Neymar's sister Rafaella Santos and five other famous footballers' successful sisters

Neymar Jr

As Neymar prepares to celebrate his sister’s 26th birthday, Planet Sport takes a look at five other footballers whose sisters are also well known in their own right.

There are a number of special dates on the football calendar which are highly anticipated by fans. December 26 for Boxing Day fixtures, August 31 for the final day of the summer transfer window...and March 11.

The final one is a recent entry to the frame and is the birthday of Neymar's younger sister, Rafaella Santos.

For over a decade now, Neymar has made a habit of missing games around this date in order to return home and celebrate the big day with his sister, a globally renowned model and style icon.

While on one hand that may seem unprofessional, on the other it's also rather charming. Football can often take itself too seriously and Neymar's actions remind us about the importance of family.

Neymar's sister Rafaella Santos

Nevertheless, his propensity to miss games at around this time is certainly bad news for his employers - currently Paris Saint-Germain.

This weekend, PSG face an important game against Bordeaux as they look to bounce back from two consecutive defeats, including their dramatic 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Unfortunately for Neymar, he isn't injured or suspended, meaning he probably doesn't have a good excuse to give this game a miss.

However, his close relationship with his sibling has given us an idea. With that in mind, here are five other footballers with successful sisters.

Gary, Phil and Tracey Neville

Alright, let's get the obvious one out of the way first.

Gary and Phil Neville have achieved a lot during their time in sport - ok, perhaps not in management - but the sporting talent doesn't end with the two former footballers.

Sister Tracey Neville is in fact a former England netball international and a former England head coach.

During her playing career, she won bronze medals at the world championships as well as the Commonwealth Games.

As a coach, Neville also won three European Netball Championships and two Netball Superleague titles with Manchester Thunder.

While she may not get a similar level of media exposure, it's clear where all the managerial qualities lie in the family. Valencia and Inter Miami signed the wrong Neville.

Gianluigi, Guendalina and Veronica Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in Italian football history.

His achievements in the sport - including the World Cup win in 2006 - have immortalised him as one of the greatest to step between the sticks.

One thing you may not know about the Italian legend is that he isn't the only internationally renowned sportsperson in the family.

In fact, both of his sisters - Guendalina and Veronica - are former international volleyball players.

What's more, Guendalina is a former European Cup winner having won the honour with club side Matera.

Considering her brother never won the Champions League, do you think she shows off her winner's medal during Sunday dinners?

Theo and Hollie Walcott

Football fans under the age of 20 might struggle to accept it, but Theo Walcott was at one point a big deal in the Premier League.

The former England international is currently plying his trade at Southampton as the 32-year-old looks for one final run at elite level.

Walcott though, isn't the only member of his family to reach the highest level in their profession.

Did anyone know Theo Walcotts sister Hollie Walcott was a body builder? pic.twitter.com/uKqyFKf0
— AFC Fanatic (@FansiteAFC) February 11, 2013

His sister Hollie had a career in bodybuilding and back in July 2010, she came second in the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation Central Championships.

She told The Sun: "Theo's asked for training tips for his abs and wanted tips to improve his six pack, he wanted a stomach like mine.

"We can talk about training and nutrition. It's good we've got something in common."

Sone and Eniola Aluko

At 33-years-old, Sone Aluko is coming towards his final years in what has been an impressive career.

The attacker has enjoyed spells with Rangers, Hull City, Fulham and Reading and is currently playing for League One side Ipswich Town.

His sister Eniola, however, is a women's football legend. The 35-year-old is now retired, but during her career she played at the highest level and made over 100 international appearances for England.

If that wasn't enough, Aluko has a degree in law and is now making waves in the world of punditry.

Thibaut and Valerie Courtois

Goalkeepers tend to have a bit of a reputation for being a bit out there and Thibaut Courtois is no different considering he appears to be the odd one out in his family.

Both his parents and his sister have made livings as volleyball players, but Thibaut trod a different path.

The Belgian international still choose to use his hands, however, becoming one of the best goalkeepers in world football.

He has some serious competition on the medal-winning front from sister Valerie, however.

She enjoyed a decorated volleyball career in which she won a Belgian Cup, two Belgian Supercups, a bronze medal at the European Championships and a silver medal in the 2013 edition of the European Volleyball League.

You won't be surprised to hear she played as a libero.