Rodrygo

Brazilian footballer.

Rodrygo Goes, commonly known as Rodrygo, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. Born on January 9, 2001, in Osasco, Brazil, Rodrygo has already established himself as one of the brightest young talents in world football. Rodrygo began his youth career with Santos FC in Brazil before making his professional debut for the club in 2017 at the age of 16. His performances caught the attention of European giants Real Madrid, who secured his services in 2019 for a reported fee of €45 million.

At Real Madrid, Rodrygo has quickly adapted to the demands of European football, showcasing his pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal. He made his debut for the club in 2019 and has since become a regular fixture in the team's attacking lineup, often operating on the left wing or as a second striker. Rodrygo's ability to beat defenders with his trickery, his composure in front of goal, and his work rate off the ball have earned him praise from coaches, teammates, and pundits alike.

His performances have also led to call-ups to the Brazilian national team, where he has already made several appearances and scored goals.

Family life & youth football

Rodrygo Goes was born in Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil, on January 9, 2001, to parents Eric Goes and Denise Goes. His father, Eric, was a former professional footballer who played as a striker for several clubs in São Paulo. Rodrygo's love for football was evident from a young age, and he began playing the sport at the age of 7.

His talent was quickly recognized, and he joined the youth academy of Santos FC, one of Brazil's most prestigious clubs, in 2011. At Santos FC's youth academy, Rodrygo honed his skills and developed his unique playing style. He quickly progressed through the ranks, impressing coaches and scouts with his technical ability, speed, and goal-scoring prowess. In 2017, at the age of 16, Rodrygo made his professional debut for Santos FC's first team, becoming one of the youngest players in the club's history to do so.

He quickly established himself as a regular in the starting lineup, featuring in both domestic and international competitions. Rodrygo's performances for Santos FC caught the attention of European giants, with clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City reportedly interested in securing his services. In June 2018, Real Madrid announced that they had reached an agreement with Santos FC to sign Rodrygo, with the transfer set to be completed in July 2019, when he turned 18.

Breaking into the first team

Rodrygo emerged as one of Brazil's hottest young prospects during his three seasons in Santos' first team between 2017 and 2019. Despite being just a teenager for most of this period, he quickly established himself as a regular starter and key player for the Brazilian giants. Rodrygo made his professional debut for Santos in November 2017 at just 16 years old, coming on as a late substitute in a Brazilian Serie A match.

Though he didn't score, it marked the arrival of an exciting new talent. By the end of the 2017 season, Rodrygo had made 7 first team appearances as Santos eased him into senior action. 2018 proved to be Rodrygo's breakout year as he cemented his place in Santos' starting lineup. Despite only turning 18 midway through the campaign, he scored an impressive 9 goals in 35 games across all competitions. Rodrygo showcased his pace, skill, and poaching ability from wide areas. He scored his first professional goal in March 2018 against Ferroviaria and never looked back. Other highlights included braces against Sampaio Correa in the Copa do Brasil and Chapecoense in Serie A.

Rodrygo earned a call-up to Brazil's U20 side and attracted interest from top European clubs. Building on his success from 2018, Rodrygo took his game to new heights in the first half of 2019 before securing a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid. In just 19 appearances across all competitions, he scored an impressive 12 goals at better than a 1 in 2 rate. Rodrygo started 2019 on fire with 9 goals in Santos' opening 13 league games as they topped the Serie A standings.

This prolific form included braces against Bahia and Avai as he tormented defenses playing off the left wing. His final career goals for Santos came with a hat-trick against Defensa y Justicia in the Copa Libertadores in March. On the back of his sensational 2019 form, Real Madrid secured Rodrygo's signing in June for a €45 million fee, although he remained on loan at Santos until August.

At just 18 years old, he had starred for one of Brazil's biggest clubs and shown the talent to earn a dream move to the Spanish giants. Overall in his three seasons as a professional at Santos between 2017 and 2019, Rodrygo made 91 appearances across all competitions. His return of 28 goals and 11 assists underlined his offensive quality and end product from wide areas. Despite his extreme youth, he showed mental fortitude and big game performances that marked him as a future superstar.

Rodrygo made the high-profile move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 at just 18 years old after starring for Santos in Brazil. In his debut season in Spain, he showed flashes of his immense potential despite being viewed as a long-term prospect initially. Though he didn't become an immediate starter, Rodrygo was eased into the team by manager Zinedine Zidane and made 26 appearances across all competitions in 2019/20. He was most regularly used as an impact substitution option from the bench.

His breakout performance came in a Champions League group stage game against Galatasaray in November 2019. Brought on as a substitute with Real Madrid trailing 1-0, Rodrygo scored a brilliant late equalizer before netting a stoppage time winner to complete a 6-minute brace in a 3-2 comeback victory. That glimpse of his talent was followed by further key contributions, such as the opening goal in a 3-1 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League. Rodrygo scored his first La Liga goal in February 2020 against Osasuna. While not always a starter, he consistently made positive impacts as a second half substitute throughout the season.

Rodrygo's pace, skill, crossing ability and work rate made him a valuable weapon off the bench for Zidane's side. In total in his debut season, Rodrygo scored 9 goals across 26 appearances as Real Madrid won a 34th La Liga title. This included 7 goals in just 12 starts as he proved himself a rising star when called upon. Though just a teenager, Rodrygo demonstrated his big game mentality on some of the biggest stages in the Champions League and La Liga.

It laid the foundations for him to become a more regular starter in the years to follow for the Spanish giants.

Coming off an encouraging debut campaign, Rodrygo took on a more prominent role for Real Madrid during the 2020/21 season as he continued his development into a regular first-team player. The Brazilian made 49 appearances across all competitions, scoring 9 goals - a slight uptick from his 7 goals in 2019/20 despite more limited playing time. Rodrygo was trusted with more starts by manager Zinedine Zidane, making 21 starts compared to just 12 the previous year.

His season got off to a flying start with goals in Madrid's first two La Liga games against Real Betis and Valladolid. Rodrygo then scored a dramatic late winner against Inter Milan in the Champions League group stages in November 2020. Further key contributions followed with goals in Copa del Rey wins over Alcoyano and Elche as well as a La Liga victory at Osasuna as Rodrygo's confidence and influence grew.

His performances earned high praise from Zidane, who hailed the youngster's work rate, directness and end product from the flanks. Rodrygo's ability to stretch defenses and create from wide areas became very valuable. While not always a consistent starter, he delivered several decisive moments like the winning goals against Inter Milan and Elche. Rodrygo finished the campaign with returns of 9 goals and 9 assists across nearly 50 appearances. Though Real had an underwhelming season, finishing 2nd in La Liga and exiting the Champions League semi-finals, Rodrygo took significant strides in his development.

Now much more than just an "impact sub", he proved he could thrive as a regular contributor at the highest level at just 20 years old.

Development and breakthrough

The 2021/22 campaign proved to be a true breakout year for Rodrygo as he cemented his place as a regular starter and key player for Real Madrid. With increased opportunities, he flourished with his pace, skill and eye for goal from the flanks. Rodrygo made 49 appearances across all competitions, scoring 9 goals and providing 10 assists as a dangerous weapon cutting in from the right wing. He started 24 games in La Liga alone as Real won another league title. His season was ignited by a sensational performance against Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Trailing 3-0 after the first leg, Rodrygo scored late goals in the 80th and 98th minutes to force extra time before Real completed an incredible comeback at the Bernabeu. He followed that up with the winning goal against Manchester City in the semi-final first leg as Real booked a place in the Champions League final. Rodrygo had truly announced himself on the biggest stage. In La Liga, consistent performances saw him score crucial goals in victories over Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Real Sociedad as Real claimed another domestic title. His linkup play with Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema formed one of Europe's most prolific attacks.

Rodrygo saved his best for last, scoring a sensational strike to make it 1-0 in the Champions League final against Liverpool. Though the match ended 1-1, he became a European champion after Real's shootout victory. Having dealt with injury issues earlier in his Madrid career, Rodrygo was ever-present in 2021/22, showcasing his elite skill set and mentality for the big occasion at just 21 years old. He was a driving force behind Real's prestigious La Liga and Champions League double.

Rodrygo had an impressive 2022/23 season with Real Madrid, making 57 appearances across all competitions. In their first league match on August 14, 2022, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory against Almería. Rodrygo played a crucial role in this match, coming on as a substitute and providing a spark to the team's attack. In the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid were drawn in Group F alongside RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Celtic.

Real Madrid topped the group, advancing to the knockout stages with strong performances. By November, Rodrygo was performing exceptionally well in La Liga, consistently delivering standout performances and contributing significantly to Real Madrid's attack. The team was competing at the top of the league table, maintaining their pursuit of the title. During the winter months, Rodrygo delivered some notable performances.

On January 7, 2023, in a match against Villarreal, he scored a crucial goal in a 2-1 victory, earning him the Player of the Match award. Another significant performance came on February 18, 2023, where he scored twice in a 3-1 victory against Osasuna, further highlighting his importance to the team.

In the domestic Copa del Rey, Real Madrid went on to win the tournament, showcasing their strength in domestic cup competitions. In the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid's campaign concluded in the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Manchester City. Throughout the season, Rodrygo's performances were exceptional. He emerged as a key player for Real Madrid, contributing significantly in both domestic and continental competitions.

His season was marked by consistent high-level performances, crucial goals, and assists, solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in European football.

Rodrygo had a brilliant 2023/24 season with Real Madrid, making 48 appearances and scoring 18 goals. He started the season strongly, netting 5 goals in the first 10 games, contributing significantly to Real Madrid's excellent run of wins. Real Madrid was drawn against Napoli, Braga, and Union Berlin in the Champions League group stages, with Rodrygo playing in all these matches and helping the team progress to the knockout stages. By November, Real Madrid was leading La Liga, with Barcelona as their nearest rivals. In December, Rodrygo continued to perform exceptionally, scoring crucial goals and providing key assists, maintaining his form and importance to the team.

He remained influential in the first games of the new year, consistently delivering strong performances. In February and March, Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals, with Rodrygo playing pivotal roles in the knockout games. A standout game for him was against Atletico Madrid in March, where he scored a decisive goal in a 3-1 victory. Real Madrid reached the final of the Copa del Rey, showcasing their strength in domestic competitions.

As the season concluded, Rodrygo scored important goals, including a vital winner against Sevilla in May, securing crucial points for Real Madrid. Real Madrid finished La Liga as champions and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. The team manager, Carlo Ancelotti, praised Rodrygo's exceptional season, highlighting his creativity, consistency, and significant contributions to the team's success.

Youth national sides

Having dealt with injury issues earlier in his Madrid career, Rodrygo was ever-present in 2021/22, showcasing his elite skill set and mentality for the big occasion at just 21 years old. He was a driving force behind Real's prestigious La Liga and Champions League double.

National team

Rodrygo's rapid rise was completed on November 15, 2019 when he made his senior international debut for Brazil at just 18 years old. He came off the bench late on in a 3-0 friendly win over Argentina to become the youngest player to represent the Selecao for over 20 years. That cameo kickstarted his Brazil career, with Rodrygo going on to feature regularly under manager Tite over the next few years. He provided depth, energy and quality from wide areas either as a starter or high-impact substitute.

After scoring his first senior international goal in a 5-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia in September 2021, Rodrygo played a direct role in helping Brazil qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He made 5 appearances during qualifying, netting against Chile and Venezuela along the way. As Brazil prepared for the Qatar World Cup, Rodrygo remained in Tite's plans and was named in the final 26-man squad. Though not an automatic starter, he appeared in all 5 of Brazil's games in an eventual quarter-final exit. Rodrygo started the final two group games against Switzerland and Cameroon, playing the full 90 minutes against the latter as Brazil rotated the lineup.

In the round of 16 win over South Korea, he came off the bench and assisted one of the goals in a 4-1 victory. His overall performance level earned praise from Tite. Brazil's manager commended Rodrygo's directness and ability to stretch defenses with his pace and skill, making him a constant out-ball threat. At just 21 years old, he demonstrated his big game mentality on the grandest stage.

With 10 goals in 35 appearances for Brazil so far, Rodrygo is well on his way to an outstanding international career. Still improving all aspects of his game, he is expected to be a cornerstone of future Brazil squads for years to come as part of their latest crop of emerging superstars.

His style & roles

Rodrygo is a pacy, tricky and direct winger who thrives on taking on defenders and making things happen in the final third. His game is built on using his blistering acceleration and close control to stretch defenses and provide a consistent goal threat from wide areas. One of Rodrygo's biggest strengths is his electrifying pace and ability to beat defenders one-on-one. He has the blistering speed to get in behind backlines, but also the guile and feinting ability to create separation from markers. His low center of gravity and agility make him extremely tough to knock off the ball. While a threat with his dribbling, Rodrygo also possesses excellent vision and decision-making in the final third.

He has a good final ball in him, whether that's picking out cunning through balls or whipping in dangerous crosses from the byline. His movement and timing of runs also make him a handful. Though naturally right-footed, Rodrygo is also extremely comfortable cutting inside from the left onto his stronger foot and getting shots away. He has impressive technique and body feints to engineer shooting opportunities inside the box with his accurate, powerful striking ability. Off the ball, the Brazilian works tirelessly to press and harass defenders when his team is without possession.

His tenacious work rate complements his attacking qualities. Rodrygo also has impressive stamina to make driving runs for 90 minutes from his flank. Mentality is another key part of the winger's game. He backs himself in one-on-one situations and shows no fear despite his young age. Rodrygo rises to the big occasions and thrives on the biggest stages, as seen in Champions League performances.

With his game built on pace, trickery and directness, Rodrygo is a nightmare for full-backs to contain over 90 minutes. His skillset perfectly suits the chaos and transitions of the modern game.