<p>Since <strong>Rodrygo Goes</strong>‘ debut with <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid">Real Madrid</a></strong>, 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, <strong>facing some of the best defenders in world football along the way</strong>.</p>



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



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



<p>Rodrygo had plenty of elite defenders to choose from, <strong>having faced world-class names</strong> such as Alejandro Balde, Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, Marcos Acuña, and Nicolás Tagliafico. However, <strong>he still recalls his battle against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pervis-estupinan">Estupiñan</a>, who, at one point, was considered among the best in his position</strong> before an unfortunate injury halted his momentum.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250309_BUS_351370_GettyImages-2203028820-1-1024x576_29a5e310.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Pervis Estupinan of Brighton &amp; Hove Albion runs with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup " class="wp-image-351376" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/08193717/GettyImages-2203028820-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/08193717/GettyImages-2203028820-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/08193717/GettyImages-2203028820-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/08193717/GettyImages-2203028820-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/08193717/GettyImages-2203028820-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/08193717/GettyImages-2203028820-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/08193717/GettyImages-2203028820-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/08193717/GettyImages-2203028820-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Pervis Estupinan of Brighton &amp; Hove Albion runs with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Rodrygo Goes: Real Madrid’s rising star</h2>



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


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/soccer/xavi-gets-totally-honest-about-his-ballon-dor-losses-to-lionel-messi-and-cristiano-ronaldo"></div>

        

        


<p>Since then, he has grown into one of Real Madrid’s most reliable attacking weapons. <strong>His hat-trick against Galatasaray in the 2019 Champions League showcased his potential</strong>, and he continued to shine in high-stakes matches. Forming a deadly partnership with Vinícius Jr., <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rodrygo">Rodrygo</a> played a crucial role in Madrid’s recent successes, <strong>including multiple La Liga and Champions League titles</strong>.</p>



<p>Having battled some of the toughest <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer">soccer</a> defenders in the game, Rodrygo’s ability to <strong>adapt and thrive against top-tier opposition has been a testament to his growth</strong>. As Real Madrid looks to the future, the young Brazilian remains a key figure in the club’s ongoing pursuit of greatness.</p>

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

Real Madrid legend Marcelo weighs in on the GOAT debate between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

World Cup finalist says he was more gifted than Cristiano Ronaldo, but a key detail made CR7 better

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

miniaturas

<p><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/copa-america" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Copa America 2021</strong></a> will begin soon, bringing together the most gifted players from the region with a prestigious trophy on the line. <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/copa-america-2021-stats-titles-won-by-each-national-team-in-cup-s-history-20210528-0018.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South America’s greatest tournament</a> always delivers</strong> plenty of exciting games, unexpected results, andoutstanding performances from this continent’s superstars.</p>
<p>It’s no secret that <strong>many of the world’s most promising talents</strong>often emerge from this region, which is why every competition that takes place there always hogs the spotlight in the soccer community. Moreover, <strong>the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/copa-america-2021-stats-leading-goalscorers-in-cup-s-history-20210529-0010.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oldest national team tournament</a></strong> is always an eagerly expected eventon the calendar.</p>
<p>With the upcoming edition of<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/copa-america-2021-why-it-will-be-played-in-brazil-20210531-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Copa America</a>, here we will bring you an insight on <strong>the most expensive players from each national teamaccording to their market value</strong>. The figures were provided by <em>TransferMarkt</em>, and this is how the ranking stands.</p>
<div style="text-align:center">
<div class="ck-youtube" id="youtube-21">      <span class="item first"></span>   <span class="item second"></span>   <span class="item third"></span>  </div>
<p></p></div>
<h2>10. ErwinSaavedra(Bolivia)</h2>
<h4>Market value: $1.21 million</h4>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210602_BUS_171576_saavedra.jpg_22993414_f6836fcf.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Erwin Saavedra in action against Paraguay (Getty).   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p><strong>Bolivar</strong>‘s right midfield has the highest market value in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bolivia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bolivian national team</strong></a>, and it is no surprise. The 25-year-oldhas alreadyamassed <strong>14 goals and 11 assists in 72 appearances with thelocal giants</strong>, and has also earned 18 caps with the national team. However, <strong>he was unable to score with La Verde yet</strong>. Will he achieve it in this tournament?</p>
<h2>9. GuillermoMaripan(Chile)</h2>
<h4>Market value: $13.20 million</h4>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210602_BUS_171576_maripan.jpg_22993414_6bf8eb52.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Guillermo Maripan (Getty).   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chile" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Roja</a>‘s center-back has had an amazing growth over the last years and quickly settled himself in <strong>AS </strong><strong>Monaco</strong>‘sdefense. After jumping to European soccer from <strong>Universidad Católica</strong>, it didn’t take long for him toimpressin <strong>Deportivo Alavés</strong>. Once in the Ligue One, Guillermo Maripánrestored theMonegasques’ confidencewith brilliant performances. Asides from being solid at the back, <strong>he has alsobeen on targetseveral times</strong>.</p>
<h2>8. PervisEstupiñan(Ecuador)</h2>
<h4>Market value: $13.20 million</h4>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210602_BUS_171576_pervis.jpg_22993414_ffb817ce.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Pervis Estupiñan (Getty).   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ecuador" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ecuador</a>‘s excitingleft-backhas fought hardto earn a place in one of Europe’s top five leagues after several loan moves from Watford. His spell in Osasunacalled <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/villarreal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Villarreal</strong></a>‘sattention, as theypaid around $18 million for him ahead of the 2020/21 season. Estupiñáncouldn’t strengthen himself in the starting lineup, though, but he still has 23 years of ageand <strong>a bright future ahead of him</strong>, which explains his high market value.</p>
<h2>7. JosefMartínez (Venezuela)</h2>
<h4>Market value: $15.40 million</h4>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210602_BUS_171576_josef.jpg_22993414_58c10c76.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Josef Martinez (Getty).   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>La Vinotinto’s prolific striker became one of the faces of the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MLS</a></strong> due to his impressive goalscoring record with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/atlanta-united-t215" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atlanta United</strong></a>. Martínez, 28, was one of the main reasons for The Five Stripes’ supremacyover the past few seasons. He fired them to the MLS Cup title in 2018 after recording 31 goals, earning that year’s MVP award. He already has 12 goals in 54 appearances with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/venezuela" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Venezuela</strong></a>‘s senior teamand he headlines its squad for the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/copa-america-2021-why-it-will-be-played-in-brazil-20210531-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Copa America</a>.</p>
<h2>6 . MiguelAlmirón (Paraguay)</h2>
<h4>Market value: $17.60 million</h4>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210602_BUS_171576_miguel_almiron.jpg_22993414_430dff63.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Miguel Almiron (Getty).   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>Ever since he dazzled in his first appearances with <strong>Lanús</strong> in Argentine soccer, he was set to jump to the top level. MLS saw him grow and earn experience before making the big step to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/premier-league-t45" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Premier League</strong></a>, where he established himself in <strong>Newcastle</strong>. Despite he needed some adaptation time, Almirón lived up to the expectations and became <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paraguay" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paraguay</a>‘s main superstar. He already has 26 caps and two goals with La Albirroja.</p>
<h2>5. RenatoTapia (Peru)</h2>
<h4>Market value: $22 million</h4>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210602_BUS_171576_renato_tapia.jpg_22993414_13233195.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Renato Tapia (Getty).   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>Tapia, 25, who has built almost his entire professional career in Europe, quicklyturned into a key piece at the Peruvian national team’s defense. Even though he isn’t a veteran, his appearances would indicate otherwise. He already has played <strong>53 games <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/peru-t142746" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with Peru</a></strong>, mainly due to his proven experience in the <strong>Eredivisie</strong>. <strong>Celta de Vigo</strong> seized the opportunity of landing him for free and he has responded wellmost of the time.</p>
<h2>4. DuvánZapata (Colombia)</h2>
<h4>Market value: $41.80 million</h4>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210602_BUS_171576_duvan.jpg_22993414_b9bf8dc4.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Duvan Zapata (Getty).   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>The 30-year-old has established himself as <strong>a reliable goalscorer in the Italian top flight</strong>and has endured seven years in that league so far. Duván Zapata earned a place in a great Atalanta lineup that played <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/champions-league-t24" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions League</a> soccer and did well in the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/serie-a-t47163" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Serie A</a></strong>. It’s no surprise to see such a market value for him, as he netted <strong>15 goalsin 37 league appearances last season</strong>.</p>
<h2>3. Federico Valverde (Uruguay)</h2>
<h4>Market value: $77 million</h4>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210602_BUS_171576_valverde.jpg_22993414_f78480fb.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Federico Valverde   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>The Uruguayan sensation quickly made himself a name in an enormous club like it is <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/real-madrid-t23" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Real Madrid</strong></a>. Things are just getting started, though, for the 22-year-old, who asides from becoming a useful asset in Los Blancos has turned into a crucial name for <strong>Oscar Washington Tabarez</strong> in La Celeste. He is definitely one of thetalents to watch, even though he is already well-known in the soccer world.</p>
<h2>2. LionelMessi(Argentina)</h2>
<h4>Market value: $88 million</h4>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210602_BUS_171576_messi_argentina.jpg_22993414_7c34229b.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Lionel Messi (Getty).   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>If it wasn’t because of his 33 years of age (that will become 34 on June 24th), he wouldbe probably leading the list. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/lionel-messi-t13" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lionel Messi</a> is without a doubt the greatest player <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/argentina-t30" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Argentina</strong></a> have despite theydo not lack in big names at all. When players reach his age, their performances often get worse and start heading into retirement. But in his case, it seems unpredictable when that will happen, as <strong>he keeps on breaking records and shining at the top level</strong> regardless of time. The upcoming Copa America will have once again one of the greatestof all time, and soccer fans are eager to watch himin actiononce again.</p>
<h2>1. Neymar(Brazil)</h2>
<h4>Market value: $121 million</h4>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210602_BUS_171576_neymar_brazil.jpg_22993414_ab3dea17.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Neymar (Getty).   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>Needless to say, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/psg-t16721" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Saint-Germain</strong></a> superstar has been one of the world’s most fascinating players ever since he rose to stardom with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/barcelona-t11" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Barcelona</strong></a> in 2014 afterbecoming a promising youth talent in Santos. Themost expensive player in history – PSG paid over $270 million to Barca in 2017 – <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/neymar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neymar</a> has given multiple reasons to hold the highest market valuein the continent, and he is Brazil’s main weapon to chase a back-to-back Copa America title.</p>
<p><span></span> </p>
<div class="ck-related-news">  <span data-src="/usa/contenidos/2021/05/29/noticia_0010.html" data-type="news"></span>  <p></p>
<div id="relatedNews-20">     </div>
<p></p></div><p></p>

Copa America 2021: The most expensive players from each national team

Copa America 2021: The most expensive players from each national team - Bolavip US

Latest news from pervis estupinan. Find out about all the news related to pervis estupinan on bolavip.com/en