Mercenary: Sporting fans furious with Marcelo Bielsa, find out why | OneFootball

Rodrigo Zalazar finished his involvement in the 2026 World Cup without playing a single minute for the Uruguay national team, a situation that is generating strong backlash among Sporting fans, since the midfielder recorded 23 goals and eight assists in 47 matches last season, totaling 31 direct goal contributions.

In the context of the Uruguay national team, Zalazar’s attacking numbers are second only to Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who registered 45 goal contributions throughout 2025, although with many more matches played for Flamengo.

Marcelo Bielsa’s decision not to use the player has been widely questioned, especially because, despite not being a starter, he was seen as one of the main alternatives on the bench, even more so in a Uruguay side that, in several matches, needed to look for attacking solutions. La Celeste lost 1-0 to Spain and were eliminated in the group stage.

On social media, many fans even went as far as insulting the 70-year-old Argentine coach, criticizing the handling of the midfielder recently signed by the Lions and considering his lack of use throughout the tournament incomprehensible.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.