Rodrygo, Real Madrid’s forward, stunned Spanish media by not celebrating his fourth goal in a friendly against WSG Tirol last Tuesday in Madrid. The Brazilian’s cold demeanor, met with a warm embrace from Kylian Mbappé to cheer him up, fueled speculation about his future at the club, especially after Xabi Alonso’s arrival as coach. With a contract until 2028, Rodrygo faces uncertainty, with rumors of interest from Manchester City and other European giants. His lack of emotion on the pitch reflects a loss of prominence in the squad, intensified by competition with stars like Mbappé and Vinicius Junior. The incident gained traction in outlets like “Marca,” which noted the Brazilian as “increasingly distant” from Real Madrid.
Rodrygo’s situation at the club has shifted dramatically since last season. Once a key player under Carlo Ancelotti, the forward now struggles to secure a starting spot. Alonso’s tactical overhaul and the arrival of new players, like Endrick, have heightened competition in the attacking line.
- Key factors fueling uncertainty about Rodrygo:
- Loss of prominence with Mbappé and Endrick’s arrivals.
- Apathetic attitude on the pitch, like not celebrating in the friendly.
- Interest from clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
- Pending talks with Xabi Alonso to define his role in the team.
Media reaction and locker room impact
Rodrygo’s lack of celebration against WSG Tirol didn’t go unnoticed. “Marca” highlighted that the gesture reflects a moment of disengagement for the player, who no longer feels central to Real Madrid’s project. The attitude contrasts with his past, known for energy and clutch performances, like in the 2024 Champions League campaign, where he scored crucial goals against Manchester City. The episode sparked discussions about his rapport with the squad, especially after Mbappé’s attempt to motivate him with a hug.
Real Madrid’s locker room, according to sources close to the club, is adapting to Xabi Alonso’s new philosophy. The coach, who took over after Ancelotti’s departure, is implementing a more dynamic playing style, which may not suit Rodrygo’s collective approach. The Brazilian, who prefers playing on the left wing, has reportedly expressed frustration over being deployed in makeshift roles, as revealed by a source close to the player.
RODRYGO HAS SCORED FOR REAL MADRID!
— TC (@totalcristiano) August 12, 2025
pic.twitter.com/aiuWN6Yuj4
Competition in attack and pressure for results
Kylian Mbappé’s arrival at Real Madrid in June 2024 reshaped the attacking dynamics. With Vinicius Junior cemented as an undisputed starter and Jude Bellingham untouchable in midfield, Rodrygo struggles to maintain relevance. In the 2024/25 season, he played 50 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists—impressive numbers overshadowed by a dip in form in recent months.
The 2025 Club World Cup in June exposed Rodrygo’s fading prominence. He started only in the opener against Al-Hilal, remaining on the bench for two subsequent matches. Spanish media criticized his lack of “hunger,” a trait essential to Real Madrid’s ethos.
- Rodrygo’s 2024/25 season stats:
- 50 matches played across all competitions.
- 13 goals scored, only 1 in his last 22 games.
- 10 assists, notably in the Champions League.
- 101 minutes played in the Club World Cup across three matches.
Interest from European clubs and potential transfer
Rodrygo’s uncertain future at Real Madrid has sparked transfer rumors. Manchester City, seeking a replacement for Julián Álvarez, sold to Atlético Madrid, sees the Brazilian as an ideal addition. The English club, led by Pep Guardiola, values Rodrygo’s tactical versatility for various attacking roles. Arsenal and Chelsea are also monitoring the situation, with Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta viewing the player as key to bolstering the Gunners’ attack.
Tottenham has joined the race, particularly with the potential arrival of another Brazilian, Savinho, to the London club. The newspaper “AS” reported that Tottenham made a formal inquiry to Real Madrid, but the €90 million price tag could be a hurdle.
- Clubs interested in Rodrygo:
- Manchester City: seeking a replacement for Julián Álvarez.
- Arsenal: valuing the Brazilian’s tactical versatility.
- Chelsea: monitoring the situation to strengthen their attack.
- Tottenham: made a formal inquiry but faces a high valuation.
Crucial talks with Xabi Alonso
Rodrygo’s stay at Real Madrid hinges on a scheduled meeting with Xabi Alonso in the coming days. The player seeks clarity on his role in the coach’s new tactical setup. Alonso, who publicly praised Rodrygo as “spectacular,” signaled he counts on him, but the lack of minutes in the Club World Cup raises doubts.
The forward, who rejected a proposal from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia earlier this season, prioritizes staying in Europe. His decision will hinge on assurances of a starring role at Real Madrid, crucial for his ambitions with the Brazilian national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Rodrygo’s history at Real Madrid
Rodrygo joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2019, quickly emerging as a global football talent. At 24, he’s the third-highest-scoring Brazilian in the club’s history, behind only Vinicius Junior and Ronaldo. In the Champions League, he ranks among Real Madrid’s top ten scorers, with standout performances like his two goals against Manchester City in the 2024 quarterfinals.
Despite a decorated resume, including one Champions League, three Spanish Championships, and a Club World Cup, Rodrygo faces his toughest moment at the club. Spanish media describe him as in an “emotional parenthesis,” awaiting decisions that could reshape his career.
- Rodrygo’s achievements at Real Madrid:
- 1 Champions League (2021/22).
- 3 Spanish Championships (2020, 2022, 2024).
- 1 Club World Cup (2022).
- 2 UEFA Super Cups (2022, 2024).
What lies ahead for Rodrygo
Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid remains uncertain, with the January 2026 transfer window looming as a pivotal moment. His relationship with Xabi Alonso will be decisive, as will his ability to reclaim a starring role. Meanwhile, rumors of a Premier League move grow, with Manchester City leading the chase.
The Brazilian, who has expressed admiration for City’s style, could thrive under Pep Guardiola. Yet, his history of clutch moments at Real Madrid suggests he could still turn things around and reassert himself at the club.
