Gabriel Barbosa, widely known as Gabigol, is a celebrated Brazilian footballer whose dynamic presence on the field is often mirrored by a similarly eventful romantic life. His relationships have frequently captured public attention, none more than his long-standing, often tumultuous, on-again, off-again romance with Rafaella Santos, the sister of football superstar Neymar Jr. Their journey together has been a recurring narrative in Brazilian celebrity news, marked by intense public scrutiny and numerous reconciliations.
The romantic saga between Gabigol and Rafaella Santos reportedly began around 2015, gaining public confirmation in May 2017. Their initial connection blossomed during his early career at Santos, quickly becoming a high-profile pairing in the Brazilian sports and entertainment scene. Despite their young age, their relationship was consistently in the spotlight, setting the stage for years of public fascination.
However, their relationship faced its first major public split towards the end of 2019 and early 2020. During this period, reports of alleged infidelities on Gabigol's part surfaced, including rumored dalliances with individuals like Mariana Braguês and Aline Riscado. The breakup was notably highlighted by a public display of disapproval from Rafaella's brother, Neymar, who was seen covering Gabigol's face in a shared photo, indicating palpable tension within the family.
Despite the public drama, Gabigol and Rafaella Santos reconciled in March 2022. Gabigol publicly confirmed their reunion by sharing a photo of them together, famously likening their complex dynamic to that of the DC Comics characters Joker and Harley Quinn. This reconciliation signaled another chapter in their enduring, albeit complicated, love story, much to the delight and intrigue of their fans.
Their relationship continued its cyclical pattern, with another notable reconciliation occurring in March 2023. This renewed connection coincided with Rafaella Santos's move to Rio de Janeiro, a development that reportedly brought the couple closer once more. Their mutual friend and Gabigol's sister, Dhiovanna Barbosa, was often cited as a key figure in helping them navigate their frequent reconciliations.
During various "off" periods from Rafaella Santos, Gabigol was linked to other personalities, though these relationships were often brief or unconfirmed. Reports from 2023 and 2024 mentioned alleged affairs with actress Bruna Griphao, followed by model Julia Rodrigues in July 2024. Subsequently, in September 2024, he was reportedly involved with model Thaisa Carvalho, who was seen celebrating his birthday. Model Ingrid Andrade also publicly stated she had "dumped" him, indicating other transient connections.
The couple's most recent major reconciliation occurred in late 2024 and early 2025. Intimate photos of Gabigol and Rafaella Santos traveling together in Japan surfaced, with their reunion officially confirmed in February 2025. This period seemed to mark another attempt at stability for the couple, who have consistently returned to each other despite their past challenges.
However, this phase of their relationship was also short-lived, with reports indicating another split in May 2025. Media outlets cited alleged infidelities and Gabigol's frequent party attendance in Belo Horizonte as reasons for Rafaella Santos deciding to end the relationship. This breakup once again brought their tumultuous history into public view, sparking widespread discussion.
In a dramatic turn of events, as recently as July 2025, Gabigol and Rafaella Santos appeared to have reconciled yet again. During a match, Gabigol dedicated a goal to Rafaella by forming a heart with his hands, a gesture she reciprocated by reposting the image on social media with the caption "Nós!" (Us!). This public display confirmed their ongoing connection, highlighting the persistent, on-again, off-again nature that defines their unique romantic journey.
Gabigol's romantic life, particularly his enduring and often dramatic relationship with Rafaella Santos, remains a captivating subject for fans and media alike. Their story is a testament to a bond that, despite numerous breakups and reconciliations, continues to draw them back together. His dating history, characterized by high-profile partners and constant public attention, mirrors the intensity and unpredictability often associated with his celebrated football career.