Neymar’s Sister Rafaella Santos: 5 Shocking Facts About Her Billionaire Lifestyle, Career, And The Infamous 'Birthday Curse'

Rafaella Santos, the younger sister of Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr., has successfully transitioned from being a celebrity sibling to a powerful force in her own right, commanding a massive social media presence and an influential role in one of Brazil’s largest charitable organizations. As of late December 2025, the 29-year-old model and social media star continues to dominate headlines, not only for her high-profile personal life but also for her significant work as an ambassador for the Instituto Neymar Jr. and her highly-publicized, on-again, off-again romance with a fellow Brazilian football star.

This deep dive explores the latest updates, her influential career, her famous family ties, and the persistent, curious legend that links her annual birthday celebration to her brother's professional setbacks—a phenomenon widely dubbed the "Neymar Birthday Curse."

Rafaella Santos Complete Biography and Profile

Rafaella Santos, known for her vibrant lifestyle and striking fashion sense, is a central figure in Brazil’s celebrity landscape. Her life is inextricably linked to her family, yet her career as a digital creator has established her as a major entity in the world of social media marketing and modeling.

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• Full Name: Rafaella Santos (also known as Rafaella Beckran)
• Date of Birth: March 11, 1996
• Age (Late 2025): 29 years old
• Birthplace: Brazil (São Paulo is the family's origin)
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Parents: Nadine Gonçalves (Mother, President of INJR) and Neymar Santos Sr. (Father)
• Sibling: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (Neymar Jr.)
• Primary Occupation: Social Media Influencer, Model, Philanthropist
• Key Role: Ambassador for Instituto Neymar Jr. (INJR)
• Instagram Handle: @rafaella
• Instagram Followers (Approx. Late 2025): 5.8 million – 6 million

The Curious Case of the March 11th 'Birthday Curse'

One of the most enduring and talked-about aspects of Rafaella Santos's public profile is the curious phenomenon known as the "Neymar Birthday Curse." This is a pattern that has seen her superstar brother, Neymar Jr., consistently miss key matches around her March 11th birthday, often due to injury or suspension.

The coincidence has become a running joke and an annual talking point in the football world, particularly among fans of his former clubs, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Santos FC, and his current club, Al Hilal. Since the 2014-2015 football campaign, Neymar has frequently been sidelined during the second week of March, allowing him to travel to Brazil to celebrate Rafaella’s birthday.

While the injuries are medically verified, the timing has led to widespread speculation that the world-class footballer prioritizes his sister's annual lavish celebration over his club commitments. This narrative, though often exaggerated, highlights the extremely close bond between the two siblings, who even share matching tattoos. The "curse" entities—March 11th, Neymar Jr.'s injuries, and his club absences—have become an integral part of their shared public narrative, fueling global curiosity every spring.

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Rafaella Santos’s Current Career and Philanthropic Endeavors in 2025

Rafaella Santos is far more than just "Neymar's sister." She is a major Brazilian social media influencer and model who leverages her massive following to partner with various brands. Her Instagram feed, which boasts approximately 6 million followers, is a showcase of high-end fashion, luxury travel, and the vibrant Brazilian lifestyle, making her a highly sought-after figure in the digital marketing space.

Her work extends into significant charitable efforts, providing the most substantial and fresh update on her professional activities in late 2025.

Ambassador Role at Instituto Neymar Jr. (INJR)

Rafaella plays a key, active role in the Instituto Neymar Jr. (INJR), a non-profit organization founded by her brother in 2014, which focuses on social inclusion and education for disadvantaged children in Praia Grande, São Paulo.

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• Official Title: Ambassador (Embaixadora)
• Family Leadership: Her mother, Nadine Gonçalves, serves as the President of the INJR, underscoring the family's deep commitment to the project.
• Recent Activity (Late 2025): In October 2025, Rafaella was a central figure at the INJR 3rd Charity Auction (Leilão), a high-profile fundraising event. She shared the stage with other Brazilian celebrities and sports figures, including footballer Rodrygo Goes and musician Seu Jorge, highlighting her status as a major charitable entity.

Her past professional endeavors include modeling work and her appearance in a FIFA World Cup-themed commercial for Beats headphones, establishing her early in her career as a visible public figure. She has also been featured in major publications like Glamour Magazine for fashion photoshoots.

The High-Profile Romance: Rafaella and Gabriel 'Gabigol' Barbosa

Rafaella’s personal life is a frequent topic of discussion in the Brazilian media, particularly her tumultuous, high-profile relationship with footballer Gabriel 'Gabigol' Barbosa. Gabigol, a prominent striker for the Brazilian club Flamengo, has been linked to Rafaella for several years in an on-again, off-again dynamic that keeps fans and media captivated.

In late 2025, reports confirmed the couple had once again reunited, solidifying their status as one of Brazil's most talked-about celebrity couples. Their relationship is a constant source of media attention, often overshadowing other aspects of her career due to the dual football connection—her brother being one of the world's most famous players, and her partner being a top-tier Brazilian athlete. This relationship, marked by public breakups and dramatic reconciliations, contributes significantly to her high-visibility lifestyle.

The Future of the Brand: Fashion, Lifestyle, and Influence

As Rafaella Santos approaches her 30s, her influence continues to grow. Her style is frequently covered by Brazilian fashion outlets, known for its blend of glamorous, high-fashion pieces and relaxed, beach-ready Brazilian aesthetics. She represents a powerful demographic of young, wealthy, and connected Brazilian women.

With an active role as an ambassador for the Instituto Neymar Jr., Rafaella is strategically balancing her glamorous social media career with meaningful philanthropic work. This dual focus ensures her longevity in the public eye, moving her beyond the simple "sister of a footballer" label and establishing her as a serious Brazilian celebrity, model, and advocate. Entities like NR Sports and NN Consultoria, the management companies associated with her family, are likely to continue to guide her business ventures, ensuring her brand remains powerful and aligned with the global Neymar Jr. empire.