Rodrygo

Santos

Born in Osasco in São Paulo, Rodrygo joined Santos' youth setup in 2011 at the age of ten, initially assigned to the futsal team. Rodrygo travelled the world with Santos, spreading his beloved game of futsal under legendary futsal coach Barata who also trained Neymar, including a much heralded YouTube video with City Futsal in Dallas area in Texas, USA. In March 2017, with the first team regulars in Peru for a Copa Libertadores match against Sporting Cristal, he was called up to the first team by manager Dorival Júnior to complete training. On 21 July 2017, Rodrygo signed his first professional contract, after agreeing to a five-year deal. On 1 November, he was promoted to the main squad by interim manager Elano. Rodrygo made his first team – and Série A – debut on 4 November 2017, coming on as a late substitute for Bruno Henrique in a 3–1 home win against Atlético Mineiro. The following 25 January he scored his first senior goal, netting a last-minute winner in a 2–1 Campeonato Paulista away win against Ponte Preta. Rodrygo made his Copa Libertadores debut on 1 March 2018, replacing Eduardo Sasha in a 2–0 away loss against Real Garcilaso; aged 17 years and 50 days, he became the youngest player of Santos to appear in the competition. Fifteen days later he scored his first goal in the tournament, netting his team's second through an individual effort in a 3–1 win against Nacional at the Pacaembu Stadium; at the age of 17 years, two months and six days, he…

On 30 March 2017, Rodrygo was called up to Brazil under-17s for the year's Montaigu Tournament. He made his debut in the championship by scoring his side's only goal in a 2–1 loss against Denmark, and netted two more against Cameroon and United States. On 7 March 2018, Rodrygo and Santos teammate Yuri Alberto were called up to the under-20s, but both were cut from the squad six days later after a request from his club's president. In November 2019, Rodrygo was called up for the first time to the Brazil senior team, for the Superclásico de las Américas against rivals Argentina in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In the 1–0 loss on 15 November, he replaced Willian for the final 20 minutes. On 7 November 2022, Rodrygo was named in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. On 9 December, Brazil faced Croatia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. With the match ending in a 1–1 draw after extra time, the tie would be decided on penalties. Rodrygo took Brazil's first penalty, but his kick was saved by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. Brazil were eliminated after Marquinhos' shot hit the post. In May 2024, Rodrygo was selected for Brazil’s squad for the Copa América. In March 2026, Rodrygo was expected to be part of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was ruled out after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral meniscus injury in his right knee during a La Liga match for Real Madrid against Getafe. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for…

Considered to be a talented and highly promising young player in the media, Rodrygo's playing style has been likened to that of compatriots and fellow Santos FC graduates Robinho and Neymar due to their pace, technical skill, and similar direct style in attack. Although he does not possess significant physical strength or athleticism, due to his diminutive stature, Rodrygo's low centre of gravity, combined with his dribbling skills and resulting agility, allow him to change direction quickly when in possession of the ball, and beat opponents in one on one situations. He has also been noted for his decision-making, offensive positioning, finishing, link-up play, and creativity, which allows him to hold-up the ball and create space or chances for his teammates, in addition to scoring goals himself. He has also been praised by pundits for his work-rate and willingness to press opponents. While he normally plays as a right-winger, he is a versatile player, who has been used in several other positions, including on the left, and was also used in a free role as a right-sided forward or striker in a 4–3–1–2 formation during the 2023–24 season by manager Carlo Ancelotti; in this position, although he operated in more central areas at times, he was still given the freedom to move out wide to overload the flanks, or switch positions and link-up with Vinícius on the other side of the pitch. Although he is naturally right-footed, Rodrygo does not normally play as an inverted winger on…

Rodrygo is a Christian. Rodrygo and Brazilian beautician Pamella Cristina Costa welcomed twin sons in February 2022. His father, Eric, is a former professional footballer who played as a right-back in several tiers of Brazilian football, the highest of which being the Série B. In February 2024, Rodrygo partnered with the Juegaterapia Foundation and artist Titocustoms to launch a fundraising campaign against childhood cancer. The initiative, part of the "Everything is going to be fine" campaign, involved auctioning personalized items—including Nike sneakers, a jacket, a ball, and a painting—to support affected children. Rodrygo’s father had already made the prediction that he was going to be a footballer before he was even born. He has one younger sister, Ana Julya, who was born in 2018.