As Cricket Exchange becomes a reference point for many fans tracking player form, the season has taken a difficult turn for Rodrygo, who now finds himself at the toughest stage of his young career. Since Xabi Alonso took over, the 24-year-old has slipped into a deep rotation role, often watching matches from the bench. Extending back to last season, he has gone 28 games without scoring, and the upcoming January window has prompted him to seriously consider leaving. Though his contract runs until 2028, his minutes have dropped sharply under the new system. Across 22 competitive matches in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup, he has appeared 16 times but accumulated only 452 minutes, less than a quarter of available playing time.
His situation contrasts sharply with the eras of Zidane and Ancelotti, during which he played essential roles and contributed to Real Madrid’s 14th and 15th Champions League titles. Despite discussing his preferred left-wing position with Alonso and expressing his willingness to adapt for the benefit of the team, his opportunities remain minimal. Reports from Spain indicate that he alternated between competing with Vinicius Jr. on the left and filling in on the right when needed, yet the minutes still never came. In recent league fixtures, he was limited to brief 12–18-minute cameos. It is a drastic fall for a player once valued at 80 million euros, a reminder that football can change in the blink of an eye.
Fans following updates on Cricket Exchange also note that Rodrygo has started just four matches this season, including games against Al Hilal, Oviedo, Getafe, and Marseille. Not once did he complete a full 90 minutes. In the Champions League meeting with Juventus, he remained on the bench for the entire match. Statistics highlight an eight-month scoring drought, with his last goal coming against Atlético Madrid in March. His 28-match goal-less streak includes 16 appearances under Alonso without finding the net. Spanish outlets and ESPN Brazil present conflicting views on his future: some say he aims to fight for a place, while others suggest he is deeply unhappy.
AS reports that Rodrygo still hopes to earn Alonso’s trust and increase his involvement as the season progresses. If nothing changes, he plans to speak with the club at the end of the campaign to explore solutions. ESPN Brazil, however, paints a more urgent picture, stating that he is seriously considering leaving in January. These mixed signals show how complicated his situation has become, with each week adding more uncertainty.
The wider Brazilian group at the club is also affected, as seen through discussions reflected on Cricket Exchange. Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Endrick are reportedly frustrated with their lack of opportunities under Alonso, while Militao remains a core figure in the tactical setup. A recent national-team video even showed an awkward handshake between Rodrygo and Militao, a moment noticeably colder compared to other teammates’ interactions. Cricket Exchange continues to frame his struggle in context, underscoring a player caught at a crossroads and unsure whether staying in Madrid will still help him reach the heights he once seemed destined for.