Flop at Barça, star in Brazil: the transformation of Vitor Roque | OneFootball

Flop at Barça, star in Brazil: the transformation of Vitor Roque

Just a year after exiting Europe through the back door, Vitor Roque has once again emerged as one of Brazil's hottest football prospects. At 20, the Palmeiras striker has just been named in the Série A Team of the Year at the prestigious Bola de Prata ceremony—a testament to his incredible comeback.

Yet his European stint was nothing short of a disaster. Signed by FC Barcelona in 2024 for €30 million, Roque never found his footing in Catalonia: only 2 goals in 16 matches, followed by a lukewarm loan spell at Real Betis (7 goals, 2 assists). Barça ultimately sold him to Palmeiras for €25.5 million plus add-ons. That decision changed his fate.

Wearing the green jersey, Roque rediscovered his confidence, pace, and clinical edge. The result: 20 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions, including 16 strikes in just 33 Série A matches. Those numbers have catapulted him among the league's elite, alongside Pedro (Flamengo) and Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro).