Earlier in the 2025/26 season, Rodrygo looked dangerously close to exiting Real Madrid.
The situation appears worrying as the Brazilian has struggled for playing time, his role in the team is unclear and a lack of regular games threatens his place in the Brazil national team ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
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Fast forward a few months and things are very different.
Along with Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo has become one of the key figures in keeping Xabi Alonso stable during a difficult season.
The coach who was once unconvinced by him now benefits directly from his resurgence.
Rodrigo’s revival
For a long time, Rodrygo’s role under Alonso was limited and predictable. He is seen almost exclusively as a left-wing option, primarily used as cover for Vinicius.
The turning point came on Europe’s biggest stage. Alonso made a decisive change against Manchester City in the Champions League.
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Rodrygo was included in the starting lineup, not on the left wing, but on the right wing, a position he had previously excelled in under Carlo Ancelotti.
Rodrigo helped Alonso keep his job. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Although Real Madrid lost the game, the Brazilian finally looked alive. He scored a vital goal that ended a long and painful goal drought and, more importantly, showed a new dimension to his game.
That night, Alonso discovered that Rodrygo was capable of much more than just stretching the defense.
back to form
Rodrygo’s upward curve has been steady and convincing since the game against Manchester City.
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In addition to the Copa del Rey match against Talavera, he started in key league matches against Alaves and Sevilla. Both sides ended in victory.
In Victoria, he scored the winning goal. Against Sevilla, he assisted Bellingham for the opener and won a penalty to help Mbappe seal the victory.
Rodrygo is now firmly entrenched on the right wing, a position Alonso once thought was unsuitable for him.
Ironically, the player who was nearly eliminated has now become crucial, not just to the team, but to the manager’s survival as well.