Real Madrid and Brazilian star Rodrygo names the toughest defender he has ever faced

Since Rodrygo Goes‘ debut with Real Madrid, the Brazilian star has played a pivotal role in the club’s success, contributing to two UEFA Champions League titles. Despite often operating in the shadows of other stars, Rodrygo has consistently delivered in crucial moments, facing some of the best defenders in world football along the way.

In a recent interview with Podpah, the Real Madrid forward revealed the toughest defender he has ever faced: Ecuadorian left-back Pervis Estupiñan. “The hardest defender I’ve played against was the full-back from Villarreal—he’s Ecuadorian. It’s Pervis Estupiñán. He was really tough, strong, and fast. It was very difficult to get past him,”

Rodrygo admitted. While Estupiñan no longer plays for Villarreal, having moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, his defensive prowess left a lasting impression on the Brazilian.

Rodrygo had plenty of elite defenders to choose from, having faced world-class names such as Alejandro Balde, Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, Marcos Acuña, and Nicolás Tagliafico. However, he still recalls his battle against Estupiñan, who, at one point, was considered among the best in his position before an unfortunate injury halted his momentum.

Pervis Estupinan of Brighton & Hove Albion runs with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup

Rodrygo Goes: Real Madrid’s rising star

Rodrygo’s journey to the Santiago Bernabéu began at Santos FC, where he followed in the footsteps of Brazilian legends like Pelé and Neymar. His exceptional dribbling, vision, and finishing ability earned him a €45 million move to Real Madrid in 2019 at just 18 years old.

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Since then, he has grown into one of Real Madrid’s most reliable attacking weapons. His hat-trick against Galatasaray in the 2019 Champions League showcased his potential, and he continued to shine in high-stakes matches. Forming a deadly partnership with Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo played a crucial role in Madrid’s recent successes, including multiple La Liga and Champions League titles.

Having battled some of the toughest soccer defenders in the game, Rodrygo’s ability to adapt and thrive against top-tier opposition has been a testament to his growth. As Real Madrid looks to the future, the young Brazilian remains a key figure in the club’s ongoing pursuit of greatness.