Real Madrid may have secured a solid 3-1 victory over Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup, marking Xabi Alonso’s first win as manager, but not all fans were left celebrating. One notable absence from the match has sparked serious fan backlash — that of Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes.
Despite Madrid’s dominant performance, the exclusion of Rodrygo from even a substitute appearance has led to questions about Alonso’s selection choices. The young forward, once seen as a cornerstone for the club’s future, was left completely unused in a game that offered multiple opportunities for rotation — especially after Los Blancos were forced to play with ten men following Raul Asencio’s red card.
One particularly passionate fan took to social media to air frustrations, stating outright that Rodrygo “deserves better” and should consider leaving the club if things don’t change. The fan argued that Rodrygo’s loyalty and talent have not been rewarded with the appropriate opportunities — especially given his proven impact in previous high-stakes matches.
“Rodrygo should go somewhere else. He’s too good for the role and treatment he’s been getting at Madrid,” the fan wrote. The sentiment resonated across the fanbase, with many questioning why a player of Rodrygo’s calibre was completely overlooked in a game that was already effectively secured in the closing minutes.
Rodrygo has often played second fiddle to Vinícius Júnior, particularly when it comes to occupying the left-wing position — his preferred and most productive area on the pitch. The fan highlighted that even during times when Vinícius is visibly out of form, Rodrygo is rarely trusted to step in. Instead, he’s pushed out to the right flank, a role he has performed in but where he has not always flourished.
The deeper concern isn’t just tactical — it’s psychological and developmental. Being consistently sidelined despite performing well in the past can demoralize even the most resilient players. The fan pointed out that Rodrygo was crucial last season during Vinícius’ injury spell, delivering strong performances when handed the responsibility. Yet, despite proving his worth, he remains an afterthought in Madrid’s current lineup.
“What’s even more baffling,” the fan continued, “is that Xabi made multiple substitutions after the match was virtually sealed, but Rodrygo still didn’t get a chance. It’s not just a one-off — it’s a pattern now.”
The sentiment is not necessarily an attack on Vinícius Jr. In fact, the fan made it clear that this wasn’t about choosing one Brazilian over the other. Instead, the critique was directed at Madrid’s apparent lack of meritocracy. The fan noted that players should be rotated based on form and contribution, not status or favoritism.
Modrić’s late cameo in a game that was essentially decided also raised eyebrows. With the veteran set to leave and Rodrygo likely to be a long-term figure, some fans questioned why Alonso didn’t use the opportunity to build Rodrygo’s confidence or momentum. “Why not Rodrygo instead of Modrić or even Victor Muñoz?” the fan asked. “He’s young, hungry, and needs to feel important.”
The suggestion that Rodrygo could thrive elsewhere is not new, but the tone has shifted. This time, it’s not just about seeking more minutes — it’s about respect. Clubs like Bayern Munich, Liverpool, or Arsenal were mentioned as potential destinations where he could grow, challenge himself, and avoid being eclipsed by “untouchable” figures.
Rodrygo has often been praised for his humility, work ethic, and team-first mentality — characteristics that make him a fan favorite and a locker-room asset. But that very humility may be working against him in a system that seemingly overlooks his consistent contributions. “It’s bad for the player and bad for football to waste someone like Rodrygo,” the fan concluded.
The frustration is compounded by a broader pattern that has emerged over the past few seasons. Under both Ancelotti and now Alonso, certain players appear to have untouchable status, regardless of their performances on the pitch. That can lead to locker room tensions and send the wrong message to younger or less-established players trying to make their mark.
In Rodrygo’s case, there’s a growing concern that his development is stagnating at a crucial stage in his career. At just 24, these are the years where consistent minutes and defined roles are key to unlocking world-class potential. Being benched in favor of out-of-form stars sends a damaging signal.
Xabi Alonso is still very much in the early days of his Real Madrid tenure, and it’s possible that he is experimenting with his best eleven. But fans argue that this kind of experimentation should include giving a fair shot to players like Rodrygo, who have earned the right to be considered foundational pieces.
As Real Madrid moves further into the Club World Cup and prepares for the grueling La Liga and Champions League campaigns ahead, squad depth and morale will be key. Ignoring players like Rodrygo not only risks weakening the team tactically but could also fracture the internal unity that has defined successful Madrid squads of the past.
Whether this was a one-time oversight or the beginning of a troubling trend under Alonso remains to be seen. But for now, the message from parts of the fanbase is clear: Rodrygo deserves better — and if Madrid can’t offer him that, perhaps it’s time he looked elsewhere.
