It’s not about that - Alonso on decision to leave out Arsenal target Rodrygo

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has commented on Rodrygo’s exclusion from the Spanish side’s Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. 

Los Blancos suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to PSG, with Luis Enrique’s men capitalising on early defensive errors, taking a swift 2-0 lead within nine minutes through goals from Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele. 

Ruiz scored his second and PSG’s third after just 20 minutes following a quick counter-attack, establishing a dominant lead by half-time. 

While Los Blancos welcomed back Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal from extended absences, the Ligue 1 side sealed their comprehensive victory in the 88th minute when Goncalo Ramos made it 4-0. 

Speaking after the game, Alonso commented on not introducing Rodrygo, stating that it was a “technical decision”. 

The Brazil international, a reported Arsenal target, was seldom utilised at the Club World Cup, starting just one of Los Blancos' games — their very first against Al-Hilal in the group stage — throughout their campaign in the United States

“I didn’t play Rodrygo for a technical decision,” said the Los Blancos boss. “We thought we would be better off with other players. It’s not about his future”.

Real Madrid depart for the off-season after their Club World Cup disappointment. Los Blancos' first LaLiga fixture of the 2025-26 season pits them against Osasuna.