Who Is Philippe Coutinho’s Sister and What to Know About Her?

Philippe Coutinho, the Brazilian football sensation celebrated for his mesmerizing footwork and creative flair, has dazzled fans with standout performances for clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, and now Vasco da Gama, where he plays on loan from Aston Villa.

Born Philippe Coutinho Correia on June 12, 1992, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he grew up in the modest neighbourhood of Rocha in northern Rio.

A naturally shy child, Coutinho preferred quiet moments but developed a love for football after watching his older brothers play on local concrete pitches.

He began with futsal on small indoor courts, a style that later shaped his quick and skilful play. By age six, he joined Vasco da Gama’s youth academy, marking the start of his professional journey. At 16, Inter Milan signed him, though he remained on loan at Vasco until turning 18.

Coutinho is of Brazilian ethnicity, reflecting the nation’s rich mix of Portuguese, African, and Indigenous heritage, and he is a devout Christian who often shares his faith publicly.

His parents, Esmeralda Coutinho and José Carlos Correia, an architect, raised him alongside his two older brothers, Cristiano Coutinho and Leandro Coutinho, who inspired his early love for the game.

He is the youngest of three brothers, and his close-knit family remains an important part of his life.

Does Coutinho Have a Sister?

Searches for “Philippe Coutinho’s sister” often cause confusion, largely due to misinformation circulating online, especially on platforms like TikTok and other social media sites.

In many cases, people mistakenly refer to his wife, Ainê Coutinho, as his sister. Various posts and videos incorrectly label Ainê as his sibling, when in reality she is his long-time partner and the mother of his children.

This mix-up may come from translation mistakes—such as misspelling her name as “Ainee” or “Aina”—as well as fan fiction content or simple online rumours.

Other unrelated individuals, such as British politician Claire Coutinho, sometimes appear in search results because they share the same surname, but they have no connection to the Brazilian footballer.

Part of the speculation can also be traced back to a 2018 Daily Mail article, which stated that Coutinho lived in his Barcelona mansion with “his wife Aine, daughter Maria, sister and two cousins.”

The vague mention of a “sister” without a name likely referred to a sister-in-law—possibly one of Ainê’s sisters—or was simply a reporting error. No credible source confirms that Coutinho has a biological sister.

Reliable biographies and reputable profiles are consistent on this point: Philippe Coutinho is the youngest of three brothers and does not have a sister.

Meet His Brothers

Born on June 12, 1992, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Philippe Coutinho Correia grew up in a modest family in the Rocha district. He is the third and youngest son of José Carlos Correia (an architect) and Esmeralda Coutinho.

His two older brothers, Cristiano (sometimes spelt Cristian) and Leandro, played significant roles in his early life, inspiring his passion for football.

Both brothers pursued careers in law and have maintained relatively low profiles compared to their famous sibling.

• Cristiano Coutinho: As the eldest brother, Cristiano was one of Philippe‘s early football inspirations. Growing up, the brothers would play futsal together, honing Philippe‘s skills in tight spaces—a trait that later defined his professional style. Cristiano is a lawyer by profession and has occasionally been spotted supporting Philippe at matches.
• Leandro Coutinho: The middle brother, Leandro also became a lawyer. Like Cristiano, he encouraged Philippe‘s talent from a young age. Leandro has been described in family anecdotes as part of the supportive household that allowed Philippe to chase his dreams, starting with local futsal teams before joining Vasco da Gama’s youth academy at age six.

The brothers share a close bond, rooted in their shared upbringing in Brazil. Philippe has credited his family, including his brothers, for keeping him grounded amid the fame and fortune of his career.

Personal Life

Coutinho may not have a sister; his family extends beyond his brothers through his marriage and children. He met his wife, Ainê Coutinho (née unknown, but of Portuguese descent, raised in Brazil), at a friend’s party when they were both 14 years old.

They began dating as teenagers, navigated long-distance challenges during Philippe‘s early moves to Europe (including stints at Inter Milan), and married in 2012 in Brazil.

Ainê has built her own public persona as a social media influencer, with over 930,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares lifestyle content, family moments, and promotions for her beauty brand.

The couple has three children:

• Maria Coutinho: Their eldest daughter, born in 2015. She often appears in family photos and has been a source of joy during Coutinho‘s career highs and lows.
• Esmeralda Coutinho: Named after Philippe‘s mother, their second daughter was born in 2019.
• José Coutinho: Their son, born in 2020, completes the family.

Ainê herself comes from a family with siblings named Arie, Becca, Carol, and Antonio, which might explain references to “sisters” in some reports about the Coutinho household.

The family is known for its strong Christian faith, often sharing inspirational posts on social media. Despite the demands of professional football, Coutinho prioritises family time, as seen in vacations and glimpses of home life shared online.

Why the Interest in Coutinho’s Family?

Football stars like Coutinho often have their personal lives scrutinized, and family details humanize them beyond the pitch.

His journey from a shy, futsal-playing kid in Rio to a global icon is intertwined with family support. While there is no sister to profile, understanding his brothers and extended family provides a fuller picture of the man behind the magic feet.