Santiago Rodríguez One Step Away from Leaving NYCFC and Joining Botafogo | OneFootball

Santiago Rodríguez One Step Away from Leaving NYCFC and Joining Botafogo | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: FanSided MLS

FanSided MLS

·10 February 2025

Santiago Rodríguez One Step Away from Leaving NYCFC and Joining Botafogo

Article image:Santiago Rodríguez One Step Away from Leaving NYCFC and Joining Botafogo

Botafogo, the club that’s been making waves and shattering records since its return to Brazil’s soccer scene, seems to have its eyes set on a new star to boost its squad. And we’re not talking about just any player here, this is Santiago Rodríguez, an attacking midfielder from New York City FC (NYCFC) who’s been turning heads with his creative play and tactical smarts.

What Botafogo is looking for is a maestro in the middle of the park, someone with sharp vision and the skill to carve defenses open with ease. On the flip side, we’ve got Santiago Rodríguez, who’s like a conductor on the pitch. The guy knows how to build attacks with surgical precision, plus he’s got a knack for getting into scoring positions. That’s a recipe for goals, and those goals could start flooding in at Nilton Santos.


OneFootball Videos


And here’s the thing: word on the street is that this deal is practically done. The talks are moving fast, and it's just a matter of ironing out the final details before the ink’s dry.

Now, if you’re a Botafogo fan, you’re probably wondering: “Is it really worth bringing someone over from Major League Soccer (MLS)?” Short answer? Heck yeah. The MLS has come a long way in recent years. It’s not just a place for aging stars to take their last lap. These days, young talents like Rodríguez are using the league as a springboard to international stardom.

On top of that, Brazilian soccer needs to keep evolving and embrace moves like this more. You can’t just rely on homegrown talent and washed-up stars coming back from Europe. If Botafogo wants to solidify itself as a modern, ambitious club, signing someone with Rodríguez’s international experience is a move in the right direction.

Don’t forget, Botafogo is in one of the best positions it’s been in for years. With a revamped structure and a competitive squad, the team’s got what it takes to start competing with the big boys again. But for that to happen, they need a strong, flexible roster. And a guy like Santiago Rodríguez could be the key to turning good seasons into championship-winning ones. If you want to be a top dog, you’ve got to think like one. Investing in talent that brings both quality and experience is crucial.

Botafogo isn’t messing around. Showing that they can land players from foreign leagues not only boosts the club’s image but also attracts more investors and sponsors. Plus, let’s be real, the fans are already pumped about the direction the team’s heading. Bringing in a heavyweight like Rodríguez would definitely crank up the excitement.

View publisher imprint