Rodrygo Goes

Universally known by his first name, Brazilian winger Rodrygo Silva de Goes only turned professional in 2017. Within four seasons, he has gone from Santos, one of the biggest clubs in Brazil, to Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world. After being part of the Brazilian national youth set-up, he won his first senior cap for his country in 2019. Part of a coming generation of footballing greats, he was the first player born in the 21st century to score in the UEFA Champions League.

Rodrygo was born in the Brazilian town of Osasco in January 2001. His father Eric had been a professional footballer in the lower Brazilian leagues. Following in his footsteps, Rodrygo was signed by local side Santos at the age of 11 and joined their futsal team (futsal is an intense, highly-skilled, five-a-side form of football). He soon joined the regular team and, in March 2017, he began training with the first team, making his professional debut that November. He made his presence felt in Santos’ Copa Libertadores campaign, becoming the youngest ever player to score in the competition. By the time Real Madrid came looking, he was the team’s number 11, a position previously held by world-beater Neymar. He was voted Best Newcomer in the Paulisto (the Brazilian premier league) for the 2018 season.

Aged 18, Rodrygo made the €45 million move to Real Madrid. He made his La Liga debut in November 2019 and scored within a minute. His first hat-trick followed shortly after in a 6-0 Champions League rout of Turkish side Galatasaray.