Ruben Van Gucht, a Belgian sports journalist known for his work with public television, has once again made headlines, not for his professional achievements, but for his personal life. The 39-year-old father of one child with former wife Blanka Vlašić, a Croatian athlete, has become the proud parent of a second daughter, Florence, born on August 11. The announcement was shared via social media, accompanied by an emotional message that described Florence as their “little lioness,” emphasizing the simplicity and joy of life centered around family. Van Gucht and his long-term partner, Charlotte Van Looy, have been together since 2019. Their relationship, which began in the early years of Van Gucht’s career, has grown more open over time. Both have spoken publicly about their non-traditional approach to relationships, including the idea of an open marriage. This openness has led to multiple partnerships throughout Van Gucht’s life, including a previous marriage to Belgian influencer Laurence Van Tongerloo, which ended seven years before his union with Vlašić. Despite these complexities, Van Gucht and Charlotte have maintained a stable partnership, even sharing a home for nearly four years prior to Florence’s birth. The couple’s journey to parenthood has not been straightforward. While they announced their pregnancy in February, they chose to keep the process private, avoiding the spectacle often associated with celebrity pregnancies. Charlotte, who is also a writer and content creator, expressed her desire for discretion, asking journalists to respect their privacy. She emphasized that their love story did not require additional explanation or justification. Nevertheless, she occasionally shared glimpses into their private life, particularly during the later stages of her pregnancy. Van Gucht’s relationship with Charlotte has drawn considerable attention, especially after he confirmed in July that he was no longer married to Vlašić. He stated clearly during an interview that he was not in a marital relationship with her anymore, though he continued to speak affectionately about his son, Mondo, whom he had with Vlašić. Meanwhile, Charlotte revealed that they had been together for almost six years and had shared a home for nearly four. Her comments, along with Van Gucht’s public statements, fueled speculation about the nature of their relationship and its impact on his other connections. In addition to Charlotte, Van Gucht has been linked to Belgian model Valentine Besard. They met in 2024 at an event in Knokke and reportedly had a secret relationship before it became public. Besard, who has also been vocal about her experiences with Van Gucht, claimed to be his current girlfriend and expressed frustration with the media’s focus on his personal life. She told reporters that she was the “only girl” in his life at the moment, suggesting that Van Gucht’s relationships were complex and ever-changing. Despite the ongoing interest in his personal life, Van Gucht and Charlotte have focused their attention on the arrival of their new daughter. Their social media posts highlighted the significance of Florence’s birth, framing it as a simple yet profound moment in their lives. They used imagery and language that evoked warmth and intimacy, reinforcing the idea that their family unit was built on mutual support and shared values. Meanwhile, Blanka Vlašić, Van Gucht’s former wife, has remained active in her own right. Known for her athletic career and public persona, she recently posted a lighthearted video showing how she uses plastic dinosaurs to apply makeup, mocking the idea of spending money on beauty products while caring for her son, Mondo. The video, which included a playful reference to the song I’m Just a Girl by No Doubt, amused many of her followers and sparked a wave of relatable comments from parents and fans alike. As Van Gucht continues to navigate his evolving personal and professional life, the spotlight remains on his family. With Florence’s birth marking another chapter in his journey, the public will likely continue to follow his story, whether through his work in sports journalism or the unfolding dynamics of his relationships. For now, however, the focus is on the joy of a new life and the bonds that connect him to his children.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Croatia
