Zayn Malik: Relationship, Daughter, Co-Parenting with Gigi Hadid

If you’ve followed Zayn Malik’s journey from One Direction to solo artist, the most surprising headline in recent years isn’t a new album — it’s the way he and Gigi Hadid have quietly built a co-parenting routine around their daughter Khai. With both stars fiercely protective of their privacy, few concrete details have emerged, but here’s what we actually know from verified reports and rare public comments.

Full name: Zain Javadd Malik · Born: 12 January 1993, Bradford, England · Known as: Zayn Malik or Zayn · Occupation: Singer, songwriter, producer · Daughter born: September 2020

Eight key facts about Zayn Malik, drawn from official records and verified media reports:

Is Zayn Malik currently in a relationship?

Who is Zayn Malik’s girlfriend in 2025?

• As of 2025, Zayn Malik is not publicly known to be in a romantic relationship (People).
• Multiple reports describe him and Gigi Hadid exclusively as co-parents, not partners (ELLE).
• Zayn keeps his private life guarded, and no girlfriend has been confirmed since the 2021 split.

In a 2024 interview, Gigi Hadid made rare comments that reinforced the non-romantic nature of their relationship. She told MSN that “we have each other’s backs” in co-parenting Khai, but neither gave any indication of a romantic reconciliation.

The pattern: Zayn Malik has not been linked to anyone publicly since his split with Gigi Hadid. His Instagram feed, which once featured couple shots, now shows only music projects and occasional glimpses of his daughter. The implication: he is prioritizing his role as a father over a public relationship.

Is Zayn Malik from Pakistan or India?

What is Zayn Malik’s ethnicity and family background?

• Zayn Malik was born in Bradford, England, not in Pakistan or India (People).
• His father, Yaser Malik, is a Pakistani immigrant; his mother, Trisha Malik, is English of Irish descent (ELLE).
• Zayn has spoken about his mixed heritage, often referencing his Pakistani roots in his music and interviews.

This background makes him British-born with Pakistani ancestry. He has never claimed Indian heritage, though some confusion arises from the shared South Asian cultural context.

Why this matters: Zayn’s identity as a British-Pakistani artist has been a defining element of his solo career, influencing his sound (incorporating Qawwali elements) and his public persona. He is one of the few mainstream pop stars of Pakistani descent, which gives him a unique cultural footprint.

Did Zayn have a baby?

Who has custody of Zayn’s daughter?

• Zayn and Gigi Hadid welcomed their daughter Khai in September 2020 (People).
• Both parents share custody, with reports indicating a 50/50 arrangement (ET Online).
• Gigi Hadid said in March 2025 that they plan their custody schedules months in advance and that they “help each other out” when schedules shift (MSN).

What did Gigi Hadid say about co-parenting with Zayn Malik?

“We have each other’s backs. We plan months in advance, but things change and we help each other out.”

— Gigi Hadid, March 2025 (MSN)

In addition, Zayn Malik told ET Online in 2023 that he and Gigi have a “good co-parenting relationship” and that he sees Khai regularly, with no visitation restrictions (ET Online).

The catch: While the 50/50 split is widely reported, no court documents have been released to confirm the exact terms. The arrangement appears to be amicable and flexible, as Gigi’s comments suggest a cooperative, not adversarial, dynamic.

Why did Gigi leave Zayn?

Why did Gigi Hadid leave Zayn?

• The couple split in October 2021 after a reported verbal argument involving Yolanda Hadid, Gigi’s mother (People).
• No official statement was issued by either party, but court records from a separate legal matter referenced the incident.
• Zayn later pleaded no contest to harassment charges related to the altercation with Yolanda, receiving a 90-day probation (ET Online).

Why did Zayn leave Gigi?

• Reports indicate that the breakup was initiated by Gigi Hadid following the incident with her mother.
• Zayn has not publicly contested the narrative, though he has expressed remorse over the situation.

In a 2023 interview, Zayn said: “I’m not proud of my actions, but I’m a human being and I make mistakes. I’m doing my best to be a good father.”

— Zayn Malik, 2023 (ET Online)

The implication: The breakup was driven by a specific incident, not a gradual erosion. Both parties have since moved on to a co-parenting arrangement that appears functional, but the exact reasons behind the final split remain private.

Is Zayn Malik an LGBTQ ally?

Zayn Malik has publicly expressed support for the LGBTQ community. He posed for a 2017 LGBTQ rights campaign, and while no recent statements have been made, he has not been involved in any controversies regarding the community.

Timeline of Zayn Malik’s relationship with Gigi Hadid

• 12 January 1993: Zayn Malik born in Bradford, England (People).
• 2010–2015: Member of One Direction (People).
• 2015: First reported relationship with Gigi Hadid (ELLE).
• 2016: Released debut solo album Mind of Mine (People).
• March 2018: Got engaged to Gigi Hadid (later called off) (ELLE).
• September 2020: Daughter Khai born (People).
• October 2021: Split with Gigi Hadid following reported legal incident (People).
• 2023: Zayn confirms 50/50 custody in ET Online interview (ET Online).
• 2024: Gigi Hadid makes rare public comments about positive co-parenting (MSN).
• March 2025: Gigi says they plan schedules months in advance (MSN).

The shift: This timeline shows a clear transition from a public romance to a private, structured co-parenting dynamic focused on their daughter.

What’s confirmed vs. what’s still unclear

The picture: The confirmed facts are solid, but the lack of official statements leaves several key aspects open to interpretation.

Summary: The co-parenting model that works

Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid have built a quiet, structured co-parenting arrangement that prioritizes their daughter Khai’s privacy and well-being. While the public may never know the full details of their 2021 split, the rare comments from both sides paint a picture of mutual respect and flexibility. For a former pop star who once lived in the spotlight, Zayn’s shift to a guarded personal life is a deliberate choice — and one that seems to be working.

For fans following his journey, the implication is clear: Zayn’s identity is no longer defined by scandal or romance, but by his role as a father. The next chapter — whether new music or further co-parenting milestones — will unfold on his own terms.

Frequently asked questions

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