Alonso’s confidence a key factor behind Real Madrid forward rediscovering his form

After enduring a torrid year, things are starting to look up for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo in 2026.

The 24-year-old attacker had a difficult past 12 months or so, struggling for form and confidence, losing his spot in the team, and having to deal with constant speculations about an exit.

A summer departure seemed a likely possibility at one point, but the player sought to stay and fight, while new manager Xabi Alonso also wished to keep the Brazilian in the squad.

The first few months of the campaign were far from ideal for Rodrygo, but things started to pick up since December and the forward now seems to have rediscovered the form that made him a key player for the team.

Alonso’s confidence key

According to a report from AS, Alonso’s faith and confidence in him has been a fundamental factor in helping Rodrygo recapture his best form.

Rodrygo has been involved in five goals in his last five matches for Real Madrid – two goals himself (against Manchester City and Alaves) and three assists.

Rediscovering his touch. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

In contrast, he only had one goal and three assists in his previous 36 matches across all competitions, showing his drastic improvement in recent weeks.

Alonso, for his part, has always had faith in Rodrygo. The manager even played the Brazilian in his preferred role on the left flank early in the season to help him get out of his rut.

And while it took time, the 24-year-old attacker is once again performing like the clutch player Real Madrid see him, ironically, on the right flank.

“The more we link up with him, the better the subsequent play tends to be. We need him at his best, and he played a complete match,” Alonso said about Rodrygo recently.

Things are starting to look up for Rodrygo and his bounce-back to form could not have come at a better time, given that Real Madrid have lost key superstar Kylian Mbappe to injury.