Ranchi, August 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Brazilian forward Rodriguinho marked his first start for SC Delhi with a spectacular five-goal performance in the Durand Cup, but the 7-0 victory over Defenders FC was, for him, a reflection of the faith placed in the team and his move to India.
Rodriguinho completed his hat-trick within 13 minutes of his starting debut before adding two more goals, including a curling strike from the edge of the box. The emphatic win lifted SC Delhi to the top of Group C with six points from two matches and strengthened their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
“This is the result of the belief that everybody had in the team,” Rodriguinho said after the match, while thanking the coaching staff for their support and guidance.
The Brazilian said he had followed the growing Asian football market before deciding to join SC Delhi.
“In Brazil, we are always keeping an eye on the Asian market. India has been growing more and more, with more and more players coming here. There are also a lot of Brazilian players with big names who have played in India. So, we had some knowledge about Indian football, and I believed in the Delhi project. I was happy that they believed in me,” he said.
Rodriguinho has also enjoyed his early experiences off the pitch, praising the warm reception he has received in India.
“I am getting along very well with the people here. They are very open and talkative. They are very curious. They want to learn and they want to listen. I am having a great time with them,” he said.
The forward described his playing style as similar to that of Brazil international Matheus Cunha, citing the ability to operate in different attacking positions and between the lines as a source of inspiration.
“I can describe myself with one word: I am someone who finishes actions. I want to improve everything,” Rodriguinho said.
His finishing ability was evident in Ranchi, where he opened the scoring after controlling the ball on his chest, turning away from his marker and calmly finding the bottom corner with his left foot. He added two more goals soon afterwards before completing his tally with two second-half strikes.
Despite the attention surrounding his remarkable performance, Rodriguinho said he prefers to keep life simple.
“I am a simple person. I like to always be smiling and to have good energy,” he said, adding that he loves samba and can play it a little.
The Brazilian now hopes to continue contributing as SC Delhi push for the Durand Cup knockout stages. For the club, his five-goal display has provided an impressive boost; for Rodriguinho, it represents the beginning of an Indian journey built on belief.
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