The least we can say is that Rodrygo cannot be criticized for not like Real Madrid. For some time now, the Brazilian has to manage a certain form of downgrading. Last year, when Kylian Mbappé landed in Spain, the Brazilian had to do violence to exist in a media when all the media ignited at the start of the season for the BVM (Bellingham-Vinicius-Mbappé). A correct season followed (14 goals, 11 assists in 54 appearances), then a very complicated summer 2025.
Announced on departure, Rodrygo was almost not used by Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup in the United States (93 minutes in three games out of the 6 played by Casa Blanca). Very quickly, he was predicted a future in England where Liverpool and Manchester City made him soft eyes. The weeks passed, Rodrygo did not move, but lately, Carlo Ancelotti chose to do without Brazil. What to push the international Auriverde to go and get playing time elsewhere so as not to miss the 2026 World Cup meeting?
Rodrygo, new direct competitor of Vinicius JR
Not really. Marca Confirms this Wednesday that the former Santos resident went to see his coach to explain himself. There was no animosity, simply the desire to express your desire to go up the slope among the Merengues. No question of leaving. Faced with this initiative, Xabi Alonso agreed to help his player, but he posed a condition: he must change jobs. Against Oviedo, Alonso repositioned the Brazilian on the left wing … and installed Vinicius Junior on the sidelines.
Clearly, Rodrygo is now the number one competitor of his compatriot. A sacred reversal of the situation, especially for Vinicius Jr who was already to manage the appetite of Kylian Mbappé for this side. Ready to do anything to stay in the club of his dreams, will Rodrygo give even more headache to a “vini” who lost his leader status for the benefit of Mbappé? In Madrid, Xabi Alonso was clear: no one is untouchable.
