“One of the worst days of my life, how much I always feared this injury… maybe life has been a little cruel to me lately… I don’t know if I deserve this, but what can I complain about? How many wonderful things I’ve already experienced, which I also didn’t deserve. A great obstacle has arisen in my life, in my career, and it prevents me from doing what I love most for a while,” Rodrygo stated on his Instagram account.

Rodrygo expressed gratitude for the overwhelming messages of support he received following news of his injury. “Thank you, everyone, for the prayers, messages, and affection! Your support means the world to me,” he shared in a statement on social media.

This setback follows a challenging match in which Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat to Getafe in LaLiga at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Rodrygo entered the game in its latter stages and had a couple of clear scoring opportunities, but was thwarted by the goalkeeper and defense.

Rodrygo’s resilience: A promise to return stronger

In addition to discussing his own situation, Rodrygo pledged to his fans and supporters of both Real Madrid and Brazil that he will strive relentlessly to regain his health. His goal is to recover quickly and come back stronger for the upcoming season.

“Even though this is a very challenging moment, I promise not to stop here. I believe I still have many incredible experiences ahead and aim to bring joy to everyone who believes in me. This is just a ‘see you soon,’“ Rodrygo asserted.

Now, Alvaro Arbeloa and Carlo Ancelotti face the challenging task of finding a suitable replacement for the upcoming fixtures. Rodrygo has been an integral part of the tactical setups for both Real Madrid and Brazil.

“Following tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by Real Madrid’s medical services, he has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn outer meniscus in his right leg,” Real Madrid stated in an official statement.

While an official timetable for his return has not yet been released, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Rodrygo could be sidelined for up to 10 months. This extended recovery window would see the Brazilian forward out of action for the remainder of the calendar year, with a projected return to competitive play estimated for early 2027.

Beyond the significant blow to both Real Madrid and Brazil, the timing of the injury is particularly cruel for the player himself. Rodrygo had only just returned to action after being sidelined for nearly a month due to a persistent bout of tendinitis.

To suffer a season-ending ACL injury in his first match back represents a heartbreaking turn of events for the young forward, who had been working diligently to regain match fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Injury crisis at Real Madrid

Rodrygo’s long-term absence presents a major tactical headache for Alvaro Arbeloa, as Real Madrid find themselves depleted of attacking options. Joining the Brazilian on the sidelines is Kylian Mbappe, who has suffered a recurrence of knee issues. This development has sparked significant concern within the France national team setup as they monitor his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

For their upcoming fixture, Arbeloa’s available frontline is remarkably thin, consisting only of Vinicius Jr. and youth product Gonzalo Garcia. The selection crisis is further exacerbated by the absence of Franco Mastantuono, who is awaiting a ruling on his suspension length following a straight red card in the defeat to Getafe.

The problems for Real Madrid are not confined to the frontline, as the injury crisis has decimated the spine of the team. Arbeloa is also currently without the services of Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Eder Militao, all of whom are at varying stages of recovery from their respective ailments. While Camavinga’s absence is expected to be brief, the outlook for Bellingham and Militao is more complex, as their goal is to make a full recovery in time for the 2026 World Cup.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti, speaking at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, explained that Neymar was not included due to “a minor physical issue,” while Vinicius Jr. will also be unavailable due to a one-match suspension.

Brazil’s national team coach Carlo Ancelotti explained in a press conference that his main objective for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers is to get to know more players within his reach. “My idea is to get to know new players whom I don’t know well personally,” the Italian coach said, highlighting the major changes in his squad, which saw nine players from the previous call-up left out.

With Brazil having already secured qualification for next year’s World Cup, Ancelotti chose to call up players who have never been selected before or who have had limited opportunities. The move allows him to observe and test new talent as he evaluates options for the squad he will field in the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Here is the full list of call-ups:

The real reason for the absence of Real Madrid stars

The absence of the Madrid stars is not due to any issues beyond availability and fitness. Aside from Vinicius Jr.’s suspension, Ancelotti explained that both Vinicius and Rodrygo were excluded because he already knows them very well, while Neymar was left out due to a new injury.

Ancelotti also emphasized the importance of fitness in his selection process: “A very important criterion for our staff is the physical aspect. Players in the national team must be 100% physically fit. This is a very important criterion for us. Because the competition in every position is very high—right-backs, defenders, midfielders, forwards. The competition is very intense. If a player isn’t 100%, I can call another without any problem,” he said.

Other “surprising” omissions include Eder Militao, who has only played 90 minutes after nine months recovering from injury, and Endrick, who is still rehabilitating.

Regarding Rodrygo, Ancelotti added: “Rodrygo, I obviously have a lot of affection for him, like everyone does. Yesterday he played very well with Real Madrid. It was his first game after a long time, so he has time to prepare properly and return to the national team.” While they could have been included for team bonding, Ancelotti sees this as the perfect opportunity to test new players and evaluate Brazil’s depth ahead of the World Cup.

Surprises and new call-ups

The squad announced Monday includes several players who have never been called up to the national soccer team, including Kaio Jorge of Cruzeiro, the current top scorer in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Among the surprises, midfielder Lucas Paquetá makes his return to the squad after not being called since investigations into his alleged involvement in a sports betting fraud network began.

In their final two qualifying matches, Brazil will host Chile on September 4 at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro and then travel to face Bolivia five days later in El Alto, at 4,100 meters above sea level. Brazil mathematically secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup in June with a victory over Paraguay in São Paulo, with Ancelotti already in charge of the team.

The pressure is on for Ancelotti to turn things around for Brazil, who, despite sitting comfortably in fourth place and not at risk of missing out on the World Cup, have been underwhelming in recent performances. Their last outing—a humbling 4-1 defeat to Argentina—prompted Dorival Junior’s resignation and paved the way for the former Real Madrid boss to take charge.

Ecuador, meanwhile, have been one of the surprise packages of the World Cup Qualifiers. Currently second in the standings, a win tonight would secure at least a playoff spot for Sebastian Beccacece’s side, and they could even qualify directly if Venezuela fails to defeat Bolivia tomorrow.

This match is critical for both teams, as they aim to lock in their World Cup berths and avoid any late surprises. While Ecuador come into the game in better form, the arrival of Ancelotti at the helm may inject new energy into Brazil’s squad as they push toward qualification.

Why isn’t Rodrygo playing?

Rodrygo will not feature tonight after Ancelotti made the surprising decision to leave him out of the squad for Brazil’s two qualifiers this month. He isn’t alone—other notable absentees include Neymar, Endrick, Gabriel Jesus, Joelinton, Ederson, and Eder Militao.

Ancelotti explained that several players were omitted due to injuries or recovery concerns. In Rodrygo’s case, the decision could be linked to physical and mental exhaustion. The Real Madrid forward has not played in the club’s last five matches, raising questions about his readiness.

Rodrygo’s most recent appearance came in the Copa del Rey final, where he played 46 minutes in Real Madrid’s 3-2 extra-time loss to Barcelona. His absence tonight underscores Brazil’s need to adapt, as they’ll rely on new faces to step up in this crucial qualifier.

Carlo did not stop there. He made more bold moves that reflect a shift in direction. He did not include Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, a regular starter in recent years. At the same time, he brought back Casemiro, a familiar face from his Real Madrid days. He also included two young talents, Antony and 17-year-old William Estevao. With these choices, Carlo sends a clear message. He plans to blend experience with youth and bring fresh ideas to Brazil’s campaign.

Considering the latter, Carlo Ancelotti’s first call-up features a mix of established stars and exciting young talent. Here is how the squad shapes up for the doubleheader in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers:

• Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Hugo Sosa.
• Defenders: Alex Sandro, Ribeiro, Lucas Beraldo, Carlos Augusto, Danilo, Leo Ortiz, Marquinhos, Vanderson, Wesley.
• Midfielders: Andreas Pereira, Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Ederson, Gerson.
• Forwards: Antony, William Estevao, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Richarlison, Vinicius Jr.

Carlo Ancelotti opens up on the reason behind Neymar Jr’s absence in his first call-up

Neymar Jr’s absence from Carlo Ancelotti’s first Brazil squad immediately sparked conversation across social media, with many fans speculating that it signaled the beginning of the end for his international career. However, Ancelotti moved quickly to shut down those rumors, offering a clear explanation for the star forward’s absence: “Neymar’s out of the list as he’s just returned from injury. I spoke to Ney and we’ve agreed on this,” Ancelotti said, via Fabrizio Romano.

Besides, Carlo confirmed that he is counting on the Santos FC star. He added that he will work to bring out his best version for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These statements fueled excitement among national team fans, as they have consistently called for Neymar’s continued presence. After all, he remains the most influential and game-changing player on the roster.

Ancelotti also explained that Rodrygo missed the squad due to injury. On May 24, according to DAZN, the Real Madrid striker left training after feeling pain in the back of his left thigh. Moreover, the coach addressed the absences of Joelinton and Ederson. He stated that both players are also dealing with injuries, which ruled them out of the squad.

In a recent interview with Podpah, the Real Madrid forward revealed the toughest defender he has ever faced: Ecuadorian left-back Pervis Estupiñan. “The hardest defender I’ve played against was the full-back from Villarreal—he’s Ecuadorian. It’s Pervis Estupiñán. He was really tough, strong, and fast. It was very difficult to get past him,”

Rodrygo admitted. While Estupiñan no longer plays for Villarreal, having moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, his defensive prowess left a lasting impression on the Brazilian.

Rodrygo had plenty of elite defenders to choose from, having faced world-class names such as Alejandro Balde, Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, Marcos Acuña, and Nicolás Tagliafico. However, he still recalls his battle against Estupiñan, who, at one point, was considered among the best in his position before an unfortunate injury halted his momentum.

Rodrygo Goes: Real Madrid’s rising star

Rodrygo’s journey to the Santiago Bernabéu began at Santos FC, where he followed in the footsteps of Brazilian legends like Pelé and Neymar. His exceptional dribbling, vision, and finishing ability earned him a €45 million move to Real Madrid in 2019 at just 18 years old.

Since then, he has grown into one of Real Madrid’s most reliable attacking weapons. His hat-trick against Galatasaray in the 2019 Champions League showcased his potential, and he continued to shine in high-stakes matches. Forming a deadly partnership with Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo played a crucial role in Madrid’s recent successes, including multiple La Liga and Champions League titles.

Having battled some of the toughest soccer defenders in the game, Rodrygo’s ability to adapt and thrive against top-tier opposition has been a testament to his growth. As Real Madrid looks to the future, the young Brazilian remains a key figure in the club’s ongoing pursuit of greatness.

Just minutes after Ney announced through his Instagram account that he would play for the Brazilian club, Rodrygo Goes, the star of Real Madrid, dedicated a message to him on the same social media platform. The 23-year-old forward, who also emerged from Santos, expressed his happiness for Neymar’s return.

“Today, being more than an idol, a friend, you earn my respect and admiration even more. Contrary to all logic, putting love and happiness above all, I can’t help but be proud of my childhood idol,” Rodrygo wrote in a post that included photos of the two as teammates with the Brazilian National Team, as well as others of Neymar at Santos with a still-boyish Rodrygo.

“Brother, a lot of success, goals, victories, dances… and finally, a lot of DARENESS & JOY. Today is a remarkable day not only for us Santistas, but for the entire soccer world. Have fun like you always did. The world will keep applauding you! Saint Nation, you can celebrate… the prince is back,” concluded the Real Madrid forward’s message.

Neymar’s unexpected response

Neymar was quick to react to Rodrygo Goes’ post, sending him a short but forceful message that surprised many. “Thank you, my successor!!!,” Neymar began. “Remember that we still have a mission together… We’re together, crack.”

The first detail that caught the eye is that Neymar publicly chose Rodrygo as his successor, despite the fact that the most obvious choice for that place of privilege seemed to be Vinicius Junior.

At the same time, the reference to the mission that both have to fulfill together also generated speculation. While one possible theory considering the context would be a potential reunion of the two at Santos, another possibility is that Neymar is referring to the Brazilian National Team and the coveted sixth World Cup title they have been denied in the last 23 years.

Can Rodrygo be Neymar’s successor?

Neymar Jr. is 32 years old and is still at the age to continue shining with the Brazilian National Team, of which he is the all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. However, since the serious knee injury he suffered in 2023, a new generation of young stars has taken over the responsibility of leading the team in his absence.

Vinicius Junior was one of them, accompanied by Rodrygo Goes. The latter has been playing for Brazil for five years but definitely earned a place in the team after the 2022 FIFA World Cup. So far, Rodrygo has registered 6 goals in 16 official matches with the national team—acceptable numbers, but still far from Neymar’s impressive statistics.

With Vini also failing to shine for Brazil and Neymar in search of his best fitness to make his return to the national team, Rodrygo appears to be stepping up to take on the responsibility of leading the team in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a path that has not been easy so far.

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Al Hilal plan to secure a top-tier player for the 2025-26 season to replace Neymar, with Rodrygo Goes at the top of their list. The Brazilian forward, who has been a standout performer for the Spanish giants over the past few years, is now considered a potential key addition to the Saudi side.

At just 24 years old, Rodrygo has established himself as an integral part of Real Madrid’s attack and played a crucial role in the club’s recent successes. However, this season, injury concerns and inconsistent performances have hindered his usual influence on the field.

In La Liga, Rodrygo has netted 5 goals and provided 3 assists in 16 appearances. His contribution in the UEFA Champions League has been more modest, with only one assist in the 4 matches he featured in. Across all competitions, including the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Super Cup, he has added two goals in four additional appearances.

Rodrygo’s price tag

Rodrygo’s value remains high, following a contract renewal with Real Madrid at the end of 2023. The new deal, which keeps him at the club until June 2028, includes a staggering €1 billion (more than $1.2 billion) release clause, meaning any suitor would need to meet that fee for the forward to leave.

However, recent reports suggest that Real Madrid’s management might be willing to entertain offers for Rodrygo, with Manchester City reportedly preparing a bid between €150 million and €170 million for the Brazilian next summer.

Al Hilal’s plan B

Rodrygo isn’t the only high-profile player on Al Hilal’s radar. According to Galetti, the Saudi side is also eyeing Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian winger is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s elite players, and rumors of his potential move to the Saudi Pro League have been circulating for some time.

Al Hilal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, recently addressed the speculation, confirming that Salah is a star they are interested in. “Salah and other big names won’t arrive this winter,” Jesus said, adding, “But perhaps this summer.”

As Al Hilal look to strengthen its squad for the 2025-26 season, it seems the club is targeting some of Europe’s top talent to build a squad capable of competing on the continental stage.

Following a brilliant team effort, capped off by Lamine Yamal’s exceptional control and skillful dribbling, Barcelona leveled the score in what promises to be a historic Spanish Super Cup Final. The game has already delivered excitement and drama, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.

A Look Back: In the previous Spanish Cup Final, Real Madrid claimed the title with a commanding 4-1 victory, cementing their dominance in Spain while also showcasing their strength in the Champions League.

Lewandowski puts Barcelona ahead

Robert Lewandowski gave Barcelona the lead with a calm and composed penalty conversion following a contentious foul by Eduardo Camavinga on Pablo Gavi inside the box. The decision is sure to spark post-match debate. With the score now at 2-1, Barcelona are pressing for more, while Real Madrid faces growing concerns as Kylian Mbappé shows signs of discomfort.

Check out the penalty and the reactions in the video below:

Raphinha extends Barcelona’s lead

Raphinha added to Barcelona’s advantage with a clinical finish, making it 3-1. The goal came after another brilliant collective effort, further solidifying the Catalan side’s momentum. While the score hints at a potential blowout, Real Madrid’s well-known resilience leaves the possibility of a comeback wide open.

Watch the goal here:

Alejandro Balde strikes before halftime to extend Barcelona’s lead

Alejandro Balde closed the first half in style, capping off a brilliant counterattack to put Barcelona ahead 4-1. The goal stemmed from a poorly executed corner by Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, whose short return pass was intercepted, setting the stage for Lamine Yamal to lead the charge. Yamal orchestrated the counter, and Balde finished with precision, leaving Real Madrid reeling before the break.

Raphinha makes it five for Barcelona

In the second half, the Brazilian winger came back even stronger as Barcelona refuse to take their foot off the gas. Here’s Raphinha’s goal to give Barca a 5-1 lead over Real Madrid:

Rodrygo nets beautiful free kick for Real Madrid

With Wojciech Szczęsny sent off for a foul on Kylian Mbappe outside the box, not only did Real Madrid get advantage on the number of players on the field but also a golden chance to score a free-kick goal. And Rodrygo made sure to seize it:

Rodrygo has been with Real Madrid for over five seasons, during which he has played 221 games, scored 55 goals, and provided 42 assists. This season, his statistics reflect a similar pattern with 1 goal and 1 assist in 4 La Liga games.

Despite his contributions, the 23-year-old is eager to solidify his position at the club and voiced his frustration about his role to ESPN while with the Brazilian national team.

Rodrygo and his indignation at Real Madrid

“Everyone knows my indignation. Everyone, both in the national team and at Real Madrid. People were sending messages,” Rodrygo told ESPN.

He further criticized his usage within the team, saying, “Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as the number 9? Rodrygo.”

Rodrygo also expressed his disappointment over not being nominated for the Ballon d’Or. “Now there’s not much to say… I was upset, I think I deserved it… I don’t want to belittle the players who are there, but I believe I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise… But there’s not much I can do; I’m not the one who decides these things,” he lamented.

The lack of understanding between the four attackers was evident during the match. The players constantly looked for the same spaces, which made Mallorca’s defensive task easier. In addition, the absence of Toni Kroos in midfield was felt, as the team lacked the precision and distribution of the ball that the German provided.

Jude Bellingham, the young star signing, did not hesitate to express his frustration with his attacking teammates. The Englishman, known for his strong character, showed his leadership by demanding more participation and definition in the opponent’s area. His words reflect the need to improve communication and coordination between Real Madrid‘s attacking players.

What did Jude Bellingham say to Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius?

England midfielder Jude Bellingham couldn’t hide his frustration with the score. “You three, you need to finish the attack, because the running back… is f****** hard,” Bellingham appeared to say in the tunnel, before instructing Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius to make space and shoot, rather than looking for an extra pass around the penalty area.

A tactical challenge for Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti faces the challenge of finding the right formula to make the most of his team’s offensive potential. The coexistence of four stars in the same attack requires careful planning and tactical adjustments.

The Italian coach will have to work on the distribution of roles and responsibilities among the players, looking to find the right spaces for each one. In addition, they will have to strengthen collective play and the generation of scoring opportunities.

Real Madrid is still adapting, which is important to note. The addition of Kylian Mbappe to the team has created new tactical challenges, and the team requires time to discover its optimal form.