Q&A

No pressure

Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo tells us about another terrific season, picking between two legendary Ronaldos and the challenge of facing Manchester City

CJ Extra

What has contributed to your prolific season?

It’s the result of a lot of hard work; I’m trying to improve in every training session. Of course, as I’m having many more opportunities this season, it’s natural that I’m scoring more goals, providing more assists and becoming even more important for the team.

Do those opportunities come with more pressure?

I feel more and more prepared. I believe the pressure is always there as long as I play for Real Madrid, so I take it in my stride. Last seasonI was brought on for the second half more often and I did well; this season the coach is giving me more chances in the starting XI. So I’ll continue to take these opportunities.

The first time you played in the Champions League, did you get butterflies on hearing the anthem? 

Definitely. I think we always get butterflies, but Champions League matches are always more special. Maybe that’s the secret: I seem to play better when I get more butterflies.  

You’re now Real Madrid’s ninth best goalscorer in the ChampionsLeague, having surpassed the Brazilian Ronaldo. What does it mean to you to be in such elite company at such a young age?

It means a lot. As I always say, it’s a dream to be here; it’s a dream to be one of Real Madrid’s top nine goalscorers in the Champions League. I hope that I can score many more goals – I want to improve my ranking even more. Ronaldo is an idol of mine, of Brazil and of a whole generation. It’ll always be a privilege for me to beat records like this one.

You celebrated one of your goals against Chelsea like Cristiano Ronaldo. Why was that?

It was something I decided on the spot. I was going to celebrate in a different way, but Cristiano just popped into my mind. I thought that it was about time to pay tribute to someone who’s inspired me and made me fall in love with football. I’ve always followed Real Madrid’s matches and always liked the team because of him, so it was a way to honour him.

Rodrygo scoring v Chelsea

Cristiano Ronaldo or o Fenômeno?

Man... I have to say Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't think I can compare him with anyone else. He is my biggest inspiration. Making that choice is very hard, but what I feel towards him is really special.

What is your earliest memory of the Champions League?

Perhaps it's not my earliest memory, but it's the most special: Real Madrid winning La Décima [in 2014], which I was watching back home in Santos. I was sad because Real were losing but, in the end, Sergio Ramos levelled it with a header. I started running and screaming all over the house; my mother got mad at my wild celebrations.

Did you ever imagine you'd be playing for Real Madrid one day in that very competition?

I've always had that dream. I didn't expect it to come true so quickly, that I'd be here at 18 years of age. When I began in Brazil, my plan was to play for a less prestigious club in Europe before joining Real, but things happened very quickly.

You arrived with a bang!

Wow! As it should be; there's no better way.

Manchester City next. Any players you’re particularly worried about?

No, our concern lies in the opposition as a whole. Of course, there are players who are a bit more special and require a little more attention, namely [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Erling] Haaland – two great players who are a big threat. But they don't only have those two names; their whole team is pretty good. I always try to study a team’s left-back – who I’ll face in one-on-ones – as well as their holding midfielders and centre-backs.

Can you believe you could win the competition for a second time? 

Yes, I have had that thought in my mind ever since that Liverpool final ended: “I want to have this feeling again, I want to win it again, I hope that happens next season.” And now we're in the semi-finals already – we're close. We know things will be quite tough against City. They have a great team that will pose a lot of difficulties, but we're going to try. Just as we tried and made it last season, we're going to try it again.

What has contributed to your prolific season?

It’s the result of a lot of hard work; I’m trying to improve in every training session. Of course, as I’m having many more opportunities this season, it’s natural that I’m scoring more goals, providing more assists and becoming even more important for the team.

Do those opportunities come with more pressure?

I feel more and more prepared. I believe the pressure is always there as long as I play for Real Madrid, so I take it in my stride. Last seasonI was brought on for the second half more often and I did well; this season the coach is giving me more chances in the starting XI. So I’ll continue to take these opportunities.

The first time you played in the Champions League, did you get butterflies on hearing the anthem? 

Definitely. I think we always get butterflies, but Champions League matches are always more special. Maybe that’s the secret: I seem to play better when I get more butterflies.  

You’re now Real Madrid’s ninth best goalscorer in the ChampionsLeague, having surpassed the Brazilian Ronaldo. What does it mean to you to be in such elite company at such a young age?

It means a lot. As I always say, it’s a dream to be here; it’s a dream to be one of Real Madrid’s top nine goalscorers in the Champions League. I hope that I can score many more goals – I want to improve my ranking even more. Ronaldo is an idol of mine, of Brazil and of a whole generation. It’ll always be a privilege for me to beat records like this one.

You celebrated one of your goals against Chelsea like Cristiano Ronaldo. Why was that?

It was something I decided on the spot. I was going to celebrate in a different way, but Cristiano just popped into my mind. I thought that it was about time to pay tribute to someone who’s inspired me and made me fall in love with football. I’ve always followed Real Madrid’s matches and always liked the team because of him, so it was a way to honour him.

Rodrygo scoring v Chelsea

Cristiano Ronaldo or o Fenômeno?

Man... I have to say Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't think I can compare him with anyone else. He is my biggest inspiration. Making that choice is very hard, but what I feel towards him is really special.

What is your earliest memory of the Champions League?

Perhaps it's not my earliest memory, but it's the most special: Real Madrid winning La Décima [in 2014], which I was watching back home in Santos. I was sad because Real were losing but, in the end, Sergio Ramos levelled it with a header. I started running and screaming all over the house; my mother got mad at my wild celebrations.

Did you ever imagine you'd be playing for Real Madrid one day in that very competition?

I've always had that dream. I didn't expect it to come true so quickly, that I'd be here at 18 years of age. When I began in Brazil, my plan was to play for a less prestigious club in Europe before joining Real, but things happened very quickly.

You arrived with a bang!

Wow! As it should be; there's no better way.

Manchester City next. Any players you’re particularly worried about?

No, our concern lies in the opposition as a whole. Of course, there are players who are a bit more special and require a little more attention, namely [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Erling] Haaland – two great players who are a big threat. But they don't only have those two names; their whole team is pretty good. I always try to study a team’s left-back – who I’ll face in one-on-ones – as well as their holding midfielders and centre-backs.

Can you believe you could win the competition for a second time? 

Yes, I have had that thought in my mind ever since that Liverpool final ended: “I want to have this feeling again, I want to win it again, I hope that happens next season.” And now we're in the semi-finals already – we're close. We know things will be quite tough against City. They have a great team that will pose a lot of difficulties, but we're going to try. Just as we tried and made it last season, we're going to try it again.

Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!

What has contributed to your prolific season?

It’s the result of a lot of hard work; I’m trying to improve in every training session. Of course, as I’m having many more opportunities this season, it’s natural that I’m scoring more goals, providing more assists and becoming even more important for the team.

Do those opportunities come with more pressure?

I feel more and more prepared. I believe the pressure is always there as long as I play for Real Madrid, so I take it in my stride. Last seasonI was brought on for the second half more often and I did well; this season the coach is giving me more chances in the starting XI. So I’ll continue to take these opportunities.

The first time you played in the Champions League, did you get butterflies on hearing the anthem? 

Definitely. I think we always get butterflies, but Champions League matches are always more special. Maybe that’s the secret: I seem to play better when I get more butterflies.  

You’re now Real Madrid’s ninth best goalscorer in the ChampionsLeague, having surpassed the Brazilian Ronaldo. What does it mean to you to be in such elite company at such a young age?

It means a lot. As I always say, it’s a dream to be here; it’s a dream to be one of Real Madrid’s top nine goalscorers in the Champions League. I hope that I can score many more goals – I want to improve my ranking even more. Ronaldo is an idol of mine, of Brazil and of a whole generation. It’ll always be a privilege for me to beat records like this one.

You celebrated one of your goals against Chelsea like Cristiano Ronaldo. Why was that?

It was something I decided on the spot. I was going to celebrate in a different way, but Cristiano just popped into my mind. I thought that it was about time to pay tribute to someone who’s inspired me and made me fall in love with football. I’ve always followed Real Madrid’s matches and always liked the team because of him, so it was a way to honour him.

Rodrygo scoring v Chelsea

Cristiano Ronaldo or o Fenômeno?

Man... I have to say Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't think I can compare him with anyone else. He is my biggest inspiration. Making that choice is very hard, but what I feel towards him is really special.

What is your earliest memory of the Champions League?

Perhaps it's not my earliest memory, but it's the most special: Real Madrid winning La Décima [in 2014], which I was watching back home in Santos. I was sad because Real were losing but, in the end, Sergio Ramos levelled it with a header. I started running and screaming all over the house; my mother got mad at my wild celebrations.

Did you ever imagine you'd be playing for Real Madrid one day in that very competition?

I've always had that dream. I didn't expect it to come true so quickly, that I'd be here at 18 years of age. When I began in Brazil, my plan was to play for a less prestigious club in Europe before joining Real, but things happened very quickly.

You arrived with a bang!

Wow! As it should be; there's no better way.

Manchester City next. Any players you’re particularly worried about?

No, our concern lies in the opposition as a whole. Of course, there are players who are a bit more special and require a little more attention, namely [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Erling] Haaland – two great players who are a big threat. But they don't only have those two names; their whole team is pretty good. I always try to study a team’s left-back – who I’ll face in one-on-ones – as well as their holding midfielders and centre-backs.

Can you believe you could win the competition for a second time? 

Yes, I have had that thought in my mind ever since that Liverpool final ended: “I want to have this feeling again, I want to win it again, I hope that happens next season.” And now we're in the semi-finals already – we're close. We know things will be quite tough against City. They have a great team that will pose a lot of difficulties, but we're going to try. Just as we tried and made it last season, we're going to try it again.

Q&A

No pressure

Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo tells us about another terrific season, picking between two legendary Ronaldos and the challenge of facing Manchester City

Text Link

What has contributed to your prolific season?

It’s the result of a lot of hard work; I’m trying to improve in every training session. Of course, as I’m having many more opportunities this season, it’s natural that I’m scoring more goals, providing more assists and becoming even more important for the team.

Do those opportunities come with more pressure?

I feel more and more prepared. I believe the pressure is always there as long as I play for Real Madrid, so I take it in my stride. Last seasonI was brought on for the second half more often and I did well; this season the coach is giving me more chances in the starting XI. So I’ll continue to take these opportunities.

The first time you played in the Champions League, did you get butterflies on hearing the anthem? 

Definitely. I think we always get butterflies, but Champions League matches are always more special. Maybe that’s the secret: I seem to play better when I get more butterflies.  

You’re now Real Madrid’s ninth best goalscorer in the ChampionsLeague, having surpassed the Brazilian Ronaldo. What does it mean to you to be in such elite company at such a young age?

It means a lot. As I always say, it’s a dream to be here; it’s a dream to be one of Real Madrid’s top nine goalscorers in the Champions League. I hope that I can score many more goals – I want to improve my ranking even more. Ronaldo is an idol of mine, of Brazil and of a whole generation. It’ll always be a privilege for me to beat records like this one.

You celebrated one of your goals against Chelsea like Cristiano Ronaldo. Why was that?

It was something I decided on the spot. I was going to celebrate in a different way, but Cristiano just popped into my mind. I thought that it was about time to pay tribute to someone who’s inspired me and made me fall in love with football. I’ve always followed Real Madrid’s matches and always liked the team because of him, so it was a way to honour him.

Rodrygo scoring v Chelsea

Cristiano Ronaldo or o Fenômeno?

Man... I have to say Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't think I can compare him with anyone else. He is my biggest inspiration. Making that choice is very hard, but what I feel towards him is really special.

What is your earliest memory of the Champions League?

Perhaps it's not my earliest memory, but it's the most special: Real Madrid winning La Décima [in 2014], which I was watching back home in Santos. I was sad because Real were losing but, in the end, Sergio Ramos levelled it with a header. I started running and screaming all over the house; my mother got mad at my wild celebrations.

Did you ever imagine you'd be playing for Real Madrid one day in that very competition?

I've always had that dream. I didn't expect it to come true so quickly, that I'd be here at 18 years of age. When I began in Brazil, my plan was to play for a less prestigious club in Europe before joining Real, but things happened very quickly.

You arrived with a bang!

Wow! As it should be; there's no better way.

Manchester City next. Any players you’re particularly worried about?

No, our concern lies in the opposition as a whole. Of course, there are players who are a bit more special and require a little more attention, namely [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Erling] Haaland – two great players who are a big threat. But they don't only have those two names; their whole team is pretty good. I always try to study a team’s left-back – who I’ll face in one-on-ones – as well as their holding midfielders and centre-backs.

Can you believe you could win the competition for a second time? 

Yes, I have had that thought in my mind ever since that Liverpool final ended: “I want to have this feeling again, I want to win it again, I hope that happens next season.” And now we're in the semi-finals already – we're close. We know things will be quite tough against City. They have a great team that will pose a lot of difficulties, but we're going to try. Just as we tried and made it last season, we're going to try it again.

What has contributed to your prolific season?

It’s the result of a lot of hard work; I’m trying to improve in every training session. Of course, as I’m having many more opportunities this season, it’s natural that I’m scoring more goals, providing more assists and becoming even more important for the team.

Do those opportunities come with more pressure?

I feel more and more prepared. I believe the pressure is always there as long as I play for Real Madrid, so I take it in my stride. Last seasonI was brought on for the second half more often and I did well; this season the coach is giving me more chances in the starting XI. So I’ll continue to take these opportunities.

The first time you played in the Champions League, did you get butterflies on hearing the anthem? 

Definitely. I think we always get butterflies, but Champions League matches are always more special. Maybe that’s the secret: I seem to play better when I get more butterflies.  

You’re now Real Madrid’s ninth best goalscorer in the ChampionsLeague, having surpassed the Brazilian Ronaldo. What does it mean to you to be in such elite company at such a young age?

It means a lot. As I always say, it’s a dream to be here; it’s a dream to be one of Real Madrid’s top nine goalscorers in the Champions League. I hope that I can score many more goals – I want to improve my ranking even more. Ronaldo is an idol of mine, of Brazil and of a whole generation. It’ll always be a privilege for me to beat records like this one.

You celebrated one of your goals against Chelsea like Cristiano Ronaldo. Why was that?

It was something I decided on the spot. I was going to celebrate in a different way, but Cristiano just popped into my mind. I thought that it was about time to pay tribute to someone who’s inspired me and made me fall in love with football. I’ve always followed Real Madrid’s matches and always liked the team because of him, so it was a way to honour him.

Rodrygo scoring v Chelsea

Cristiano Ronaldo or o Fenômeno?

Man... I have to say Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't think I can compare him with anyone else. He is my biggest inspiration. Making that choice is very hard, but what I feel towards him is really special.

What is your earliest memory of the Champions League?

Perhaps it's not my earliest memory, but it's the most special: Real Madrid winning La Décima [in 2014], which I was watching back home in Santos. I was sad because Real were losing but, in the end, Sergio Ramos levelled it with a header. I started running and screaming all over the house; my mother got mad at my wild celebrations.

Did you ever imagine you'd be playing for Real Madrid one day in that very competition?

I've always had that dream. I didn't expect it to come true so quickly, that I'd be here at 18 years of age. When I began in Brazil, my plan was to play for a less prestigious club in Europe before joining Real, but things happened very quickly.

You arrived with a bang!

Wow! As it should be; there's no better way.

Manchester City next. Any players you’re particularly worried about?

No, our concern lies in the opposition as a whole. Of course, there are players who are a bit more special and require a little more attention, namely [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Erling] Haaland – two great players who are a big threat. But they don't only have those two names; their whole team is pretty good. I always try to study a team’s left-back – who I’ll face in one-on-ones – as well as their holding midfielders and centre-backs.

Can you believe you could win the competition for a second time? 

Yes, I have had that thought in my mind ever since that Liverpool final ended: “I want to have this feeling again, I want to win it again, I hope that happens next season.” And now we're in the semi-finals already – we're close. We know things will be quite tough against City. They have a great team that will pose a lot of difficulties, but we're going to try. Just as we tried and made it last season, we're going to try it again.

Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!

What has contributed to your prolific season?

It’s the result of a lot of hard work; I’m trying to improve in every training session. Of course, as I’m having many more opportunities this season, it’s natural that I’m scoring more goals, providing more assists and becoming even more important for the team.

Do those opportunities come with more pressure?

I feel more and more prepared. I believe the pressure is always there as long as I play for Real Madrid, so I take it in my stride. Last seasonI was brought on for the second half more often and I did well; this season the coach is giving me more chances in the starting XI. So I’ll continue to take these opportunities.

The first time you played in the Champions League, did you get butterflies on hearing the anthem? 

Definitely. I think we always get butterflies, but Champions League matches are always more special. Maybe that’s the secret: I seem to play better when I get more butterflies.  

You’re now Real Madrid’s ninth best goalscorer in the ChampionsLeague, having surpassed the Brazilian Ronaldo. What does it mean to you to be in such elite company at such a young age?

It means a lot. As I always say, it’s a dream to be here; it’s a dream to be one of Real Madrid’s top nine goalscorers in the Champions League. I hope that I can score many more goals – I want to improve my ranking even more. Ronaldo is an idol of mine, of Brazil and of a whole generation. It’ll always be a privilege for me to beat records like this one.

You celebrated one of your goals against Chelsea like Cristiano Ronaldo. Why was that?

It was something I decided on the spot. I was going to celebrate in a different way, but Cristiano just popped into my mind. I thought that it was about time to pay tribute to someone who’s inspired me and made me fall in love with football. I’ve always followed Real Madrid’s matches and always liked the team because of him, so it was a way to honour him.

Rodrygo scoring v Chelsea

Cristiano Ronaldo or o Fenômeno?

Man... I have to say Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't think I can compare him with anyone else. He is my biggest inspiration. Making that choice is very hard, but what I feel towards him is really special.

What is your earliest memory of the Champions League?

Perhaps it's not my earliest memory, but it's the most special: Real Madrid winning La Décima [in 2014], which I was watching back home in Santos. I was sad because Real were losing but, in the end, Sergio Ramos levelled it with a header. I started running and screaming all over the house; my mother got mad at my wild celebrations.

Did you ever imagine you'd be playing for Real Madrid one day in that very competition?

I've always had that dream. I didn't expect it to come true so quickly, that I'd be here at 18 years of age. When I began in Brazil, my plan was to play for a less prestigious club in Europe before joining Real, but things happened very quickly.

You arrived with a bang!

Wow! As it should be; there's no better way.

Manchester City next. Any players you’re particularly worried about?

No, our concern lies in the opposition as a whole. Of course, there are players who are a bit more special and require a little more attention, namely [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Erling] Haaland – two great players who are a big threat. But they don't only have those two names; their whole team is pretty good. I always try to study a team’s left-back – who I’ll face in one-on-ones – as well as their holding midfielders and centre-backs.

Can you believe you could win the competition for a second time? 

Yes, I have had that thought in my mind ever since that Liverpool final ended: “I want to have this feeling again, I want to win it again, I hope that happens next season.” And now we're in the semi-finals already – we're close. We know things will be quite tough against City. They have a great team that will pose a lot of difficulties, but we're going to try. Just as we tried and made it last season, we're going to try it again.

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