Recent reports suggest that Chris Martin, despite moving forward with new relationships, remains emotionally affected by his split from Dakota Johnson earlier this year. Insiders claim the Coldplay frontman harbors regret and unresolved feelings toward his former partner, even as he explores connections with others.
The End of a High-Profile Relationship
Johnson and Martin’s relationship, which began in 2017, was characterized by periods of intense connection and reconciliation. The pair confirmed their romance a year later, briefly separating in 2019 before rekindling their connection. By 2021, they had moved in together, and engagement rumors surfaced in early 2025. However, the relationship ultimately dissolved in June, ending a nearly eight-year run.
Lingering Regret and Control Issues
According to sources speaking to Star Magazine, Martin still refers to Johnson as “the love of his life” and feels deep remorse over the breakup. Despite dating actress Sophie Turner, the singer allegedly continues to dwell on the past.
“There’s a real sadness when he speaks about Dakota because he has a lot of regret,” one insider claimed. “For years he referred to her as the love of his life and they went through so much together, never thought he’d be in this position in his late 40s. He’s making the best of it and enjoying these dates with Sophie, but it’s painfully obvious he’s still hung up on Dakota.”
The breakup was reportedly fueled by a combination of factors, including unresolved control issues on Martin’s part and Johnson’s desire for independence. Sources suggest that Martin repeatedly attempted to win Johnson back, but she remained firm in her decision to end the “toxic” cycle of their on-again, off-again relationship.
Age Gap and Differing Life Goals
Another source speaking to The Sun revealed that the age gap between Martin and Johnson—he is in his 40s, while she is in her early 30s—played a role in their split. The report claims that Johnson expressed a desire to start a family in the future, while Martin had already closed that chapter of his life.
Moving On, But Not Over It?
Since the breakup, Martin has been linked to Sophie Turner, while Johnson has been seen on dates with other men. However, the alleged lingering regret on Martin’s part suggests that he may not be fully over his relationship with Johnson.
The dynamic underscores how even high-profile breakups can leave lasting emotional scars, and how moving on is not always a clean or immediate process. Despite appearing to embrace new connections, Martin’s reported unresolved feelings suggest that the end of his relationship with Dakota Johnson continues to weigh on him
