In a heartbreaking tragedy, a distracted driver slams into a 60-year-old man crossing the street — only to discover the victim is the father of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.AT

A devastating road accident shocked onlookers in North London when a 60-year-old man was hit by a  car while crossing the street with his family. The vehicle, driven by a man who was reportedly using his  mobile phone and failed to stop at a red light, struck the pedestrian near Camden Road just after 8:00 p.m. last night.

Emergency crews were called to the scene immediately. Paramedics provided life-saving treatment before transporting the victim to a nearby hospital in serious condition. Upon confirming the man’s identity, authorities were stunned to discover he was the father of Real Madrid and Brazil national team star Rodrygo Goes.

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Eyewitness Accounts of a Preventable Tragedy

Several pedestrians witnessed the horrifying crash. Many described the vehicle as speeding through a red light, ignoring visible crossing signals and pedestrian presence. Witness Sarah Nolan, 29, said:

“It all happened so fast. The man had just stepped onto the road when the car came flying through. It didn’t slow down at all. Everyone was screaming.”

The driver, a man in his 30s, remained at the scene and was later arrested by the Metropolitan Police for dangerous driving and suspected mobile  phone use while driving. Police confirmed the driver is in custody and cooperating with investigators.

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Rodrygo’s Family Caught in Unexpected Crisis

The 24-year-old footballer Rodrygo was reportedly informed of the incident during a private dinner in Madrid. Sources close to the player said he was “shocked and deeply shaken” by the news and was arranging immediate travel to London to be by his father’s side.

Rodrygo, who has recently returned to training with Real Madrid after summer break, is extremely close to his family. His father, Eric Batista de Goes, is a former footballer himself and has long been involved in Rodrygo’s development and career decisions.

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Real Madrid Offers Support

Real Madrid issued a brief statement following the news:

“Our thoughts and full support are with Rodrygo and his family during this difficult time. The club will provide any necessary assistance and privacy while his father receives medical attention.”

Manager Carlo Ancelotti also sent personal words of support, describing the incident as “shocking and heartbreaking.”

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Authorities Call for Renewed Focus on Road Safety

The Metropolitan Police emphasized the dangers of distracted driving in their statement today:

“This incident serves as a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by a moment of negligence behind the wheel. We urge all drivers to respect traffic laws and remain focused while driving.”

London’s Transport Safety Authority also released figures showing that mobile phone-related driving violations have increased by 12% over the last year, despite ongoing public awareness campaigns.

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What We Know So Far

• Victim: Eric Batista de Goes, father of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, aged 60
• Incident: Struck by a driver who ran a red light while on the phone
• Location: Camden Road area, North London
• Time: Around 8:10 p.m., July 31, 2025
• Condition: Hospitalized in serious condition
• Suspect: Male driver in his 30s, arrested at the scene
• Rodrygo: Informed immediately, traveling to London
• Club Reaction: Real Madrid offering full support

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Conclusion

As fans across the football world send messages of support to Rodrygo, the broader conversation around distracted driving resurfaces. The emotional weight of this incident extends beyond football, serving as a stark example of how lives can be endangered by simple but catastrophic decisions behind the wheel.

We join many in hoping for a full recovery for Eric Goes, and strength for Rodrygo and his family during this difficult time.

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In a dramatic turn of events, Real Madrid legend and former manager Zinedine Zidane has reportedly issued a firm warning to club president Florentino Pérez regarding the potential transfer of Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). According to multiple reports emerging from Spain and France, Zidane believes that selling Rodrygo would be one of the biggest strategic mistakes in Real Madrid’s modern history.

Zidane, who guided Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, is said to have told Pérez privately:

“If Real Madrid lets Rodrygo join PSG, they will face another decade of suffering. A striker like that in their squad? He could revolutionize European football.”

A Rising Star in Madrid

Rodrygo, now 24 years old, has evolved from a promising young winger to a versatile and decisive attacker. Since joining Real Madrid from Santos in 2019, he has become an integral part of the squad’s offensive system, known for his composure, technical finesse, and ability to score in crucial moments — particularly in the Champions League.

Last season, Rodrygo contributed significantly to Madrid’s success, forming a dynamic attacking trio with Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. His adaptability — able to play across the front line — has made him a vital tactical asset under Carlo Ancelotti.

PSG’s Growing Interest

Sources close to the Parisian club claim that PSG views Rodrygo as a long-term replacement for Kylian Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid this summer. The French champions are reportedly prepared to make a record-breaking offer that could exceed €120 million to secure the Brazilian’s signature.

With Real Madrid having already spent heavily in recent seasons and with rising stars like Endrick arriving in 2025, rumors suggest Pérez might consider a sale if the financial terms are irresistible.

However, Zidane’s intervention highlights the potential long-term consequences of such a move. The French icon, known for his sharp footballing vision, reportedly believes Rodrygo’s prime years could redefine Real Madrid’s attacking legacy.

Zidane’s Emotional Connection to the Club

Zidane’s warning also reflects his deep emotional bond with Los Blancos. As a player and coach, he has always advocated for maintaining a strong balance between financial prudence and footballing identity. During his tenure, Zidane nurtured several young talents and valued squad stability over high-profile transfers.

His belief in Rodrygo echoes his past faith in players like Karim Benzema and Luka Modrić, who blossomed into world-class icons under his management despite early criticism.

Fans React: Divided but Concerned

The reaction among Madrid fans has been intense. Many supporters see Rodrygo as a future leader of the team, while others argue that the club should capitalize on his market value to reinvest in younger prospects.

On social media, phrases like “Rodrygo is Madrid’s future” and “Zidane knows best” have trended globally within hours of the reports surfacing.

A fan tweet that gained over 20,000 likes summarized the mood:

“Zidane built a dynasty. If he says Rodrygo is special, we should listen.”

What’s Next for Real Madrid?

For now, Real Madrid have not released any official statement regarding the speculation. Insiders claim Pérez remains calm and focused on the ongoing season, but the pressure from Zidane — a figure revered in Madrid’s history — could influence internal discussions.

If PSG continues their pursuit and Zidane’s warning gains traction, Real Madrid’s management may face one of their most critical transfer decisions in recent years: whether to secure short-term profit or protect a player who could define the club’s next generation.

Final Thoughts

Zinedine Zidane’s words carry weight not only because of his legendary status but also because of his proven track record in recognizing and developing talent. His statement is more than a warning — it’s a reminder of what Real Madrid stands for: tradition, excellence, and the belief that great players should be nurtured, not sold.

Whether Florentino Pérez heeds the warning remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — the future of Rodrygo Goes could shape the destiny of Real Madrid for years to come.