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Barcelona star Raphinha's wife hits back at "absurd" financial claims

·By Carlos Volcano
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Barcelona star Raphinha's wife hits back at "absurd" financial claims

Barcelona/X.com

Natália Belloli, the wife of Barcelona forward Raphinha, has broken her silence on claims the family is in financial difficulty, calling the reports absurd and firmly denying there is any truth to them.

The controversy was sparked by former Brazil international Vampeta, who claimed on the Red Cast podcast that Raphinha was dealing with a serious personal and financial problem and was hoping for a move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia to resolve his situation.

Vampeta acknowledged at the time that the information was based on rumour he had picked up during the World Cup.

Belloli, speaking to Brazilian outlet Daily do Garotinho, said she had hoped the story would fade before it spread to Spain.

"Honestly, I think it is absurd that I even have to talk about my financial situation," she said. "If we were earning only 10% of what Raphinha earns today, we would still be very blessed."

She explained why she had held back from responding sooner.

"I see no reason to put that on social media because I am fully aware of the social reality we live in," she said. "If I posted something saying, 'Look, I'm not poor, I'm still rich,' people would accuse me of lacking class."

The delay in responding only allowed the story to spread further.

"I thought the story would die down, but these rumours have now reached Spain and everyone believes we are going through financial hardship."

Raphinha, 29, is currently at the World Cup with Brazil and is recovering from a muscle injury suffered in the 3-0 win over Haiti. He has been one of Hansi Flick's most important players at Barcelona this season. Al Hilal's interest in the winger has been reported separately, though no offer has been confirmed.

Belloli also addressed rumours of a rift between the two families in Raphinha's inner circle. She said both fathers are currently travelling together in the United States, describing the family atmosphere as harmonious.