They say power couples don’t just make headlines, they make history. And when two elite athletes rise through the ranks at the same university and go pro almost in tandem? That’s more than a meet-cute. That’s a full-blown sports romance. Enter Sonia Citron and Marist Liufau: Notre Dame’s golden duo who are now making waves in two of America’s biggest leagues.

You probably know Sonia Citron as the basketball phenom from Notre Dame’s women’s team, recently drafted into the WNBA with cameras flashing and the crowd roaring. But when she walked off the stage at the 2025 WNBA Draft, there was one person by her side, beaming with pride, Marist Liufau. While he may not be dominating WNBA headlines, he’s making a name for himself elsewhere: on the hard-hitting turf of the NFL.

In a rare but heartwarming moment, Liufau and Citron gave fans a peek into their otherwise private relationship when he wrapped her in a hug, moments after she was drafted. That single video instantly became a talking point. Who was the guy supporting Citron during one of the biggest moments of her life? Turns out, he’s not just a supportive boyfriend. He’s a Dallas Cowboys linebacker with a fierce college legacy and a future that’s just heating up.

So who exactly is Marist Liufau? Read on to find out.

Who is Marist Liufau? Which team does the NFL star play for?

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau, a Notre Dame alum and now officially “Citron’s guy,” made his mark early. The Hawaii native dominated at Notre Dame, playing 39 games and leading with explosive tackles and gritty intensity. In 2024, the Cowboys picked him 87th overall in the third round of the NFL Draft.

Liufau racked up 117 total tackles and earned a reputation as one of the fiercest linebackers in college football. He wasn’t just about raw power, he had a presence and a football IQ that put him in the right place at the right time.

In his final season at Notre Dame, he secured a semifinalist spot for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s best linebacker. That same year, he earned the title of Defensive Player of the Game against Navy, a match where his playmaking truly dazzled.

His journey to the NFL didn’t just start in college. Growing up in Hawaii, Liufau brought island toughness and discipline into every play. And that same grit now defines his rookie year with the Cowboys. While he may be new to the pro circuit, his impact is already being felt.

How did Sonia Citron and Marist Liufau meet?

Like many great sports stories, this one started on a college campus—the University of Notre Dame. Both were elite athletes in their own right: Citron on the hardwood, and Liufau on the football field. With grueling training schedules, intense games, and high academic standards, their lives ran parallel. It’s no surprise that they found common ground in their shared hustle.

Although neither of them made a public relationship announcement, the internet did its job connecting the dots. In January last year, Citron posted a sweet Instagram tribute to their second anniversary, captioned, “Two with you🖤.”  That one line confirmed what fans had long suspected: this wasn’t just a fling, it was the real deal.

Those close to the program say Citron and Liufau had an easy chemistry off the court and field. They showed up to each other’s games, shared moments on social media, and supported one another through the highs and lows of student-athlete life. In an environment where pressure is sky-high and privacy is hard to come by, their bond stayed strong.

Fast forward to 2025, and it seems like their relationship has only gotten stronger with distance. While Citron prepares for her WNBA rookie season, Liufau grinds away in the NFL. But no matter how packed their schedules are, they still find time for each other, proof of their low-key, grounded dynamic.

Did Marist Liufau attend the 2025 WNBA Draft to support Sonia Citron?

When Sonia Citron’s name echoed through the draft venue, it was Marist Liufau who stood by her side, wrapping her in a proud embrace that cameras couldn’t get enough of. It wasn’t just a cute moment; rather, it was a confirmation. Despite the long-distance demands and the heavy athletic calendars, Liufau was there for his girlfriend’s big night.

The age gap between them—Liufau being three years older—hasn’t stopped them from aligning their goals and supporting one another. They often drop subtle hints about their relationship on Instagram and X: a congratulatory shoutout, a cozy vacation pic, or a simple emoji that speaks volumes.

As Sonia Citron gears up for her first WNBA season, eyes will be on her both for her performance and her growing profile. Meanwhile, Marist Liufau is battling for a starting spot with the Cowboys. Together, they’re carving a unique path as rising stars in two of America’s most-watched sports leagues.

What’s next for this power couple? If their past few years are any indication, it’s only up from here. With talent, heart, and an unshakable connection, Sonia Citron and Marist Liufau are the sports romance we didn’t know we needed, until now.