Rodrygo’s Real Madrid Future in Doubt as Xabi Alonso Backs Youth Revolution

Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup appears to be redefining the trajectory of Rodrygo Goes, whose reduced playing time under the new boss suggests his Real Madrid future hangs in the balance.

Rodrygo, who hasn’t found the back of the net since February, has managed just 26 minutes across Madrid’s four matches in the tournament. He was notably left on the bench during their narrow 1-0 victory over Juventus on July 1, 2025. In the meantime, 21-year-old academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia has climbed ahead of him in Alonso’s attacking hierarchy.

Garcia has seized his moment with three goals and an assist, quickly becoming a reliable attacking option. With Kylian Mbappé also returning from illness, the competition for forward spots is only intensifying, leaving Rodrygo on the fringes.

Alonso’s commitment to a fluid 3-5-2 formation—built around agile, high-tempo attackers like Vinicius Jr. and Garcia—has exposed Rodrygo’s difficulty in fitting into the current system. Reports now suggest the Brazilian is “not being considered” for the preferred starting eleven.

Although Rodrygo remains under contract until 2028, top clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City are monitoring his situation. PSG, in particular, are reportedly readying a €80 million bid.

Unless he can reverse his fortunes soon, a summer departure is becoming an increasingly likely scenario, as Alonso’s project clearly favors rising talents and current form heading into the 2025/26 campaign.