Raphinha’s participation in the World Cup has been cast into serious doubt after the Brazil winger suffered a hamstring injury during their match against Haiti. His wife, Natalia Belloli, has opened up about the emotional phone conversation the couple had following the incident, as Brazil’s medical team closely monitors his recovery with hopes that he might still make a return later in the tournament.

Brazil star suffers World Cup injury blow

Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti came at a cost when Raphinha was forced to leave the pitch due to a hamstring problem. The Barcelona forward, who has been a vital part of the Selecao’s attacking setup, now faces serious uncertainty regarding his availability for the rest of the competition. The injury triggered an immediate emotional reaction from the 29-year-old and his family, as concerns grew over the extent of the damage. After the match in Philadelphia, Raphinha underwent detailed medical evaluations before being granted a brief period with his family ahead of commencing his rehabilitation programme.

Belloli shares emotional details of their conversation

Speaking on the television show Domingao com Huck, Belloli described how deeply the injury affected both her and her husband. She explained that the initial shock left them both emotional, but they found comfort and determination in discussing his recovery plan together.

“Honestly, it was one of the first times I had no words. He was crying, and so was I,” she recalled. “We spoke over the phone; the following day he had his medical examinations and then came home for a short while. That gave us a chance to talk about everything and process what happened.”

She added, “Now he’s doing well, staying strong and focused on his goals. What truly matters is keeping the right mindset and believing that better days are ahead.”

Brazil keep hopes alive for his return

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed that Raphinha will stay with the national squad rather than return home. The federation has arranged a comprehensive treatment plan designed to enhance his recovery, hoping he could still feature if Brazil advances deep into the knockout stages. Medical personnel are expected to take a measured and cautious approach as he works his way back to fitness.

Recovery remains the central focus

For now, the priority remains Raphinha’s rehabilitation and overall health. Brazil’s medical team will continue to evaluate his progress before making any final decision about a potential comeback later in the tournament. Meanwhile, Barcelona are keeping a close watch on the situation, eager to ensure the forward makes a full recovery without risking a premature return that could aggravate the injury ahead of the new season.