Raphinha may already have a Ballon d’Or story to tell, but his family clearly believes the Brazilian has another chapter waiting to be written. 👀✨
A photo circulating online has once again put the Barcelona superstar and his family in the spotlight, with his wife, Natalia “Taia” Belloli, appearing alongside Raphinha and their young son Gael. One of the messages attributed to Taia reads: “The best player in the world is Gael’s father.” ❤️😂
And honestly, that is the kind of family support every footballer dreams of! 🥹👏
Raphinha’s rise at Barcelona has been remarkable. After joining the Catalan giants from Leeds United in 2022, the Brazilian gradually transformed from an exciting winger into one of Barça’s most influential attacking players. His 2024/25 campaign was particularly spectacular, producing 34 goals and 22 assists in 57 appearances, while helping Barcelona win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. 🇧🇷🔥
That extraordinary season also saw Raphinha finish fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting. 🏆
The Brazilian remained a major contributor during the 2025/26 campaign despite spending time on the sidelines with injuries, scoring 21 goals for Barcelona. He also won the Super Cup final MVP award after scoring twice against Real Madrid.
And now there is another interesting twist to his story.
Raphinha has entered the 2026/27 season with an even bigger leadership role after being appointed Barcelona captain. 🇧🇷🫡 He has also made an explosive start to the campaign, with recent reports highlighting his hat-trick in Barcelona’s 7–2 victory over Racing Santander.
So when fans see images suggesting “Raphinha — Ballon d’Or 2027,” the idea is certainly going to generate plenty of excitement. 👀🏆
Of course, winning the Ballon d’Or would depend on an entire season of performances, trophies and individual impact. Nothing about 2027 is decided yet. But Raphinha has already shown that he can operate at the highest level.
And behind the football superstar is a family that has been part of the journey from the beginning. ❤️
Taia has regularly spoken publicly about supporting her husband through the highs and lows of his career, while the couple continue to raise their young son Gael. Their family story has become another part of Raphinha’s journey from Porto Alegre to the Barcelona spotlight. 👨👩👦🇧🇷
From Leeds to Barcelona… from promising winger to Barça captain… and from Ballon d’Or contender to potentially chasing another major individual prize — Raphinha’s story is getting more interesting by the season. 🔥🏆
Could the Brazilian produce another monster campaign and put himself right back into the Ballon d’Or conversation? 👀🇧🇷✨
For Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or case
Explain what could decide the 2027 vote
Compare his 2026/27 start with past winners
