Rodrygo Goes, once regarded as one of Real Madrid’s most reliable big-game talents, is now experiencing the most difficult period of his professional career. For a player who arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu with enormous expectations, the current downturn has raised serious questions about his form, confidence, and long-term future at the club.
When Real Madrid spent €45 million to sign Rodrygo as a teenager in 2018, the general belief was that his trajectory would continue rising. With blistering pace, intelligent movement, and a reputation for delivering on the big stage, many assumed he was destined to become one of Europe’s deadliest forwards.
To an extent, Rodrygo has lived up to his promise. He has helped Real Madrid win two Champions League titles and three La Liga trophies, scoring crucial goals during unforgettable European nights. But despite these achievements, there is a growing sense that the Brazilian has hit a ceiling he has been unable to break through.
The numbers paint a disturbing picture. Rodrygo has scored in only two of his last 43 appearances for club and country. In La Liga, he has not scored since January, a drought stretching nearly ten months. For a forward who thrives on rhythm, confidence, and momentum, this barren spell is alarming.
So, what exactly has gone wrong?
Many within the club and fanbase believe Rodrygo’s struggles stem from two major issues: a lack of consistent minutes and being played out of position. Although versatile, Rodrygo has repeatedly expressed his preference for the left wing, where he can cut inside and attack defenders with confidence. Instead, he has often been deployed as a right-winger or even a makeshift centre-forward.
Under Xabi Alonso, these positional experiments have become more frequent. Rodrygo has started only two of Real Madrid’s 12 league matches this season, spending most games watching from the bench. For any striker, especially one who relies on rhythm, coming on for the final 10–15 minutes makes it nearly impossible to find form or impact a match decisively.
Even at the international level, where Carlo Ancelotti gives him more minutes, opportunities are limited due to the lack of regular breaks in the football calendar. This means Rodrygo has nowhere to build consistent form, creating a cycle of frustration and stagnation.
But despite this slump, it is clear that Rodrygo has not suddenly become a poor player. His work ethic remains strong, his dribbling ability is intact, and flashes of his brilliance still appear occasionally. The forward simply seems trapped in a confidence crisis, struggling to rediscover the spark that once made him one of Real Madrid’s most exciting young stars.
Some analysts believe that Real Madrid’s evolving squad has also contributed to his decline. With the arrival of new attackers and the emergence of other talents, the competition for starting positions has intensified. Rodrygo, who once felt indispensable, now finds himself fighting for relevance.
Others argue that the pressure of performing at one of the biggest clubs in the world is weighing heavily on him. A long goal drought at Real Madrid can quickly turn into mental fatigue, especially for a player still in his early twenties.
Whatever the cause, both Rodrygo and Real Madrid will be desperate to turn things around. The Brazilian still possesses enormous potential, and the belief within many parts of the club is that he simply needs confidence, trust, and consistent playing time to recover.
There is a great player inside Rodrygo, but unlocking that version again will require patience, support, and perhaps a tactical rethink.
For now, the biggest question remains: does Rodrygo stay and fight for his place, or does he consider leaving Real Madrid in search of a fresh start? The coming months may determine the path of his career for years to come.