Chris Evans and Alba Baptista are seen out holding hands for the FIRST on romantic stroll in NYC

Chris Evans was seen publicly holding hands with girlfriend Alba Baptista for the first time on a romantic stroll through New York City’s Central Park on Friday afternoon.

As the lovebirds seemingly confirmed their ‘serious’ romance after a year of quietly dating, the 41-year-old action star and Portuguese actress, 25, kept a low profile as they wore dark sunglasses and face masks on their latest outing. 

For their laid-back date, the hunky actor showcased his bulging biceps in a navy t-shirt, which he paired with grey slacks, baseball cap and Nike sneakers. 

Going strong: Chris Evans was seen publicly holding hands with girlfriend Alba Baptista for the first time on a romantic stroll through New York City’s Central Park on Friday afternoon

Baptista, who has starred in multiple Portuguese series and films such as A Impostora and Filha da Lei, A Criação, wore a white sweater and red leggings. 

Both carried their possessions in black backpacks as they explored the Big Apple together.

On Thursday, People reported the couple have been dating for over a year and the relationship is ‘serious.’

Incognito: As the lovebirds seemingly confirmed their 'serious' romance after a year of quietly dating, the 41-year-old action star and Portuguese actress, 25, kept a low profile as they wore dark sunglasses and face masks on their latest outing

Incognito: As the lovebirds seemingly confirmed their ‘serious’ romance after a year of quietly dating, the 41-year-old action star and Portuguese actress, 25, kept a low profile as they wore dark sunglasses and face masks on their latest outing

Handsome: For their laid-back date, the hunky actor showcased his bulging biceps in a navy t-shirt, which he paired with grey slacks, baseball cap and Nike sneakers

Handsome: For their laid-back date, the hunky actor showcased his bulging biceps in a navy t-shirt, which he paired with grey slacks, baseball cap and Nike sneakers

‘They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her,’ a source told the site.

After being crowned People’s Sexiest Man Alive, he revealed he is ‘absolutely’ looking forward to getting married and having children in the near future.

The Gray Man actor, who explained to the outlet he is ‘very content’ with life, also noted he is ‘settled into a nicer phase where’ he’s ‘just happy being at home.’ 

Holding hands: Baptista, who has starred in multiple Portuguese series and films such as A Impostora and Filha da Lei, A Criação, wore a white sweater and red leggings

Holding hands: Baptista, who has starred in multiple Portuguese series and films such as A Impostora and Filha da Lei, A Criação, wore a white sweater and red leggings

Tourists: Both carried their possessions in black backpacks as they explored the Big Apple together

Tourists: Both carried their possessions in black backpacks as they explored the Big Apple together

While speaking of settling down, Evans raved ‘that’s absolutely something I want.’ 

‘Wife, kids, building a family. When you read about most of the best artists, whether it’s actors, painters, writers, most of them [admit] it wasn’t the work they made [that they are most proud of], it was about the relationships, the families they created, the love they found, the love they shared,’ he continued. 

The Knives Out alum also loves ‘the idea of tradition and ceremony’ and ‘can’t think of anything better’ 

The one? On Thursday, People reported the pair have been dating for over a year and the relationship is 'serious'

The one? On Thursday, People reported the pair have been dating for over a year and the relationship is ‘serious’

'They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her,' a source told the site

‘They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her,’ a source told the site

Over the years, the Boston native said he’s become a ‘much better’ partner in relationships and credits time for helping him improve.

‘We all have patterns, hang-ups or baggage that repeat and echo, so I’ve really been able to kind of identify where I need improvement and what works,’ he said. ‘I also really see the value and strength behind saying, I’m sorry.’

Evans concluded: ‘If you’re able in those vulnerable moments to stay calm and listen, and say you’re sorry even if you don’t think you’ve done anything wrong because it’s not from your perspective it’s from the other person’s I think that opens up a door in a very healthy way.’

Serious: After being crowned People's Sexiest Man Alive, he revealed he is 'absolutely' looking forward to getting married and having children in the near future

Serious: After being crowned People’s Sexiest Man Alive, he revealed he is ‘absolutely’ looking forward to getting married and having children in the near future

Ready to settle down: The Gray Man actor, who explained to the outlet he is 'very content' with life, also noted he is 'settled into a nicer phase where' he's 'just happy being at home'

Ready to settle down: The Gray Man actor, who explained to the outlet he is ‘very content’ with life, also noted he is ‘settled into a nicer phase where’ he’s ‘just happy being at home’

The MTV Movie & TV Award winner has previously been romantically linked to Kate Bosworth, Jessica Biel, Emmy Rossum, Jenny Slate, Minka Kelly, Dianna Agroni, Lily Collins and Christina Ricc.

In July, the actor admitted he was ‘really trying to find’ someone he ‘can pour all of [him]self into.’

‘[I’m] laser-focused on finding a partner, you know, someone that you want to live with,’ he said during an interview with Shondaland. 

Bright future: After being crowned People's Sexiest Man Alive on Tuesday morning, the 41-year-old Marvel star expressed his hopes for building a family in the futur

Bright future: While speaking of settling down, Evans raved ‘that’s absolutely something I want’

High-profile romances: The MTV Movie & TV Award winner has previously been romantically linked to Kate Bosworth (seen above), Jessica Biel, Emmy Rossum, Jenny Slate, Minka Kelly, Dianna Agroni, Lily Collins and Christina Ricc

High-profile romances: The MTV Movie & TV Award winner has previously been romantically linked to Kate Bosworth (seen above), Jessica Biel, Emmy Rossum, Jenny Slate, Minka Kelly, Dianna Agroni, Lily Collins and Christina Ricc

Chris takes on the Sexiest Man Alive title that was last bestowed in November 2021 to actor Paul Rudd, 53.

Other recent winners include: Michael B. Jordan, John Legend, Chris Hemsworth, Idris Elba, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Ryan Reynolds, Channing Tatum and David Beckham.

People magazine named its first Sexiest Man Alive in February 1985 when it picked then 29-year-old Mel Gibson for the honor.

Past love: Evans and Biel pictured above dated for several years before they split in 2006 (seen in 2001)

Past love: Evans and Biel pictured above dated for several years before they split in 2006 (seen in 2001)

Short-lived romance: Ricci and Chris Evans walked arm in arm at the 2007 Met Gala (seen above), but did not date for long

Short-lived romance: Ricci and Chris Evans walked arm in arm at the 2007 Met Gala (seen above), but did not date for long

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