Golden Door: Alonso Sparks Rodrygo’s Real Madrid Return
9 November 2025
Rodrygo’s renewed chances at Real Madrid
The Brazilian star has found himself sidelined at the start of the season, but a fresh opening has emerged. An injury to Franco Mastantuono has briefly cleared a space in the forward line, giving Rodrygo Goes a tangible pathway back into the starting XI as coach Xabi Alonso experiments to find the best balance for a tricky squad.
At 24, Rodrygo began the campaign on the fringes, yet the door now appears ajar for a genuine push into regular minutes, potentially even in the right-wing role that hasn’t been his preferred position. The prevailing mood around Real Madrid, as reported by AS, is that the team is still searching for a clear identity under Alonso, with roles shifting and opportunities handed to players who know how to wait for their moment.
Against a backdrop of injuries and tactical ambiguity, Rodrygo’s name has reappeared on the radar after a subdued start to the season. The setback to Mastantuono, who had been trusted by Alonso in several fixtures, created a void in Madrid’s attacking framework. The Liverpool defeat for Eduardo Camavinga as a right winger underscored the ongoing experiments in the forward line and the fragility of a one-size-fits-all system.
That moment of renewed faith coincides with Madrid’s upcoming schedule, starting away at Rayo Vallecano, then a sequence of fixtures after the international break that could benefit a player just emerging from the wings into more minutes.
Rodolgo’s resurgence, however, is not just about minutes; it’s about consistency and adapting to Alonso’s evolving system. The manager has hinted at a 4-3-3 shape that could offer Rodrygo more space on the right wing, while Vinícius Júnior on the left remains a cornerstone. The shifting roles reflect a Madrid still searching for a durable identity in a season that promises both challenges and opportunities.
Carlo Ancelotti has also shown faith in Rodrygo on the international stage. The Brazil coach called him up for friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia in mid-November, presenting a crucial chance to regain rhythm and confidence ahead of a demanding club calendar. In Madrid, the message is clear: moments like these are when players prove they deserve regular minutes.
In the most recent Test of patience, Alonso turned to Rodrygo as a late substitute in the Anfield clash, introducing him at 69 minutes on the right despite previously telling him that the position would not be his go-to role. The gesture communicated trust, and perhaps a hint that a 4-3-3 setup could unlock a direct path to more involvement for the Brazilian, should he seize the opportunity when it comes.
The broader takeaway is that Madrid are still searching for balance, but Rodrygo’s name is back on the map. The sense is that if he continues to seize moments and stay ready, his path to a regular starting role could reemerge sooner rather than later, aligning with a squad that values versatility and late-stage breakthroughs.
Journey of ascent
Rodrygo Goes was born in Osasco, Brazil, on January 9, 2001, and emerged as one of Brazil’s most promising young talents. He began his football journey at Santos, a club known for producing icons like Pelé and Neymar, where his technical flair, speed, and close-quarters dribbling quickly drew attention. In 2017, at just 16, he signed his first professional contract with Santos and soon began turning heads with a mature game beyond his years.
During his first full season with Santos, Rodrygo scored several memorable goals and provided key assists, which attracted interest from Europe’s top clubs. Real Madrid eventually secured his signature in June 2018 for around €45 million, with the transfer set to complete in the summer of 2019 once he reached the legal age to move to Europe.
Arriving at Real Madrid amid a period of substantial change, Rodrygo quickly established himself as a player with both courage and confidence. Under Zinedine Zidane, he shone early and steadily grew into a multi-position attacking option, capable of playing on either wing or as a second striker. His blend of Brazilian flair and European tactical discipline made him a versatile asset for successive managers, a trend that continued to define his Madrid career as he matured into a dependable contributor on a team famed for its depth and competition for starting roles.
From his Santos days through his Real Madrid evolution, Rodrygo has demonstrated a knack for reclaiming a place when the team needs him most. Whether as a spark off the bench or a starter in high-pressure games, he has shown a resilience that fans and teammates alike have come to expect. The current moment could be the most telling test yet for a player who has already written an impressive early chapter in Madrid’s modern history.
Rodrygo’s journey illustrates a broader narrative: talent paired with opportunity and a coach willing to trust a young forward when the timing is right. If the current rhythm continues, the Osasco-born forward could soon remind the football world why he remains one of the sport’s most intriguing young talents, capable of influencing Madrid’s attacking balance in the pivotal months ahead.
“This is a delicate moment for all of us,” the piece concludes, but with a bit of humor and a lot of patience, Rodrygo’s comeback could become the season’s best plot twist. Punchlines aside, the next chapters will reveal whether Madrid’s attack truly hinges on his return or if the squad will keep adapting to a season of surprises.
Punchline 1: Rodrygo’s comeback is so timely that even a Swiss watch would ask for his autograph.
Punchline 2: If patience is a virtue, Rodrygo just earned a PhD in it, and Alonso is the dean of the class.
