'Love Island USA' Season 5: Who is Marco Donatelli? Aspiring chiropractor ready for 'mature relationship' after having 72 sexual partners

Marco Donatelli is a model and previously played football at Girard High School and the University of Akron
Marco Donatelli is looking for a partner he can grow with (@marcoadonatelli/Instagram)
Marco Donatelli is looking for a partner he can grow with (@marcoadonatelli/Instagram)

YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO: Get ready for explosive drama as 'Love Island USA' is back with its highly anticipated fifth season, exclusively on Peacock. With actress Sarah Hyland as the host and comedian Iain Stirling narrating the drama, the show promises unforgettable entertainment. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Fiji, a fresh batch of singles embarks on a quest for true love. From thrilling challenges to a chance at winning $100,000 through fan votes, this season guarantees surprises and unexpected arrivals that will keep viewers hooked until the very end.

Meet Marco Donatelli, a 22-year-old from Youngstown, Ohio. With a towering 6'3" frame and undeniable sex appeal, Marco describes himself as a 'player' with a body count of 72. However, his past may have been influenced by his mother's illness, making it challenging for him to pursue mature relationships as he was looking after her. Now, he is entering a new chapter as he joins the show on a quest for genuine connections and a chance to find lasting love.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Love Island (@loveislandusa)


 

Who is Marco Donatelli?

Marco is a determined individual born in Youngstown, Ohio, on October 27, 2000. Despite facing numerous hardships during his upbringing, he emerged as a resilient and intellectually agile person. His passion for football led him to Girard High School in Trumbull County, where he excelled and graduated with flying colors. Marco's journey continued at the University of Akron, where he shone as a student-athlete on the Akron Zips Football team. Today, Marco is pursuing his dreams of becoming a chiropractor, combining his love for sports with a desire to help others. He is studying Pre-Physical Therapy at Florida Atlantic University. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in the pursuit of one's goals. According to his Instagram profile, along with being a digital creator, he is also an entrepreneur and a dedicated fashion influencer. He has been a model for almost four years now as he started working when he was 19. 


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Love Island (@loveislandusa)


 

Marco Donatelli describes himself as a 'player'

Marco admitted to having a rather extensive body count of 72. Though he doesn't recall the names of all the people, he does remember the locations. He claimed, "Girls like me because obviously my looks. 6'3", solid steel, and sex appeal. I am Marco, I am from Youngstown Ohio I am 22 years old and I am studying to be a chiropractor." He continued to say, "I would describe myself as a player. My body count is 72, it's in my notes. I don't really remember the names of the people but I remember the location." Marco attributed his lack of mature relationships to his dedication to his sick mother as he made her his top priority. The model said, "The reason why I've never had a mature relationship is because my mom was sick for a while so my first priority was my mother and I didn't want to have another woman in my life."

Despite considering himself a player, he values the connection women bring into his life, offering something unique that he can't find with his friends. In a nightclub, he wins over women with his infectious smile and humor before showing off his dance moves. He explained, "I love women. They give me a connection that I can't get from my friends. I love what they give to me and I love what I can give to them. The initial approach in a night club, I smile, I am always a guy who tries to make them laugh first. As soon as I make them laugh, I bust out my moves and it's on from there."

Marco Donatelli aspires to find a 'decent' relationship

Marco seeks a partner who appreciates his humor, physicality, and sex appeal. He wants a deep connection and a mature relationship after having looked after his sick mother until she died in 2021. Now, he just wants to make her proud, therefore he would also likely be looking for a partner she would have approved of. A fun-loving spirit and mutual growth are essential, and he values self-care and authenticity in his partner. As he says, "Sadly at 22 years of life and I have not established a decent relationship. Excited to finally get a chance to find someone that I can really grow with. There's no better place to do it than right here. Before I go into the villa, I want to make sure I have my whole body lathered in coconut oil, I'm gonna spring on an electric smile, make sure I smell good, you know, be myself." Overall, Marco is eager to find a genuine connection and a mature relationship that allows both partners to flourish together.

'Love Island USA' Season 5 debuted on Peacock on Tuesday, July 18, with new episodes streaming daily at 9 pm ET during the premiere week. Following that, catch new episodes every Thursday through Tuesday on Peacock.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Sean Reagan’s past shapes a rescue in ‘Boston Blue’ Season 2 Episode 6 as Mika Amonsen discusses continuing the character’s ‘Blue Bloods’ story.
2026-11-14T19:02:59.000Z
Left Bank Pictures has responded to a tragic incident at the Edinburgh studio used for ‘Dept. Q’ as police inquiries into the circumstances continue.
2026-11-14T15:25:47.000Z
A fan-favorite ‘Matlock’ star shares a behind-the-scenes update as the CBS drama prepares for its Season 3 return.
2026-11-14T14:08:57.000Z
‘Gilmore Girls’ documentary ‘Drink Coffee, Talk Fast’ brings back familiar cast members, including Jared Padalecki and Scott Pattersonts
2026-11-14T10:08:21.000Z
'CSI' veteran Marg Helgenberger was once one of the highest-paid small-screen actresses
2026-11-14T09:17:43.000Z
Dexter sets his sights on the Jaw Splitter in Season 2, Episode 3, while a fan theory links the mysterious killer to actor Jack Dylan Grazer.
2026-11-14T07:37:35.000Z
‘Law & Order: SVU’ showrunner Michele Fazekas addresses Benson and Stabler’s future after their emotional reunion in the milestone 600th episode
2026-11-14T07:25:13.000Z
‘Station 19’ alum Jay Hayden joins ‘Fire Country’ Season 5 as Mason Ellis, whose return to Edgewater sparks a new conflict between Bode and Jake
2026-11-14T06:34:18.000Z
CBS brings ‘Marshals’ and ‘Tracker’ back to its Sunday lineup on November 15 with new episodes following a one-week break for ‘Cupertino.’
2026-11-14T05:54:18.000Z
Boone and Mickey's relationship gets complicated with Emmy's arrival in 'Sheriff Country'
2026-11-14T04:43:33.000Z