How Rodrigo Muniz has elevated himself from cult hero to club legend

Jon Harland writes another ode to our Brazilian striker after his Boxing Day SW6 heroics.

No win away at Chelsea since 1979. No win there in the top flight since 1964. No goal since Clint Dempsey in 2011.

Fulham’s record at Stamford Bridge has been nothing short of dismal. Despite finally scoring a goal, this bitter trend was set to continue on Boxing Day, as the Whites entered stoppage time at 1-1. An away point would have been respectable, especially given second-placed Chelsea’s electric start under Enzo Maresca.

But the bragging rights over our neighbours in SW6, which fans so desperately craved, would surely have to wait.

Enter Rodrigo Muniz. Our very own R9 replaced Raul Jimenez in the 73rd minute, as Marco Silva rolled the dice to overcome the 1-0 scoreline.

And Marco hit the jackpot. Fellow substitute Harry Wilson, in superb form off the bench, stifled yet another West London rival with a well-taken equaliser. Then Muniz sent the Shed End into bedlam in the 95th minute.

Rodrigo’s finish secured an iconic win and arguably elevated his status from an undisputed cult hero to a potential club legend. The Brazilian beauty etched his name into the Fulham history books and ensured he never has to buy a pint in Putney again.

It’s the perfect time to honour our king and explore why the Fulham faithful adore him, despite a goal-scoring record that, while decent, seems relatively unremarkable so far in black and white.

A turbulent career

If a neutral fan were to inspect Muniz’s time at Fulham, they might wonder why a centre-forward with 17 goals in 68 games is so cherished at Craven Cottage.

Muniz was an unknown quantity when Silva signed the 20-year-old for just over £6.5m from Flamengo ahead of the 2021/22 Championship campaign. A record-shattering 43 goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic understandably left Muniz with limited minutes, scoring four times as Fulham stormed the league and promotion.

As the chant goes, “He couldn’t even start” during his loan spell at Middlesbrough the following season, only netting twice in 17 appearances.

Muniz’s purple patch has been well documented and discussed among the Fulham fraternity. A goal away at Burnley in February marked the start of a remarkable run of eight goals in eight games.

But despite being deservedly rewarded with the number 9 jersey ahead of the current campaign, the striker has been unable to relive that form, sharing responsibilities up top with Raul Jimenez.

So why is the 23-year-old so popular among the fanbase?

Cult hero

As Fulhamish’s very own Drew Heatley declared recently, Rodrigo Muniz is pure Premier League box office. He consistently creates moments on the pitch that get fans excited, such as attempting (and occasionally pulling off) audacious bicycle kicks.

But it’s his work rate and passion that has endeared him to supporters. He chases down every clearance, puts his body on the line, and celebrates like a maniac with the fans, even if it’s a teammate’s goal.

This attitude transcends off the pitch too. Fulham’s dressing room emits phenomenal vibes this year, mainly documented through the lens of Alex Iwobi on social media. Rodrigo appears to be the life and soul of the party.

Whether it’s samba dancing with his Brazilian teammates or expressing his love for Madame Tussauds in a quirky BBC Sport interview, his personality is infectious, leaving you rooting for our number 9 whenever he plays.

Legend status confirmed?

This is why, if there was any player I’d want to score a last-minute winner at Stamford Bridge, it would be Muniz (although Ryan Sessegnon or Tom Cairney would be pretty sweet).

Even if he hadn’t given us that late Christmas gift on Boxing Day, in 20 years’ time Rodrigo’s name would undoubtedly come up in the odd conversation in the pub when reminiscing on this phenomenal Fulham era.

But that Chelsea winner, which triggered biblical limbs in the away end, has permanently engraved Rodrigo Muniz’s name into every Fulham fan’s psyche. Given the significance of finally beating the Blues away in nearly half a century, the Brazilian will be eternally synonymous with a day that will be celebrated for many years to come.

While any other player who claimed the winner would also forever be associated with the historic match, it’s Roddy’s existing reputation that has uniquely elevated his stature. There’s a perfectly sound argument to label him a legend already, and if he sticks around at the Cottage for the majority of his career, longevity will affirm his case.

With goals at the Etihad, Anfield, and now Stamford Bridge, I can’t wait to see what moments of brilliance Muniz can produce for the remainder of the season. He’s shown he can be prolific in front of goal, so let’s hope this moment sparks his best form yet in a Fulham shirt.

Thank you, Rodrigo.