Andrey Santos spoiled wife with roses after Man Utd move
Andrey Santos married his childhood sweetheart Yngryd Freire at 19 in Brazil in May 2023, long before his shock summer move to Manchester United. After the £50m midfielder reunited his family in Manchester, he spoiled Freire with a huge bouquet of roses for her 25th birthday and posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute calling her the woman of his life.
The couple's story matters now because Santos could make his competitive United debut against Hull City while Freire—already his most passionate supporter—settles into life in the Red Rose county. For readers following celebrity breaking news, their journey from Rio to Old Trafford blends football ambition with a very public love story.
Key Takeaways
- Santos wed Freire in Rio de Janeiro in May 2023 while on loan at Vasco da Gama, wearing shorts and trainers as she walked in a white wedding dress.
- The pair share two sons—Anthony, born in February 2025, and Bryan, welcomed in April 2026—and Freire has followed Santos through moves in England and France.
- After joining United on a contract until 2031, Santos marked Freire's July birthday with an enormous rose bouquet and a lengthy Instagram message praising her as wife, mother, and best friend.
- The couple survived a burglary at their French home during Santos' Strasbourg loan, yet Freire publicly celebrated his United switch as a faith-led new chapter.
- Santos has impressed Michael Carrick in pre-season and may feature as United open against newly promoted Hull.
Who is Andrey Santos' wife Yngryd Freire?
Freire is Santos' childhood sweetheart from Brazil. The Daily Star describes her as his "glamorous older wife," and The Sun reports the pair got together in their homeland before building a life across European loan spells.
She wed Santos in May 2023 during his Vasco da Gama loan, with photos showing a relaxed ceremony in Rio. Her Instagram account is private, but approved followers see regular posts cheering on her husband's career.
When Santos joined United from Chelsea, Freire wrote that she was "thankful for all that God has done" and excited for a "new chapter." She said a "testimony so great" would make it "impossible to say that it was not God," ending with "Come on, United!!!"
What lavish gesture did Santos make after the Man Utd move?
Freire turned 25 in July, and Santos marked the milestone with what outlets called an astonishingly large bouquet of roses. Instagram snaps showed her beaming beside the display.
His birthday caption ran long on gratitude. Santos thanked God for Freire as a wife, woman, mother, and daughter, writing that he, their children, and everyone around her were "very proud." He called her his companion and best friend, adding: "I love you and I always will!"
The gesture landed just as Santos settled into Manchester following a deal that could rise to £50m. United handed the six-cap Brazil international a contract through 2031 after he arrived from Chelsea.
How has the couple faced adversity together?
Freire has been by Santos' side through Nottingham Forest, Strasbourg, Chelsea, and now United. While Santos was on loan at Strasbourg, burglars hit the couple's home during a match. Santos later posted—before deleting it—that the theft happened while he was playing and gave thieves 24 hours to return stolen items.
They have also celebrated brighter moments, including a Disney-themed birthday party in Brazil for eldest son Anthony. Santos welcomed Bryan in April, writing that with both sons, "our family is complete."
Why does Santos' family story matter for United fans?
On the pitch, Carrick's side need midfield depth after missing primary targets elsewhere in the market. Santos told pre-season interviewers he felt "at home" from day one at United, even after missing Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad.
Off it, Freire's move to Manchester mirrors a pattern seen across the Premier League: partners who travel with players through loan spells often become part of the club's wider narrative. Yngryd could be in the stands as Santos targets a first competitive appearance this weekend.