Rodrygo Benched as Real Madrid Falls to PSG: Fans Call It ‘Disrespect’
Brazilian striker remains on the sidelines during 4-0 defeat in Club World Cup semi-final
Rodrygo Goes became one of the most talked-about names on social media following Real Madrid’s 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal. The Brazilian forward, a key figure in the Spanish squad in recent seasons, was left on the bench by coach Xabi Alonso and did not feature at all in the crushing defeat.
The decision sparked a wave of criticism online, with many fans labeling the omission as a “disrespect” to the 23-year-old. Despite Alonso using all five substitutions during the match at MetLife Stadium, Rodrygo was not among those called upon.
Fans React Online
Rodrygo’s absence drew strong reactions from supporters, many of whom questioned the coach’s judgment. Some fans speculated that the snub might be a sign of an imminent departure, especially amid ongoing rumors linking the player to Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Arsenal.
At the Club World Cup, Rodrygo started only once against Al-Hilal in the group stage and spent the rest of the tournament on the bench, raising further questions about his current role under Alonso.
“Not putting Rodrygo on the field in a game like this is a clear sign. Total lack of respect,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
“Something’s going on behind the scenes. Either he’s being sold or there’s a fallout we’re not seeing,” another user speculated.
PSG’s Dominance
Paris Saint-Germain wasted no time asserting their dominance in the match. Midfielder Fabián Ruiz capitalized on a defensive error by Raúl Asencio in the fifth minute to open the scoring. Ousmane Dembélé then doubled the lead after another mistake from Antonio Rüdiger.
Before halftime, Fabián scored again, effectively putting the match out of reach for the Spanish giants. The final blow came in the 87th minute when substitute Gonçalo Ramos added a fourth goal to seal PSG’s place in the final.
se o rodrygo não sair desse time é pq ele tá acomodado ou ama muito o real madrid. Está claro que ele tá muito longe dos planos do Xabi, então n tem pq ficar.
— thalita (@fladridista) July 9, 2025
Rapaz tô achando que o Xabi Alonso não foi uma boa escolha não
Abrir mão do Rodrygo num jogo desse, beira a loucura.
— João Paulo (@_joaopaulou) July 9, 2025
o cara não coloca o Rodrygo por nada kkkk
— bea paz (@isntbeapaz) July 9, 2025
