The Real Madrid train usually only comes once in a lifetime, but it’s just as difficult to get on it as it is to stay on it for a long time. A clear example of what the white team means is the case of Rodrygo. Your past successes are worthless; only what you’ve done recently counts, your current form, and that could leave him out of the team for next season. The Brazilian has found himself with an unusual opportunity: if the season had ended, he would have been halfway out of the team, but this year there is the Club World Cup, and he has time to convince Xabi Alonso and the Real Madrid board again.
Rodrygo is still a candidate to leave the club
It is true that Rodrygo‘s development and performance throughout his years at Real Madrid has been exponential, and he has contributed to the team’s successes since joining the club. But it is also true that his last season has been one to forget, and the fierce competition with Mbappé and Vinicius, players similar to him, has relegated him to the sidelines. He has scored just one goal since February, against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. He was one of the players singled out in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, being substituted at halftime, and has not been seen since, making several absences that have generated all kinds of speculation.
Xabi Alonso‘s Real Madrid needs to strengthen, two players have already arrived and at least two more are expected to arrive, possibly three, and the Santiago Bernabéu board knows that the Brazilian player is highly sought after in the Premier League and could offset the high cost of building next season’s squad.
A new opportunity for Rodrygo
If this had been a normal season, Rodrygo’s departure from Real Madrid would have been very likely. It would not be a problem if an interesting offer came in for him, and he would receive a higher salary than he earns as a Madrid player—this is often one of the problems the club faces when it wants to remove players from the squad. However, the arrival of Xabi Alonso and the Club World Cup represent a great opportunity for him to prove himself. He is one of the few players in the squad who has been under Xabi Alonso‘s orders since Monday, as he was not called up by Ancelotti for the matches against Brazil, and he has already had time to talk to him and start showing that he wants to continue wearing the white shirt.
Nor should we overlook the player’s own wishes. His first choice has always been to wear the white shirt and continue playing for Real Madrid, and that is what he will fight for. He would have no problem moving to the Premier League if the circumstances were right, but his main idea is to continue defending the white colors.
The Club World Cup to change everything
The Club World Cup is here, and Rodrygo knows that this could be an important moment in his short-term future. Real Madrid has set itself the goal of bringing the title home, as is to be expected, and the Brazilian international wants to be a key player in this month’s competition. He knows that much of his future depends on it, and he will have to convince Xabi Alonso and the board in what could be a turning point in his career.