Real Madrid fans are no strangers to celebrating trophies, and the club’s recent triumph at the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup was no exception. A dominant 3-0 win over Pachuca, with goals from Mbappe, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo, reaffirmed their place at the pinnacle of football. But amidst the buzz of victory, it wasn’t the trophy that stole the show—it was a viral picture of Rodrygo and his father aboard what appeared to be Real Madrid’s private jet.
Fans quickly turned their attention to a man who looked more like Rodrygo’s brother than his father, sparking a whirlwind of curiosity and memes. So, who exactly is Rodrygo’s dad? Let’s dig into the man behind the scenes.
Eric Goes: A Young Father and Former Footballer
Eric Goes, Rodrygo’s father, has always been an integral figure in the young Brazilian star’s journey. Born in Osasco, São Paulo, Eric is just 39 years old, which explains why fans often mistake him for Rodrygo’s older brother. His youthful appearance has even led to lighthearted jokes, with some fans hilariously claiming that Rodrygo and Eric look “too Indian” to escape the memes.
A former footballer himself, Eric played as a defender in Brazil’s lower leagues, representing clubs like Mirassol SP, Ceará SC, and Criciúma EC. While he never made it beyond Brazil’s Série B, his experience and insights into the game laid the foundation for Rodrygo’s rise. He was also funnily up against a young Neymar Jr back in the day when the Brazilian had just burst onto the scene with his hometown club.
From an incredibly young age, Eric was certain his son would achieve greatness. In fact, Eric and his wife Denise found themselves in an unusual predicament when Rodrygo was due to be born in December. Eric, aware of how football age-group classifications worked, believed his son would have a better shot at thriving in competitive football if he were born in January—making him one of the older kids in his cohort.
Though delaying a birth isn’t exactly in a parent’s control, Eric and Denise reportedly joked about holding on for just a few more days to maximize their son’s chances. Denise herself, then only in her teens, was fully supportive of Eric’s vision. After all, she had married Eric at the tender age of 16, and their shared determination to give Rodrygo the best future played a key role in their decision-making.
Interestingly, Eric himself was only 16 or 17 years old when Rodrygo was conceived, adding a unique context to their relationship. It explains Eric’s youthful appearance, as he was still a teenager during Rodrygo’s early childhood. Their tight-knit bond, shaped by a minimal age gap, often gives off a sibling-like vibe, but Eric’s role as a father has always been unwavering.
The First Coach and Lifelong Mentor
Eric Goes wasn’t just a supportive father; he was Rodrygo’s first coach, mentor, and critic. His background as a defender gave Rodrygo a unique perspective, helping him understand the game from both ends of the pitch. From backyard kickabouts to rigorous youth training sessions, Eric was always there, instilling values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance in his son.
Even as Rodrygo made his mark at Santos and later Real Madrid, Eric remained an influential figure, guiding his career choices. According to reports, Eric’s belief in Rodrygo’s potential never wavered, and his influence extended beyond tactics to life lessons that shaped the player we see today.
A Viral Picture and Modric’s Wholesome Nickname
The now-famous image of Rodrygo and his dad celebrating Real Madrid’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup victory sparked waves of admiration and amusement. Fans couldn’t help but marvel at Eric’s youthful appearance, and the banter didn’t stop there. Luka Modric, upon learning that Eric is the same age as him, reportedly told Rodrygo to respect him as he would his dad. Since then, the two have affectionately referred to each other as “dad” and “son” in the locker room—a wholesome story that shows how football often transcends the pitch.
Eric’s Influence on Career Decisions
Even today, Eric Goes plays a pivotal role in Rodrygo’s career. With Real Madrid rumored to be signing Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo’s position in the starting XI is reportedly under threat. Eric, ever the strategist, believes that a move abroad could be beneficial for his son’s growth. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly interested, and Eric’s input will undoubtedly be key in shaping Rodrygo’s next steps.
The Unsung Hero Behind the Star
While Rodrygo’s skills and achievements often take center stage, it’s clear that Eric Goes has been a driving force behind his son’s success. From his unwavering belief in Rodrygo’s potential to his guidance and mentoring, Eric’s influence has been invaluable. As Real Madrid fans continue to celebrate their team’s triumphs, it’s worth acknowledging the fathers, mentors, and unsung heroes who help shape the stars we cheer for.
Eric Goes may look like Rodrygo’s older brother, but his role as a father, coach, and lifelong supporter is anything but ordinary. And as the memes and stories continue, one thing is certain—Rodrygo’s journey wouldn’t be the same without him.
