Rodrygo was one of the key figures in his team's comeback against Chile on Thursday in the World Cup qualifiers. Brazil managed to turn the score around and take a crucial victory to maintain their aspirations of qualifying. And they did so especially in a match where they played without their star player, Vinícius Júnior.
Vinícius, probably Brazil's most decisive player, missed the match due to neck pain. This absence was widely discussed, as some suggest that the player could be "fading away". According to them, he did so to be in better condition for Real Madrid's matches. After the break, the Champions League returns and the eagerly awaited Clásico against Barça on October 26.
Rodrygo, permanently in the spotlight | Europa Press | Europa Press
Rodrygo Goes breaks the silence
"It's a very important victory. It's always difficult to start off losing. We conceded a goal very early on and that caused an imbalance in the planning," Rodrygo admitted after the match.
However, the striker highlighted the mental strength of his teammates: "We kept our minds strong, thinking about the comeback, and we achieved it. Luiz's goal was great. Seeing everyone's commitment was essential, not everyone has their best day, but everyone works hard."
Brazil, who started the match by conceding a goal in the first minute, needed a strong reaction to turn the score around. Igor Jesus tied the match at the end of the first half, and Luiz Henrique sealed the comeback during the final minutes. This victory was crucial for the Seleção which, with 13 points, moved up to fourth place in the standings, although still far behind Argentina, who leads the table.
Rodrygo is prominent in Brazil | Canva Pro | Canva Pro
This result allows Brazil to breathe a sigh of relief after starting the day in seventh place. Now, attention turns to the next match against Peru, which will be played on Tuesday 15 October at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia.
And it's funny: Rodrygo has been avoiding speaking for a long time at Real Madrid, but he had no qualms about doing so with Brazil. With the Brazilian team he feels important, he wears number 10 on his back. With Real Madrid, it seems that he has to redeem himself in every game.
A Key Season for Rodrygo's Future
While Rodrygo is enjoying a moment of prominence with his national team, the situation at his club, Real Madrid, is more uncertain. The Brazilian player is at the center of rumors about a possible transfer next summer, especially after the transfer of Kylian Mbappé. Rodrygo has been singled out as one of the players who could leave if the team needs to sacrifice a striker, something he hasn't taken well.
Last season he was already in the orbit of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, and depending on how the season goes, the interest could be revived. At the moment, it seems that he finds the support in Brazil that Real Madrid questions him about. And this could influence his immediate future at the white team.
