Real Madridwelcomed back Rodrygo Goes, but his return to the squad comes accompanied by a deep reflection about his identity within the club. In a recent appearance on a podcast, the Brazilian confessed that, despite his success, he carries a professional void: never having played alongside his greatest role model.

"I wanted to play with Cristiano Ronaldo, but it didn't happen. It's a shame because he is my role model. I have always admired him."

Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo arrived in the Spanish capital in 2019, just one year after the Portuguese star departed for Turin following a period of enormous success at Real Madrid.

That timing gap prevented him from learning on the field from the man who defined an era. Now, after overcoming an injury that kept him sidelined for 32 days, Rodrygo must channel the winning mentality of his idol to reclaim a place in a Madrid side that, under Alvaro Arbeloa, appears to have found balance without the traditional right winger.

Arbeloa's tactical board: Rodrygo's new role in Madrid's system

Rodrygo's return presents a tactical puzzle for Arbeloa. Madrid's system has evolved into a 4-4-2 diamond or a structure with four natural midfielders, eliminating the attacking trident where the Brazilian once thrived. With Vinicius and Mbappé untouchable up front, the right-wing position has effectively disappeared, with Fede Valverde and Alexander-Arnold now covering that flank.

Under this new scenario, Rodrygo's survival in the starting lineup depends on his ability to adapt. The paths ahead of him are clear:

• Backup for Vinicius: Serving as the natural substitute on the left wing.
• Competing for the No. 9 role: In Mbappé's absence or rotation.
• Reinventing himself as an attacking midfielder: Directly competing with the creativity of Arda Güler and the imminent return of Jude Bellingham.

Semana de muito treino! 💪🏾🔜 pic.twitter.com/sGc93HkX2b

— Rodrygo Goes (@RodrygoGoes) February 27, 2026

With limited minutes played during the Arbeloa era, the Brazilian faces the challenge of proving that, like his idol Cristiano, he can evolve to remain indispensable and continue at Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo: The "eternal" No. 7 battles for the throne in Saudi Arabia

While his admirer searches for space in Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy time in the Saudi Pro League. In 2026, the Portuguese star leads the attack of an Al-Nassr side locked in an intense battle for the top spot against Al-Hilal. At 41 years old, Ronaldo not only stands out for his scoring longevity in the Middle East but also for his recent business expansion after acquiring a 25% stake in UD Almería.

For "CR7," football is no longer just about goals, but about legacy and ownership. His ambition to win the league title in Saudi Arabia remains intact, serving as the perfect example of resilience for a Rodrygo who now faces his own test in Spain.