Rodrygo Goes arrived at Real Madrid as one of the great Brazilian prospects. At just 21 years old, many saw him as the club's future reference winger. With Carlo Ancelotti, Rodrygo experienced his best moment; the coach trusted him even in difficult circumstances.
But everything changed with Xabi Alonso's arrival on the bench. The new white project has left Rodrygo out of the regular rotation, and his minutes have been drastically reduced. In the first three matches, he has only played 81 minutes, showing that he is no longer indispensable.
A fleeting opportunity
The winger did have a leading role in the match against Real Oviedo at Carlos Tartiere. He started on the left wing and left a good impression, was incisive, created danger, and showed that he still has the quality to make a difference. The club acknowledged his performance, although the feeling was that it was not enough to secure him a regular spot.
However, in the match against RCD Mallorca, he returned to the bench, and Franco Mastantuono's emergence has made his situation even more complicated. The young Argentine, only 18 years old, has caught the coaching staff's attention and has earned Xabi Alonso's trust. In Chamartín, they already see him as a future project, leaving Rodrygo in the background.
The urgency to play
The situation goes beyond the club; those close to him recall that Rodrygo needs minutes for a greater goal: to be at the World Cup with Brazil. Carlo Ancelotti, who now manages the Brazilian national team, still values the Brazilian, but the lack of continuity at Real Madrid complicates any draft. In order to be drafted, Rodrygo must show consistency with his team and, for now, that is far from happening.
The player knows that it is not just about showing talent; every match he doesn't play is a step back in his international career. The competition at Madrid is fierce, and Xabi Alonso seems determined to bet on other profiles. The combination of youth, versatility, and the coach's trust is setting the tone, leaving Rodrygo in a limbo he did not expect.
Goodbye to a dream?
The Brazilian faces a dilemma; staying in Madrid means risking his place at the World Cup. Leaving could be an option, but leaving the club at a key moment in his career is complicated. His talent is undeniable, but modern soccer demands consistency and adaptation to the coach's plans.
Rodrygo is saying goodbye, at least for now, to a leading role that once seemed certain. The blame doesn't lie with the player, but with a project that prioritizes other bets. Xabi Alonso has made it clear that his decisions shape the team's future and, in this new Real Madrid, Rodrygo will have to fight harder than ever not to be left out.