42-year-old Carmelo Anthony’s new romance! His girlfriend is the widow of a late NFL star, and their dating photos have surfaced.

On June 12, Beijing time, per US outlet TMZ, 42-year-old retired NBA player and sports analyst Carmelo Anthony has been linked to a new partner—Raquel, the widow of an NFL star who was fatally shot.

Raquel is the widow of former NFL All-Pro defensive end Will Smith. Will Smith played his whole career for the New Orleans Saints, earning a reputation as a team icon. With his contribution, the Saints significantly improved and won their first Super Bowl title in 2009. On April 9, 2016, Will Smith was shot and killed in New Orleans during a road-rage incident triggered by a traffic accident. He was only 34 years old. Raquel was right beside her husband at the time and was also shot in the leg. After a retrial, the shooter was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2024.

Raquel recently drew widespread attention again after posting photos with Carmelo Anthony on social media. Several pictures and videos captured the two spending time together, leading many netizens to believe it was a date, and rumors of a romance soon spread. Raquel also included an inspirational caption: “Life is short, why be miserable?”

Carmelo Anthony is a well-known NBA player who played for the Nuggets, Knicks, Thunder, Rockets, Trail Blazers, and Lakers. His ex-wife, La La Anthony, is a famous American TV host. The couple married in 2010 and officially divorced in 2021, sharing one son. Additionally, Anthony has a daughter with his ex-girlfriend Mia Burks.

Reports suggest that Anthony and Raquel’s connection did not just begin recently. As early as September 2025, the two were spotted together in Puerto Rico attending a concert by Bad Bunny. At that time, Raquel also shared a close-up photo of Anthony on social media. In the latest footage from 2026, the pair were seen vacationing together in Saint-Tropez, France. Their elevator selfies and intimate holiday companionship have fueled growing speculation of a low-key public confirmation of their relationship. Even though both parties remain silent, the images have already sparked widespread discussion among the public.