In a matter of months, Brazilian winger Rodrygo has transitioned from being a pivotal player for Real Madrid to finding himself on the bench, overshadowed by newer arrivals. The shift in his status is both abrupt and perplexing. Since joining the club from Santos in 2019, Rodrygo has experienced a rollercoaster career. Initially carving out a niche under Zinedine Zidane, he evolved into one of Carlo Ancelotti‘s key players. Over six seasons, he has made over 280 appearances, netted 68 goals across all competitions, and celebrated two Champions League titles in 2022 and 2024. His 2022-2023 season was particularly remarkable, finishing with 19 goals and 10 assists—one of the most impressive seasons for a Madrid winger. He further solidified his reputation by scoring crucial goals in high-stakes matches, including a memorable brace against Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League semi-finals.
However, the current season paints a different picture. Since Xabi Alonso took over as manager, Rodrygo’s role has diminished dramatically. Once expected to be a mainstay on the right wing in the post-Benzema era, he now finds himself relegated to the bench behind younger talents like Mastantuono (18) and Gonzalo García (21). This decline became evident during last summer’s Club World Cup; despite providing an assist in his only start, he quickly fell out of favor. As it stands, Rodrygo has only four starts this season—often cut short—without finding the back of the net or establishing any rhythm. Even in matches where he begins, such as against Elche last Sunday, he is frequently the first to be substituted, indicating a significant loss of confidence from his coach.
A Player Struggling for Trust
Despite this unsettling situation, Rodrygo’s demeanor remains commendable. He has not voiced any discontent nor displayed frustration publicly. When asked about his form while on international duty with Brazil—where Ancelotti still relies on him—he acknowledged the challenges but maintained an optimistic outlook. “I just need to keep working hard and prove myself every day to regain my coach’s trust,” he stated. His approach is straightforward: let his performances on the pitch do the talking.
Future Uncertain Amidst Transfer Speculation
Xabi Alonso has expressed his belief in Rodrygo’s abilities despite decisions that suggest otherwise. This paradox leaves fans puzzled; many supporters recall last summer when several Premier League clubs expressed interest in acquiring him. Rodrygo opted to stay at Real Madrid, confident that he could reclaim his starting position. Yet now, questions arise: did he make the right choice? With occasional struggles for attacking dynamism when Vinícius Jr. isn’t firing on all cylinders, Real Madrid could greatly benefit from a confident Rodrygo on the flanks—but only if Alonso grants him that opportunity.
Rodrygo’s professionalism throughout this ordeal is noteworthy; he has remained respectful and dedicated without causing any disturbances or showing poor attitude—even as younger players surpass him in the pecking order or when he sits unused on the bench during matches. At just 24 years old, he exemplifies rare qualities of humility and hard work dedicated to team success. For both him and Real Madrid, it’s only a matter of time before this situation resolves itself positively. The club’s history teaches us that comebacks often occur when least expected—something Rodrygo knows all too well.
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