Real Madrid’s unveiling of their new 2025/26 home kit has sparked a firestorm of speculation across social media and sports media outlets alike. The center of the buzz? Brazilian winger Rodrygo, whose glaring absence from the official launch video has left fans bewildered and analysts on high alert. While images of Rodrygo in the new kit eventually surfaced, his exclusion from the initial promotional campaign has raised serious questions about his future at the club.
In contrast, the video prominently featured several of Real Madrid’s current marquee stars—Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior—all expected to be central to new manager Xabi Alonso’s tactical blueprint. Rodrygo, however, remains on the periphery—visibly and symbolically.
This apparent sidelining of Rodrygo comes at a pivotal moment for the club. Reports out of Spain suggest that the 23-year-old forward is scheduled for a critical meeting with Alonso this week to clarify his role under the new regime. Despite having three years remaining on his contract, his place in the squad no longer seems as secure as it once was.
Rodrygo has been instrumental in many of Real Madrid’s recent triumphs, notably in their Champions League runs. His knack for scoring in crucial moments and his flexibility across the front line have made him a favorite among fans and a trusted weapon for previous coaches. But the winds of change are blowing through the Santiago Bernabéu, and with Alonso at the helm, priorities and preferences may be shifting.
What makes the timing even more sensitive is growing interest from Premier League giants Arsenal. Multiple sources report that the North London club is seriously considering a €70 million bid to lure Rodrygo away from Madrid. The Gunners, looking to reinforce their attacking options, see Rodrygo as a dynamic, versatile addition who can operate on either wing or even centrally in a fluid attacking setup.
Arsenal’s interest only heightens the uncertainty surrounding Rodrygo’s standing in Madrid. While Real Madrid has made no official statement about his potential departure, the silence is growing louder. If Alonso communicates that Rodrygo doesn’t figure prominently in his strategic vision, the club could be open to letting go of a player who, despite his achievements, might not fit into the next phase of Real’s evolution.
This isn’t just a tactical dilemma; it’s a symbolic moment. Rodrygo represents a link between the team’s recent golden era and its emerging future. Letting him go would signal a definitive shift in identity and direction—a clear sign that the Alonso era won’t be tethered by sentiment or legacy.
Yet, fans remain torn. On one hand, Rodrygo’s performances, loyalty, and potential are hard to ignore. On the other, the arrival of Mbappé and the meteoric rise of Bellingham and Vinícius have changed the team’s dynamics dramatically. There’s only so much room for star power, and roles must be redefined to maintain harmony and efficiency.
With the transfer window rapidly approaching, a seismic decision appears imminent. Whether Rodrygo stays to fight for his place or begins a new chapter in the Premier League, one thing is certain: the coming days could redefine not only his career but also Real Madrid’s path forward. For now, fans are left to watch, wait, and wonder whether the silence surrounding Rodrygo’s future is the calm before a very public storm.
