Rodrygo Goes has found himself in an uncomfortable corner of Real Madrid history, becoming only the third player at the club to go more than 29 games without scoring a single goal. It’s a statistic no forward ever wants next to their name, especially not at a club where expectations are relentlessly high and every performance is placed under a microscope.
His current drought has now placed him alongside one of the more unexpected figures in recent Madrid memory: Mariano Díaz, the last player to endure such a barren run in attack.
For Rodrygo, the numbers tell only part of the story. The Brazilian is a player known for his sharp movement, technical balance, and knack for scoring in big moments—qualities that earned him a central role in Madrid’s attack in recent seasons. But football can be unforgiving, and form can swing sharply even for the brightest talents. Despite his work rate and involvement in buildup play, the goals have simply not arrived, creating growing concern among supporters who had hoped this would be a breakout year for him.
Mariano Díaz, who previously held this unwanted distinction, struggled to make an impact during his final seasons in Madrid. His drought became symbolic of a period where he failed to earn the trust of managers or secure regular playing time. The comparison, while statistical, raises an uncomfortable question: is Rodrygo headed down a similarly frustrating path, or is this simply a temporary setback for a player with far more potential and a much larger role in the team?
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Within the club, there is still patience and belief. Carlo Ancelotti has publicly backed Rodrygo on several occasions, stressing his importance beyond goals and pointing to his movement, pressing, and link-up play. Still, forwards are ultimately judged by output, and in Madrid’s demanding environment, prolonged droughts inevitably invite pressure. The fans have shown mixed reactions—some calling for him to be benched, others urging calm and reminding critics of his decisive Champions League nights.
What remains clear is that the next few matches could define the direction of Rodrygo’s season. Ending the drought would not only erase an unfortunate record but also restore confidence for both the player and the team. For now, though, Rodrygo sits in a category no Real Madrid forward wishes to belong to—hoping his next chance finally breaks the spell.
