Reinier: From Real Madrid Struggles to the Brink of Copa Sudamericana Glory

Reinier spent five years struggling to find his place in Europe after signing for Real Madrid. Now, the Brazilian is one step away from winning the Copa Sudamericana with Atlético Mineiro, although an injury threatens to rule him out of the final.

Reinier, the Promising Talent Who Never Made It at Real Madrid

In January 2020, Reinier Jesus appeared to have the world at his feet.

At just 18 years old, the Brazilian attacking midfielder left Flamengo to join Real Madrid in a deal worth approximately €30 million.

He arrived as one of South American football's brightest prospects after winning the Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores in 2019 with the Brazilian club.

However, what seemed like the beginning of an extraordinary career eventually turned into a period filled with difficulties.

Reinier never made an official appearance for Real Madrid's first team. His time at the club was marked by loan spells and a lack of consistency.

His first destination was Borussia Dortmund, where he spent two seasons without managing to establish himself.

Further opportunities followed at Girona, Frosinone, and Granada, but none provided the stability he needed.

Over five years, the Brazilian played for four European clubs without ever becoming the player many expected when he first arrived in Madrid.

His final season in Spain, with Granada, ended with just one goal in 25 appearances.

The youngster who had arrived in Europe as a future star needed a fresh start.

Atlético Mineiro Helps Reinier Rediscover His Confidence

On August 8, 2025, Real Madrid officially announced Reinier's permanent transfer to Atlético Mineiro.

The midfielder returned to Brazil after five and a half years in Europe, signing a contract with Galo until December 2029.

During his presentation, he made a statement that perfectly summed up what he had been going through.

Reinier explained that he had spent a long time searching for a place where he could feel comfortable and that he had finally found a new home in Belo Horizonte.

The move represented a major turning point.

Away from the expectations that accompanied his arrival at Real Madrid, the Brazilian began rebuilding his confidence and finding a more prominent role in a team determined to compete for trophies.

His Copa Sudamericana debut came on August 14, 2025, against Godoy Cruz.

He entered the match in the closing minutes and, just moments later, provided an assist for Hulk, who scored the goal that completed a 2-1 comeback victory.

It was a sign that he still had plenty to offer.

From European Struggles to a Continental Final

The 2026 season eventually became a new opportunity for Reinier.

Under the guidance of Eduardo Domínguez, the Brazilian found greater consistency and began making an impact in important matches.

His standout performance in the Copa Sudamericana came on October 14, during the first leg of the semifinal against Montevideo City Torque.

Reinier opened the scoring before setting up Bernard in Atlético Mineiro's 3-0 victory.

According to official CONMEBOL records, he became the first player from the club since 2024 to score and provide an assist in the same knockout-stage match in the competition.

Although Galo suffered a 2-0 defeat in Montevideo during the return leg, their advantage from the first match in Brazil was enough to secure a place in the final.

Now, Atlético Mineiro will face Boca Juniors on November 21 in Barranquilla, Colombia.

For Reinier, it represents an extraordinary opportunity to win another continental trophy after a European adventure in which very little went according to plan.

However, another obstacle has emerged.

An Injury Threatens to Keep Him Out of His Biggest Night

Just when Reinier appeared ready to play one of the most important matches of his career, a muscle injury complicated his plans once again.

The midfielder suffered a problem in the back of his left thigh during the match against Cruzeiro on October 29.

The injury has kept him sidelined, and his participation in the Copa Sudamericana final is now seriously in doubt.

Eduardo Domínguez recently acknowledged the difficulties his team has faced because of injuries and a demanding schedule.

For now, there is no official date for Reinier's return, leaving his availability against Boca Juniors uncertain.

But his story goes far beyond whether he plays in the final.

Just a few years ago, the Brazilian appeared destined to become another promising youngster who failed to fulfill expectations at Real Madrid.

Today, at 24 years old, he is once again part of a project competing for continental glory.

Reinier still has much of his career ahead of him and plenty left to prove.

And although an injury could prevent him from stepping onto the pitch in Barranquilla, nothing can take away the role he played in helping Atlético Mineiro reach the final.

After spending so many years searching for his place, the Brazilian once again has the opportunity to celebrate a continental title.

Key Takeaways From Reinier's Comeback Story

Reinier joined Real Madrid in 2020 as one of Brazil's brightest prospects, but never made an official first-team appearance and spent time at four European clubs.
In August 2025, he signed for Atlético Mineiro, where he rediscovered his confidence and played a decisive role in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals against Montevideo City Torque.
Galo will face Boca Juniors in the final on November 21 in Barranquilla, although a muscle injury has cast doubt over the Brazilian's participation.