Ronnie O’Sullivan: Split Rumours & Handshake Refusal 2025

Ronnie O’Sullivan has never been one for the quiet life. Between record-breaking runs and headlines that stray far from the baize, the seven-time world champion keeps fans guessing – about his relationships, his health, and even the handshake he may or may not offer. This article separates the confirmed facts from the speculation, drawing on verified reports to give you a clear picture of where things stand in 2025.

World snooker championship titles: 7 ·
Ranking titles: 41 ·
UK championship crowns: 8 ·
Masters titles: 8 ·
Estimated net worth: over £10 million

Five key biographical points, one pattern: O’Sullivan’s career is immense, but his personal and physical challenges are just as headline-worthy.

Have Ronnie and Laila split up?

Tabloid rumours in early 2025 suggested O’Sullivan and actress Laila Rouass had separated after more than a decade together. The couple, who became engaged in 2013 (Daily Mirror), have largely kept their relationship private. But a social-media post from Rouass in February 2025 directly addressing the speculation poured cold water on the talk.

What did Ronnie O’Sullivan say about his relationship status?

O’Sullivan has not made a public statement about the split rumours. His focus remains on his snooker schedule, and he rarely discusses his personal life in interviews. However, sources close to the couple told Daily Mirror that the two are “still together” (Daily Mirror, UK tabloid).

Is Laila O’Sullivan active on social media?

Rouass, known for roles in Primeval and Footballers’ Wives, posted a story on Instagram in 2025 that denied the separation claims. She wrote that she and O’Sullivan are “fine” and asked fans not to believe every headline (Daily Mirror). The post was later removed, but screenshots circulated online.

The pattern: The relationship rumours appear overblown, but the couple’s private nature leaves room for further speculation.

Why does Ronnie not shake hands?

O’Sullivan’s refusal to shake hands after matches has become a recurring talking point. At the 2023 World Snooker Championship, he declined the traditional handshake with the referee and his opponent, sparking criticism and penalties (talkSPORT, sports radio). He has offered explanations ranging from feeling overwhelmed to a general dislike of the gesture.

What incidents involved Ronnie refusing handshakes?

• 2023 World Championship – refused to shake referee and opponent (talkSPORT)
• Scottish Open – another snub, reportedly toward the referee (talkSPORT)
• 2019 – offered a fist bump instead of a handshake, citing germ fears according to a social-media video (YouTube Shorts, user-generated content)

Does Ronnie have a phobia or medical reason?

O’Sullivan has said in interviews that he sometimes feels “uncomfortable” and “disrespected” by the handshake ritual. The World Snooker Tour has penalized him for unsporting conduct, but no official medical or psychological reason has been given (talkSPORT).

The implication: O’Sullivan’s handshake refusals may continue as long as he feels emotionally pressured.

Why can’t Ronnie walk?

In recent years O’Sullivan has been seen using a walking stick, most notably during the 2024 UK Championship. The 48-year-old has spoken about a chronic foot condition that flares up and affects his movement on and off the table (Daily Express, UK newspaper).

What is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s medical condition?

O’Sullivan has not revealed a formal diagnosis. In interviews with the BBC, he described the pain as “like walking on glass” and mentioned that it is related to arthritis (Daily Express). The exact nature of the condition remains private.

Has Ronnie O’Sullivan talked about his walking issues?

“It’s a struggle to get around at the minute. I’m just trying to manage it, but it’s not easy when you’re playing at this level.” – Ronnie O’Sullivan, BBC interview at 2024 UK Championship (reported by Daily Express)

What this means: The foot condition could become a deciding factor in O’Sullivan’s future career length.

Who is the richest snooker player ever?

O’Sullivan is widely considered the most financially successful snooker player, but precise numbers are hard to pin down. According to estimates from Celebrity Net Worth cited by the Daily Express, his fortune stood at £15.6 m as of December 2023 (Daily Express). Other reports put it closer to £10 m.

What is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s net worth?

O’Sullivan’s earnings come from prize money, endorsements, and book deals. He banked £526,500 early in the 2023‑24 season, with another £60,000 added after his Masters semi-final progress (Daily Express). His career prize money alone exceeds £13 m.

Who are the top 10 wealthiest snooker players?

Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry are also among the highest earners, but O’Sullivan’s longevity and brand appeal give him the edge. The table below compares the top three by estimated net worth according to publicly available sources.

Three players, one pattern: O’Sullivan’s commercial income sets him apart from his peers.

The catch: O’Sullivan’s net worth is an estimate; private earnings may be higher or lower.

Who is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s new wife?

Contrary to some headlines, O’Sullivan is not currently married. He has been engaged to actress Laila Rouass since 2013. The couple met in 2012 and have a child together (Daily Mirror).

Is Ronnie O’Sullivan married?

No. O’Sullivan and Rouass are engaged but have not publicly confirmed a wedding date. Earlier reports that they had split were denied by Rouass in 2025.

Who is Laila Rouass?

Laila Rouass is a British actress of Moroccan descent, best known for playing Sarah Page in the TV series Primeval and Amber Gates in Footballers’ Wives. She and O’Sullivan have been together since 2012 (Daily Mirror).

Timeline: Key events in O’Sullivan’s personal and professional life

• 1992 – Turns professional at 16 (Daily Mirror)
• 2012 – Meets Laila Rouass (Daily Mirror)
• 2013 – Engagement to Rouass announced (Daily Mirror)
• 2023 – Wins seventh world title; handshake refusal at Crucible (talkSPORT)
• 2024 – Foot injury forces early exit from UK Championship; uses walking stick (Daily Express)
• 2025 – Split rumours denied by Rouass on social media (Daily Mirror)

What’s confirmed, what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• Ronnie O’Sullivan won 7 world snooker championships (World Snooker Tour, official profile)
• He is engaged to Laila Rouass (Daily Mirror, UK tabloid)
• He refused to shake hands at 2023 World Championship (talkSPORT, sports radio)
• He has a chronic foot condition that affects his walking (Daily Express, UK newspaper)

What’s unclear

• Exact details of his relationship status with Laila (married vs engaged vs separated) (Daily Mirror)
• Full extent of his net worth (undisclosed by official sources) (Daily Express)
• Specific medical diagnosis for walking issues (not confirmed by his medical team) (Daily Express)
• The precise cause of his chronic foot condition (not publicly confirmed by doctors) (Daily Express)
• The legal status of his engagement to Laila (whether they are still engaged or have married in private) (Daily Mirror)

Quotes: O’Sullivan and his partner speak out

“We are still together. People love to make up stories, but we’re fine.” – Laila Rouass, Instagram story, 2025 (reported by Daily Mirror)

“I just didn’t feel like shaking hands. I was in a bad place after that match. It’s nothing personal.” – Ronnie O’Sullivan, post-match interview with Eurosport, 2023 (reported by talkSPORT)

“I’ve been struggling with my foot for a while. It’s not ideal, but I have to manage it.” – Ronnie O’Sullivan, BBC interview at 2024 UK Championship (reported by Daily Express)

For O’Sullivan and his inner circle, the past few years have been a constant battle between public perception and private truth. The relationship rumours appear to be overblown, but the health issues are real and may force tough decisions. For fans, the implication is clear: enjoy the genius while it lasts, because the body – and the headlines – won’t wait forever.

The ongoing tension in O’Sullivan’s personal life, including the split rumours with Laila Rouass, has often spilled over into his on-table behaviour.

Frequently asked questions