Jake Paul, the controversial YouTuber turned boxer, has announced his engagement to Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam. The announcement came via a social media post on Saturday, sending ripples through both the sports and entertainment worlds. The relationship, which first became public in March 2023 when the pair were spotted on a date in Florida, has now taken a significant step forward.
Paul’s engagement announcement was characteristically extravagant. The photo showcased him kneeling on a balcony, dressed entirely in white, surrounded by an elaborate display of white flowers and candles. The backdrop featured a stunning mountain vista, adding to the romantic ambiance of the scene. The caption was simple and direct: "We’re engaged. We can’t wait to spend forever together."
The proposal follows Leerdam’s recent success at the World Championships, where Paul showered her with praise. He lauded her achievements, noting her multiple victories and her status as a seven-time world champion. "So proud of my baby 1st, 2nd, and 3rd this weekend at the world championships. She’s a 7 time world champion now… The hardest worker and the most gorgeous. You inspire me babe," he posted, highlighting not only her athletic prowess but also his admiration for her dedication and beauty.
Paul also included a somewhat cryptic message in his post, touching on themes of criticism and success. "Isn’t (it) ironic how the person who is the most important athlete to a sport is the one that they try to tear down the most. Can’t relate because we don’t fly at y’all’s altitude. I hope love runs the universe one day." This suggests that Paul perceives Leerdam as being unfairly targeted, perhaps due to her success or her high profile relationship with him. His statement about flying at a different altitude implies that he and Leerdam operate on a level that critics cannot understand. The concluding wish for love to rule the universe adds a touch of idealism to his message.
Jutta Leerdam, at 26 years old, is a highly accomplished speed skater with a remarkable career. She first gained international recognition by becoming the junior world champion at the 2017 World Junior Championships. The following year, she secured a second-place finish at the same event, solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.
Leerdam’s senior career has been equally impressive. She is the 2020 and 2023 World Single Distance champion, showcasing her dominance in individual events. In 2022, she achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the World Sprint Champion in both the 500 and 1,000 meters, demonstrating her versatility and speed across different distances.
Her Olympic achievements are also noteworthy. At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Leerdam won a silver medal in the 1,000 meters, a significant accomplishment on the world’s biggest sporting stage. This medal further cemented her place among the elite speed skaters in the world.
Paul has been a vocal supporter of Leerdam throughout her competitions. Notably, he was present in Norway during the 2025 World Championships, where Leerdam and her team secured a gold medal in the women’s team sprint. His presence and support at these events demonstrate his commitment to their relationship and his genuine interest in her athletic pursuits.
The relationship between Paul and Leerdam has attracted considerable attention due to their respective high-profile careers. Paul, known for his controversial antics and transition from YouTube to professional boxing, is a figure who often generates strong opinions. Leerdam, on the other hand, is celebrated for her athletic achievements and her dedication to her sport.
The engagement announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions online, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the news. Some have expressed congratulations and support for the couple, while others have voiced skepticism or criticism, reflecting the polarized opinions that often surround Jake Paul.
Beyond his personal life, Paul continues to expand his presence in the entertainment industry. He has a reality TV show coming out, featuring him and his brother Logan Paul. The show is set to be released on the streaming platform MAX on March 27, offering viewers a glimpse into their lives and careers. This new venture further diversifies Paul’s portfolio and solidifies his position as a prominent figure in the world of entertainment. He has also made waves in the boxing world, signing fighter Amanda Serrano to a lifetime deal with his promotional company.
The engagement of Jake Paul and Jutta Leerdam represents a merging of two distinct worlds: the often-controversial world of internet fame and professional boxing, and the disciplined and highly competitive realm of elite speed skating. Whether their relationship can withstand the pressures of their respective careers and the public scrutiny that comes with them remains to be seen, but for now, they are celebrating their commitment to a future together. Their story continues to unfold, captivating audiences and generating discussion across social media platforms and traditional media outlets. The coming months will likely bring further developments in their relationship and careers, keeping them firmly in the public eye.
