Who Is Yamen Sanders? The Ex-NFL Star Shaking Up Love Island All Stars
LONDON, 29 January 2026 – The Love Island All Stars villa has welcomed a wave of American bombshells, and among them is Yamen Sanders, an original contestant from the very first series of Love Island USA. The athlete-turned-influencer is bringing his transatlantic charm to the UK dating show, hoping his second shot at reality TV romance will be more successful than his first.
From the Gridiron to the Villa
Yamen Sanders is a 30-year-old former professional American football player who competed in the NFL before pivoting to a career in modelling and social media. His first foray into reality television came in 2019 when he was an original islander on the debut season of Love Island USA. Despite entering as an OG, his journey was cut short; after several failed couplings, he was dumped from the island on Day 22 of the 30-day experiment alongside fellow contestant Aïssata Diallo.
Key Facts & Stats: Yamen Sanders
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Show | Love Island: All Stars (2026) |
| Role | American Bombshell |
| Previous Show | Love Island USA, Series 1 (2019) |
| Previous Profession | NFL Professional Footballer |
| Current Status | In the villa as of late January 2026 |
| Notable Change | Now the oldest islander following Charlie Frederick’s exit |
A Second Chance at Love
Yamen has described his first Love Island experience as “life-changing,” and he is now part of a major six-person American bombshell invasion on the UK All Stars edition. He enters the villa alongside fellow US alumni Carrington Rodriguez and Zac Woodworth, with the trio dubbed the “All Star American boys” taking their “US A-game international” by the show’s official social media. His arrival comes in the wake of a brutal double dumping that saw fan favourites Shaq and Jess axed, leaving the villa dynamics ripe for change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Yamen Sanders find love on Love Island USA?
No. Yamen was dumped on Day 22 of Love Island USA’s first season. He did form a connection with contestant Tayler, but they did not stay together after the show.
Is Yamen Sanders moving to the UK?
Despite joining the UK branch of the dating series, reports indicate Yamen has no plans to relocate to Britain permanently.
What does Yamen do now?
Since his time on Love Island USA, Yamen has focused on building his profile as a social media influencer and content creator, often sharing fitness routines and relatable videos on platforms like Instagram.