In a sports world often defined by drama and competition, Marist Liufau’s applause for Sonia Citron was a gentle reminder of what really matters—connection, support, and love
It was a small moment, but it echoed widely, touching fans across leagues and social platforms.
And for two young athletes navigating the pressures of professional sports, it was a public affirmation of something real. In that split-second of clapping and smiling, the world saw not just a highlight play, but a relationship rooted in mutual admiration and pride.
The story of Marist Liufau and Sonia Citron is still being written. There will be more games, more highlights, more victories — and likely, more viral moments.
But what makes them truly inspiring isn’t just their athletic talent, or their Instagram-worthy kisses after big wins. It’s the respect, admiration, and deep connection that clearly underpins their relationship.
Whether it’s Liufau learning resilience from Citron’s on-court presence, or Citron feeling empowered by her boyfriend’s unwavering support, the two push each other to be better — not just as athletes, but as people.
In a world that’s often caught up in stats and storylines, this is one love story that reminds us of the human side of sports — and how, sometimes, the most powerful wins happen off the field.
Also Read: Christian McCaffrey Reacts to Fred Warner’s Blockbuster NFL Payday
Table of Contents
Marist Liufau and Sonia Citron: Love Story on and off the Field
In the world of sports, power couples are nothing new. From legends like Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra to modern icons like Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, the blend of athletic excellence and romantic connection never fails to capture public interest.1
Now, a new duo is making headlines: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau and Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron.
Their recent courtside moment after a Mystics victory has shined a spotlight on their blossoming relationship — one rooted in mutual admiration, college ties, and shared athletic discipline.
A Courtside Kiss That Went Viral
On Sunday, the Mystics faced off against the Connecticut Sun in what turned out to be a triumphant evening for Washington.
While Sonia Citron contributed to the Mystics’ win with her signature calm and focused demeanor, the highlight for many fans came after the final buzzer.
Marist Liufau was spotted courtside, proudly cheering on his girlfriend, and the two shared a sweet kiss in celebration of the victory.
Photos of the couple quickly surfaced on social media, with B/R W Sports posting an affectionate snapshot to Instagram. The caption read:
“Marist Liufau, Sonia Citron’s boyfriend, pulled up for Mystics vs. Sun ❤️ Marist plays for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. Power Couple.”
Fans immediately responded with admiration and excitement, dubbing the pair a rising star couple in the sports world.
From Notre Dame to the Pros: Shared Origins
What makes the Liufau-Citron connection even more meaningful is their shared college background at Notre Dame. Both were standout athletes in their respective sports during their time with the Fighting Irish.
Sonia Citron emerged as a reliable and dynamic presence on the women’s basketball team, known for her elite shooting, defensive toughness, and basketball IQ.
Meanwhile, Marist Liufau was a fierce and relentless linebacker, making his mark on the football field with his athleticism and leadership.
Their paths may have differed in terms of the sport they pursued, but their shared values — discipline, resilience, and humility — drew them closer together.
Rising Careers, Rooted in Support
Now in the professional arena, both Sonia and Marist are entering pivotal moments in their careers. Citron was selected in the first round of the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics, a team currently rebuilding and investing in young talent.
Her rookie season has been filled with both promise and growing pains, a common reality for first-year players adjusting to the WNBA’s fast pace and elite talent pool.
Marist, meanwhile, is working to carve out a prominent role in the Cowboys’ linebacker rotation. Known for his versatility and instinctive play, Liufau is aiming to make an impact in a defensive unit that’s already considered one of the best in the NFL.
Despite their demanding schedules, the two have made it a point to be there for each other — whether through late-night texts, road trip visits, or showing up to games.
What Marist Liufau Admires About Sonia Citron?
In March 2025, during an appearance on the podcast Wake Up The Echoes, Marist Liufau spoke candidly about Sonia and the impact she’s had on his life, both personally and professionally.2
“What you see with Sonia on the court — like how her demeanor and how she handles herself … that’s exactly who she is off the court,” he said. “It’s just like you miss a shot you got to go back and play defense. Just taking that aspect of her game, being able to move on from something is something that I admire from her.”
His words reveal a deep respect not just for Citron’s athletic ability, but for her mental fortitude. Her mindset — of resilience and grace under pressure — is something Liufau says he’s actively trying to learn from and apply in his own life.
— Marist Liufau (@marist_09) April 11, 2025
Balancing Fame and Love in the Spotlight
It’s no secret that athletes live under intense scrutiny. From post-game interviews to social media speculation, their personal lives are often dissected by fans and media alike.
Yet, Sonia and Marist have managed to strike a balance between sharing their love story and keeping things grounded.
They’ve been vocal, but never flashy. Open, but never performative. Whether it’s posting a photo together during the offseason or a candid quote in an interview, their relationship feels authentic — a refreshing change in a world where so much is curated.
A Future Defined by Possibility
At just 22 (Citron) and 24 (Liufau) years old, this young couple has an exciting future ahead. Their careers are still in the early stages, but the potential for greatness is evident.
Sonia Citron has all the tools to become a WNBA All-Star. Her length, shooting ability, and poise under pressure make her a coach’s dream. With proper development and experience, she could become one of the league’s top two-way guards.
Marist Liufau, on the other hand, is steadily building a reputation as a smart, instinctive linebacker with natural leadership qualities.
While the NFL is fiercely competitive, Liufau’s work ethic and mental toughness give him a real shot at becoming a key contributor on one of football’s most storied franchises.
Marist Liufau: Fan Reactions
The Power Couple We Didn’t Know We Needed
Since the Instagram photos went live, fans from both the NFL and WNBA worlds have shown overwhelming support for the couple.3
Comments like:
-
“A true sports power couple!”
-
“Sonia is a beast and Marist is the perfect supportive partner!”
-
“Notre Dame raised ‘em right!”
…are just a few examples of how the sports community has embraced this duo.
The Symbolism of Their Story
Beyond the romance and the viral moments, Marist Liufau and Sonia Citron’s relationship represents something larger: the growing intersection of men’s and women’s professional sports.
In a time where the WNBA is gaining more recognition and NFL players are using their platforms to promote equality, seeing an NFL linebacker courtside for his girlfriend’s WNBA game speaks volumes.
It’s a reminder that the support doesn’t just go one way — women athletes are no longer relegated to the sidelines of their partners’ success. They are stars in their own right, and deserve to be celebrated the same way.
Also Read: Farewell to a Viking Warrior: NFL Legend Jim Marshall Passes Away at 87
Marist Liufau Cheers for Sonia Citron During WNBA Game
In the midst of an intense WNBA matchup on Sunday, a touching courtside moment went viral.
As rookie guard Sonia Citron of the Connecticut Sun scored a key bucket, she had a familiar face in the crowd standing and clapping proudly—her boyfriend, Marist Liufau, linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys.
Though it was just another bucket in a fast-paced game, the celebration that followed resonated far beyond the court. Fans and media alike latched onto the sweet display of support, as Liufau’s reaction was captured on video and later shared on his Instagram Story with a red heart and fire emoji.
The gesture, though simple, added a layer of human connection to the world of professional sports, reminding us that even elite athletes have moments where love trumps competition.
Sonia Citron: The Rising Star of the WNBA
Sonia Citron, a standout guard from Notre Dame, entered the WNBA with high expectations. Selected in the 2024 WNBA Draft, she quickly became a key contributor for the Connecticut Sun.
Known for her high basketball IQ, perimeter shooting, and defensive tenacity, Citron has transitioned smoothly to the professional stage.
Her scoring ability, which was on full display during Sunday’s game, has been steadily improving.
The shot that prompted Liufau’s enthusiastic applause wasn’t just a highlight reel play—it was a testament to Citron’s growth and confidence. It also added to her growing reputation as a reliable contributor in clutch moments.
A Touchdown and a Three-Pointer: Sports Power Couple in the Making
Citron and Liufau’s relationship has quietly blossomed behind the scenes, away from the media spotlight.
Both having attended Notre Dame, the couple likely found common ground in the demanding world of student-athlete life. Now, as professionals in their respective sports, they continue to support each other through their rookie seasons.
While Citron lights up the hardwood, Liufau is preparing to make his mark in the NFL. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys as the 87th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the linebacker is working through OTAs and training camp with hopes of earning rotational reps in Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme.
Their respective schedules may be hectic, but their mutual support is evident—especially in moments like Sunday’s courtside celebration.
Marist Liufau: From Notre Dame Standout to NFL Prospect
Liufau’s road to the NFL hasn’t been without challenges. After dealing with injuries early in his collegiate career, the linebacker became a reliable presence for the Fighting Irish defense.
His senior year saw a leap in production, showcasing his sideline-to-sideline range, leadership, and hard-hitting instincts.
Those traits caught the eyes of NFL scouts, and the Dallas Cowboys made him a Day 2 selection.
With Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch already leading the linebacker room, Liufau will be looking to carve out his niche—likely on special teams and as a depth piece—while learning from the best.
Viral Moments in Modern Sports: Why This One Stands Out
In the age of social media, athletes are under constant public observation. Yet some moments transcend the cynicism and scrutiny that often dominate online discourse.
Liufau’s applause for Citron—genuine, unfiltered, and personal—offered a refreshing narrative in a space often focused on stats, contracts, and controversies.
When Liufau shared the video clip to his Instagram Story, fans flooded the comment sections and Twitter timelines with praise. Some called them the next “sports power couple,” while others just appreciated seeing a man supporting his partner without reservation.
In a world where “cool” can sometimes mean detached, Liufau’s open celebration of Citron’s success was both heartwarming and empowering.
Marist Liufau: Paid Partnership
Marist Liufau teamed up in a paid partnership with Tirerack and promoting them through his social media account.
View this post on Instagram
What This Means for Women’s Sports
The WNBA has made significant strides in visibility over the past few years, and moments like this only help further the league’s growth.
When high-profile athletes—especially male athletes from other sports—engage with and promote women’s basketball, it sends a powerful message.
Citron’s play deserves attention on its own merits. But having her partner, an NFL player, proudly amplify her moment expands the audience and increases respect for the women’s game.
This crossover support isn’t new, but it’s becoming more visible—and more impactful—than ever before.
Cowboys’ Rookie Expectations: Liufau’s Path to Playing Time
Back on the gridiron, Marist Liufau has work to do. The Cowboys are entering the 2025 season with high expectations, and the defensive unit is among the most aggressive in the league. For Liufau, the goal will be to earn the trust of the coaching staff during training camp.
While he’s unlikely to start right away, the Cowboys value his athleticism, versatility, and special teams upside.
Linebacker depth is critical in today’s NFL, and injuries often accelerate rookie development. If Liufau can impress early, he may carve out a role sooner than expected.
Also Read: James Cook’s Big Payday Coming? NFL Insider Weighs In After Derrick Henry’s $30M Deal
