“I Always Dreamed of Retiring at Real Madrid—Until Yesterday”: Rodrygo Shares How a Talk with Ancelotti Changed Everything
Rodrygo Goes, once seen as a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s future, is now reportedly considering an exit from the club he once hoped to retire at. Since arriving from Santos in 2019, the Brazilian forward has impressed fans with his creativity, adaptability, and clutch performances, contributing to multiple La Liga and Champions League victories. But a dramatic shift seems to have changed his course.
“I always wanted to finish my career at Real Madrid,” Rodrygo allegedly confided in close friends. “That changed after a meeting with Mikel Arteta yesterday. What he said was the most disrespectful thing I’ve ever heard in my professional life. My decision to leave is already made.”
Though the contents of the conversation remain private, signs of friction have been growing. Rodrygo has reportedly been feeling pushed aside, especially with the rise of Jude Bellingham and the blockbuster signing of Kylian Mbappé. Sources say he feels “out of place” and that his bond with teammate Vinícius Júnior has weakened.
His exclusion from the starting eleven in recent key games—such as the El Clásico defeat—has only deepened his sense of frustration. An early exit from a training session before a match against Mallorca also raised eyebrows about his mindset and physical readiness.
Carlo Ancelotti, the coach who helped shape much of Rodrygo’s journey at Madrid, is preparing to leave to manage the Brazilian national team. With Xabi Alonso expected to take over, questions loom about Rodrygo’s role in a team being rebuilt around Bellingham, Mbappé, Vinícius, and possible newcomers like Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Rodrygo’s ability to play multiple roles on the pitch, once seen as a strength, may now be working against him. He has voiced concerns about being treated more like a backup option than a key player.
Despite these difficulties, Rodrygo’s quality is unquestionable. With 68 goals and 50 assists in 267 games, he has delivered time and again on the big stage. His potential departure is drawing interest from top European clubs, with Premier League powerhouses Arsenal and Manchester City reportedly keeping an eye on developments.
As the summer transfer window nears, Rodrygo’s next move remains uncertain. Whether he finds a new chapter elsewhere or rediscovers his place under new leadership at Madrid, his future is one of the major storylines to watch in the coming weeks.
