How to trip over the same stone twice. What's not understood about Rodrygo's rebellion

There's the case of Rodrygo Goes. The Brazilian winger, who scored some of the most important goals in Real Madrid's recent history, is once again in the spotlight for footballing reasons, but away from the pitch. After not participating in the Clásico that would end up—virtually—clinching LaLiga for Barça (4-3), the Osasco native withdrew five minutes into training prior to the match against Mallorca. Ancelotti himself, in an attempt to appear normal, points to a simple thigh injury. The noise around him points to something more.

" Rodrygo has had a fever that hasn't allowed him to perform at his best. Today in training, he had a discomfort in his leg. I don't know which leg, and it wasn't right; he didn't recover well from the fever," the Italian explained in his first press conference after his signing with Brazil was announced: "Afterwards, there has been a lot of speculation about this. We all have a special affection for Rodrygo, especially me."

Carletto, just after the Clásico , said that the Brazilian hadn't played any minutes because he'd been suffering from feverish conditions during the week . Marca went further, confirming that Rodrygo had told his coach that he didn't feel up to it, nor did he feel like it, to play in the match. Three days later, the Italian's terse explanations also pointed to the player's emotional side: " When a player isn't well, he's not well mentally. He wants to help the team with his quality and is disappointed by that."

Those close to him have even suggested that he will not play another minute in a Real Madrid shirt and that he hopes to leave this summer. There is evidence of anger over the media attention received by teammates such as Vinícius , Mbappé, and Bellingham during the season. But the timing is odd. For the first time in his career, Rodrygo has been an undisputed starter under Ancelotti in the decisive stretch of the season. This has probably been his worst performance as a Real Madrid player (three goals in all of 2025) and, beyond the statistics, offering a poor image in terms of collective and individual effort.

During the winter, he enjoyed a great run of results , coinciding with Vini's injury, occupying that position on the left wing. When his compatriot returned, Rodrygo returned to the right. And everything ended up going wrong.

Mina Bonino , Fede Valverde 's partner, spoke out in support of the Brazilian on social media: "Nobody knows the battles that go on behind a player, they're only human. Respect." A phrase that points to some kind of personal problem for Rodrygo that takes precedence over his footballing one. The winger was substituted by Ancelotti at halftime of the Copa del Rey final. Since then, he hasn't played again due to the aforementioned physical problems.

Same stone, different scenery

This isn't the first time Rodrygo has been on the Real Madrid exit ramp. His potential (at 24 years old) and impressive talent are no secret. It would be an understandable sale for Real Madrid fans and one that could leave a significant amount of money in the bank , something that fits with the low-cost model imposed by Florentino Pérez in recent transfer markets.

Around this time in 2024, the Brazilian caused a real stir. Real Madrid was heading into the final stretch of the season with the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund as the finale. And, at that point, Rodrygo stated in an interview with GQ that "Manchester City is the best team in the world" (just as he was being linked as being wanted by Pep Guardiola). He also stated that the Premier League was his favorite league if he ever left Spain in various conversations with Brazilian media, as well as a disturbing message to DAZN: " Anything can happen. I have a contract here, but the years I've been here have been a pleasure for me."

Of course, the club and fans became nervous. This wasn't the time to put themselves on display. The Brazilian 's reaction came with a tweet in which he took aim, without much sense, at the press: "A very annoying situation occurred today, where one of my interviews was completely taken out of context . To be very blunt, I am VERY happy at Real Madrid, I live a dream every day, and it would NOT cross my mind to leave the club of my life."

That Rodrygo will have elite candidates this summer is obvious (City and Liverpool are some of the clubs that have inquired about the Brazilian on several occasions), but self-eliminating when a new manager arrives at Real Madrid is, to say the least, strange . Based on his playing style, Xabi Alonso can only love the winger , perhaps the player with the best short dribbling in the dressing room. The soap opera has only just begun.