicly expressed their sadness and support, the communication lines eventually frayed. The years that followed saw Zayn distance himself, focusing on his own unique R&B-infused solo work like Mind of Mine, while Niall pursued a successful career rooted in folk-pop and acoustic rock.

The musical paths of the two artists diverged significantly. Zayn’s sound was moody, experimental, and distinctly separate from the One Direction sound. Niall, on the other hand, often embraced his singer-songwriter sensibilities, which, ironically, may be what Zayn now respects. The recent praise suggests that, despite the personal distance, Zayn has been closely following Niall’s artistic evolution and genuinely admires his output.

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The Business and Reunion Rumors: Is a Full Circle Moment Possible?

The recent personal reconciliation is not the only factor fueling the renewed interest in the One Direction members. Concurrent with Zayn's praise for Niall, there were significant developments on the business side of the group in late 2025.

Zayn's Business Re-Alignment

Reports surfaced that Zayn Malik had been quietly reinstated as a director in the business operations related to One Direction. While this sparked immediate global speculation about a full musical reunion, subsequent reports clarified that this was likely a legal or financial re-alignment and not a guarantee of a return to the stage. However, the timing is impossible to ignore: a public, positive personal comment from Zayn about Niall, coupled with a quiet, official re-engagement with the band's corporate structure, paints a picture of a man slowly but surely coming to terms with his past.

The Solo Career Comparison: Why Niall's Music Resonates

Zayn's specific comment—that Niall "makes the best music"—is a powerful endorsement. While Harry Styles has achieved massive global success, and Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne have also forged distinct paths, Niall Horan’s solo work has consistently demonstrated a pure, authentic commitment to the craft of songwriting. His albums are critically well-received and showcase his growth as a musician. This focus on musical integrity, rather than just pop stardom, seems to be what earned him the "favourite" title from Zayn, an artist who has always prized artistic control and authenticity.

The solo success of all five members—Zayn, Niall, Harry, Louis, and Liam—has been a continuous topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. Zayn's acknowledgment of Niall's musical quality suggests a respect that transcends the often-competitive nature of the music industry. It’s a nod from one artist to another, recognizing the quality of the work.

What This Means for the Future of One Direction

The recent exchange between Niall Horan and Zayn Malik has provided the most compelling evidence yet that the wounds from the 2015 split are beginning to heal. While a full One Direction reunion remains a highly speculative topic—especially given the massive, individual careers of all five men—the shift in the Niall-Zayn relationship is a crucial piece of the puzzle.

If the most publicly distant member, Zayn, can openly praise and acknowledge one of his former bandmates, it suggests a level of maturity and reconciliation that could pave the way for future collaboration. For fans, this is more than just a friendly comment; it's a sign that the personal animosity has faded, leaving behind mutual respect and admiration for the artistry that blossomed after their time together.

The story of Niall and Zayn in 2025 is a testament to how time can mend even the most public of rifts. It is a story of two artists who started together, took vastly different paths, and have now found a way to bridge the gap through the universal language of music. Whether they ever share a stage again remains to be seen, but for now, the knowledge that the two are on good terms—with one calling the other his favorite—is the reunion fans truly needed.

Relevant Entities/LSI Keywords: One Direction, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, One Direction Reunion, Solo Careers, The X Factor, Mind of Mine, Flicker, The Show, Pillowtalk, Slow Hands, No Control, Bandmates, Relationship Status, Business Operations, Syco Music, 2015 Exit, Favorite 1D Member.