Nina Dobrev addresses Zac Efron dating rumors as she reveals excitement for future following Shaun White breakup

Nina Dobrev addressed speculation linking her to Zac Efron following her recent split from Shaun White. The Vampire Diaries star was approached by TMZ on Wednesday, October 1, after photos of her and Efron vacationing together circulated online. The images surfaced just a week after reports confirmed the end of her five-year relationship with Shaun White.

When asked if there was “anything to that Zac Efron thing,” Nina Dobrev shook her head and dismissed the claim. Pressed further with, “You’re just mates?” she confirmed, “Yeah.” Speaking about her mindset post-breakup, Nina Dobrev reflected on embracing what comes next.

“You know what? I’m excited for the future and the only thing that’s guaranteed is change,” she shared.

Rumors gained traction after Dobrev and Zac Efron were spotted together during a trip to Europe. Both attended crypto billionaire Brad Garlinghouse’s wedding in the South of France on September 20 and also appeared in Instagram Stories shared by their mutual friend Keleigh Teller. That same weekend, the pair joined friends, including Chase Crawford and Miles Teller, on a yacht, according to photos obtained by Deux Moi.

---

Nina Dobrev leaned on family and friends after Shaun White split. Insider confirms she and Zac Efron aren’t dating:

The rumors may have suggested otherwise, but Us Weekly reported on September 22, 2025, that Nina Dobrev and Zac Efron were not romantically linked. Sources confirmed that the duo’s relationship was rooted in friendship, not romance.

“Nina and Zac are not dating and have been good friends for over a decade,” an insider explained.

“Their friends always joke that they should date, but that is not what is going on. They have been there for each other through many phases of life and have always had each other’s back,” added the insider.

The source further revealed that Dobrev turned to family and friends for support after her recent breakup with Shaun White.

“She has truly felt a lot of love and support, everyone has been lifting her spirits and she has been in a better place after taking some time away following her split from Shaun,” explained the insider.

---

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White’s engagement ended less than a year after the proposal:

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White’s engagement ended less than a year after he proposed. People confirmed on Sept. 11. Nina Dobrev and the Olympic gold medalist announced their separation after what one insider described as “a mutual decision” made with love and respect. Yet, those close to the couple revealed that the split came down to deeper differences.

“She is devastated,” one source told People.

“There was one reason: She wanted a family and wanted to get married — and he didn’t,” added the source.

Another friend pushed back, saying the issue wasn’t so clear-cut.

“They both wanted marriage and children and were making plans to have a life together,” the source explained.

The relationship began in late 2019, with the couple later confirming they had been romantically linked the following year. By October 2023, White had planned a proposal in New York City that would become a story in itself. At the Golden Swan restaurant, beneath an arch of white roses, White presented Nina Dobrev with a five-carat diamond ring. “I went into shock,” she told Vogue.

“I just froze and stared at him,” explained Dobrev.

The night continued with friends, champagne, and caviar, before the newly engaged couple capped it off with Shake Shack and dumplings. The proposal was the result of weeks of planning. According to Vogue, White went as far as creating a fake invitation to a private CFDA/Vogue dinner with Anna Wintour to ensure the surprise.

“He made the invite look so legitimate,” Dobrev said.

When she arrived, only White and a photographer were waiting.

“He said all the right things,” she recalled.

---

Shaun White opens up about returning to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics:

Shaun White didn’t look weighed down when he sat down for his first TV interview since splitting from fiancée Nina Dobrev. If anything, he seemed lighter, smiling as he spoke on NBC’s Today show about the memories that still stick with him from his Olympic years.

The three-time gold medalist is headed to Milan next February for the 2026 Winter Games, but this time he’ll be in the stands, not on the halfpipe.

“I’ll be running around, definitely supporting my friends competing and just taking it in, this will be my first Winter Olympics where I’m not competing, so a lot of feelings there, but honestly, I’m excited to support and check it out,” he shared.

For White, Italy wasn’t just another Olympic stop; it was where it all began. His first Games were in Turin back in 2006, when he showed up with a head of long red hair and left with his first gold medal.

“My first Olympics was in Italy that I competed at, so this is bringing a lot of memories going back, I might have to bring the hair back,” he shared.

The conversation came not long after news of his breakup with Dobrev made headlines. The pair had been together for five years and engaged less than one year before calling it off earlier this month. White, now retired, closed his Olympic career with 13 gold medals, three silvers, and two bronzes. His last run came at the 2022 Games, where he placed fourth in the halfpipe.