DESPITE brother Neymar being one of the most recognisable faces on the planet, Rafaella Santos has somewhat become a recognisable figure herself.
The 26-year-old model is closing in on six million Instagram followers.
Rafaella often wows fans with her jet-setting around the world and birthday bashes to remember.
She is very close with her football icon of a brother.
So much so that he has a picture of Rafaella tattooed on him.
Alongside modelling, Rafaella also dedicates a lot of her time to helping the charity Instituto Neymar.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
Neymar created the charity in 2014, which focuses on helping disadvantaged children who live in Praia Grande, Sao Paulo, located close to where the siblings were raised.
Rafaella also promoted a supplements and cosmetics company called Akiwell.
Globe-trotter
Influencers leaving fans dreaming of visiting all four corners of the world is nothing new.
But Rafaella takes it to a whole new level, flying through the skies in a private jet.
Most read in Football
Rafaella spends a lot of time in native Brazil, as well as in Europe, where brother Neymar is playing his trade for Paris Saint-Germain.
She was also in Qatar watching Neymar captain Brazil at the World Cup last Novembr-December.
Rafaella often travels with hair stylist Diego Magio, with the pair being snapped cosying up on a jet.
Birthday bashes
Rafaella throws some of the biggest parties of the year – particularly on her March 11 birthday.
They’re so big that brother Neymar doesn’t like to miss out.
And so the Brazil star often finds a way to be by his sister’s side on her special day.
At one point, Neymar was on a four-year streak dating back to his days at Barcelona.
Nyemar broke the “curse” last year, turning out for PSG.
Suspensions and injuries have allowed the world’s most expensive player to jet back to Brazil and be there for his younger sibling on a number of occasions.
The yearly absence even saw PSG team-mate joke that if a team wanted to sign Neymar, they’d have to “negotiate his sister’s birthday”.
In 2015, Rafaella had a Disney-themed birthday.
Sibling love
Neymar and sister Rafaella are incredibly close, with the younger sibling even featuring on the footie star’s tattoo sleeve.
Rafaella returned the favour by getting a tattoo of her superstar brother’s eyes on her left arm.
The 26-year-old often watches Neymar’s matches, whether it’s for PSG or Brazil.
And when times get tough for Neymar on the pitch, Rafaella posts words of affection for her brother on Instagram.
Following Brazil’s World Cup quarter-final loss to Croatia, she said: “I wish I could hold you in my lap and make all your pain go away, just like you did to me.
“I wish I could take all the obstacles out of your way, but I know it would be no grace and you wouldn’t have a way to become who you need to be.
“I wish I could say every morning that I love you infinitely, but my tough and sloppy way won’t let me, but know that there is not a single day, since we met, since the day I became your sister, I haven’t thought about you.
“Seems like you were always ready to soften me. You are light, sensitive and sweet don’t ever forget that. I remind you if you forget.
“I could live in your eyes, just to see you smile closer, and laugh with you, in a unique laugh that would make us lose track of time.
“Hey… You have no idea how proud I am of you, of your achievements, defeats, EVERYTHING! You are giant my love… never forget that i’ll be here for you forever and ever.
“Kiss on your heart from your little sister who loves you so much! ❤️ Let’s go next time? ALWAYS TOGETHER! @neymarjr.”
Read More on The Sun
And when it comes to Rafaella’s love life… older brother Neymar posted a photo with Gabigol’s face blocked out of a poster after his Brazil strikepartner began dating his sister a few years ago.
Rafaella is now believed to be single.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
