São Paulo, Brazil — A residential fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning, July 26, in the South Zone of São Paulo, prompting a swift response from emergency services. The incident has taken a dramatic turn after officials confirmed that the property involved belongs to the family of Rodrygo Goes, the 24-year-old Real Madrid and Brazil national team footballer.
According to local firefighters, the blaze began around 3:40 a.m. in a two-story home located in the Vila Mariana neighborhood. Neighbors reported hearing a loud noise followed by smoke and flames emerging from the back of the property.
Family Members Inside the Home
Sources close to the family confirmed that Rodrygo’s parents and younger brother were present in the home when the fire began. Firefighters arrived within 10 minutes and were able to evacuate the residents safely.
Two individuals — believed to be Rodrygo’s mother and brother — were treated at the scene for mild smoke inhalation, while his father reportedly suffered a minor burn to the arm. All are expected to make a full recovery.
Authorities say that no fatalities or serious injuries occurred, thanks to the quick actions of both emergency responders and alert neighbors who helped raise the alarm.
Rodrygo “Deeply Shocked” But Grateful
Rodrygo, who is currently in Madrid for pre-season training with Real Madrid, has not released a public statement. However, a source from his management team confirmed that he was notified immediately and has spoken with his family by phone.
“He is shaken but extremely relieved that no one was seriously hurt,” the source said. “His first concern was getting on the next flight to São Paulo, but his family urged him to stay focused and safe.”
As news of the fire spread, fans across Brazil and Spain took to social media, expressing support for the player and his loved ones. The hashtags #StayStrongRodrygo and #ForçaRodrygo began trending on X (formerly Twitter) within hours.
Cause Under Investigation
While the full cause of the fire remains under investigation, early reports from São Paulo’s fire department suggest that an electrical short circuit may have sparked the blaze in the kitchen area. An official statement from Fire Brigade Commander Luiz Pacheco noted that the fire was contained within an hour and did not spread to neighboring homes.
“Fortunately, the structure of the house held, and we were able to extinguish the flames quickly,” Commander Pacheco said. “The family followed proper evacuation procedures, which likely prevented a tragedy.”
A Wake-Up Call for Fire Safety
The incident has prompted renewed discussion about home safety measures, particularly in older residential areas of São Paulo, where electrical systems may be outdated or poorly maintained. Experts urge families to regularly inspect their wiring, install working smoke detectors, and have an emergency escape plan in place.
Rodrygo’s Rise — And His Family’s Role
Rodrygo Goes, a standout talent for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, has often credited his family for supporting his career. His father, Eric Batista de Goes, is a former footballer himself and has been closely involved in managing Rodrygo’s development since his youth days at Santos FC.
“Everything I am today is because of my family,” Rodrygo once said in a 2023 interview. “They’ve been with me every step of the way.”
Now, as his family recovers from a frightening ordeal, fans and the football world are rallying behind them.