The Game-Changing Decision That Sealed Rodrygo's Shock Move to Real Madrid Over Barcelona
Rodrygo revealed he was on the verge of joining Barcelona in 2018, but a crucial discussion with his father ultimately led him to Real Madrid instead.
The Brazilian winger attracted attention from top European clubs after impressive performances at Santos FC, and at just 17 years old, Rodrygo harbored ambitions of playing in Spain's top flight. When Barcelona expressed interest, the young talent actually agreed to join the Catalan giants.
However, before the deal was finalized, his father informed him that Real Madrid had also made contact, completely altering Rodrygo's trajectory.
"Prior to joining Real Madrid, everything was completed and I had already committed to Barça. That's the truth," Rodrygo shared in a conversation with AS. "But my father informed me that Real Madrid had reached out to us and I needed to make a choice.
"For me, the decision was straightforward. I understood what I desired and what my ambition was. I didn't hesitate at all. And now I'm here," Rodrygo explained.
Rodrygo delayed his move until his 18th birthday before relocating to Madrid, where he has since contributed to Real Madrid's collection of 13 trophies, including two European Cup victories. Both the club's success and the Brazilian's career trajectory might have been vastly different had he chosen to follow his hero Neymar Jr.'s path to Barcelona.
While Rodrygo understood the significance of his choice, he maintained that the decision was ultimately "straightforward." Real Madrid represented his "ambition" that he "couldn't delay any further" in pursuing.
'No Matter What'—Rodrygo Sends Barcelona El Clasico Warning
After committing to Los Blancos, Rodrygo immediately became part of Spain's most intense rivalry. Facing Barcelona is familiar territory for the 24-year-old, but this season's opening El Clásico carries extra weight following Real Madrid's winless streak against their rivals in 2024–25.
"It's better to move past last season. We understand we didn't perform adequately, particularly in the Clásicos," Rodrygo acknowledged.
Hansi Flick's Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, Copa del Rey final, and twice in league play to secure a domestic clean sweep last campaign. The Catalans scored 16 goals against the 15-time European champions across those four encounters.
Los Blancos are determined to bounce back and seek retribution, with their first chance to defeat their arch-rivals coming on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Santiago Bernabéu.
"It will be a challenging match, but we're competing at the Bernabéu with our supporters behind us, and we must demonstrate our abilities, prepare thoroughly to defeat them regardless. We have home advantage," Rodrygo stated.