Rodrygo felt Brazil recall would never come after ´difficult´ Madrid spell

Rodrygo felt a recall to the Brazil national team would never come after a difficult spell with Real Madrid, but he is ready to prove himself on the international stage again.

Rodrygo has fallen down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso at Madrid following the acquisition of teenage winger Franco Mastantuono.

The 24-year-old has made 11 appearances in all competitions this season, only three of which have been from the start, while he has only managed two assists.

A lack of minutes saw Rodrygo overlooked for Brazil’s final four World Cup qualifying fixtures in June and September, but he has since made his way back into the squad.

Brazil face South Korea and Japan in two international friendlies this month, and Rodrygo is keen to make an impression on his former Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.

“It was a really long time, being away from the Brazil team felt like an eternity. It was difficult, I went through a lot during that period,” Rodrygo told reporters.

“But it was a good thing, it allowed me to think things through, calm down and get my head straight.

“I feel good and ready to be here again, to give my best, to show my best side with the Selecao.

“It’s been a long time, but now I’m back, I’m feeling good, and I hope to help as much as I can.”

CONVOCADOS!

O mister Carlo Ancelotti divulgou a lista dos jogadores convocados para os amistosos contra Coreia do Sul e Japão nos dias 10 e 14 de outubro.

ISSO É BRASIL! pic.twitter.com/AgoZ2CZW7E

— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) October 1, 2025

This is the first time Ancelotti, who managed Rodrygo for six years in the Spanish capital, has picked the attacker for one of his national squads.

Rodrygo’s last appearance for his country came back in March, when he was replaced at half-time by club-mate Endrick during a 4-1 defeat to Argentina in a World Cup qualifier.

Ancelotti has won two of his four games in charge of Brazil since being appointed in May, and Rodrygo thinks the Italian’s experience will prove invaluable to the Selecao.

“I think that when you’re on the pitch, you look out and see Ancelotti guiding you, it gives you a different weight. I think that’s also the case for our opponents,” he added.

“They think, ‘We’re going to play against Brazil, whose manager is Ancelotti.’ People respect him more. It gives us greater credibility.

“And, of course, I’ll always speak highly of him, because he’s someone who has always helped me a lot, who has helped me grow, and having a manager like that guiding you leaves you speechless.”