Rayan scores first World Cup goal as Brazil faces Japan, weeks after marrying Duda Santos

Brazilian forward Rayan netted his first World Cup goal in the Round of 16 match against Japan at Houston's NRG Stadium on 29 June 2026. The 19‑year‑old praised his former coach Fernando Diniz, saying “Diniz always will be a father” and noted the rapid progress that led to his second senior call‑up.

Earlier in the year, Rayan married his longtime partner Duda Santos. He revealed on social media that he first saw her at a family party and immediately thought, “Quando eu vi ela, eu já falei que ela ia ser minha mulher, minha esposa, a minha querida.” The intimate ceremony took place in January 2026, attended by family, friends and several teammates from his former club Vasco da Gama.