As a Valencia fan diagnosed an old bat who has watched matches at Mestalla for over a decade, I always feel mixed emotions whenever I see Rodrigo’s performances at Real Madrid. He was only 18 when he left in 2019, and now he has grown into an indispensable winger for Madrid.
Memories of His Arrival at Valencia
I still remember the summer of 2018 when the club signed this Brazilian youngster from Santos for nearly 40 million euros. Many questioned this investment at the time, as he had only played one season in the Brazilian league. But the first time I saw him play at Mestalla, I was captivated by his speed and technique. That Brazilian flair, so rare to see in La Liga.
He only stayed at Valencia for one season with limited appearances, but every time he came off the bench, he created threats for opponents. Marcelino trusted the veterans more back then, which is why Rodrigo’s playing time was limited.
Statistical Comparison: Valencia vs Real Madrid
Here’s a comparison of his performances at both clubs - the numbers speak volumes:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|
| 2018-19 | Valencia | 26 | 2 | 4 |
| 2019-20 | Real Madrid | 39 | 7 | 7 |
| 2022-23 | Real Madrid | 54 | 17 | 10 |
The data shows his growth rate at Madrid is truly remarkable. The opportunities and trust he received at the Bernabéu are what we couldn’t provide him at the time.
Regrets About the Transfer to Real Madrid
To be honest, given the club’s financial difficulties back then, we simply couldn’t refuse the 45 million euro offer. But watching him become a Madrid starter and score in Champions League finals, as a Valencia fan, I can’t help but wonder: what if we had managed to keep him?
But forget it, given our current situation, staying might not have allowed him to develop this well. Owner Lim’s management over these years has seen the club decline drastically - selling Ferran Torres, selling Rodrigo, and now we’re just struggling above the relegation zone.
Expectations for His Future
Rodrigo is now 24, in the prime of his career. Under Ancelotti, his partnership with Vinicius on the wings has become one of Europe’s most fearsome attacking combinations. Although he no longer belongs to Valencia, as a fan of the club that once developed him, I still hope he continues to improve at Madrid and perhaps one day wins the Ballon d’Or.
Mestalla will always remember that 18-year-old Brazilian kid, even though he only spent a brief year here under Valencia fan restrictions. That’s football - some players are destined to shine on bigger stages, and all we can do is take pride in the time he spent at Valencia.
