Rodrygo has gone from a controversial star to a controversial figure in just a few months.
The striker scored two goals in 60 seconds against Manchester City in 2022 - contributing greatly to one of the most legendary comebacks in Real Madrid's history - now on the brink of farewell.
Both the club and the players have made an official statement that everything is still normal. However, the reality shows that the Brazilian has lost his place in the starting lineup. And Rodrygo's future at the Santiago Bernabeu remains a question mark.
The appearance of the trio Kylian Mbappe - Vinicius Junior - Jude Bellingham gradually overshadowed Rodrygo's position, to the point that he was almost forgotten.
Rodrygo was substituted in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona last season. He did not even play for a single minute in the decisive El Clasico match in which Real Madrid lost 3-4, thereby saying goodbye to the La Liga championship.
Xabi Alonso took over as head coach of Real Madrid, stating that Rodrygo was still in his plans. However, the statistics show the opposite. Notably, the Brazilian player has only started 1 of 6 matches at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
This is clearly an unacceptable situation for a player who was once seen as the future of the team. With the 2025 summer transfer window ending in just one month, what are Los Blancos and Rodrygo thinking?
Real Madrid's view
At Valdebebas' office, Real Madrid's board of directors affirmed the official view that Rodrygo will continue to be with the club. And the player himself has not given any opposite message.
The "White Vultures" have not made any move to find a way out for him, but many sources revealed that Real Madrid are willing to listen to transfer offers.
Sources also confirmed that there are growing voices in support of Rodrygo's departure. This trend has been around since the end of last season and has become more evident after discussions with Alonso, who has made clear his intention for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Under Alonso, Madrid's goal is to operate a tactical system that uses only two strikers. The Basque coach is expected to welcome the proceeds from the Rodrygo deal to reinvest in other positions, such as midfield and defence.
Rodrygo's point of view
Since the end of the 2024-2025 season, Rodrygo and his close relatives have always publicly affirmed that he wants to continue to be associated with Real Madrid.
However, in recent weeks, the situation has changed. Rodrygo's representative shared with the media about his possible departure - something they had never mentioned before.
Spanish media reported in May that the 24-year-old was unhappy with his current position in the squad, as he preferred to play on the left wing rather than the right wing.
In fact, Rodrygo's representative - his father - even had a direct conversation with President Florentino Perez to express his dissatisfaction with the situation.
Now, with things showing no signs of improvement, some are starting to rule out the possibility of him leaving in the final days of the transfer window.
Spanish media also said that some intermediaries were quietly pushing for the deal. Although Rodrygo's father is the official representative, there are still other individuals working behind the scenes.
Sources said that although there are no official negotiations with other clubs, Real Madrid are considering and preparing a series of alternatives.
Rodrygo is said to be trying to ignore all speculation. And he is expected to return to training before the season with his teammates.
