Rodrygo
Rodrygo Silva de Goes (born 9 January 2001) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a right winger for La Liga club Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.[1][2] Born in Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil, he stands at 1.74 meters tall and is noted for his versatility across forward positions, including left winger and centre-forward, as well as his pace, dribbling, and finishing ability.[1][3] Rodrygo began his professional career with Santos in Brazil, where he made his senior debut on 17 November 2017 at the age of 16, going on to play 59 matches and score 17 goals over two seasons.[4] In June 2018, Real Madrid agreed to a €45 million transfer for him, which he joined on 1 July 2019 after turning 18, marking Santos' record sale at the time.[5][6] He quickly made an impact at Real Madrid, scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Champions League debut against Galatasaray in October 2019, becoming the youngest player to do so in the competition's history.[7] Since joining Real Madrid, Rodrygo has become a key squad member, contributing to numerous domestic and international successes, including three La Liga titles (2019/20, 2021/22, 2023/24), two UEFA Champions Leagues (2021/22, 2023/24), one FIFA Club World Cup (2022), and two UEFA Super Cups (2022, 2024).[8] He also earned the Man of the Match award in the 2023 Copa del Rey final.[3] Internationally, Rodrygo made his senior debut for Brazil on 19 November 2019 in a friendly against South Korea and has since accumulated 36 caps with 9 goals as of November 2025, featuring in major tournaments such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 Copa América (runners-up), and the 2024 Copa América.[9] His dual citizenship includes Spanish nationality, acquired in 2023.[1]Early life and youth career
Early life
Rodrygo Silva de Goes was born on 9 January 2001 in Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil, to parents Eric Batista de Goes and Denise Goes.[10][11] His father, Eric, a former professional footballer who played as a right-back for clubs including Mirassol and briefly trained with Santos, worked various jobs to support the family, while his mother, Denise, managed the household and made significant sacrifices for Rodrygo's development.[10] The family faced financial and logistical challenges typical of a modest upbringing in Osasco, including early morning commutes for training that often began at 4 a.m., driven by a relative.[10] From a young age, Rodrygo displayed a passion for football, influenced heavily by his father's involvement in the sport and idols like Neymar, whom he emulated by wearing a replica Brazil shirt and styling his hair similarly.[10] He first honed his skills playing street football with older children on the side streets of Osasco, showcasing talent that led to him joining a local academy around the age of six after impressing a coach during an informal game.[10] After starting at a local academy around age six, Rodrygo joined Ceará's youth setup from 2006 to 2010 before being scouted by Santos. This early dedication was inspired by his father's unfulfilled dreams in football, which motivated Rodrygo to train relentlessly despite a demanding schedule that balanced school and multiple sessions.[10] A poignant family anecdote underscores the pressures of his nascent career: at 16 years old, Eric prayed that Rodrygo would not be born during a crucial youth match on 25 December 2000, fearing a December birthday might hinder his son's opportunities in Brazilian football categories, which are determined by calendar year.[10] Eric later recalled telling Denise, "For the love of God, don’t let him be born now," as labor began just before the game; Rodrygo arrived healthy two weeks later, allowing him to enter the 2001 birth year group.[10] These early experiences fostered Rodrygo's resilience and commitment, paving the way for his transition to structured youth training at Santos.[10]Youth career at Santos
Rodrygo joined Santos' youth academy at the age of 10 in 2011, having been spotted by a club scout during local trials in his hometown of Osasco.[12] Initially balancing futsal and field football, he quickly adapted to the structured environment, demonstrating exceptional dribbling and goal-scoring instinct from an early stage.[12] His progression through the youth ranks was remarkably swift, moving from the under-11 team—where he became captain and star performer at just 11 years old—to the under-13, under-15, and under-17 squads. Rodrygo established himself as a top scorer in every age group, averaging nearly two goals per match across youth competitions and earning consistent praise for his flair and maturity on the ball. Comparisons to Neymar emerged early, owing to his Osasco roots, explosive dribbling style, and ability to thrive under pressure in Santos' renowned academy system.[13][14] His father, Eric, a former professional footballer, provided crucial guidance in managing the intense expectations and training demands of the youth setup.[12] In July 2017, at 16 years old, Rodrygo signed his first professional contract with Santos, a five-year deal that integrated him into the club's development pathway.[15] This agreement, one of the earliest for a Santos youth product since Pelé's era, allowed him to train intermittently with the senior squad while continuing to hone his skills in youth matches, where he was a consistent top scorer across age groups.[15]Club career
Santos
Rodrygo made his senior professional debut for Santos on 4 November 2017, entering as a substitute in the 83rd minute during a 3–1 home win against Atlético Mineiro in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.[16] At 16 years and 299 days old, he became the youngest player to feature for Santos in the competition since Neymar in 2009.[17] In 2017, he made 8 appearances and scored 1 goal. His first start came on 11 May 2018, in a 5–1 Copa do Brasil victory over Luverdense, where he played 90 minutes without scoring.[16] During the 2018 season, Rodrygo established himself as a regular first-team player, appearing in 41 matches across all competitions and contributing 9 goals and 5 assists.[18] In the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, he featured in 35 games, scoring 8 goals and recording 3 assists, while in the Copa Libertadores, he made 6 appearances with 1 goal.[19] A standout performance came on 27 October 2018, when he scored the only goal in a 1–0 league win over Fluminense at Vila Belmiro, helping Santos secure vital points in the title race.[20] Another highlight was his rapid hat-trick on 3 June 2018 against Vitória in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, netting three goals in 9 minutes to help secure a 5–2 victory. In the 2019 season, prior to his departure, Rodrygo played 31 matches across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists, bringing his total Santos tally to 80 appearances, 17 goals, and 8 assists.[18] A key moment in the Copa Libertadores came during the round of 16 against Atlético Mineiro on 7 August 2019, where he scored Santos' goal in a 1–3 second-leg loss, though the team was eliminated 1–3 on aggregate. The buildup to his transfer dominated the latter part of his Santos tenure; Real Madrid activated his €50 million release clause in a deal agreed the previous year, finalizing the €45 million move in June 2019 after a brief dispute with club president José Carlos Peres.[6] Rodrygo bid an emotional farewell to Santos fans on 12 June 2019 during a 2–0 win over Corinthians, receiving a standing ovation and a special jersey numbered 80 to honor his total appearances.[21] His final match came on 2 July 2019, scoring the winner in a 2–1 league victory over Athletico Paranaense, capping his time at the club with a moment of individual brilliance.[22]Real Madrid
Rodrygo joined Real Madrid on July 1, 2019, in a transfer from Santos valued at €45 million base fee plus up to €9 million in variables, with an agreement allowing him to remain on loan at Santos until the end of the 2019 Brazilian season.[6][23] He made his competitive debut for Real Madrid on November 6, 2019, in a UEFA Champions League group stage match against Galatasaray, where he scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 victory, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat in the competition at 18 years and 301 days old. His first La Liga goal came on November 30, 2019, against Osasuna, scoring within one minute of substituting in during a 4-3 win. Rodrygo's breakthrough season arrived in 2021-22, highlighted by his performance in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City on May 4, 2022, where he scored two goals in the 90th and 91st minutes to level the aggregate score at 5-5 and force extra time, contributing to Real Madrid's eventual 6-5 aggregate victory and progression to the final; across all competitions that year, he recorded 17 goals in 51 appearances.[24] In the 2023-24 campaign, Rodrygo played a key role in Real Madrid's successful defense of the La Liga title and their 15th UEFA Champions League triumph, featuring in 51 matches with 17 goals and 9 assists overall.[25] During the 2024-25 La Liga season, Rodrygo scored 6 goals in 30 appearances, navigating increased competition for attacking positions following Kylian Mbappé's arrival at the club. As of October 2025 in the ongoing 2025-26 season, he had secured only 2 starts amid a crowded forward line.[26] Over his tenure, Rodrygo has amassed more than 200 appearances for Real Madrid, evolving from a traditional right winger into a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line under manager Carlo Ancelotti, enhancing his contributions in high-stakes European matches.[1]International career
Youth international career
Rodrygo made his debut for the Brazil under-15 national team on 27 April 2016, featuring in a 1–2 friendly loss to the United States under-16 side.[16] In March 2017, at the age of 16, he received his first call-up to the Brazil under-17 team for the Montaigu Tournament in France, where he scored three goals across four matches to finish as joint top scorer and help Brazil secure the runners-up position behind the hosts. Later that year, Rodrygo was included in the under-17 squad for the South American U-17 Championship in Chile, contributing to Brazil's campaign despite their group-stage exit; his strong performances at Santos during this period facilitated these early international opportunities.[9] Rodrygo featured prominently for Brazil at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, making four appearances and scoring three goals as the team reached the semi-finals before finishing third overall.[27] Advancing to the under-20 level, Rodrygo represented Brazil at the 2019 South American U-20 Championship in Chile, where he netted three goals in seven matches—including a decisive brace in a 2–1 victory over Venezuela—to aid qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, though he did not participate in the latter due to his impending transfer to Real Madrid.[28][29] In early 2020, Rodrygo transitioned to the under-23 team for the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament in Colombia, scoring once in five appearances to help Brazil secure qualification for the Tokyo Olympics as runners-up to Argentina.[30] Across his youth international career from under-15 to under-23 levels, Rodrygo accumulated 19 caps and 7 goals.[27]Senior international career
Rodrygo made his senior debut for the Brazil national team on 15 November 2019, entering as a substitute in the 71st minute of a friendly match against Argentina in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which Brazil lost 0–1. Four days later, on 19 November 2019, he earned his second cap in another friendly against South Korea in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, coming on in the 87th minute during a 3–0 victory. These early appearances under coach Tite marked the beginning of his integration into the senior squad as a promising versatile attacker capable of playing on either wing or as a forward.[31][32] Rodrygo's first international goal arrived on 2 February 2022, during a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Brasília, where he substituted on in the 82nd minute and scored in the 87th minute to make it 4–0 in the eventual 4–0 win. He was not selected for Brazil's squad at the 2021 Copa América, which the team won, but his club form at Real Madrid earned him a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar under Tite. There, Rodrygo featured in all five matches, starting against Serbia in the group stage and substituting in the others; he provided the assist for Casemiro's decisive goal in the 83rd minute of a 1–0 group win over Switzerland on 28 November 2022 but did not find the net in the knockout stages, where Brazil exited in the quarter-finals on penalties to Croatia.[33] Following Tite's departure, Rodrygo continued to be a regular under interim coach Fernando Diniz and then permanent coach Dorival Júnior, valued for his dribbling, pace, and ability to switch positions in attack. At the 2024 Copa América in the United States, he made four appearances for Brazil, starting three, but recorded no goals amid the team's quarter-final exit on penalties to Uruguay after a 0–0 draw. His contributions included an assist in the 4–1 group-stage win over Paraguay.[34][35] As of November 2025, Rodrygo has accumulated 36 caps for Brazil, scoring 9 goals, with ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers providing further opportunities. In October 2025 friendlies, he starred with a brace in a 5–0 win over South Korea on 10 October, assisting in Brazil's preparations under Dorival Júnior, who has deployed him flexibly across the front line to complement stars like Vinícius Júnior. In a November 2025 friendly against Senegal on 15 November, Rodrygo featured and contributed to Brazil's victory.[9][36]Style of play
Technical attributes and strengths
Rodrygo is a right-footed forward renowned for his exceptional technical skills and agile physical profile. Standing at 174 cm and weighing 64 kg, he benefits from a low center of gravity that enhances his balance, quick acceleration, and ability to execute feints in tight spaces, drawing from Brazilian futsal influences and his admiration for Neymar as a role model.[3][1][37][38] One of his primary strengths lies in dribbling, where he demonstrates smooth ball control and explosive bursts to beat defenders in one-on-one duels. During the 2023/24 La Liga season, Rodrygo averaged 2.6 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, contributing to his reputation as an elite ball-carrier with a higher 1v1 success rate than peers like Kylian Mbappé in subsequent campaigns.[39][38] In shooting, Rodrygo exhibits precision and power, particularly effective from distance or when cutting inside from the left wing, with an average of 1.18 shots on target per 90 minutes across recent La Liga seasons and the ability to strike forcefully with both feet. He has netted 66 goals in 261 appearances for Real Madrid as of November 2025, underscoring his clinical finishing.[40][38] Rodrygo's vision and passing add depth to his technical arsenal, favoring short, incisive passes and through-balls that exploit transitions, averaging 2 key passes per 90 minutes to emerge as a counter-attacking threat. His high work rate off the ball, including effective pressing, complements these attributes, allowing him to maintain balance in both attack and defense phases. In the early 2025/26 season, he has shown increased dribbling activity at 3.45 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.[34][40][38]Positional versatility and weaknesses
Rodrygo began his professional career at Santos primarily as a left winger, utilizing his right foot to cut inside and create scoring opportunities from the flank.[41][42] Upon joining Real Madrid in 2019, he transitioned to the right wing, often operating as an inverted winger in a 4-3-3 formation, where he drifts centrally to link play with midfielders like Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.[38][43] Under Carlo Ancelotti, he has demonstrated further adaptability by occasionally deploying as a false 9 or in the No. 10 role, particularly during periods of injury or tactical experimentation, such as in the 2022/23 season when he filled central attacking positions to maintain fluidity in the front line.[44][45] His tactical versatility extends to formations like the 4-2-3-1, where he supports the central striker while exploiting spaces on the right, frequently cutting inside to connect with midfield runners and deliver progressive passes.[38] This adaptability has allowed him to contribute effectively in transitions, combining with full-backs like Dani Carvajal for overlapping runs or underlapping movements to maintain attacking balance.[46] However, at 1.74 meters tall, Rodrygo's limited aerial presence occasionally hampers his effectiveness in set-piece situations or against physically dominant defenders, as he relies more on ground-based play rather than headers.[1] Despite these strengths, Rodrygo has faced criticism for inconsistencies in form, exemplified by a prolonged goal drought spanning over 250 days without a club goal as of mid-November 2025, following his last strike on 5 March 2025—a period covering more than 30 matches across competitions.[47][48] Decision-making under pressure has also been highlighted as an area for improvement, with instances of hesitation in high-stakes moments leading to suboptimal choices in the final third.[41] Post-2022, he has shown development in finishing, converting more opportunities in tight spaces during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, yet he generates fewer high-volume chances compared to teammate Vinícius Júnior, who averages higher key passes and progressive carries per game.[49][50] In comparisons, Rodrygo's right-wing play evokes Zinedine Zidane's inverted style through his vision and technical poise in linking midfield and attack, though he lacks the raw explosiveness of Kylian Mbappé, whose top speed and direct dribbling enable more frequent 1v1 breakthroughs.[41][51]Personal life
Family and upbringing
Rodrygo Silva de Goes was born on January 9, 2001, in Osasco, a working-class suburb of São Paulo, Brazil, to parents Eric Batista de Goes and Denise Goes.[10] His father, Eric, a former professional footballer who played as a right-back in Brazil's lower divisions including Série B, retired in 2017 and transitioned into a supportive role as Rodrygo's personal coach and agent, providing guidance throughout his career.[11] Eric's influence began early, as he strategically hoped for Rodrygo's birth to align with the start of the year to give him an age advantage in youth competitions, later crediting divine intervention for his son's success: "If there’s a reason why Rodrygo is here today, it’s first because of God, and second because of the sacrifices she [Denise] made."[10] Denise played a pivotal role in maintaining family stability amid the demands of Rodrygo's budding career, often waking at 4 a.m. to drive him from Osasco to Santos training sessions while he slept in the car, ensuring he balanced football with school and futsal commitments.[10] This unwavering support from his mother helped navigate the challenges of their modest circumstances, including a grueling daily routine that left little time for rest and periods of separation when Eric moved to play for a club in Rio Claro, leaving Rodrygo and Denise to manage alone for five years.[10] Rodrygo later reflected on these hardships, stating, "I’m not gonna lie: It was f***ing hard," highlighting how his upbringing in Osasco's streets, where he honed his skills against older children, instilled resilience.[10] Growing up in a Brazilian family where football served as both a passion and an escape from socioeconomic pressures, Rodrygo absorbed cultural values emphasizing perseverance and community, idolizing local legends like Pelé and Neymar from a young age.[10] In a 2022 interview, he shared reflections on destiny and faith shaping his path, attributing pivotal moments like his transfer to Real Madrid to a higher power: "Only God could have made this happen," a belief reinforced by his parents' emphasis on gratitude and hard work.[10] After moving to Europe in 2019 at age 18, Rodrygo has maintained strong family ties, with Eric continuing as his agent and both parents providing ongoing emotional support during visits to Madrid, ensuring the family's influence remains central to his life despite the distance.[11] Rodrygo acquired Spanish nationality in 2023, granting him dual Brazilian-Spanish citizenship.[1]Relationships and fatherhood
Rodrygo became a father to twin sons, Rayan and Ravy, in February 2022, with their mother being Pamella Cristina Costa, a beautician from Santos.[52][53] The paternity was initially kept private and confirmed publicly through a Brazilian court ruling in February 2022, after which Rodrygo shared the first images of the twins on Instagram in December 2022 during a family celebration for his sister's birthday.[52][53] In his romantic life, Rodrygo began a relationship with Brazilian influencer Bruna Rotta in September 2023, marked by public appearances together, including vacations and social media posts shared through 2025.[54] The couple's outings, such as a family trip to Disneyland in July 2025, highlighted their time together before the relationship ended amicably in August 2025, as confirmed by Rotta on social media.[55][56] As of November 2025, Rodrygo has not confirmed any marriage or new partnership. Rodrygo maintains a low-key approach to his personal life, prioritizing privacy while occasionally sharing family milestones on Instagram to connect with fans.[52] He has balanced fatherhood with his professional commitments in Madrid, where the twins have joined him for events like Brazil national team training sessions in March 2025 and family outings in July 2025.[57][58] His parents, Eric and Denise, have provided support in his parenting role during challenging periods.[59]Career statistics
Club statistics
Rodrygo began his professional club career with Santos in 2017, where he made 59 appearances, scoring 17 goals and providing 9 assists before transferring to Real Madrid in 2019.[60] At Real Madrid, as of November 17, 2025, he has accumulated 215 appearances, 50 goals, and 30 assists across all competitions.[60] His overall club goal-scoring rate at Real Madrid stands at 0.35 goals per 90 minutes played, reflecting consistent contributions in a competitive environment.[60]Breakdown by Competition (Real Madrid, as of November 17, 2025)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Liga | 140 | 30 | 18 |
| UEFA Champions League | 45 | 12 | 8 |
| Copa del Rey | 20 | 5 | 3 |
| Supercopa de España | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Seasonal Statistics (Real Madrid)
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 15 | 2 | 1 | Debut season |
| 2020-21 | 25 | 4 | 3 | |
| 2021-22 | 35 | 8 | 5 | |
| 2022-23 | 40 | 10 | 7 | |
| 2023-24 | 45 | 12 | 6 | |
| 2024-25 | 42 | 13 | 5 | |
| 2025-26 | 13 | 1 | 3 | Partial (as of November 17, 2025) |
International statistics
Rodrygo made his debut for the Brazil senior national team on 19 November 2019 in a 3–0 friendly victory over South Korea.[9] He became a regular squad member starting from 2021, accumulating 36 caps, 10 goals, and 2 assists as of 17 November 2025.[9] The following table summarizes his senior international appearances by major competition:| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL) | 15 | 4 | 0 |
| Copa América | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Friendlies | 12 | 5 | 1 |
| Total | 36 | 10 | 2 |
| No. | Date | Opponent | Competition | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 February 2022 | Paraguay | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier | 3–1 |
| 2 | 28 November 2022 | Switzerland | 2022 FIFA World Cup | 1–0 |
| 3 | 17 June 2023 | Guinea | International friendly | 2–0 |
| 4 | 9 September 2023 | Bolivia | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier | 3–0 |
| 5 | 9 September 2023 | Bolivia | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier | 5–1 |
| 6 | 26 March 2024 | Spain | International friendly | 2–3 |
| 7 | 13 June 2024 | United States | International friendly | 1–0 |
| 8 | 7 September 2024 | Ecuador | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier | 1–0 |
| 9 | 10 October 2025 | South Korea | International friendly | 2–0 |
| 10 | 10 October 2025 | South Korea | International friendly | 3–0 |
| Youth Team | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil U17 | 4 | 3 |
| Brazil U20 | 10 | 3 |
| Brazil U23 | 5 | 1 |
| Total | 19 | 7 |