Real Madrid's Brazilian prospect against becoming 'new Neymar'

A highly-talented Brazilian in the Real Madrid squad wants to emerge out his compatriots’ shadows in favor of forging his own identity.

Rodrygo Goes hadn’t even turned 12 when he was signed by Nike, making him the youngest ever affiliated athlete to the US Sports brand.

The 19-year-old is considered as one of the most exciting raw talents in football, and the fact that Real Madrid splashed €45 million to lure him away from Santos in 2019 only serves as a testament to his potential.

It is only natural that a footballer with such an immense talent who comes from a nation known for pumping out talents has been compared to some of the present and the past Selecao superstars.

The forward has drawn comparisons to Neymar and Robinho, both of whom emerged from Santos before making their way into Europe.

As gratifying as the comparisons sound, however, Rodrygo is someone who is only interested in forging his own identity.

“From the beginning of my career when I started at Santos, they already compared me as the ‘new Neymar’ and with Robinho. I always said that I wanted to be Rodrygo and make my story,” he said, via Stadium Astro.

“Robinho and Neymar are great idols of Santos and of all the places where they played. I’m just starting out and I think there is only one Neymar.

“I always had that weight over me, but I just want to be Rodrygo.”