Ben Affleck eyeing Jessica Alba as he secretly crushed on her while married to Jennifer Lopez: Source

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ben Affleck is reportedly making a move on actress Jessica Alba as the two stars navigate new chapters in their lives following their respective divorces.

According to sources, Affleck, who has finalized his split from Jennifer Lopez, has long had a crush on Alba—a fact that was kept under wraps during his marriage to Lopez.

Ben Affleck and Jessica Alba have a 'strong connection'

An insider close to the situation revealed to RadarOnline, "It’s been a well-kept secret that Ben Affleck had quite the crush on Jessica Alba years ago. In Jessica Alba’s circle, it’s no secret that Ben has had a longstanding interest in her for about two decades."

The source went on to say, "However, they’ve never crossed paths at a time when both were single and open to dating…until now. They have a strong connection and whenever they've spent time together in the past, the chemistry between them is undeniable."

With both stars now single—Affleck having reached a settlement with Lopez and finalizing his divorce on January 20, 2025, and Alba announcing her separation from her husband of 16 years, Cash Warren, earlier that month—this could be the start of something new.

The insider said, with Affleck and Alba embracing their new lives as single individuals, the possibility of a romance could not be ruled out.

"With both of them now single and their children all grown up, it seems the perfect moment has arrived for their relationship to flourish," they added.

Ben Affleck and Jessica Alba navigate life after splitting from their partners

Ben Affleck's post-divorce life had stirred rumors of various romantic interests, including speculation about a potential fling with Kick Kennedy, the daughter of Robert F Kennedy Jr. However, the actor quickly moved to shut down those rumors.

Most recently, reports had linked him to his first wife, Jennifer Garner. Both share three children and have always maintained a strong co-parenting bond. But their friendship has intensified recently. Garner has been in a relationship with John Miller since 2018.

As for Alba, she confirmed her separation from Warren on Instagram, writing, "I've been on a journey of self-realization and transformation for years- both as an individual and in partnership with Cash."

She added, "I'm proud of how we've grown as a couple and in our marriage over the last 20 years and it's now time for us to embark on a new chapter of growth and evolution as individuals. We are moving forward with love and kindness and respect for each other and will forever be family."

Alba emphasized that her children remained the “highest priority” for both of them.

Alba had previously been candid about the challenges of long-term relationships. She told Katherine Schwarzenegger on her 'BDA Baby' podcast, "I would say it's all rosy for two-and-a-half years, but then after that you become roommates."

She concluded, "You’re just going through the motions, the responsibilities. It's a lot of like checking the boxes."