An unlikely talisman: Rodrygo’s revival at Real Madrid

January 8, 2026 Oliver Obel

By December, Real Madrid had reached a point where rotation was no longer a luxury. Injuries and fixture congestion forced Xabi Alonso into adjustments, and one of those changes brought Rodrygo back into focus after months on the periphery.

It was a sharp turn from where the Brazilian forward appeared to be heading in the summer.

A future that looked elsewhere

Throughout the transfer window, Rodrygo’s name surfaced repeatedly in speculation. GOAL.com reported that Arsenal and Liverpool were monitoring his situation, while Marca and AS noted that Manchester City were among the clubs assessing whether space could be created in their attacking group should Madrid make the player available.

According to Marca, Rodrygo’s priority was not the identity of a potential destination but the opportunity to play regularly. Despite his record in Champions League knockout matches, he had slipped into a pattern of rotation that offered little continuity.

Real Madrid ultimately chose not to sell. The window closed with Rodrygo still at the Bernabéu, but without clarity over his role.

Moments without ownership

Since arriving from Santos in 2019, Rodrygo has delivered defining goals without ever securing a permanent place in the starting lineup. Even during seasons in which his output remained strong, his involvement fluctuated from week to week.

That uncertainty intensified late last season. After March, his appearances dropped sharply, including an unused role in the title-defining Clasico against Barcelona. El País reported that the decision surprised sections of the dressing room. Carlo Ancelotti later described it as “a technical decision,” adding that Rodrygo remained “a special player.”

Ancelotti’s departure followed soon after. The change on the bench did not immediately alter Rodrygo’s standing.

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A system that left little room

Under Xabi Alonso, roles have been rigid by design. As Relevo has outlined in its tactical coverage, wide players are expected either to stretch the pitch or attack inside decisively. Rodrygo, who has previously said he prefers operating closer to goal as a second striker or No.10, does neither instinctively.

Early in the campaign, Alonso leaned toward players who could execute clearly defined instructions, while Kylian Mbappé was given license to roam across the forward line. Rodrygo, caught between profiles, spent much of the opening stretch among the substitutes.

It was less a question of trust than of fit.

When circumstances intervened

The shift came when Mbappé was ruled out ahead of a Champions League meeting with Manchester City. Alonso adjusted, Rodrygo started, and despite defeat, he was Madrid’s most influential attacker.

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After scoring, he sought out his manager. “I went to hug Xabi to show the team's unity,” Rodrygo said afterward. “I knew it was important to have that moment.”

The momentum carried forward. A late winner against Alavés followed, then a productive performance before the winter break. Against Real Betis, he supplied two assists in a match that AS described as Madrid’s most convincing display under Alonso to date.

Across four starts, Rodrygo contributed directly to six decisive actions: two goals, three assists, and a won penalty.

The question that remains

None of this resolves Madrid’s broader dilemma. The squad remains crowded at the top end, and balance becomes fragile when too many attackers occupy similar spaces.

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Alonso acknowledged the uncertainty recently, saying, “That’s my decision… I won't rule anything out.” With Rodrygo’s contract entering its later stages and younger players pushing for minutes, his position remains fluid.

For now, Rodrygo has reinserted himself into the conversation, not as a guaranteed starter but as a solution when structure gives way to necessity. Whether this revival secures his long-term future at Madrid, or simply delays a departure, remains open.

Sources: GOAL.com, Marca, AS, El País, Relevo