From Almost a Culer to a Real Madrid Star

Football careers can turn on a single decision — and Rodrygo Goes knows that better than anyone. In an interview with Globo Esporte, the Real Madrid forward revealed that before joining Los Blancos, he was just one step away from wearing Barcelona’s colors.

“I had everything agreed with Barcelona before signing with Real Madrid,” the Brazilian admitted, recalling a moment that could have completely changed the course of his career.

At the time, Rodrygo was still a teenage sensation at Santos, drawing attention from Europe’s biggest clubs. The deal with Barcelona was practically done, but circumstances — and a call from Madrid — made him reconsider. “The decision wasn’t easy,” he explained, “but my family and my agents helped me choose what they believed was the right project for my development.”

Years later, that decision proved to be the right one.

Growth and Success in the Spanish Capital

Since joining Real Madrid in 2019, Rodrygo has developed into one of Europe’s most promising forwards. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, he’s become a versatile weapon in attack, capable of playing across all three front positions.

“Ancelotti helped me a lot and gave me a huge boost in my career. Under his guidance, I’ve improved so much,” Rodrygo said.

His time at the Bernabéu has been filled with success — two Champions League titles, a LaLiga trophy, a Copa del Rey, and a FIFA Club World Cup — milestones that have solidified him as one of Real Madrid’s brightest talents. Even as competition in attack intensifies, his determination and mentality keep him in the conversation as a key player for both club and country.

The Present of a Mature Talent

Now 24, Rodrygo admits he’s focused solely on continuing to grow and helping both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, where he recently earned a long-awaited call-up.

“No one has a guaranteed spot. I always try to improve and give my best for Brazil,” he said confidently.

If he had joined Barcelona, his story might have been completely different. But destiny had other plans. Today, Rodrygo is a symbol of Madrid’s new generation — a player who turned a near miss into a defining chapter of his career, and who continues to prove, match after match, that he chose the right side of history.