Filipino basketball player Ricci Rivero is romantically linked to national fencing athlete Juliana Gomez, whose relationship with the former collegiate basketball standout has attracted considerable attention in the Philippines. What began as dating speculation in late 2025 developed into a widely discussed romance throughout 2026.
The pair first caught public attention when Rivero reportedly traveled to Thailand to support Gomez during the Southeast Asian Games. Their connection became a bigger topic in January 2026 after a video showing them holding hands at a shopping mall circulated online.
By September, the couple appeared increasingly comfortable attending family gatherings together, including Gomez’s birthday celebration.
Who Is Ricci Rivero’s Girlfriend?
Ricci Rivero’s reported girlfriend in 2026 is Juliana Gomez, a Filipino competitive fencer and the daughter of actor-politician Richard Gomez and actress-politician Lucy Torres-Gomez.
Unlike many people associated with professional athletes, Juliana has established her own sporting career.
She represents the Philippines in fencing competitions and has earned recognition through national and international events.
Her relationship with Rivero has brought together two athletes from different sports, attracting interest from both basketball supporters and fencing enthusiasts.
Although their relationship began away from the spotlight, public appearances and family comments have made their connection increasingly visible.
Who Is Juliana Gomez?
Juliana Gomez is a Filipino fencing athlete born on September 8, 2000.
She is the only daughter of Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez, two prominent personalities in Philippine entertainment and politics.
Despite growing up in a well-known family, Juliana pursued competitive sports rather than relying solely on her parents’ public recognition.
She developed an interest in fencing and eventually competed at the national level.
Her achievements have included participation in major domestic competitions and representing the Philippines internationally.
Juliana’s athletic background gives her a shared understanding of the training demands and public expectations associated with Rivero’s basketball career.
How Did They Meet?
The exact circumstances of Ricci Rivero and Juliana Gomez’s first meeting have not been publicly established.
However, dating speculation emerged in late 2025, when Rivero was reportedly seen supporting Gomez during her fencing activities.
One widely discussed moment involved his trip to Bangkok, Thailand, during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in December 2025.
His presence at the sporting event attracted attention because Gomez was competing as part of the Philippine fencing delegation.
Although attending a competition does not independently confirm a romantic relationship, it encouraged fans to speculate about their connection.
The rumors gained further momentum in the following weeks.
Viral Holding-Hands Video
In January 2026, Ricci Rivero and Juliana Gomez attracted widespread attention after a video appeared to show them holding hands inside a shopping mall.
The footage circulated on TikTok and other social media platforms, prompting discussions about whether the two athletes were officially dating.
Entertainment publications subsequently reported on the video and the growing speculation.
For many followers, the apparent public display of affection suggested their relationship had moved beyond friendship.
Neither athlete initially provided a detailed public explanation of their romantic status.
Nevertheless, the video became an important moment in the public timeline of their reported relationship.
Richard Gomez’s Reaction
Juliana’s father, Richard Gomez, addressed questions about her relationship with Rivero in July 2026.
The actor and politician indicated that he had no objection to his daughter dating the basketball player.
He emphasized that Juliana was an adult and capable of making her own decisions about her personal life.
His comments attracted attention because the Gomez family has long maintained a prominent presence in Philippine public life.
The statement was widely interpreted as a supportive response to the couple’s developing relationship.
However, his remarks should not be confused with a formal announcement about marriage or engagement.
Birthday Celebration
Another important public moment reportedly occurred during Juliana Gomez’s 26th birthday celebration in September 2026.
Rivero attended the gathering in Makati, where members of both families were present.
Social media posts from the celebration attracted interest because they suggested the couple had become comfortable appearing together in family settings.
Rivero’s parents were also reportedly among those celebrating with the Gomez family.
The gathering offered a more personal glimpse into their relationship than the earlier shopping mall video.
For followers who had tracked the romance since late 2025, the celebration suggested that their connection had become increasingly established.
Ricci Rivero’s Basketball Career
Ricci Rivero is a Filipino professional basketball player known for his athleticism, scoring ability and popularity during his collegiate career.
Born on May 25, 1998, Rivero gained national attention while playing for De La Salle University.
He later transferred to the University of the Philippines, where he became an important member of the Fighting Maroons.
Rivero helped UP win the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball championship in 2022.
His collegiate success contributed to his popularity among Filipino basketball fans.
He subsequently entered professional basketball, continuing his career beyond the university level.
His sporting achievements have remained a major part of his public identity, even as his relationships attract entertainment coverage.
His Past Relationships
Before being linked to Juliana Gomez, Rivero had relationships with other well-known Filipino personalities.
He previously dated actress Andrea Brillantes, whose relationship with the basketball player attracted substantial media attention.
Their romance ended in 2023, becoming a widely discussed entertainment story.
Rivero was later romantically involved with Leren Mae Bautista, a former beauty queen and public official.
Reports indicated that Rivero and Bautista separated in late 2025.
His subsequent association with Gomez attracted interest partly because of his previously publicized dating history.
However, his earlier relationships remain separate from his current personal life.
Are They Engaged?
There is no verified public announcement that Ricci Rivero and Juliana Gomez are engaged or married as of October 27, 2026.
Their public appearances have encouraged discussions about the seriousness of their relationship, but neither a proposal nor a wedding date has been reliably established.
Family gatherings and supportive comments do not automatically indicate an engagement.
For now, the available reports describe a romantic relationship rather than confirmed marriage plans.
Latest Update
Ricci Rivero and Juliana Gomez remain publicly associated as a couple in 2026, following months of dating reports, public sightings and family interactions.
Their relationship first attracted attention during the December 2025 Southeast Asian Games and gained momentum after the January 2026 holding-hands video.
Richard Gomez’s supportive comments in July and the September birthday celebration added further context to their relationship.
While fans continue following their romance, Juliana Gomez remains recognized for her fencing career, and Rivero for his achievements in Philippine basketball.
Their relationship has become a notable story involving two Filipino athletes whose professional and personal lives have attracted national interest.
