Vitor Roque Reflects on Barcelona Move: “I Joined Too Early”

Vitor Roque’s journey from Barcelona disappointment to Palmeiras revival has been a talking point in Brazilian football, as the young forward admits that his early move to La Liga affected his confidence but has become a turning point in his career.

Vitor Roque’s Early Barcelona Exit Hampers Confidence

Vitor Roque burst onto the European football scene with high expectations when he joined Barcelona in 2023 for €35 million, following a stellar stint at Athletico Paranaense. The young Brazilian, who had previously finished as top scorer in the South American U20 Championship, was seen as one of Brazil’s brightest attacking prospects. However, his time at Barcelona failed to meet expectations. Roque managed just 16 appearances and scored twice under Xavi, who struggled to find regular minutes for the forward. Things worsened with the arrival of Hansi Flick, as Roque was quickly loaned to Real Betis, only to see that spell cut short as Barcelona sold him to Palmeiras in early 2025.

Deco and Roque Reflect on the Barcelona Experience

Barcelona sporting director Deco expressed his sympathy, stating, “I feel really sorry for him. With Vitor, I always think arriving in January did not do him any favours. He started well, but the pressure was immense.” Roque himself opened up about the challenges, saying, “I went to Europe very early. I learned a lot, but it was tough. Returning to Brazilian football isn’t a step backward—sometimes stepping back allows you to move forward.”

Finding Redemption With Palmeiras

Vitor Roque’s return to Brazil with Palmeiras marked a critical new chapter. Despite a slow start—going 10 games without a goal—Palmeiras continued to show faith in his abilities. That trust paid off, as Roque finished the 2025 season with 20 goals and 5 assists in 52 matches. His resurgence was vital for Palmeiras, who topped the league with 68 points, edging out rivals Flamengo. Roque’s form put him in the thick of the Golden Boot race and paved the way for a Copa Libertadores final showdown against Flamengo.

Brazil National Team Recall Under Carlo Ancelotti

Roque’s form has not only revitalized his club career but also caught the attention of Brazil’s national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Roque was named in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, marking his return to international football. At a press conference, Roque credited Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira for restoring his confidence, stating, “When I returned from Europe, I was in a bad place psychologically. Abel placed his trust in me, and consistent playing time helped me regain my form.”

Lessons Learned: The Dangers of Moving to Europe Too Soon

Roque’s journey highlights the challenges young South American talents face when moving to top European clubs too early. The forward pointed to Luiz Henrique as an example, noting that returning to Brazil before another move to Europe can be an important step for personal and professional development.

What’s Next for Vitor Roque?

With Palmeiras fighting for both the league title and the Copa Libertadores, and Roque back in the Brazil squad, the 20-year-old’s career is back on track. His story is a timely reminder that, for many young players, patience and the right environment are key to unlocking their full potential.

Opinion: Early European Moves Are a Gamble

Vitor Roque’s experience at Barcelona serves as a cautionary tale for young talents considering an early leap to European giants. While the opportunity is tempting, the transition demands more than just skill—it requires emotional resilience and the right support system. Roque’s success at Palmeiras, and his return to the Brazil team, show that a strategic step back can lead to greater heights. For more stories like this, visit for more news.