Horsham FC boss applauds supporters’ generosity as fundraiser for injured fan favourite tops £5,000

The popular midfielder, who has made exactly 200 appearances for Horsham, will miss the entirety of the 2026-27 season after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament in the Hornets’ pre-season friendly against Eastbourne Town on July 18.

The injury has come as a devastating blow to the 28-year-old, who has a young family to support. He requires a major operation to aid a swift recovery which will need to be undertaken at a private hospital.

But Hornets fans – and the wider football community – have rallied around the Brazilian. At the time of writing, Rodrigues has received more than £5,100 from 136 donations – with the fundraising target set at £5,500.

And, in further good news, Di Paola revealed the midfielder had returned to work – and a date had been set for Rodrigues’ operation.

Di Paola told the County Times: “There are so many things you can criticise about this club – but you can never criticise the supporters. They’re brilliant.

“I go back to when they raised a load of money for Charlie Harris [after the midfielder sustained cartilage damage in 2019] so he could get his op done quicker. It’s never in question how good our support is.

“The best thing about Horsham Football Club is the people who come and watch them, and that’s never going to change. We have a lovely atmosphere and we have a lot of good people volunteering and supporting us.

“It’s a great amount of money – but I’m not surprised in the least! That’s what these people do for us.

“It’s gone towards getting the op done a bit quicker, which I think is good for Lucas’ mental state really more than anything else.

“He’s back at work which is good and he’s now got the op booked in for September 20.”

Rodrigues has been Horsham’s man for the big occasion since joining from Whitehawk for a club record fee in the summer of 2021.

The midfield maestro provided the assist for Tom Richards’ late equaliser in the Hornets’ heart-stopping 3-3 draw at former Premier League outfit Barnsley in the first round of the FA Cup in 2023-24.

He then helped himself to a double against Hashtag United on the final day of the 2024-25 campaign as Horsham secured the Isthmian Premier title in scarcely believable fashion.

Di Paola admitted the injury had been ‘soul-destroying’ for Rodrigues – but backed the Brazilian to bounce back.

He added: “The injury is soul-destroying. He’s still got to come to the games so it’s not easy for him.

“He said at Folkestone that he wants to get going again now, but it’s quite hard going for him.

“Lucas’ injury has had a big impact on the group, but it’s a minor thing in comparison to what he’s suffered. We miss him on the pitch.

“But he’ll be fine. He’s a good lad. He’s well over the initial frustration of the injury.”

To donate to Lucas’ fundraiser, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/lucas-rodrigues.