Rickard Rakell family

Rickard Rakell is a Swedish professional ice hockey right winger for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL. Born on May 5, 1993, in Sollentuna, Sweden, he developed his skills in his home country before moving to North America to play junior hockey. He was selected 30th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2011 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut in 2013. Rakell spent nearly a decade with the Ducks before joining the Penguins in 2022.

On the international stage, Rakell has represented Sweden in several tournaments, winning a gold medal at the 2018 IIHF World Championship. On February 4, 2025, he was selected to replace William Karlsson on Team Sweden’s roster for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.

Rickard Rakell parents

Rickard Rakell was born and raised in Sollentuna, Sweden, to his parents, Annika and Roland Rakell. His mother gifted him a gold necklace that he always wears, while his father, a tennis coach, introduced him to sports from a young age, as per NHL.com.

Athletic talent runs in the Rakell family. His late grandfather, Áke “Gunnar” Rakell, was an international table tennis player who won a bronze medal at the 1959 World Championships. Rickard fondly recalls how competitive his grandfather remained, even in his later years.

“He would not let us win. That’s the thing I remember. He would show off a little bit, but then it was over” he told NHL.com.

Rickard Rakell siblings

Rickard grew up alongside his brother Robin and sister Rebecka. Not much is known about his sister. His older brother Robin pursued a career in hockey, primarily as a defenseman. He played in various Swedish leagues, including J18 Elit, J20 SuperElit, HockeyEttan, and Division 2, as well as in Norway’s second-tier league, as per EliteSports.

Robin began his youth career with Spanga IS and later played for AIK J18 and AIK J20, where he won a J18 SM Gold Medal. Over the years, he moved between clubs such as Nacka HK, Sollentuna HC, Forshaga IF, and Wings HC Arlanda.

Rickard Rakell wife

Rickard is married to Emmeli, who is from Skelleftea, Sweden, and the couple welcomed their first child, a baby girl, in June 2022.

Rickard and Emmeli also have two beloved black Labrador dogs, Stella and Heinz. Interestingly, Heinz was named after Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field before Rakell joined the Penguins.

Rickard Rakell kids

Rakell and his wife Emmeli have one daughter named Daily, born in 2022. The couple will soon welcome their second baby in April 2025 as per their Instagram post.