Rodrigo rebels against Real Madrid, is his time at the Santiago Bernabeu coming to an end?
May 27, 2025
Rodrigo rebels against Real Madrid
In an exciting development that has sparked controversy among Real Madrid fans, Spanish press reports have revealed that Brazilian star Rodrigo Gomes is going through one of his toughest periods at the club. The 24-year-old seems to be on his way out, amid growing tension between him and the club’s management and coaching staff, especially after his refusal to participate in the last El Clasico against Barcelona.
Rodrigo rebels against Real Madrid, misses El Clasico and ignites controversy
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Rodrigo was not just left out of the squad, but made a personal decision not to participate in the El Clasico match between Real Madrid and rivals Barcelona on Sunday, which ended in a 4-3 victory for Barcelona. The newspaper considered Rodrigo’s refusal to play a “serious escalation” from the Brazilian player, indicating that there are real disagreements within the dressing room.
The decision did not come out of nowhere, as Rodrigo feels that his place in the team has diminished since the beginning of the season, especially with the emergence of bright names in the starting lineup such as Jude Billingham and newcomer Kylian Mbappe, in addition to the continued brilliance of his compatriot Vinicius Junior.
The beginning of marginalization: From hero to bench
Since moving to Real Madrid in 2019 from Brazilian club Santos in a €45 million deal, Rodrigo has been one of the team’s offensive pillars. He has been able to secure a place in the starting lineup and has been instrumental in several tournaments, especially the Champions League.
But with the arrival of Billingham in the summer of 2023, and then the club’s signing of Kylian Mbappe in the summer of 2024, Rodrigo’s roles gradually began to diminish. According to Marca, the player feels that the club’s management no longer sees him as a long-term project, especially with coach Carlo Ancelotti -and then Xabi Alonso, who is expected to take over next season, on an attacking trio consisting of Mbappe, Vinicius, and Billingham.
Rodrigo rebels against Real Madrid and relations within the team deteriorate
In addition to his diminished technical role, the newspaper reported on the strained relationship between Rodrigo and his teammates, specifically with Vinicius Junior. The two players once represented the future of Brazil at Real Madrid, but their rivalry for a starting position has overshadowed their personal relationship.
The player also feels psychologically trapped, having lost the trust of the coaching staff and no longer receiving the fan support he used to. According to other reports, Rodrigo has been confined to his home lately and has been staying away from public activities, reflecting the extent of his frustration.
Rodrigo’s numbers with Real Madrid: A season of ups and downs and remarkable achievements
Despite the current crisis, Rodrigo’s numbers this season are still relatively good. He has made 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists. In his entire Real Madrid career, he has made 267 appearances, scoring 68 goals and providing 50 assists.
Rodrigo has won 13 trophies with the club, most notably:
- La Liga: 3 times
- Champions League: Two times
- European Super Cup: Two times
- Club World Cup: Once
But these achievements were not enough to guarantee his continued stay with the team, as the club undergoes structural changes in preparation for the new season.
Will Rodrigo leave in the summer of 2025?
All indications are that Rodrigo’s departure from Real Madrid is imminent. He has been left out of the coach’s calculations, his relationship with his teammates has deteriorated and he feels that the club’s new project no longer includes him. Spanish newspapers have reported that the player is seriously considering offers from Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs, where he can regain his starting place without the pressure he faces in Madrid.
Next summer is likely to be crucial for Rodrigo’s career, with the club’s management looking to sell some players to fund plans to revamp the squad. With his market value still high, a move could be a win-win for all parties.
A wronged player or a technical decision?
Rodrigo’s case reopens the debate about the way top clubs treat their stars, especially those who have given so much at a young age. Are they simply sidelined when new names emerge? Or did Rodrigo not take full advantage of the opportunities he was given this season?
The player’s future depends on the next few weeks. If nothing drastically changes in his relationship with the club, Real Madrid fans could be saying goodbye to one of the greatest Brazilian talents to shine at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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