Rodrygo's Renaissance: Forget Last Clasico, Madrid Star Aims for Ballon d'Or
7 October 2025
Rodrygo's Growth and Madrid's Winning Mindset
Rodrygo is now twenty-four and believes that is the perfect age to keep growing; he has already collected 13 titles, which he calls crazy. At Real Madrid, the pressure is constant, and winning seems like the baseline rather than an exception. That environment pushes him to evolve every day, because there is no room for complacency. He loves that continuous push, because it keeps him sharpening his game and never settling. In Madrid, the reality is simple: the standard is victory, and the goal is to win again.
Clasico Prep and Position Flexibility
When the coach arrives with new ideas, Rodrygo notes that he was told he would also be used in other roles. He replies that he is here to help the team, and everyone knows he shines on the left, but he is always available on the right or as a central striker. This season he has been used mainly on the left, and he is happy with the minutes, even as he wishes for more opportunities to influence the game.
Clasico Focus and the Home Advantage
Regarding the upcoming Clasico at the Bernabéu, Rodrygo says it is best to forget last season, when Madrid was not at their best, especially in the Clasico. Barcelona are stronger now, with more confidence and a tougher team, but Real Madrid also remain great and backed by a fervent home crowd. The aim is to show their capabilities and plan well to secure a win at home, no matter the price.
Future Goals and Team Chemistry
On the dream of scoring the decisive goal against Barca, he smiles and says it would be a dream to deliver a big moment in such a fixture. He speaks warmly about his partnership with Mbappé, calling it brilliant. Mbappé’s speed is extraordinary, and Rodrygo loves playing beside him, appreciating the constant growth he sees in his teammate. He also praises Luka Modrić as a true mentor, noting that the veteran’s mentality is astonishing and that even at 40 he still delivers at the highest level. Rodrygo emphasizes the importance of respecting the coach’s decisions and giving 100 percent in every minute on the pitch, whether starting or coming off the bench.
When asked about his time with the team, he points out that he is always ready to adapt and contribute wherever needed. He values each moment on the field and aims to make the most of every minute in the Real Madrid shirt. His focus remains on progress and team success, rather than personal accolades alone.
Regarding the Ballon d'Or in 2026, he believes Mbappé could win if he maintains this level and keeps scoring at a high rate. He admits that the criteria for the prize are not always crystal clear, sometimes favoring individual brilliance and other times team trophies. He notes that last year Vinícius deserved it and this year it appeared to favor Dembélé, adding that if the award goes to the best season, the decision feels more understandable this year, and he would have voted for Dembélé as well.
Rodrygo also speaks warmly about his teammate Rodrygo’s growing influence in Madrid’s setup and the sense that leadership exists in multiple forms within the squad. The discussion shifts to the value of consistent work and the desire to win major trophies again with the club, including another Champions League title, while also dreaming of Brazil enjoying a successful global campaign.
Born in 2001 in Osasco, Brazil, Rodrygo began his footballing journey at Santos, a club famous for producing stars such as Pelé and Neymar. He drew attention early thanks to his speed and technical skill. He debuted for Santos’ first team at sixteen in 2017, becoming one of the brightest young prospects in Brazil and scoring influential goals in domestic leagues and the Copa Libertadores.
In the summer of 2018, Real Madrid announced his signing for around 45 million euros, though he stayed with Santos until 2019 before making the move officially to the Spanish giants. He rose quickly through Real Madrid’s reserve side, Castilla, and then caught eyes by scoring after 91 seconds in his La Liga debut against Osasuna. A few days later he added a hat-trick in the Champions League against Galatasaray. Since then, Rodrygo has become one of the leading faces of Real Madrid and the Brazil national team, a symbol of the next generation.
His development is closely watched as he continues to refine his positioning, decision making, and finishing. The promise is clear: a player who can adapt across attack, who thrives under pressure, and who aims to leave a lasting mark in Madrid’s storied history. And in this ongoing journey, humor helps balance the gravity of the headlines, because even elites know to enjoy the ride. Punchlines are welcome when the game clock runs long, and Rodrygo’s story reminds us that training grounds can be as thrilling as the final whistle. Punchline 1: my finishes are so precise that even the goalposts file restraining orders. Punchline 2: if football is a sniper’s field, I’m the one who shoots for the corner and signs the scoreline with a wink at the crowd.
