Back
Samuel - June 12, 2025
Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid has become a major topic of discussion among football fans and pundits following a disappointing 2024/25 season. Linked with a summer exit, the Brazilian forward’s next move remains uncertain as speculation builds ahead of the transfer window.
Following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo’s development appears to have stalled, with the 23-year-old now playing second fiddle to both the French superstar and Vinícius Júnior.
Despite receiving regular minutes under Carlo Ancelotti, his overall impact and statistics were underwhelming. In this feature, we explore what lies ahead for the Brazilian and whether he can flourish under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Rodrygo entered the 2024/25 season with high expectations following the blockbuster signing of Kylian Mbappe. The attacking trio of Vinícius, Mbappe, and Rodrygo was tipped to dominate La Liga and Europe. However, Rodrygo struggled to maintain form throughout the campaign, ultimately affecting the team’s overall attacking output.
He managed just six goals and five assists in 30 league appearances, numbers well below his usual standards. Though his Champions League form was more promising with five goals and two assists, his league display clearly fell short.
A key issue was his continued deployment outside his preferred left-wing position. Playing on the right, Rodrygo saw fewer opportunities, especially with Mbappe becoming the focal point of Madrid’s attack.
Moreover, the lack of defensive contribution from Mbappe and Vinícius increased Rodrygo’s workload, forcing him into deeper roles that impacted his attacking output. These tactical and positional challenges contributed significantly to his dip in form, but under Xabi Alonso, there’s renewed hope for a turnaround.
As uncertainty swirls, several Premier League clubs have reportedly expressed interest in signing Rodrygo, offering him a starting role in his preferred position.
Top-flight English sides like Arsenal and Chelsea are believed to be monitoring his situation, with both clubs offering left-wing opportunities that could better suit his strengths. Regular game time in a more familiar role is undoubtedly an attractive proposition.
Despite these links, Rodrygo appears to have reaffirmed his commitment to Real Madrid. A recent social media post of him training, captioned “Happy,” was widely interpreted as a subtle declaration of his intent to stay and compete for his spot.
With Xabi Alonso now at the helm, Rodrygo seems eager to rewrite his story in Madrid and re-establish himself as a vital piece of the squad.
One of the most decisive factors in Rodrygo’s future has been his early conversations with new manager Xabi Alonso, which appear to have reassured the Brazilian about his place in the team.
Alonso addressed the speculation directly during a press conference, stating: “Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player. He is a spectacular player, and we will need him.” This public endorsement strongly suggests that the Spanish coach views Rodrygo as an essential part of his plans.
With Alonso’s support, Rodrygo looks set to stay at least for the upcoming season and could play a key role in the FIFA Club World Cup later this year.
Alonso’s arrival could spark the reinvention that Rodrygo has long needed. The 24-year-old winger, who failed to fully blossom under Carlo Ancelotti, now stands on the brink of a tactical transformation under Xabi Alonso, the new manager has modern system.
Alonso often employs a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation, and Rodrygo could thrive in either. In a 3-4-3, he may line up on the right alongside Vinícius and Mbappe, while in a 3-4-2-1, he could slot in just behind Mbappe next to Vinícius. These roles align seamlessly with his strengths: cutting inside, linking play, and finding space in tight attacking zones.
A key tactical advantage under Alonso is the use of wing-backs, which would reduce Rodrygo’s defensive burden and allow him to focus more on his offensive contributions. This increased freedom could lead to improved output in terms of goals and assists, especially in a system that thrives on fluid movement, high possession, and attacking rotations.
Alonso’s emphasis on technical quality and positional interchange seems tailor-made for Rodrygo’s profile, making the 2025/26 season a pivotal one in the Brazilian’s Real Madrid career.
Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid is beginning to crystallize. With the public backing of Xabi Alonso and a tactical blueprint that plays to his strengths, the foundation is in place for a much-needed revival. A strong showing at the Club World Cup could serve as the ignition point for his resurgence.
While transfer speculation may persist, Rodrygo appears committed to staying in Madrid and proving his worth. Under Alonso’s guidance, this could be the season that finally sees the Brazilian transition from a rotation player to a key contributor at the Santiago Bernabeu. But with competition fierce and expectations rising, another underwhelming campaign could push him closer to the exit door.
