Fishing and Football: A Unique Blend of Skills
FULHAM frontman Rodrigo Muniz has developed a unique set of skills that blend well with his role as a striker. His love for fishing has been a constant in his life, dating back longer than his passion for football. When he goes home to his Brazilian hometown of São Domingos do Prata, Muniz prefers the serene and challenging environment of the local lagoon over the bustling beach. In a playful moment after his crucial goal against Wolves, he celebrated by mimicking the gesture of reeling in a fishing rod. Speaking to SunSport ahead of Fulham’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Manchester United, Muniz shared, “I tried fishing in England… but it was too COLD. My mum and dad used to go almost every weekend. I loved it and I still do. You go there, you sit and relax, and when you get the bite from the fish, you feel, ‘This is really exciting’. And you have to take your chance — just like a striker.”
A Family of Talents
Rodrigo Muniz’s father, Alexandre, was a local celebrity in São Domingos do Prata, known for his prowess in Axe, a vibrant style of music often associated with Carnival season. While Alexandre entertained the town with his music, he was also a passionate football fan who took on the role of coaching his young son. Muniz Jr, now 23, vividly recalls his early days in football: “Everybody in town would tell me, ‘Your dad is a really great singer’. But Alexandre was also my first coach, and he instilled a love for the game in me.” When Muniz was eight, he watched Ronaldo play for Corinthians and was inspired by the legendary striker. “My dad said, ‘Look at the striker, he is the biggest star of the club because he scores goals, the centre of attention’. I was a midfielder, but the next day I told my coach, ‘Now I am a striker’.”
Following His Dreams
Muniz adopted Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his idols, and at the age of 14, he took a significant step in his football journey by moving hundreds of miles from home to join Desportivo Brasil, a club near São Paulo. The move was initially challenging, and his mother, Luzia, a school cook, had to reassure him not to give up after his first week. Despite the initial setbacks, his determination paid off as he started scoring goals and eventually earned a move to the youth setup of Brazilian giants Flamengo. At Flamengo, Muniz had to wait for his chance, as the club’s star strikers, Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa and Pedro, were the first choices. However, his contributions did not go unnoticed, and he helped the club win three trophies.
The Fulham Call
A personal phone call from Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva, played a pivotal role in Muniz’s decision to join the London club. Silva, who had previously helped fellow Brazilian Richarlison become a Premier League star at Watford and Everton, told Muniz, “Look at Richarlison now, and I want to do something similar for you.” Muniz had received offers from various clubs, including Saudi Arabia and Atletico Madrid, but Silva’s belief in him and his vision of a bright future at Fulham were compelling. “I didn’t play much in Flamengo, but Marco believed in me. After that call, I decided to go to Fulham,” Muniz revealed. This faith in his abilities proved to be a turning point in his career.
Patience and Perseverance
The patience Muniz learned from fishing has been crucial in his football career. He is a devout Christian and often finds strength in the Bible, which teaches the importance of perseverance and waiting for the right moment. During his time at Flamengo, Muniz maintained a positive outlook, telling himself, “Now it is Pedro and Gabigol’s time, my time is coming.” When his opportunity arrived, he seized it, scoring goals and earning a move to England. His third season at Fulham has been particularly rewarding, with Muniz scoring eight goals in eight league games in February and March 2024. This performance earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award, a first for Fulham in 14 years. He was profoundly touched when Brazilian teammates Willian and Andreas Pereira presented him with the trophy, an emotional moment that brought tears to his eyes.
Big Moments and Future Aspirations
Rodrigo Muniz has a knack for scoring in crucial matches, including a stoppage-time winner against Chelsea on Boxing Day, which marked Fulham’s first victory over their neighbors at Stamford Bridge since 1979. Another memorable goal came against Newcastle in the previous month. These decisive strikes have not only helped Fulham secure important wins but have also endeared him to the fans. Muniz’s big stage performances extend beyond the Premier League, as he has already netted at iconic venues like Anfield, the Etihad, Stamford Bridge, and St James’ Park. He even scored twice for Flamengo at the legendary Maracana Stadium, including a spectacular bicycle kick. Muniz shared, “I feel much better than last season. I have more confidence, even though I have not played a lot, and I am in the best shape since I came here. If I can score any goal at Old Trafford, I will be very happy. But if it happens like in the Maracana, it will be even better.”
Preparing for the Big Match
As Fulham prepares to face Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round, Muniz is eager to make another big impact. The Red Devils clash is a significant test, especially after Fulham’s 2-1 league win at Old Trafford last season, which was their first triumph at the venue in 21 years. Muniz’s recent performance against Wolves, where he started and scored the winning goal, has boosted his confidence. He is not only focused on the outcome of the match but also on the journey that has brought him to this point. While fishing has been a constant source of relaxation and metaphorical insight, Muniz’s ultimate goal is to continue making big waves in the Premier League. “Fishing helped me stay patient, but the Bible taught me the value of perseverance. I am ready for the challenge at Old Trafford, and I hope to make the most of my opportunity,” he concluded.
