Rodrygo Goes Gone? | OneFootball

For six years, Rodrygo Goes has worn the white of Real Madrid, carrying the hopes of being one of the club’s defining attackers for the next generation. Now, his future at the Santiago Bernabéu feels more uncertain than ever.

When Rodrygo spoke to Brazilian media in October, his choice of words carried more weight than many might assume: he admitted he had “gone a long time without speaking to anyone” because of his struggles at Real Madrid.

Rodrygo Arrives to Madrid

Rodrygo signed for Real Madrid in 2019, after a successful breakthrough in Brazil with Santos. He played key roles in landmark seasons for the club: the Champions League triumphs, La Liga titles and memorable clutch goals that defined his early years in Madrid. He eventually extended his contract and secured his stay until June 2028. In the 2022-23 season, he played 34 La Liga games, scored nine goals, and the following year registered 10 goals in 34 appearances. Though originally a left winger, he adapted his game to play flawlessly on the right flank to accommodate his compatriot Vinicius Jr. on the other side.

Despite rumors of flashy moves away almost every transfer window, Rodrygo remained in Madrid and built himself a reputation as one of the club’s most promising young talents.

The Fall of Rodrygo

But the 2025-26 campaign presents a different story. As of November, Rodrygo has played 10 matches in La Liga, logged just 255 minutes and still has zero goals or assists. In the Champions League he has three appearances, 106 minutes, no goals, one assist. Compare that to his 1,938 minutes in the 2024–25 season, when he contributed six goals and five assists, the drop is dramatic.

Under Xabi Alonso’s coaching regime, Madrid’s front line has grown more competitive and rigid. Rodrygo, who thrives when allowed to drift and exploit space, now faces an unfamiliar structure. He has been shuffled across positions -left, right, and even centrally – displaying versatility but losing rhythm.

Alonso’s own past words sum up the situation best:

In October 2025, Rodrygo addressed his situation directly:

Risking His Prime

At just 24, Rodrygo is entering what should be his prime years. Yet those years risk becoming a plateau. Despite all his pedigree, Real Madrid has never truly built around him.

Rodrygo, who once turned down Barcelona to sign for Madrid, has watched as new stars arrived and stole the spotlight. First Jude Bellingham, then Kylian Mbappé, and now teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono.

Recent reports from Spain suggest Rodrygo feels “frustrated and demotivated by his current role” and is “seriously considering leaving the club”, possibly on loan this winter window. Unconfirmed rumors have him linked to Chelsea or Manchester United moves.

Within Real Madrid, there’s no indication of a falling out. The club still values him highly, but their internal view has shifted. He’s no longer seen as a guaranteed starter, but rather as a rotational piece who must now prove his worth all over again.

The Three Paths

Realistically, Rodrygo has three possible paths forward if he wants to salvage his prime years and rediscover his confidence:

a. Rodrygo can fight his way back.

Rodrygo can make the most of his limited opportunities, deliver impact performances, and rebuild Alonso’s trust. If he can string together consistent games, although difficult, he could reclaim his role as a regular starter.

b. Accept a secondary role.

He could settle into a rotational position, valued but not a part of the core team anymore. Playing 20–25 matches a season, he could be contributing in bursts, but will no longer be leading the attack.

c. Rodrygo Leaves.

A loan or permanent transfer could reignite his career elsewhere. At this stage, that may be the healthiest option for both player and club if his situation doesn’t change.

An Uncertain Goodbye

Rodrygo Goes remains one of Real Madrid’s most technically gifted attackers, still under contract until 2028 and part of the club’s future planning. But the certainty that once accompanied his role has faded. It is a shame because for years, he has been one of Madrid’s most underrated warriors and has quietly built himself a legacy. But years of underappreciation and uncertainty might finally lead this Brazilian wonderkid to pack his bags and say adios to the Bernabeu forever.