Pedro Rocha Neves is one of those names that resonates across Brazilian football with a mix of persistence and pure talent. Born on October 1, 1994, in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, this 31-year-old Capixaba stands out as a skillful forward who can play as a left winger or center-forward. With a career that has spanned continents and traditional clubs, Rocha embodies Brazilian football in its truest form: unpredictable, full of twists, and always chasing redemption. Today, wearing the shirt of Clube do Remo, he is living one of the best phases of his career, scoring goals and helping the team fight for promotion in Série B of the Brasileirão. In this feature, we dive into the life and football of Pedro Rocha Neves—from humble beginnings to recent triumphs, through the challenges that shaped the player we know today.
Early Life and Youth Development
Pedro Rocha’s story began far from the spotlight, in a coastal city in Espírito Santo famous for its beaches and welcoming spirit. The son of a modest family, he grew up kicking a ball on the streets of Vila Velha, where football was more than a sport—it was a ticket to bigger dreams. At just four years old, he already showed a natural gift for the game. In 1998, still only four, he joined the youth academy of Atlético Mineiro, one of Minas Gerais’ football giants. Moving to Belo Horizonte meant his first major sacrifice: leaving his family behind to chase opportunities.
At Galo, Rocha spent an entire decade developing. From 1998 to 2008, he progressed from initial trials to becoming a standout prospect in the U-15s. Coaches from that era highlight his speed and short, sharp dribbling—traits that set him apart. But fate threw him a curveball in 2008 when, at age 13, he moved to São Paulo FC. The spell was short and traumatic: released almost immediately, Rocha returned to Rio de Janeiro and joined José Bonifácio Esporte Clube in São João de Meriti. There, between 2008 and 2011, he rebuilt his confidence playing in amateur and regional teams that helped him mature technically.
In 2011, a new opportunity arose at Diadema, a São Paulo-based club known for its lower-division work. That’s when Rocha truly began to shine. Loaned to Juventus-SP from 2011 to 2013, he played in the Campeonato Paulista Série A2 and caught attention with two goals in just three appearances. His versatility—able to play wide or centrally—was a major asset. In 2014, another loan took him south to Grêmio’s U-20 side, where he made his mark and earned a professional contract. Those formative years, full of comings and goings, forged not only the player but also the resilient character of Pedro Rocha Neves.
First Professional Steps and Breakthrough at Grêmio
His professional debut came in 2013 with Diadema, though without notable appearances—zero official games that season. His real baptism came at Juventus-SP, where those two goals in three games served as his calling card. But it was at Grêmio, starting in 2015, that Rocha established himself as an elite professional. Signed permanently after his loan, he debuted in Série A on May 16, 2015, against Coritiba in a 2–0 loss. Just over a month later came his iconic moment: on June 27 against Avaí, Rocha scored the fastest goal of that Brasileirão season—just 37 seconds in—securing a 2–1 victory.
Between 2015 and 2017, the forward played 96 Série A matches for the Tricolor Gaúcho, scoring 19 goals—an impressive average for a player in his early 20s. Across all competitions, he made 127 appearances and scored 32 goals, including 24 games and eight goals in the Campeonato Gaúcho, 18 matches and nine goals in the Copa do Brasil, and 11 appearances with four goals in the Libertadores. His partnership with Luan and Everton was key to Grêmio’s runner-up finish in the 2016 Brasileirão and a strong Copa Sudamericana campaign. Rocha wasn’t just a goalscorer—he was the X-factor, with precise assists and a fighting spirit that won over the fans. “He has the fire of Brazilian football in his blood,” said coach Renato Gaúcho at the time in an interview with Globoesporte.
European Adventure and Adaptation Struggles
In August 2017, at age 22, Rocha headed to Europe, signing with Spartak Moscow in the Russian Premier League for around €8 million—a dream move for many young Brazilians. But adaptation proved tough. The freezing Moscow winters, language barrier, and rigid tactical demands of European football clashed with his Brazilian flair. In two seasons (2017–2019), he played just 12 matches and scored once—modest numbers that drew criticism and shook his confidence.
To regain rhythm, he was loaned to Cruzeiro in 2019: 25 Série A games and two goals while fighting relegation. In 2020, another loan—this time to Flamengo—where he played nine matches and scored once under Jorge Jesus. Though brief, his time at Flamengo left a mark; he recently described himself as “a Flamengo fan at heart” during an Instagram Live. Back in Russia in 2021, Spartak relegated him to the B team (Spartak-2), where he shone with 15 games and four goals in the second division. But foreign-player limits in the first team forced him out.
Return to Brazil and New Challenges at Traditional Clubs
2021 marked his definitive return to Brazil, on loan to Athletico Paranaense. From August 2021 to 2022, he played 26 Série A matches and scored four goals, contributing to the Copa Sudamericana campaign. Athletico had a purchase option but declined, paving the way for Fortaleza in August 2022. At the Leão do Pici until the end of 2023, he made 45 appearances and scored four goals, standing out in the Copa do Nordeste and Brasileirão while adapting to Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s collective style.
In 2024, a short stint at Criciúma in Série A yielded seven goalless appearances—a difficult transition marked by minor injuries and lack of coach confidence. It was another chapter of overcoming adversity, as he told UOL Esporte: “Football teaches you that nothing is linear. I learned to value every chance.” These ups and downs, common in many Brazilian careers, only strengthened Rocha’s resolve.
Current Moment at Remo: A Rebirth in Série B
Since late 2024, Pedro Rocha Neves has worn the blue and white of Clube do Remo in Belém, Pará. Choosing the Pará giant, which is battling for promotion to the top flight, appears to have been the perfect move. In the 2025 season up to November, his numbers are outstanding: 31 matches, 14 goals, and six assists in Série B. Across 29 league games, he has scored seven goals at home and seven away—an impressive consistency for a 31-year-old.
In the 2025 Campeonato Paraense, he played seven games and scored once, helping Remo reach the semifinals. In the Copa do Brasil, two appearances without goals but with solid performances. His pace on the wings and goal-scoring instinct when playing centrally have been vital for Rafhael Lucas’ side, which dreams of a top-four finish. On October 8, 2025, Rocha scored a hat-trick against Amazonas in an epic comeback that made headlines across northern Brazil. Recent developments, such as his selection for the Série B All-Star Game in November, show he’s back on the radar of bigger clubs. Injuries? Almost none this year. At 1.75 m and in peak physical condition, Rocha seems to have found the perfect balance between experience and hunger.
Trophies and Legacy in Brazilian Football
Throughout his career, Rocha has collected silverware that reflects his versatility. With Grêmio: 2016 Gaúcho champion and 2017 Libertadores runner-up. With Cruzeiro: 2018 Copa do Brasil winner (as a squad member). Flamengo: 2020 Carioca champion. Athletico: 2021 Copa Sudamericana winner. Fortaleza: 2023 Copa do Nordeste. And now at Remo, the 2025 Pará state title is within reach. Individually, his 37-second goal remains the fastest in the 2015 Brasileirão—an eternal record.
His legacy goes beyond stats—around 300 appearances and roughly 70 career goals, according to Transfermarkt. He is an example of resilience for young players from Espírito Santo and Pará, proving that talent combined with patience can overcome any obstacle. Though he never earned a senior Brazil call-up (only youth-team experience), he still dreams of a late chance. “My focus is Remo, but who knows?” he said in a recent press conference.
Conclusion: A Player on the Rise
Pedro Rocha Neves may not be the most famous name in Brazilian football, but his journey is a masterclass in perseverance. From Vila Velha to the freezing fields of Moscow and back to the warm pitches of Pará, he has built an honorable career full of lessons. At 31 and in top form, Rocha still has plenty to give. If Remo earns promotion in 2025, his name will echo even louder. For fans, it’s time to cheer for more goals, more assists, and perhaps a few more chapters in this inspiring story. After all, football is just that—unpredictable, like the life of a Brazilian forward.
