As Real Madrid reflect on a disappointing semifinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, much of the post-match discourse has shifted from the scoreline to the squad — and, more precisely, to the player who was not on the pitch. One high-profile name has seen his role significantly reduced during the tournament, triggering speculation about his future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With fierce competition from Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior, one Real Madrid attacker has found himself on the fringes of Xabi Alonso’s plans — so much so that a summer departure now looks likely.
Once considered one of the club’s brightest young stars, Rodrygo Goes has seen his influence dramatically decline in recent months. Despite starting Madrid’s opening Club World Cup match against Al-Hilal — where he even recorded an assist — his involvement quickly faded. The Brazilian was left on the bench against Juventus, Pachuca, and PSG, and only managed five minutes against Borussia Dortmund and a brief appearance versus Salzburg.
“These are match decisions,” Xabi Alonso told reporters after the 4-0 loss to PSG, “The way things were going, we needed another player. There haven’t been any decisions about the future throughout this entire championship; we haven’t rotated much. We’ll start in a different context.”
But the numbers and his reduced playing time suggest a different reality. Rodrygo hasn’t scored since February, a barren spell spanning 15 matches with just two assists. This is a sharp contrast to the blistering run he enjoyed between December and January — 10 goals and 4 assists in 11 games — making his current form all the more alarming.
Gonzalo Garcia’s rise and a tactical shift
Much of Rodrygo’s decline is linked to the meteoric rise of Gonzalo Garcia, a homegrown product who has scored four goals during the Club World Cup and has quickly become a favorite of Alonso. His verticality, directness, and energy appear to align more closely with the manager’s tactical philosophy.
Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz has also leapfrogged Rodrygo in the pecking order. The Brazilian, known for his technical play and combination ability, finds himself mismatched in a system that prioritizes pace, penetration, and quick transitions.
“We want to build a team that plays as a unit and maintain that feeling and spirit,” Alonso added after Madrid’s exit, emphasizing collective structure over individual flair. “The World Cup has been very demanding; we’ve been left in the penultimate stage, it hurts, and now we’ll see what happens.”
Premier League circling
With minutes drying up and competition only intensifying — Franco Mastantuono is expected to be integrated into the first team next season — Rodrygo is said to be seriously considering a move.
Top Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are closely monitoring the situation. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, “The decision will be Rodrygo’s. Madrid are willing to negotiate if he takes the step.”
For the player, the appeal of Premier League football lies not just in the money or exposure, but in the promise of consistent playing time — something that now seems unlikely in Madrid, given the arrival of superstars and Alonso’s tactical recalibrations.
