Róger Guedes: The Journey of a Brazilian Forward
Róger Krug Guedes, born on October 2, 1996, in Ibirubá, Rio Grande do Sul, is one of the most prominent names in contemporary Brazilian football. A talented forward with skill, speed, and a keen eye for goal, he has made his mark at clubs in Brazil and abroad, currently playing for Al-Rayyan in Qatar. His career is defined by moments of brilliance, controversies, and a strong personality that makes him unique both on and off the pitch. This article explores the life, career, and impact of Róger Guedes in football, from his humble beginnings to his success on the global stage.
Early Life and First Steps in Football
Humble Origins in Ibirubá
Róger Guedes was born into a modest family in the small town of Ibirubá, in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul. The son of Walter (known as Neco) and Marisa, he grew up in an environment where football was a family passion. His father and older brother, Gabriel, played as amateurs, inspiring young Róger to follow the same path. The family lived modestly, and Róger even resided under the stands of Vila Nova, an amateur club founded by his father, where he began kicking a ball.
From an early age, Róger showed promise. At six, he played futsal for the Associação Ibirubense de Futsal (Asif), standing out as a top scorer despite playing as a fixo (a defensive position). His talent caught the eye of scouts, and Vitalino Barzotto, known as Grizzo, a former Criciúma player, was among the first to recognize his potential. In an interview, Grizzo recalled that “you could tell Róger was special” from a young age.
Early Clubs and Development
At 10, with Grizzo’s support, Róger joined the youth academy of Grêmio in Porto Alegre. Despite his talent, he struggled to adapt to the intensity of training and the club’s competitive environment. His strong personality and impatience with physical drills led to tensions, and he left Grêmio in 2011. That same year, he joined Criciúma, where he continued his development and began shaping the playing style that would make him famous: fast, skillful, and with a powerful shot.
Rise at Criciúma
Professional Debut and First Goal
Róger Guedes was promoted to Criciúma’s first team in 2014, at just 16 years old. His debut in the Brazilian Championship, on December 6, 2014, against Corinthians, was unforgettable. Coming off the bench in the second half, he scored his first professional goal, leveling the score in a 2-1 loss. This moment marked the start of his rise as one of Brazilian football’s brightest prospects.
At Criciúma, Róger played 63 matches and scored 8 goals, showcasing versatility as both a winger and a center-forward. His performances attracted attention from bigger clubs, and in April 2016, he signed a five-year contract with Palmeiras, one of Brazil’s footballing giants.
Challenges at Criciúma
Despite his talent, Róger faced criticism at Criciúma for his attitude during training. According to Grizzo, he “just wanted to play” and lacked dedication to physical conditioning, which caused skepticism among coaches. Nevertheless, his on-field ability compensated for these issues, and he became a key player for the club, even in Brazil’s Série B.
Success at Palmeiras
Debut and Immediate Impact
At Palmeiras, Róger Guedes arrived with high expectations as one of Brazilian football’s top prospects. His debut in 2016, against São Bernardo in the Paulista Championship quarterfinals, saw him contribute to the second goal in a 2-0 victory. His first goal for the club came on May 14, in a 4-0 thrashing of Atlético Paranaense in the Brasileirão.
Róger quickly won over Palmeiras fans with his speed and dribbling ability. On June 2, he scored again in a 4-3 win against Grêmio, solidifying his place in the squad. During his time at the club, he helped Palmeiras win the 2016 Brazilian Championship, a significant milestone in his career.
Loan to Atlético Mineiro
In 2017, Róger was loaned to Atlético Mineiro in a deal involving lateral Marcos Rocha. His debut for Galo was promising, scoring in a 3-0 win against Democrata-GV in the Campeonato Mineiro. However, his stint was inconsistent. He started as a regular, but a dip in form toward the end of the state championship cost him his spot. A misplaced pass against Vasco in the Brasileirão opener led to an opponent’s goal, fueling criticism of his performance.
Return to Palmeiras and Controversies
Returning to Palmeiras in 2018, Róger struggled to secure a starting role. His strong personality and clashes with coaches, such as Roger Machado, made headlines. Despite this, he continued to shine on the pitch with crucial goals and decisive plays. His time at the club ended in July 2018 when he was sold to Shandong Luneng in China for approximately €9.5 million.
Experience in China
Adapting to Chinese Football
At Shandong Luneng, Róger faced the challenge of adapting to a less competitive but physically and tactically demanding league. He played 34 matches and scored 13 goals in the Chinese Super League, proving his ability to excel in a different environment. His stint in China brought financial stability, but Róger missed the passion of Brazilian fans, prompting his return to Brazil in 2021.
Peak at Corinthians
Arrival and Initial Impact
In August 2021, Róger Guedes joined Corinthians, choosing the unconventional number 123 jersey, which sparked curiosity. At his unveiling, he explained that the number was a way to express his individuality. His debut on September 7, against Juventude, saw him score in a 1-1 draw. Weeks later, in the Paulista Derby against Palmeiras, he netted both goals in a 2-1 victory, winning over Corinthians fans.
Róger was named the Brasileirão’s Player of the Month for September, cementing his importance to the team. In 2022, he became Corinthians’ top scorer for the season with 15 goals in 66 matches and set a record as the highest goalscorer at Neo Química Arena with 31 goals, surpassing club icon Jô.
Memorable Moments
One of Róger’s standout moments at Corinthians was his hat-trick against Avaí on April 16, 2022, in a 3-0 win. He also scored twice in key matches against São Bernardo and Água Santa in the Paulista Championship. His versatility, playing as a winger or second striker, and his ability to decide games made him a cornerstone of the team’s tactics.
Controversies and Departure
Despite his success, Róger’s time at Corinthians wasn’t without tension. His relationship with coach Vítor Pereira was strained, particularly over substitutions he deemed unfair. In interviews, Róger expressed frustration, even joking that he “wanted to kill” the coach in a moment of anger. While candid, these comments drew criticism from the media and some fans.
In August 2023, after much speculation, Róger left Corinthians to join Al-Rayyan in Qatar for a $10 million transfer (approximately R$49 million). His departure was felt by fans, but he left a legacy as the top scorer in Neo Química Arena’s history.
Success at Al-Rayyan
Immediate Impact in Qatar
At Al-Rayyan, Róger Guedes continued to showcase his goal-scoring prowess. In his debut against Al-Markhiya Sports Club, he scored and quickly became one of the Qatar Stars League’s standout players. In his first season, he scored an impressive 19 goals in 22 matches, reinforcing his reputation as a lethal forward.
In 2025, Róger reached 149 career goals, highlighted by a hat-trick in a 5-3 win against Al-Shamal. That season became his most prolific, with 24 goals in 35 matches, surpassing his goal tally from his Corinthians days.
Interest from Brazilian Clubs
Despite his success in Qatar, Róger remains a target for Brazilian clubs. In December 2024, Flamengo expressed interest in repatriating him to replace Gabigol, but the transfer fell through due to internal disagreements at the club. Grêmio also showed interest, but Róger reaffirmed his commitment to Al-Rayyan, stating in a video, “It’s the club I love and defend.”
Playing Style and Characteristics
Róger Guedes is known for his versatility in attack. He can play as a winger, second striker, or center-forward, combining speed, quick dribbles, and a powerful shot. His finishing ability, particularly with his right foot, is one of his main strengths. Additionally, his strong personality makes him fearless in high-pressure moments, though it has also drawn criticism at times.
Personal Life and Legacy
Off the pitch, Róger Guedes keeps a low profile, but his story of perseverance inspires many. Coming from a humble background, he overcame financial struggles and criticism to become an elite player. His career, marked by goals, titles, and unforgettable moments, establishes him as one of Brazil’s top forwards today.
Conclusion
Róger Guedes is more than a footballer; he is a symbol of determination and talent. From the fields of Ibirubá to the pitches of Qatar, he has built a career full of achievements and challenges. Whether at Criciúma, Palmeiras, Atlético Mineiro, Corinthians, or Al-Rayyan, Róger has left his mark with goals and memorable plays. At 28, he still has much to offer football, and his story continues to unfold, inspiring fans and young athletes in Brazil and beyond.
