After months of frustration, Rodrygo has opened up on his “difficult” spell away from the Brazil national team and his ongoing fight to earn Xabi Alonso’s faith at Real Madrid. The winger, who missed two consecutive international windows, says his absence “felt like an eternity” — but now hopes his recall by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s October friendlies will mark a new chapter for both club and country.
Rodrygo Reflects on His “Difficult” Brazil Absence
For Rodrygo, the past few months have tested his patience like never before. Once a regular fixture for Brazil, the Real Madrid winger found himself out of the Selecão setup after a frustrating start to the season under Xabi Alonso.
Now, after being called up again by his former coach Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan, the 24-year-old admits the long wait “felt like an eternity.”
It was a really long time, being away from the Brazil team felt like an eternity, Rodrygo told reporters. It was difficult — I went through a lot during that period. But it allowed me to think things through, calm down and get my head straight. I feel good and ready to be here again, to give my best and show my best side with the Selecão.
Rodrygo last featured for Brazil back in March during the 4-1 defeat to Argentina, and his recent struggles for minutes at Madrid made his exclusion from the June and September squads unsurprising. But his return under Ancelotti offers the winger a timely opportunity to rebuild his confidence — and, perhaps, his career trajectory.
Ancelotti’s Presence Brings Confidence and Credibility
Rodrygo was quick to praise Ancelotti, who left Real Madrid at the end of last season to take over as Brazil’s head coach. Their close working relationship in Madrid helped shape Rodrygo’s development, and the forward says his former mentor brings something intangible yet powerful to the national team.
When you’re on the pitch and see Ancelotti guiding you, it gives you a different feeling, he said. Even our opponents feel it — they know Brazil have Ancelotti. People respect him more, and it gives us credibility.
He’s always helped me a lot, helped me grow, and having a manager like that guiding you leaves you speechless.
The Italian coach’s arrival has injected new optimism into Brazil’s camp following a turbulent post-World Cup period. His calm authority, coupled with his tactical flexibility, could be key in helping Rodrygo rediscover the confidence that once made him one of Europe’s brightest young forwards.
Still Fighting for His Place Under Xabi Alonso
At Real Madrid, however, the picture remains complicated. Since Xabi Alonso’s appointment as head coach, Rodrygo has struggled to establish himself as a first-choice attacker. Despite being named in every matchday squad, he has started only once in La Liga this season — a reflection of Alonso’s preference for Vinícius Júnior, Arda Güler, and Endrick in the forward positions.
Rodrygo’s challenge now is consistency. A strong showing in Brazil’s friendlies could help persuade Alonso to give him a more prominent role when he returns to club duty later this month. The winger’s pace, creativity, and pressing work rate still make him one of Madrid’s most valuable assets — but his confidence and rhythm need rebuilding after a disrupted start to the campaign.
A Chance to Reignite His Season
For both club and country, this international window could be pivotal for Rodrygo. With Brazil’s World Cup qualification campaign on the horizon and Madrid navigating a congested fixture list, he finds himself at a crossroads.
If he can impress under Ancelotti once again, it might just reignite his season — and convince Alonso that he deserves a more prominent role at the Bernabéu. The winger summed it up simply:
It’s been a long time, but now I’m back. I’m feeling good and I hope to help as much as I can.
