Not one Brazilian superstar, but two. That could be Real Madrid’s future with Rodrygo Goes showing every sign that he could be an equal partner to Vinicius
Real Madrid recently secured the services of Vinícius Júnior from Flamengo and Rodrygo Goes from Santos. Footballing affairs are already going well for the former, but by the looks of it, the champions of Europe may soon become dependent on yet another Brazilian attacker. Indeed, Rodrygo has all the characteristics to become another future Galactico.
Rodrygo Goes has gained a lot of momentum over the past few months after he became the second rising Brazilian star that Real Madrid acquired after Vinícius Júnior – who is already proving to be a success. While Júnior has certainly had more time to prove himself in Brazil, Rodrygo is for many, just as talented.
The youngster is indeed skillful, very good in one-on-one situations and can cope with the ball when he is under pressure from opponents. With a remarkable technique and good reading of the game, the 18-year-old is looking to guide Brazil in the under-20 South American championships.
It is worth noting that Rodrygo is already starting to show his goalscoring abilities, having found the back of the net eight times in the Brazilian league – which is impressive for someone who finished the season as a 17-year-old. His finishing stood out once again as he netted a brace against Venezuela. Rodrygo is the Seleção’s biggest hope in winning the South American championship for the first time in eight years, and to simultaneously qualify for the under-20 World Cup, set to take place in May, after Brazil had missed the tournament in 2017, for the first time in over two decades.
Santos has always produced big footballing talents, from the king Pelé and Coutinho in the sixties, to Robinho, Diego Ribas, Felipe Anderson, Neymar JR et al, in more recent times.
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Even Gabigol who is still far from proving himself in Europe, has ended the season as the Brasileirão’s top scorer of 17 goals. It’s a sign that Santos remains one of the best academies in South America. And now, Rodrygo is the next product to come out of this football factory.
Although Marcelo and Casemiro have been extremely successful with Real Madrid, with the evidence of having been an integral part of four Champions League triumphs, it has been ages since Real Madrid last had a Brazilian forward to guide their front line.
It hasn’t been the case since the Ronaldo and Robinho days. But with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes emerging, Seleção fans can dream again of seeing the star of their favorite talents rise at the Santiago Bernabéu.
While many may be torn as to who is the more gifted between the young starlets, Seleção fans can share the joy of seeing them join forces at club and national team level for the next few years. Neymar Júnior is still closer than any other Brazilian to break the curse and finally win the Ballon d’Or, but Rodrygo and Vinicius both have the potential to become candidates in the next decade. The only winner out of this healthy competition will be Brazilian football.
