Real Madrid out-of-favour forward’s future can become clear after upcoming Real Oviedo clash | OneFootball

According to MARCA, Sunday’s clash against Real Oviedo could be decisive in shaping Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid.

Despite receiving public support from new coach Xabi Alonso, the Brazilian forward continues to find himself on the fringes of the squad, raising doubts over his long-term role at the Santiago Bernabeu.

To put things in perspective, out of Madrid’s seven official matches under Alonso, Rodrygo has only started once – against Al-Hilal.

In four matches, including the La Liga opener against Osasuna, he did not feature at all. Overall, he has played just 93 minutes out of a possible 630, representing only 14.7% of available game time.

Even in friendlies, his situation has looked discouraging. Against WSG Tirol, he came on in the second half.

In the closed-door test against Leganes, he once again found himself excluded from the starting XI. The message from the coach has been clear that Rodrygo is currently far from being a priority option.

A critical week for the Brazilian

Rodrygo could still leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

The La Liga opener highlighted the reality of his situation. Xabi Alonso opted for a front three of Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Brahim Diaz, leaving Rodrygo out.

Later in the match, Franco Mastantuono replaced Brahim, while academy talent Gonzalo came on for Vinicius. Rodrygo ended the game as the only attacker not to play a single minute, effectively Madrid’s sixth-choice striker.

This puts Sunday’s game against Oviedo in the spotlight. Should Rodrygo once again be overlooked, it would signal that his role is unlikely to change anytime soon.

With just over a week left in the transfer window, the 24-year-old could be forced to consider a move away from the club where he was once tipped to be a long-term star.

The stakes are even higher because of the calendar. This season leads directly into the 2026 World Cup, an obsession for Brazilian players.

Rodrygo remains part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans with Brazil, but without regular minutes and goals at club level, his place in the squad could be at risk.