Rodrygo, Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, faces uncertainty ahead of the club’s Club World Cup debut against Al-Hilal on June 18, 2025, in Morocco. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo is vying for a starting spot against rising star Arda Güler, who has impressed in training. Alonso’s tactical shift could see Rodrygo benched, with Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé locked in as key attackers. The situation underscores the pressure on Rodrygo, whose 2024/25 season was inconsistent, sparking debates about his role at the club. Alonso’s lineup choice will shape Real Madrid’s approach in the tournament.
The competition within Real Madrid’s squad is fierce. Rodrygo, once a mainstay under Carlo Ancelotti, must now prove himself in a star-studded lineup. Alonso’s preference for dynamic, possession-based play has opened the door for younger talents like Güler.
- Rodrygo has two crucial training sessions before the Al-Hilal match.
- Güler’s versatility allows him to play on the right or in midfield.
- The Mundial opener is a litmus test for Alonso’s selections.
Rodrygo’s challenge is amplified by Alonso’s fresh perspective, making every training session critical.
New leadership, new priorities
Xabi Alonso took the reins at Real Madrid with a mandate to keep the club dominant. His tactical tweaks emphasize fluidity and attacking mobility, cementing Vinícius Jr., Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham as near-untouchable starters. Rodrygo, however, struggles to fit into this system. In the 2024/25 season, he played 51 matches, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists—solid but below expectations for his caliber.
Despite this, Alonso praised Rodrygo in his first press conference as manager in late May 2025. “Rodrygo is a spectacular player, and we’ll need him,” Alonso said. Yet, the Spaniard’s training decisions suggest Rodrygo must adapt quickly to secure his spot. The Brazilian’s versatility is an asset, but it’s not enough without consistent performances.
Crowded attacking options
Real Madrid’s forward line is among the most competitive in world football. Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé dominate the attack, leaving little room for others. Arda Güler, the 20-year-old Turkish prodigy, has emerged as a direct rival to Rodrygo. Signed in 2023, Güler saw limited action last season but has earned Alonso’s trust with his ability to play multiple roles.
The midfield, anchored by Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, and Bellingham, is equally settled. Luka Modric, nearing 40, is set to leave and isn’t in long-term plans, limiting Alonso’s flexibility to shuffle the attack. Rodrygo’s challenge is to outshine Güler in training.
- Rodrygo’s main rivals in attack:
- Arda Güler: versatile young talent.
- Vinícius Jr.: undisputed left-wing starter.
- Kylian Mbappé: central attacking force.
Recent struggles and scrutiny
Rodrygo’s 2024/25 season was underwhelming by his standards. While a regular starter under Ancelotti, he faced criticism from Spanish outlets like Marca and AS for inconsistent output. His 14 goals in 51 games paled next to Vinícius Jr.’s 24. In the Champions League, Rodrygo scored just three times in 12 matches, drawing further scrutiny compared to Bellingham’s clutch performances.
Still, Rodrygo retains support from fans who value his potential to turn games. His speed and dribbling remain elite, but he must deliver in high-stakes moments to silence doubters.
Club World Cup as a proving ground
The Club World Cup, kicking off June 15, 2025, is a chance for Real Madrid to assert global dominance. Facing Al-Hilal, the Asian champions led by Neymar and Mitrovic, the opener in Casablanca’s International Stadium will test Alonso’s strategy. Rodrygo’s role hangs in the balance as Güler pushes for a start.
Alonso, a 2014 Club World Cup winner as a player, understands the tournament’s weight. Rodrygo has until the final training on June 17 to sway his manager. His experience in big matches could be a factor, but Güler’s momentum is a real threat.
Transfer rumors swirl
Rodrygo’s contract runs until June 2028, but his future is a hot topic. Clubs like Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool have been linked with the Brazilian during the European summer window. Mbappé’s arrival and Güler’s rise have fueled speculation about a potential exit.
Sources close to Rodrygo insist he’s committed to Real Madrid and focused on earning his place. A bench role in the Club World Cup, however, could reignite transfer talk. The July 2025 transfer window looms as a critical juncture.
Matchday preparations
The Al-Hilal clash pits Real Madrid against a formidable side coached by Jorge Jesus. Rodrygo’s pace and one-on-one skills could exploit gaps in Al-Hilal’s defense, but only if he starts. Alonso’s final lineup will reflect his vision for the tournament, with Rodrygo’s inclusion far from guaranteed.
Rodrygo’s history in the Club World Cup includes a substitute appearance in 2022, where he set up a goal against Al-Nassr. That experience could tip the scales, but he needs to outwork Güler in training.
Rodrygo’s Mundial track record
In the 2022 Club World Cup, Rodrygo came off the bench in Real Madrid’s win over Al-Nassr, assisting Vinícius Jr.’s goal. His impact as a substitute showcased his value, but starting roles require more.
- Rodrygo’s 2022 Mundial highlights:
- Subbed on in the final against Al-Nassr.
- Provided an assist for Vinícius Jr.
- Contributed to key attacking moves.
Tournament outlook
Real Madrid enters the Club World Cup as a favorite, joined by heavyweights like Flamengo, Bayern Munich, and River Plate. For Alonso, the tournament is a chance to claim silverware in his first season. Rodrygo, meanwhile, sees it as a platform to reassert himself.
Since joining Real Madrid in 2019, Rodrygo has oscillated between brilliance and inconsistency. Alonso’s imminent decision will mark a pivotal moment in his career.