The story of Rodrygo Goes could have reshaped the landscape of Spanish football forever. When the Brazilian wonderkid officially signed for Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 for €45 million, fans celebrated the arrival of another South American gem — yet few realized how close he had come to wearing the colors of their fiercest rivals, FC Barcelona.
Now, years later, the 24-year-old forward has finally opened up about the dramatic turn of events that changed everything. Speaking exclusively to *Diario AS* while on international duty with Brazil in Seoul, Rodrygo revealed that his career was moments away from taking a completely different direction — one that could have altered El Clásico history.
> “Before signing for Real Madrid, everything was already agreed with Barcelona — that’s the truth,” he confessed. “I had even signed preliminary papers. But then my father got a call from Real Madrid. They wanted to talk. From that moment, everything changed.”
That single phone call from the Spanish capital would alter not just Rodrygo’s career, but possibly his destiny. Torn between two giants of world football, the young Santos prodigy was forced to make a life-defining choice — one guided not by money, but by dreams.
> “When I heard Madrid wanted me, I didn’t hesitate,” he continued. “I grew up watching Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema. Playing in white was my dream. Barcelona were very respectful, but Real Madrid… it felt like destiny.”
Back in 2018, both Real Madrid and Barcelona were in hot pursuit of the 17-year-old phenom lighting up Brazilian football with Santos. Barcelona moved first, sending scouts and drafting contract details. By all accounts, the transfer was nearly finalized. But then came the intervention of Florentino Pérez, the Real Madrid president whose personal touch has often tipped the balance in major signings. Pérez reached out to Rodrygo’s camp, promising not just opportunity, but legacy.
Rodrygo’s father, Eric Goes, remembers that moment vividly.
> “He told me, ‘Real Madrid is more than a club — it’s history. You can be part of that history,’” Rodrygo recalled. “He said it wasn’t about what was easier now, but what would mean the most in the future. I trusted him — and I’m grateful I did.”
Since joining Los Blancos, Rodrygo has lived through the full spectrum of Madrid life — the euphoria of Champions League glory, the struggle for a starting role, the constant scrutiny from fans and media alike. His clutch performances in Europe — especially those dramatic goals against Chelsea and Manchester City — have etched his name into the club’s folklore.
> “At Real Madrid, every day is a test,” he admitted. “You’re surrounded by the best. People doubt you, then praise you — that’s football here. But wearing this shirt means everything to me. It’s pressure, but it’s also pride.”
In recent months, whispers emerged that Barcelona had been monitoring his situation once again, perhaps hoping to exploit uncertainty over his role under Carlo Ancelotti. But Rodrygo was quick to silence such talk.
> “There are some things you just don’t do in football,” he said firmly. “I respect Barcelona, but my heart and loyalty belong to Real Madrid. They believed in me when it mattered most.”
Today, alongside Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo stands as a symbol of Madrid’s next generation — hungry, fearless, and committed. For supporters, his loyalty only deepens their admiration.
> “I owe everything to this club,” he concluded. “The fans, the staff, my teammates — they’ve all supported me since day one. I’ll keep giving my all for them.”
Rodrygo’s story serves as a timeless reminder that football careers often hinge on a single decision. Had he chosen differently, he might now be donning the Blaugrana stripes of Barcelona. Instead, he wears the immaculate white of Real Madrid — a choice that has brought him glory, identity, and purpose.
When Rodrygo now says, *“I chose my dream,”* it’s more than reflection — it’s conviction. A declaration of loyalty. Proof that sometimes, destiny doesn’t whisper — it calls. And when it does, the brave answer.
