The England and Manchester City star John Stones has enjoyed a stellar football career. But off the pitch, his personal life, particularly his relationship with long-time partner Millie Savage, has also captured media attention. From childhood romance to a public split, here’s a timeline of their relationship and what followed.
From School Sweethearts to Parenthood
John Stones and Millie Savage grew up together in South Yorkshire. They met during school and started dating in their early teens, building a more than decade-long relationship. In 2017, the couple welcomed their daughter, marking a significant step in their journey as a family.
Millie often supported Stones during matches for Manchester City and England, especially during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Stones gained global recognition.
Sudden Split in 2018
The relationship ended abruptly in late 2018, shortly after Christmas. Reports at the time claimed that Stones told Millie, “It’s over. I want more freedom,” before moving out of their Manchester home.
The breakup surprised many, including Millie. She later shared the difficulty of the experience, primarily as it unfolded in the public eye. In an interview, she said, “Footballers are treated like gods, and John bought into it. He let fame go to his head.”
The emotional toll was significant, particularly with the added challenge of co-parenting their daughter in the public spotlight.
New Relationship with Olivia Naylor
Following the breakup, Stones began dating Olivia Naylor, a former beautician and businesswoman based in Manchester. The pair kept their relationship relatively private in the early days, though they were frequently seen together at events.
Their relationship gained more attention in 2023 when they welcomed their son. In August 2024, Olivia announced their engagement on social media, calling it one of the happiest moments of her life. The couple now lives together and often shares glimpses of their family life.
Co-Parenting and Moving Forward
Despite the highly publicised breakup, John and Millie prioritised co-parenting their daughter. Since the split, Millie has mainly stayed out of the media, focusing on her personal life and her daughter’s well-being.
John Stones, meanwhile, continues to thrive professionally. He played a key role in Manchester City’s domestic and European success and remains a crucial part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Conclusion
The story of John Stones and Millie Savage is one of young love, public pressure, and personal growth. From school sweethearts to co-parents, their journey reflects the challenges many public figures face in maintaining relationships under intense scrutiny.
Today, both have moved on. Stones has found happiness with Olivia Naylor, expanding his family and embracing a new chapter. Millie continues to focus on motherhood and her path.
While their relationship may be over, the shared bond of raising a daughter continues to connect them—away from the spotlight.
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