Rodrygo grateful for Brazil Return after ‘difficult’ phase

Real Madrid striker Rodrygo is keen to return to action for Brazil in their friendlies against South Korea and Japan after being overlooked for the last two squad selections during a «difficult» spell in his career.

Rodrygo has slipped down Real’s pecking order over the past two seasons and has started just two games for the Laliga side this season.

His lack of minutes at Real coincided with his exclusion from the Brazil squad for matches in June and September, with his last international appearance coming in a 4–1 defeat to rivals Argentina in March.

«It was a very long time, being away from the Brazilian team felt like an eternity. It was difficult, I went through a lot during that period,» the 24-year-old told reporters on Tuesday.

«But it was a good thing, it allowed me to think things through, calm down and get my head on straight. I feel good and ready to be here again, to do my best, to show my best side with the Selecao. It’s been a long time, but now I’m back, I feel good and I hope I can help as much as I can.»

Rodrygo added that the appointment of former real boss Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil coach would give the five-time World Cup winner an edge over his opponents.

«I think when you’re on the pitch and you look out and you see Ancelotti leading you, it gives you a different weight. I think that’s the case for our opponents too,» he said.

»We are going to play against Brazil, whose manager is Ancelotti’. People respect him more. It gives us more credibility. And of course I will always speak a lot about him, because he is someone who has always helped me a lot, who has helped me grow, and a manager like that accompanying leaves you speechless. «

Brazil plays South Korea in Seoul on Friday before facing Japan in Tokyo four days later.

Published on October 8, 2025