Virat Kohli, before his marriage with Anushka Sharma, was romantically involved with Brazilian model and actress Izabelle Leite.
Once romantically linked
to Kohli, she found herself in the headlines once more in, not due to any new relationship, but thanks to a simple, witty comment after being pulled back into the spotlight after more than a decade.
Who Is Izabelle Leite?
Born Izabelle De Farias on September 1, 1990, in JoÃo Pessoa, ParaÍba, Brazil, Izabelle Leite is a model-turned-actress who made her mark in the Indian entertainment industry. She began modelling at a young age and appeared in campaigns for major brands including Lakme, Procter & Gamble, and Big Bazaar.
Her Bollywood journey started with the 2013 youth drama Sixteen. She went on to feature in films such as Talaash opposite Aamir Khan, Purani Jeans, Mr. Majnu, and World Famous Lover alongside Vijay Deverakonda. She also gained popularity for her role in Guru Randhawa's hit music video "Lahore.
Now 35, Leite has stepped back from the intense glare of Indian showbiz. She is married, keeps her husband's identity private, and resides in Doha, Qatar, where she focuses on family life with her two young daughters. Her Instagram account (@xoizaleite), followed by hundreds of thousands, showcases travel, motherhood, and lifestyle moments.
Her Relationship With Virat Kohli: A Private Two-Year Romance
Before Virat Kohli's high-profile relationship and eventual marriage to Anushka Sharma, he was reportedly involved with Izabelle Leite from 2012 to 2014. The two reportedly met while shooting a commercial in Singapore and maintained an extremely low-key connection, with almost no public photographs or statements released during their time together.
In a 2014 interview, Izabelle openly acknowledged the relationship, stating that Virat was one of the first Indian friends she made upon arriving in India. "We were dating for quite a while. We were together for almost two years. But we didn't want to make it public, she said, adding that the breakup was amicable and by mutual consent. Kohli has never publicly commented on the matter.
Occasional old photographs of the pair have resurfaced over the years, often sparking nostalgia and online discussions among fans.
Why Is She Going Viral Now?
The latest buzz began in mid-April 2026 when Virat Kohli's verified Instagram account reportedly liked (and later unliked) a striking photograph posted by German-South African influencer and vlogger LizLaz. The action triggered widespread memes, jokes about algorithmic errors, and comparisons to a similar incident involving actress Avneet Kaur the previous year.
An Instagram page subsequently shared a collage highlighting women associated with Kohli's "elite taste, including Izabelle Leite, Anushka Sharma, LizLaz, and Avneet Kaur. The post suggested that high standards were simply part of the cricketer's brand.
Leite, who typically stays away from online drama, responded with a comment that instantly caught fire: a tired-face emoji followed by the words, "it's been 12 years, and counting. Why can't people get over it. "
Her humorous and graceful reply resonated widely, drawing praise for its wit and relatability. Fans flooded her profile with supportive messages, while the comment highlighted how celebrity exes continue to be drawn into every new social media moment involving Kohli, even more than a decade later.
Unlike many who seek continued relevance, Izabelle Leite has chosen a path of quiet contentment. She occasionally engages in modelling and content creation but primarily dedicates herself to raising her daughters and enjoying family moments in Qatar.
