Baby named after Rayan inspires family after neonatal fight and sister’s playful ruse | OneFootball

A capixaba baby named Rayan, who shares his name with the ex-Vasco forward now with Brazil at the FIFA World Cup, has overcome a perilous start. Born at seven months, he spent more than a month in neonatal intensive care and is regarded by his family as a miracle.

Globo.com reports that the name came via a playful ruse from his older sister, Milena, a devoted Vasco fan. With father Jean Vitor’s help, she told mother Rafaella it combined Ra from Rafaella and Yan from Jean while they watched a Vasco match, with the true tribute only revealed after the birth.

Rafaella’s pregnancy was high risk and the baby needed medication and respiratory support in his first weeks. She says he is now a strong 10-month-old and that the entire household backs Vasco.

Like his namesake, there is a strong Espírito Santo link. Though born in Rio de Janeiro, forward Rayan is the son of cachoeirense Valkmar, an ex-Vasco defender, and spent part of his childhood in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, where relatives closely follow his career.

The family now has extra reason to cheer Brazil’s number 26 at this World Cup. Even great-aunt Miriam, a Flamengo supporter, wishes the player well and hopes he can help deliver the long-awaited Hexa.

Source: Globo.com