[2] Rodrigo is considered one of the world's top players, as recognised at multiple Beach Soccer Stars awards ceremonies.

Three years later in 2014, aged 21, Rodrgio was called up to the Brazilian national team for the first time and was subsequently picked for the 2015 World Cup squad.

[3] He particularly came to prominence in 2016, aged 23, when he won MVP awards in the Russian Superleague and Euro Winners Cup, and won the Rising Star commendation at the Beach Soccer Stars awards ceremony.

[3] The next year, he inspired Brazil to their 2017 World Cup victory in the Bahamas, winning the Silver Shoe (second highest scorer) award with nine goals.

[3] At the 2021 World Cup, Rodrigo made his 100th appearance for Brazil in the group stage loss to Switzerland.