That's all, Rodrygo

Rodrygo Goes is at risk of being dropped from Real Madrid.

The match against Pachuca was not just another game in the Club World Cup 2025™, but also seemed to be an unspoken statement from coach Xabi Alonso. Rodrygo is no longer a priority part of his plans.

Sad days

The Brazilian player was on the squad list, but wasn't even asked to warm up. In a match where Real Madrid quickly took control, Alonso gave the final minute of play to young Victor Munoz – a player who had never held a regular place in the first team. It was a symbolic image: an academy product chosen over a multi-million euro star, once expected to become the "new Neymar".

This is especially noteworthy considering that just a few days ago, Rodrygo started in Alonso's debut match against Al Hilal – a game in which he provided an assist for Gonzalo. But like a flash of lightning, hope flickered and then vanished. Rodrygo failed to capitalize on the opportunity and had to withdraw from the game without making a significant impact.

The harsh reality is that over the past three months, Rodrygo has only played 65 minutes – a far too little for a player who was once an indispensable part of the Champions League campaigns. Since the beginning of February, he has only scored 1 goal and provided 4 assists in nearly 1,500 minutes of playing time – a worryingly lackluster performance.

Coach Xabi Alonso no longer seems to need Rodrygo Goes.

Meanwhile, young talent Gonzalo, with just 197 minutes of playing time, scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists. Football isn't just about talent – it's also about efficiency, timing, and fierce competition. And right now, Rodrygo is at a disadvantage in every aspect.

Undeniably, Alonso tried to give him a chance. He himself once stated, "Rodrygo is an excellent player, we will need him." But words alone are not enough to secure a starting place – especially in a fiercely competitive team like Real Madrid.

With Arda Guler shining, Brahim Diaz playing intelligently and seamlessly, and Kylian Mbappe preparing for his return, Rodrygo is gradually being pushed out of the spotlight. And let's not forget Mastantuono – the 18-year-old newcomer who tends to play on the right wing – who will continue to put pressure on his preferred position.

Does anyone still believe Rodrygo Goes?

Rodrygo's biggest challenge right now is no longer his technique, fitness, or experience – but a loss of confidence. From Carlo Ancelotti – who ruthlessly substituted him in the Copa del Rey final – to Xabi Alonso, both have shown doubt about his form and actual impact on the game.

Injury is not an excuse when the player himself has been vague about his recovery status, only posting a cryptic message on social media: "I'll be back soon. Don't make things up."

Rodrygo Goes' future at Real Madrid is in jeopardy.

And then, Rodrygo returned – not as a sharp spearhead, but as a fading shadow on the bench. In the match against Pachuca, Real changed the entire midfield, the entire attack, and even brought in a central defender to get a feel for the game.

But Rodrygo is different. There's no indication that he's still part of any of Alonso's tactical plans.

The question is, if Rodrygo fails to secure a place this summer, where does his future lie? Real Madrid needs to sell players to balance the budget after a series of blockbuster signings, and Rodrygo – a name with great appeal and market value – is naturally a top candidate.

The Premier League is waiting, and many teams are ready to spend big to acquire a "number 11" who was once a terror on Champions League nights.

Rodrygo hasn't lost everything. But to stay at Bernabeu – and more importantly, to get real playing time – he needs to do more than he's shown so far. Otherwise, a summer departure will be inevitable.

Rodrygo is "hovering in mid-air"—not because he's flying, but because he has no place to stand. And at Real Madrid, that means freefall.

Real Madrid win their first match at the FIFA Club World Cup. In the early hours of June 23rd, Real defeated Pachuca 3-1 in their second match of Group F at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

Source: https://znews.vn/het-roi-rodrygo-post1563100.html