Rodrygo, the Brazilian forward for Real Madrid, faces uncertainty following the club’s elimination in the 2025 Club World Cup semifinals, losing 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain on July 10 in the United States. With only 100 minutes played in the tournament and no appearance in the decisive match, the player, contracted until 2028, is evaluating next steps with the club, prioritizing staying but open to market options. The transfer window, closing on September 1, will be pivotal for decisions about his future, while coach Xabi Alonso signals confidence in his recovery. The scenario resembles a strategic game, with the athlete aiming to regain lost prominence.
The 24-year-old, with 272 games and 68 goals for Real Madrid, navigates a challenging period. The 2024/2025 season brought collective setbacks, with early eliminations and criticism of the squad’s performance. Rodrygo, once praised for versatility, now grapples with a label that, according to his team, has limited his role.
- Key challenges faced:
- Loss of starting position in crucial matches.
- Diagnosed physical and mental fatigue.
- Competition in attack with players like Mbappé and Vini Jr.
The situation demands careful decisions from both player and club, which has not set a price for a potential transfer, indicating reluctance to negotiate the athlete.
👔 @XabiAlonso: "El Mundial me ha dicho muchas cosas de lo que somos y de lo que tenemos que mejorar".
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 9, 2025
🎙️ Rueda de prensa ➡️ RM Play
Post-Club World Cup scenario
Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign exposed tactical and individual weaknesses. Rodrygo, a starter in the opener against Al-Hilal with an assist, saw his participation sharply decline. Across the club’s 11 matches in the tournament, he was listed for seven but remained on the bench for four, including the La Liga clash against Barcelona.
Coach Xabi Alonso, justifying his choices, noted that substitutions targeted specific profiles for each game, with no definitive implications for Rodrygo’s future. Post-elimination, the coach stated the upcoming season’s context would differ, hinting at a squad reassessment.
The Brazilian, meanwhile, expressed a preference for playing on the left wing, where he believes he performs best. Alonso’s decision to field players like Gonzalo García and Brahim Díaz on the right against PSG suggests the request was noted, but it did not secure minutes for Rodrygo.
Physical and mental fatigue in focus
The season posed challenges beyond the pitch for Rodrygo. He lost four kilograms due to physical and mental exhaustion, diagnosed as burnout. To address this, he began using supplements to regain weight and energy.
In discussions with the Brazilian national team coach, Rodrygo explained his performance dip, leading to a mutual decision to skip call-ups for matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. The break was deemed necessary for full recovery.
- Recovery measures taken:
- Use of dietary supplements.
- Medical and psychological support.
- Reduced national team commitments.
Rodrygo’s management team believes leaving Real Madrid would be premature, given his club history and long-term contract. The focus is on reclaiming lost ground and avoiding rash decisions.
Real Madrid’s strategy
Real Madrid adopts a cautious stance on Rodrygo’s future. The club has not signaled intent to sell, and the lack of a set transfer price suggests the board still views the Brazilian as part of the project.
Xabi Alonso, in public statements, reinforced confidence in the player’s potential. During the Club World Cup, he praised Rodrygo’s positive mindset and readiness to contribute when needed. However, the lack of opportunities in key matches raises questions about the coach’s plans to reintegrate him.
The transfer window, open until September 1, will be a period of scrutiny. The squad gets a break until August 4, with La Liga’s opener against Osasuna set for August 19. These dates will be critical for aligning expectations among player, club, and coach.
Interest from other clubs
While Rodrygo prefers to stay at Real Madrid, his name circulates in the European market. Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, has included the Brazilian on a list of potential signings, though no formal contact has been made with the club or Eric Góes, Rodrygo’s father and agent.
Previously, Al-Hilal showed interest, particularly in the 2024 summer window, but Real Madrid swiftly rejected the approach. The club’s stance indicates any deal would require a substantial offer, which has not yet materialized.
The player, aware of external interest, remains composed. At 24, with an established career at Real Madrid, Rodrygo believes his story at the club, marked by 13 titles, including two Champions Leagues, still has chapters to unfold.
Numbers and club trajectory
Rodrygo joined Real Madrid in 2019 from Santos and quickly became a key figure. His 68 goals in 272 matches show consistency, but the current season has been atypical.
In the Club World Cup, he played just 100 minutes, with one assist against Al-Hilal. His last start in a high-stakes match was the Copa del Rey final, where he was substituted at halftime. Since then, he has had sporadic appearances, such as 23 minutes against Salzburg and four against Borussia Dortmund.
- Career highlights at Real Madrid:
- 68 goals in 272 matches.
- 13 titles, including two Champions Leagues.
- Assist in the 2025 Club World Cup opener.
Player’s tactical preference
Rodrygo’s choice to play on the left wing reflects an effort to secure a defined role. His versatility, allowing him to operate across the attack, has been seen as a barrier to establishing a fixed position this season.
Xabi Alonso tested other options on the right, like Gonzalo García and Brahim Díaz, but Vini Jr.’s exit in the second half against PSG did not lead to Rodrygo’s entry, sparking questions about his priority in the squad. The player, however, maintains open dialogue with the coach, aiming to align his tactical preferences with team needs.
Transfer window in focus
The summer transfer window, closing on September 1, will be a turning point. Real Madrid plans squad adjustments after a season of setbacks, and Rodrygo’s situation will be a topic.
The club faces pressure to balance the roster, especially in the attacking sector with stars like Mbappé, Vini Jr., and Bellingham. Rodrygo’s stay hinges on his ability to reclaim a role and Alonso’s strategy for 2025/2026.
Preparation for the next season
With the squad returning on August 4, Real Madrid has just over two weeks to shape the roster before the La Liga opener. Rodrygo, using the break to recover physically, is focused on returning at his best.
He views the 2025/2026 season, a year before the 2026 World Cup, as pivotal for his career. The tournament’s proximity underscores the need to play regularly and maintain visibility for Brazil’s national team.
Expectations at Santiago Bernabéu
The Santiago Bernabéu, where Rodrygo has delivered iconic moments, awaits resolution. Fans, who celebrated his decisive goals in the 2022 Champions League semifinal against Manchester City, support him but demand consistency.
The bond between Rodrygo and Real Madrid, built over six years, is marked by triumphs and challenges. The decision on his future, whether staying or a potential transfer, will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
