‘Nothing Was Going Right’ – Barcelona Flop Vitor Roque Enters the Best Phase of His Life After Brazil Call-Up From Carlo Ancelotti

From “Next Neymar” to “Barcelona Flop”: Vitor Roque’s Bumpy Journey Back to Stardom

Football loves a redemption story, and Vitor Roque’s resurgence might be one of the most compelling of the year. Just months ago, the 20-year-old forward was being written off as another Barcelona misfire, a cautionary tale of too much too soon. But today, he’s not only the top scorer at Palmeiras — he’s also earned a Brazil national team call-up from Carlo Ancelotti, something he describes as “the best phase of my life.”

It’s a turnaround that few could have predicted. From being branded as a €35 million flop at the Camp Nou to rediscovering his joy and rhythm in Brazil’s Série A, Roque’s story is a lesson in patience, perspective, and the importance of the right environment.

From Prodigy to Pressure – The Barcelona Struggle

When Barcelona signed Vitor Roque in July 2023, excitement around the teenager was feverish. He was fresh off a breakout campaign with Athletico Paranaense, having scored 15 goals in Brazil and impressed scouts with his explosiveness, strength, and eye for goal. Many saw him as the heir to Brazil’s storied line of No. 9s — the next in the lineage of Ronaldo, Adriano, and Neymar.

But as football often reminds us, timing is everything.

Barcelona’s then-coach Xavi Hernández, desperate for attacking reinforcements midway through a turbulent season, rushed Roque into the senior setup sooner than planned. What followed was a crash course in pressure at one of the most demanding clubs on the planet.

Roque, still adapting to European life, language, and tactics, managed just two goals in 16 appearances. Fans grew impatient. The Spanish media turned. Even club insiders began to whisper doubts.

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco would later admit the January arrival was a mistake: “We wanted him to develop gradually, but the situation forced us to accelerate his integration. In hindsight, it was too soon.”

By mid-2024, Roque was loaned out to Real Betis, a move meant to rebuild his confidence. It didn’t work. Struggling for minutes and rhythm, he scored only once in half a season.

As 2025 began, the once-celebrated prodigy looked lost — another name on the long list of young South Americans who struggled to adapt to European football.

The Turning Point: Palmeiras and a Return to Joy

But life has a way of giving second chances.

In February 2025, Roque turned down a lucrative move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, choosing instead to return to Brazil with Palmeiras. The decision, seen by some as a step backward, turned out to be the most important move of his career.

His start was slow — painfully slow. It took him 900 minutes to score his first goal. Confidence wavered again, but Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira refused to give up on him. “Vitor just needed rhythm and love,” Ferreira said recently. “He has both now.”

Once the first goal came, the floodgates opened.

By November, Roque had scored 19 goals in all competitions, including 15 in the Brasileirão, putting Palmeiras top of the table with 65 points, narrowly ahead of Flamengo. His goals have come in all shapes — headers, volleys, penalties, and clinical finishes on the counter.

One of his standout performances came in the Copa Libertadores semi-final against River Plate, where he scored the decisive goal that sent Palmeiras to the final.

Roque’s chemistry with Flaco López and Raphael Veiga has been electric — the trio have combined for 38 goals this season, restoring Palmeiras’ reputation as one of South America’s most lethal attacking units.

“It’s one of the best phases of my life,” Roque told reporters after receiving his Brazil call-up. “Six months ago, nothing was going right. Today, I’m happy again. Palmeiras gave me confidence, they trusted me, and that made all the difference.”

Palmeiras v Santos – Brasileirao 2025

The Brazil Call-Up: Ancelotti’s Vote of Confidence

If there was any doubt about Roque’s resurgence, Carlo Ancelotti’s phone call erased it.

The Italian manager, who has been gradually reshaping Brazil’s squad with a mix of established stars and fresh domestic talent, included Roque in his latest selection for friendlies against Senegal (Nov 15) and Tunisia (Nov 19).

For Roque, it’s not just a call-up — it’s validation. “Being called by Ancelotti is something every player dreams of,” he said. “It’s a reward for all the hard work.”

Ancelotti’s decision to call up Roque didn’t come without debate. Some questioned whether the youngster had done enough to deserve it, but others — including Rivaldo — praised the coach’s boldness.

“I was surprised, but it’s a good call,” Rivaldo told Betfair. “Vitor Roque struggled at first, but he’s been excellent recently. He deserves this opportunity. It shows that Ancelotti is not just watching Europe; he’s paying attention to what’s happening in Brazil.”

The inclusion also fits Ancelotti’s philosophy. Since taking charge, he’s sought to blend experience (Vinícius Jr., Casemiro, Rodrygo) with domestic standouts (André, Endrick, and now Roque). His goal is to build a team not just for today, but for the 2026 World Cup.

“I see Ancelotti shaping a group that’s young but mentally strong,” Rivaldo added. “He’s mixing local energy with European experience. It’s smart — and Vitor’s timing couldn’t be better.”

The Numbers Behind the Comeback

• 19 goals in all competitions for Palmeiras in 2025

• 15 goals in the Brasileirão (3rd top scorer)

• 65 points – Palmeiras lead the league

• 900 minutes without a goal before his breakout run

• 1 Brazil call-up — his first senior national team selection

These numbers tell only part of the story. The real transformation has been mental. At Palmeiras, Roque rediscovered something he had lost in Spain: freedom.

Gone are the rigid tactical systems, the constant scrutiny, the feeling of having to justify every touch. In São Paulo, he’s been allowed to express himself again — dribbling, pressing, smiling.

Teammate Raphael Veiga summed it up perfectly: “When Vitor smiles, we all know something good is coming. He’s got that spark again.”

European Interest Returns

Of course, with great form comes renewed attention. Roque’s agent, André Cury, confirmed that Premier League clubs have already been in contact.

“Manchester United are monitoring him closely,” Cury told Brazilian outlet GE. “Chelsea and Tottenham have also made inquiries. He’s happy at Palmeiras, but you never know what can happen in football.”

Interestingly, Barcelona could still profit from Roque’s success. When selling him to Palmeiras, the Catalan giants negotiated a 20% sell-on clause. Should Roque move again — with reported valuations now around €50 million — Barça could receive approximately €10 million.

A fitting twist, perhaps, for a club that once gave up on him too soon.

A New Chapter Awaits

Palmeiras v Bragantino – Brasileirao 2025

For now, Vitor Roque’s focus remains simple: win titles with Palmeiras and make a mark with Brazil. Palmeiras are fighting on two fronts — the Brasileirão title race and the Copa Libertadores final, and Roque is at the heart of both.

His upcoming appearances for Brazil against Senegal and Tunisia will be crucial. Strong performances could secure him a regular place in Ancelotti’s plans and set him on course for a World Cup spot in 2026.

“I’m keeping my feet on the ground,” Roque said. “This is just the beginning. I’ve been through hard moments, but now I’m enjoying football again. That’s all I ever wanted.”

From Flop to Fighter

Vitor Roque’s story is not just about goals or call-ups — it’s about resilience. About a young man who refused to let failure define him.

At Barcelona, “nothing was going right.” In Brazil, everything is clicking again. He’s gone from forgotten prospect to one of the most exciting forwards in South America.

As Palmeiras push for the title and Brazil prepare for the future, Roque’s renaissance couldn’t be better timed. The lesson? Sometimes, to take a leap forward, you first need to come home.

And as long as Vitor Roque keeps playing with this freedom, passion, and purpose, the best phase of his life might just be the beginning of an even brighter chapter.