Rodrygo: Real Madrid's Phantom Transfer That Set the Football World Ablaze
When Real Madrid's La Liga championship aspirations hung in the balance, Carlo Ancelotti made the decision to leave Rodrygo on the bench during the season's final El Clásico, setting in motion what would develop into an extended summer transfer drama.
Just two years prior, the idea of Rodrygo departing from the Spanish capital would have seemed absurd. Despite frequently being overshadowed by Vinícius Júnior, the winger remained a vital component of Los Blancos' starting lineup, contributing to the club's two Champions League victories and three La Liga championships since his arrival in 2019.
Rodrygo's memorable European performances against Manchester City alone established the forward as a beloved figure under the Santiago Bernabéu floodlights.
However, when Real Madrid required a crucial win over Barcelona in May, he sat unused on the substitutes' bench. His season effectively concluded that evening at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys; Rodrygo would not feature for another minute under Ancelotti's guidance.
The situation deteriorated further following Xabi Alonso's appointment. The Spanish manager gave Rodrygo just one starting opportunity at the FIFA Club World Cup and relegated him to the bench throughout most of the knockout rounds, even as Los Blancos desperately sought goals against Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals.
The reduced playing time under Alonso wasn't completely unexpected. Rodrygo had endured a disappointing 2024–25 season, managing only 14 goals across 51 appearances. The 24-year-old hasn't found the net in competitive action for Real Madrid since March.
Nevertheless, Rodrygo's previous achievements and evident talent were generally considered sufficient justification for maintaining his position in the starting eleven, regardless of his recent form and the team's managerial transition.
However, no meaningful progress occurred, and after the Club World Cup, the mounting transfer rumors surrounding Rodrygo intensified dramatically. The situation became more complicated when Real Madrid acquired 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, a promising young prospect who naturally fits Los Blancos' right-wing position.
Abruptly, the player with nearly 300 appearances in the white jersey had completely lost favor with the organization. Alonso faced regular questioning about Rodrygo's future and role at the Spanish capital, but the former midfielder remained tight-lipped, stating only that it was his "choice" not to field the Brazil international.
Meanwhile, potential buyers emerged from throughout Europe to join the pursuit of Rodrygo's services. Clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all expressed interest. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich were also connected to the Real Madrid star.
The stories, speculation and above all, the attention surrounding Rodrygo appeared to intensify daily leading up to the 2025–26 campaign. One moment the forward was destined for the Premier League, the next he was staying loyal to Real Madrid. One day he represented Bayern Munich's marquee replacement for Kingsley Coman, the next he was surprisingly heading to north London to join Spurs.
The speculation reached fever pitch when Alonso again ignored Rodrygo for Los Blancos' La Liga season opener. The manager not only benched the two-time Champions League champion but also provided substitute appearances to Mastantuono, Gonzalo García and Dani Ceballos instead.
Throughout the escalating rumors, Rodrygo maintained his silence, only using social media to share training photographs with messages that appeared to demonstrate his commitment to Real Madrid. Despite the increased focus on his future, abilities, and deservingness of his place at the world's premier club, the 24-year-old stayed focused and was eventually rewarded with a starting role against Real Oviedo.
Rodrygo couldn't end his scoring drought in the 3–0 win, but he gained something far more valuable from the match—renewed optimism. For the first time since May, the Brazilian glimpsed a tangible path back into the starting eleven at the club he cherishes above all else.
The transfer window closed without a single formal bid being submitted for Rodrygo. Whether Real Madrid's valuation proved too steep or the player privately expressed his intention to remain, the move that appeared almost certain at summer's beginning never materialized.
The drama may resurface in January, particularly if Rodrygo continues struggling for playing time. Currently, however, the Brazil international remains a Real Madrid player, entirely dedicated to demonstrating his value to Alonso and reestablishing his standing with Madridistas.