On June 15, 2025, a rare and heartwarming moment unfolded as Elon Musk, the tech mogul and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, spent Father’s Day playing ball with his 4-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii—affectionately known as Lil X. The celebration, held at Musk’s sprawling Austin, Texas estate, offered a glimpse into the billionaire’s personal life, showcasing a side of him rarely seen amid his high-profile ventures and political engagements. The playful afternoon, marked by laughter and bonding, highlighted Musk’s commitment to fatherhood, contrasting with his often intense public persona and sparking widespread admiration online.
Musk, 54, welcomed Lil X on May 4, 2020, with his former partner, Canadian musician Grimes. The child, whose unique name reflects Musk’s fascination with the letter X—seen in his companies SpaceX and X Corp—has become a frequent companion at his father’s side, from Capitol Hill meetings to Mar-a-Lago events. This Father’s Day, however, was different, focusing solely on family rather than work. The decision to celebrate with a simple ball game—featuring a small orange basketball—underscored Musk’s desire to connect with his son on a personal level, a choice that resonated with fans and critics alike.
The day began with Musk sharing a photo on X, captioned, “Lil X and I kicking off Father’s Day with some ball action!” The image showed the pair on a sunlit lawn, with Lil X dribbling the ball while Musk, dressed casually in a Tesla-branded shirt, guided him with a grin. The scene was a stark contrast to Musk’s recent appearances at the White House, where Lil X had drawn attention for playful antics during a February 2025 Oval Office briefing. This time, the focus was on joy, not policy, as the father and son enjoyed a game that echoed the simplicity of Musk’s own childhood in South Africa.
Musk’s estate, a Tuscan-style compound purchased in 2024, provided the perfect backdrop. The property, adjacent to homes for some of his children’s mothers, including Shivon Zilis, reflects his efforts to centralize his growing family. Lil X, the eldest of Musk’s three children with Grimes, was joined by his siblings—Exa Dark Sideræl (Y) and Techno Mechanicus (Tau)—though the ball game was a special moment reserved for him and his father. Grimes, who has co-parented with Musk despite their on-off relationship, was not present but later commented on X, “Happy Father’s Day to the dad who makes X smile. Keep it fun!” Her remark hinted at a cordial co-parenting dynamic, despite past tensions over Lil X’s public exposure.
The ball game itself was unscripted, with Musk teaching Lil X basic dribbling and shooting skills. Videos shared by Musk showed the toddler attempting a shot, followed by a celebratory hug from his father. “He’s got some moves!” Musk wrote, adding a laughing emoji. The simplicity of the activity—reminiscent of playground games—struck a chord with followers, who flooded the post with comments like “This is the Elon we love!” and “Lil X is the future MVP!” The moment also drew attention to Musk’s pronatalist views, which advocate for larger families to combat declining birth rates, a belief he has lived out with 14 acknowledged children across four women.
This Father’s Day celebration came amid Musk’s busy 2025 schedule, including his role co-heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump’s administration. His frequent appearances with Lil X, from Election Night at Mar-a-Lago to Capitol Hill meetings, have fueled debates about his parenting style. Some praise his hands-on approach, while others, including Grimes, have expressed concern about the child’s public exposure, notably after the Oval Office incident. Yet, this private celebration suggested a balance, with Musk prioritizing family time over his usual high-stakes engagements.
The event also highlighted Musk’s blended family dynamics. With children ranging from 20-year-old Vivian (estranged and transgender) to 6-month-old Seldon Lycurgus with Zilis, Musk’s parenting has been both celebrated and scrutinized. His first child, Nevada, died at 10 weeks in 2002, a loss that shaped his later use of IVF and surrogacy to expand his family with ex-wife Justine Wilson and others. Lil X, however, stands out as a constant presence, often dubbed Musk’s “emotional support human” by biographer Walter Isaacson. The Father’s Day game reinforced this bond, offering a rare public glimpse into their relationship.
Community response was swift and varied. Fans on X lauded the moment, with one writing, “Elon showing the world how to be a dad—love this!” Others speculated about Lil X’s future, with comments like “X will run SpaceX one day!” contrasting with critiques of Musk’s busy lifestyle. Some questioned whether the photo was staged, given Musk’s knack for shaping his narrative, but the candid nature of the video—complete with Lil X’s wobbly shots—suggested authenticity. The celebration also coincided with a minor uptick in Tesla stock, though analysts attributed it to broader market trends rather than the personal milestone.
Musk’s childhood memories likely influenced the day’s activities. Raised in Pretoria by his mother Maye and father Errol, he faced bullying and a strained relationship with Errol, whom he later described as a “terrible human being.” This background may drive his hands-on approach with Lil X, a departure from the nanny-heavy upbringing he criticized in his own past. The ball game, a nod to universal childhood joys, seemed a deliberate choice to create memories he felt were missing from his youth.
The celebration extended beyond the game. Musk later posted about a barbecue with Lil X and his other children, featuring Tesla-branded burgers—a playful tie-in to his brand. The day ended with a quiet moment, as Musk shared a photo of Lil X asleep with the basketball, captioned, “Best Father’s Day gift—tired out my little champ.” This tenderness contrasted with his public image as a disruptor, suggesting a multifaceted personality shaped by both ambition and family.
As summer 2025 approaches, with Musk’s tour and political commitments looming, this Father’s Day stands as a milestone. It not only celebrated his bond with Lil X but also sparked broader conversations about fatherhood in the public eye. For Musk, it was a chance to step back from his global influence and embrace the role of dad, a role that, for a few hours, took precedence over his titles. For Lil X, it was a day of play that might one day be a cherished memory, a testament to a father’s effort to be present amidst a whirlwind life.
