Vitor Roque, from failing at Barça to star in Brazil
Published New:18/09/2025 - 22:26h
Updated New:18/09/2025 - 22:26h
The former Barça forward has been reborn at Palmeiras after his disappointing spell at FC Barcelona and Betis. He has 7 goals and 4 assists in his last 8 matches.
Vitor Roque is smiling again in football. After a frustrated signing by Fútbol Club Barcelona and a brief loan spell at Betis without prominence, the young forward has found the perfect setting in Palmeiras to regain confidence and show why he was considered one of the great promises of South American football.
Tigrinho, only 20 years old, has 7 goals and 4 assists in the last 8 matches, figures that place him as one of the most decisive players in Brazil.
His performance has completely changed the perception around his career: from being a stagnant project in Europe to becoming an emerging star who is starting to knock on the door of the Brazilian national team.
🇧🇷Vitor Roque (20, 2005)
— António Mango (@AntonioMango4) September 18, 2025
Has been flying for Palmeiras.
Last 8 Games:
Ceara ⚽️
Deportes ⚽️🅰️
Botofogo 🅰️
Deportes ❌
Sport Recife 🅰️🅰️
Corinthians ⚽️
International ⚽️⚽️⚽️
River Plate ⚽️
Just because it didn’t work at Barca, don’t make him a ‘bad player’ 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rYgMQuaqXm
Vitor Roque: historic transfer and immediate performance
Palmeiras bet heavily on Vitor Roque and paid 25 million euros, making his signing the most expensive in the history of Brazilian football.
The investment has paid off immediately: the attacker has been a protagonist in the Copa Libertadores, where he scored a key goal in the 1-2 victory against River Plate in the quarter-finals played at the Monumental stadium.
The South American press has not hesitated to describe him as an “uncontrollable” and “monumental” player, highlighting the transformation of a footballer who seemed lost after his time at Barça.
Tigrinho scores the first 'hat-trick' of his career
Vitor Roque's sweet moment was confirmed last weekend, when he signed the first hat-trick of his professional career. His ability to attack spaces, his physical power and his definition inside the area have turned the forward into a lethal weapon for the São Paulo team.
The game system has also enhanced his virtues. Sharing the attack with the Argentine Flaco López, Vitor Roque finds more freedom to move and generate danger, which has multiplied his offensive impact.
From disappointment at Barça to resurgence in Brazil
His time at Fútbol Club Barcelona was brief and disappointing. He arrived in the winter market during Xavi Hernández's last season, but he barely had opportunities to prove his worth. The lack of continuity, injuries and media pressure slowed his progression.
The time at Betis was not positive either, but in Brazil he has regained confidence. The change of environment and a leadership role at Palmeiras seem to have been decisive for the young attacker to show the version that was so expected in Europe.
Will he convince Ancelotti?
Vitor Roque's good moment has not gone unnoticed by Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Brazil. The coach is closely following the evolution of the forward and could include him in the next call-ups for the canarinha. His recent performances make him a real candidate to play in the next Copa América.
If he maintains this upward trend, it would not be surprising if he receives offers from Europe again in the future, although for now his priority is to continue shining in his country and consolidate himself as one of the offensive references of the continent.
The incredible contrast with his time at Barça
The contrast with his time at Barcelona is evident. While at the Barça club he barely had a leading role and ended up being considered a failed signing, in Brazil his impact has been immediate.
The case of Vitor Roque reopens the debate on the adaptation of young South American talents to the European elite and the management of their development in clubs with maximum demands.
Tigrinho has become the perfect example of how a suitable environment can make the difference between stagnation and the definitive explosion of a footballer.
Vitor Roque: a future yet to be written
With a contract at Palmeiras and the support of a fan base that idolizes him, Vitor Roque has the challenge ahead of him to maintain his level and confirm that his rebirth is not just a good moment.
The story of the Brazilian forward shows that football always offers second chances and that, like the Phoenix bird, a player can resurface even after being considered a failure.
