Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yasin Ayari has shared the joyful news that he is set to become a father, revealing a close family connection that links him to a Premier League rival.
A Goal Celebration Reveals Personal News
The Sweden international, 22, scored in Brighton's 2-0 home victory over Burnley and marked the occasion with a pointed celebration. Ayari tucked the ball under his shirt and sucked his thumb, a well-known gesture in football signalling an impending arrival.
The personal news was officially confirmed a day later via social media. Ayari and his fiancée, Sandra Kulusevska, posted a silhouette photograph showing him kissing her baby bump. The couple captioned the sweet image: 'Our family is growing, 2026' alongside a heart emoji.
Family Ties to Tottenham Hotspur
The announcement brought an additional layer of interest for football fans. Sandra Kulusevska, 29, is the older sister of Tottenham Hotspur and Sweden attacking midfielder Dejan Kulusevski.
This creates a unique dynamic where Ayari and Kulusevski, who have 17 and 45 international caps respectively, are not only teammates for their national side but will soon be connected by family. The couple have been engaged since May 2024.
Despite her connection to Brighton through Ayari, Kulusevska maintains strong links to her brother's club. She was pictured on the pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the end of last season with Kulusevski's daughter, Leonie, during a lap of appreciation for friends and family.
Kulusevski's Sister: A Brutally Honest Supporter
Dejan Kulusevski has previously spoken publicly about his sister's influential role in his career, describing her as his most respected critic. In an interview with Players' Tribune, the 25-year-old recalled a difficult period when he was struggling for game time at Juventus.
'I felt embarrassed, even worthless,' Kulusevski admitted. He credited his sister with delivering a hard truth that spurred him on. 'She said, “Deki, when did you become weak?” I knew I had to get away,' he revealed, explaining her direct style of motivation even when he is playing well.
Kulusevski's move to Tottenham in 2022 revitalised his club career, though he is currently sidelined with a knee injury sustained in May of last year, preventing him from playing under new manager Thomas Frank this season.
The news highlights the close-knit relationships that often exist behind the scenes in professional football, where family connections can bridge club rivalries. For Ayari and the Kulusevski family, the focus is now firmly on the happy personal milestone expected in 2026.
