Real Madrid star once destined for exit has turned into Xabi Alonso’s unlikely lifeline | OneFootball

There was a moment earlier in the 2025/26 season when Rodrygo looked dangerously close to the exit door at Real Madrid. 

The situation appeared worrying, as the Brazilian was struggling for minutes, his role in the squad was unclear, and the lack of regular football threatened his place with the Brazil national team ahead of the FIFA World Cup. 

Fast forward a few months, and the picture could not be more different. 

Alongside Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo has emerged as one of the key figures keeping Xabi Alonso afloat during a demanding stretch of the season. 

The same coach who once appeared unconvinced by him is now benefiting directly from his resurgence.

Rodrygo’s resurgence

For a long time, Rodrygo’s role under Alonso was limited and predictable. He was viewed almost exclusively as a left-wing option, mainly used as cover for Vinicius. 

The turning point arrived on Europe’s biggest stage. In a Champions League clash against Manchester City, Alonso made a decisive change. 

Rodrygo was named in the starting lineup, not on the left, but on the right wing, a position where he had previously thrived under Carlo Ancelotti. 

Rodrygo has helped Alonso keep his job. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Although Real Madrid lost the match, the Brazilian finally looked alive. He scored a crucial goal that ended a long and painful goal drought and, more importantly, revealed a new dimension to his game.

That night, Alonso discovered a Rodrygo capable of much more than stretching the defence. 

Back in form

Since the City match, Rodrygo’s upward curve has been steady and convincing. 

With the exception of the Copa del Rey tie against Talavera, he has started key league games against Alaves and Sevilla. Both ended in victories. 

In Vitoria, he scored the winning goal. Against Sevilla, he assisted Jude Bellingham for the opener and won the penalty that allowed Mbappe to seal the result.

Rodrygo has now firmly claimed the right-wing spot, a position Alonso once believed was not suited to him. 

Ironically, the player who was almost pushed out has become vital, not just to the team, but to the manager’s survival.