‘I Hope My Teacher Understands’ – Santos Wunderkind Rodrygo Skips School To Become Youngest Goalscorer In Copa Libertadores History

Chris Wright

17th, March 2018

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There’s a new ‘New Neymar’ in town and his name is Rodrygo Goes, the prodigious teenage sensation currently making a stir at Santos.

At just 17 years, two months and six days old, Rodrygo became the youngest ever player to score in the Copa Libertadores after finding the net in Santos’ 3-1 win over Nacional of Uruguay on Thursday evening.

The goal itself was actually rather reminiscent of the young Neymar, with Rodrygo picking the ball up on the half-way line, stripping a defender or two for pace and then poking a shot through the Nacional goalkeeper’s legs from a tight angle…

In scoring, Rodrygo broke the record held by former Werder Bremen midfielder Diego (set in 2003) to become the youngest goalscorer in the 58-year history of the Copa Libertadores.

However, speaking at a press conference after the match, the precocious Santos forward still had an apology to make:

I’m happy to be the youngest to score. It’s a dream coming true. About skipping school (to play), I think the teachers will understand.

Christ. Don’t you just feel ancient all of a sudden?

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1 Comment

  1. Adil says:

    Yep, this guy was born in 2001.

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