Rodrygo, the Brazilian forward for Real Madrid, is experiencing uncertainty at the Spanish club, playing just four minutes in the 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarterfinals in July 2025. Under coach Xabi Alonso, the 24-year-old has lost his place in the starting lineup, being overlooked in key moments of the tournament. This situation fuels speculation about his departure, with Arsenal, Manchester City, and PSG monitoring the player, who has already been approached by major European clubs. The lack of playing time in the World Cup, combined with fierce competition in Real Madrid’s attack, puts Rodrygo’s future in question as the club prepares to face PSG in the semifinal on July 9. The Brazilian’s dilemma reflects both tactical issues and the interest of other clubs in his talent.
Rodrygo’s journey at Real Madrid, which began in 2019 when he arrived from Santos as a promising talent, has been marked by moments of brilliance but also challenges. Nicknamed “Rayo” by the Spanish press, he has won titles like the Champions League and La Liga, with memorable performances, such as the decisive goals against Manchester City in 2022. However, the 2024/2025 season has been inconsistent, with the player struggling to secure a regular spot in the team.
- Key moments of the season: Rodrygo played 51 matches for Real Madrid, scoring 15 goals and providing 9 assists, but his inconsistency has relegated him to the bench in crucial games.
- Competition in attack: The presence of Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and other big names limits his opportunities as a starter.
- Tactical shift: Xabi Alonso’s arrival introduced a new playing system that seems to disadvantage Rodrygo’s style.
The player’s current situation contrasts with his recognized potential in world football. His speed, technique, and decision-making continue to attract attention from European clubs, but the lack of minutes at Real Madrid raises questions about his next career move.
Decline in lineup under Xabi Alonso
The transition from Carlo Ancelotti to Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s coach marked a turning point for Rodrygo. The new manager, known for his meticulous tactical approach, made changes to the team’s setup, such as using a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 in offensive moments, as seen in the 1-1 draw against Al Hilal at the start of the World Cup. In this context, Rodrygo, who prefers playing on the left wing, was shifted to the right or kept on the bench, causing dissatisfaction.
Sources close to the player indicate he has expressed to the board his desire to play in his preferred position, where he believes he performs best. However, competition with Vinicius Jr., who dominates the left, and the rise of youngsters like Arda Güler complicate his situation. Xabi Alonso, in a press conference before the Borussia Dortmund match, said he is confident Rodrygo “can return to his best form,” but his on-field choices suggest otherwise.
The Brazilian started only in the World Cup opener against Al Hilal, contributing an assist in 88 minutes. In subsequent matches against Pachuca and Juventus, he remained on the bench, and against Dortmund, he came on only in the final minutes. This exclusion, according to experts, reflects a technical decision by Alonso, who prioritizes other players at the moment.
Interest from European giants
Rodrygo’s crisis at Real Madrid has not gone unnoticed in the European market. Three heavyweight clubs—Arsenal, Manchester City, and PSG—are closely following the Brazilian’s situation, though no official offers have been made yet. The interest from these teams is driven by the player’s potential, as at 24, he still has much to offer.
At Arsenal, coach Mikel Arteta sees Rodrygo as a key piece to bolster the attack, particularly for his tactical versatility. Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, had previously inquired about the Brazilian, viewing him as an ideal fit for the team’s playing style. Meanwhile, PSG, the current European champion, sees Rodrygo as an option to strengthen its squad, especially in a direct confrontation with Real Madrid in the World Cup semifinal.
- Arsenal: Growing interest since 2024, with Arteta betting on Rodrygo’s adaptation to the Premier League.
- Manchester City: Guardiola admires the Brazilian’s speed and technique, but recent signings may limit moves.
- PSG: The French club is monitoring the situation, but the priority is their World Cup performance before negotiations.
A potential transfer for Rodrygo would also have financial implications. Through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism, Santos, the player’s formative club, could receive around 2 million euros in a 100-million-euro deal, a significant amount for Brazilian football.
Tactical challenges at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s arrival brought a reformulation to Real Madrid’s playing style, with greater emphasis on high pressing and quick transitions. However, Rodrygo’s adaptation to this system has been slow. During the match against Al Hilal, for instance, the Brazilian was criticized for not tracking back defensively in the 4-1-4-1 setup used in mid and low blocks.
Additionally, the presence of Jude Bellingham as an advanced midfielder and the use of Vinicius Jr. as the main reference on the left have reduced Rodrygo’s space in the attack. Arda Güler, the young Turk who has played on the left in more withdrawn roles, has also earned Alonso’s trust, intensifying internal competition.
The Brazilian, who has voiced frustration about playing out of his preferred position, faces a dilemma: adapt to the new system or seek a club where he can have more prominence. His absence in decisive games, such as the clásico against Barcelona in May 2025, where he was unused despite being available, reinforces the perception that his stay at Real Madrid is at risk.
Moments of overcoming in his career
Despite the current scenario, Rodrygo has proven capable of overcoming adversity. In 2022, his heroic performance against Manchester City in the Champions League semifinal, with two goals in the final minutes, secured Real Madrid’s place in the final and solidified his status as a clutch player. That performance, combined with other standout moments, like his goals against Chelsea in the same competition, showcases the Brazilian’s potential on big stages.
However, the 2024/2025 season has been marked by personal and professional challenges. Rodrygo faced the loss of his grandmother, who raised him in childhood, and a health scare, which impacted his on-field performance. These factors, combined with the pressure for results at Real Madrid, contributed to his inconsistency.
Pressure in the Club World Cup
The Club World Cup, held in the United States, is a critical moment for Rodrygo. Real Madrid, facing PSG in the semifinal, aims to cement its global football dominance, but the competition also serves as a showcase for the Brazilian. A strong performance could reignite his confidence and secure his place at the club.
On the other hand, the lack of minutes in the tournament fuels exit rumors. The Spanish press, such as the newspaper Marca, has highlighted Rodrygo’s dissatisfaction with his secondary role, while commentators like Julio Maldonado from COPE radio suggest the player is “doomed” to leave the club.
The clash against PSG, scheduled for July 9, will be a test not only for Real Madrid but also for Rodrygo. The French club, also in the race for the Brazilian, may use the match to closely evaluate his performance.
Transfer market heating up
The European transfer market is buzzing, and Rodrygo’s situation could trigger a series of deals. English clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City are planning reinforcements for the 2025/2026 season, while PSG aims to maintain its competitiveness in the Champions League.
Real Madrid, in turn, is in no rush to negotiate the player, who is under contract until 2028. However, a lucrative offer, around 90 million euros as speculated by the Spanish press, could change the scenario. Rodrygo’s decision, however, will hinge on his conversation with Xabi Alonso after the World Cup, where he hopes to clarify his role in the team.
Rodrygo’s history at Real Madrid
Since joining Real Madrid, Rodrygo has amassed impressive numbers. Over six seasons, he has played more than 200 matches, scored around 50 goals, and won numerous titles, including two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles. His versatility, capable of playing in various attacking positions, has always been an asset but also a hurdle, as he has often been deployed outside his comfort zone.
The Brazilian also carries the responsibility of representing the new generation of Brazilian football. Developed at Santos, he is seen as one of the country’s top talents, alongside Vinicius Jr. and Endrick, both his club teammates. However, the lack of space at Real Madrid may lead him to seek new challenges in another market.
Next steps in the World Cup
Real Madrid remains strong in the Club World Cup, with an average of nearly 70,000 fans per match, according to tournament data. The semifinal against PSG is seen as one of the biggest challenges of the competition, particularly due to the French club’s offensive prowess. For Rodrygo, the match represents a chance to prove his worth, even if coming off the bench.
Meanwhile, Fluminense, facing Chelsea in the other semifinal, represents Brazilian football in the tournament. Rodrygo’s performance, if he gets minutes, will be closely watched not only by Real Madrid fans but also by clubs interested in signing him.
Financial scenario and impact on Santos
A potential transfer for Rodrygo would have direct implications for Santos, his formative club. Through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism, the Brazilian club would receive a percentage of any international deal, which could ease its finances. In a 100-million-euro scenario, Santos would pocket around 2 million euros, a significant amount for Brazilian football.
Moreover, Rodrygo’s departure could free up space for new investments at Real Madrid, which seeks to maintain its dominance in European football. The transfer window, open until June 10 for the World Cup, will be decisive in shaping the Brazilian’s future.
