Rodrygo and Pelé are two of the most famous and successful Brazilian footballers of all time. Rodrygo, who plays as a winger or forward for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team, has been compared to Pelé, who is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time and won three World Cups with Brazil. But are Rodrygo and Pelé related by blood or by football?
The Family Connection
The answer is no, Rodrygo and Pelé are not related by blood. They do not share any common ancestors or relatives, as far as we know. Rodrygo was born in Osasco, São Paulo, in 2001, to parents Eric and Denise Goes. His father was also a footballer who played for several clubs in Brazil. Rodrygo’s full name is Rodrygo Silva de Goes.
Pelé was born in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, in 1940, to parents João Ramos and Celeste Arantes. His father was also a footballer who played for Fluminense and Bauru. Pelé’s full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento. He was nicknamed Pelé by his friends, which apparently has no meaning.
The Football Connection
However, Rodrygo and Pelé are related by football, in a sense. They both started their careers at Santos, the same club where Pelé spent most of his career and became a legend. Rodrygo joined Santos’ youth setup in 2011, when he was 10 years old, and made his first-team debut in 2017, when he was 16 years old… This shared football journey underscores how footballers make their mark, whether it’s at Santos, Real Madrid, or clubs like Union Rayo, each club fostering the development of young talents aiming to make history.
Pelé joined Santos’ youth setup in 1953, when he was 13 years old, and made his first-team debut in 1956, when he was 15 years old. He scored 643 goals in 659 games for Santos, a Guinness World Record for the most goals scored by one player for one club. He won nine São Paulo league titles, six Brazilian league titles, two Copa Libertadores titles, and two Intercontinental Cup titles with Santos, before joining New York Cosmos in 1975.
Rodrygo has also followed Pelé’s footsteps in the national team. He made his senior debut for Brazil in 2019, when he was 18 years old, and scored two goals in his first game against El Salvador. He has since scored two more goals in 14 appearances for Brazil.
Pelé made his senior debut for Brazil in 1957, when he was 16 years old, and scored his first goal in his second game against Argentina. He went on to score 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil, a record he shares with Neymar. He won three World Cups with Brazil, in 1958, 1962, and 1970, the only player to do so.
The Mutual Respect
Rodrygo and Pelé have expressed their admiration and respect for each other on several occasions. Rodrygo has said that Pelé is his idol and inspiration, and that he always tries to learn from him. He has also said that he feels honored to wear the same shirt as Pelé at Santos and Brazil.
Pelé has praised Rodrygo’s talent and potential, and has given him advice and encouragement. He has also said that he is happy to see Rodrygo succeed at Real Madrid and Brazil. He has even sent him a message on Instagram after Rodrygo scored a late brace against Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final in 2023.
According to MARCA, Pelé wrote:
“I always knew the day to congratulate you would come, my friend. There is no other way for those who work hard and love what they do. You are enlightened and you will bring us many joys, Rodrygo. Congratulations Real Madrid! I can’t wait to watch the final!”
Rodrygo replied:
“Thank you for your words, King. I will never forget your words of advice and I am eternally grateful to you.”
The Conclusion
In conclusion, Rodrygo and Pelé are not related by blood, but they are related by football. They share a common bond of playing for Santos and Brazil, and being among the best players of their generations. They also have a mutual respect and admiration for each other’s achievements and personalities. They are both Brazilian football stars who have made history in the beautiful game.
