Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes enters the 2025/26 La Liga season facing uncertainty over his role at the club. The Brazilian attacker, who had been a regular starter under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, now finds himself on the periphery under Xabi Alonso. Questions about his future have intensified, with his name frequently appearing in transfer speculation.
Several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, are reportedly monitoring Rodrygo’s situation, highlighting the growing attention on the forward as the transfer window progresses. Amid all the speculation, Rodrygo must prepare for the team’s opening match against Osasuna, even though he may not start.
A Chance to make history
Despite the uncertainty, Rodrygo has the opportunity to achieve a rare feat in Real Madrid history. According to MARCA, he could become only the second player to score the club’s first La Liga goal in three consecutive seasons, joining club legend Gareth Bale.
In the past two campaigns, Rodrygo has already opened Real Madrid’s league scoring. Two seasons ago, he netted in a 2-0 victory against Athletic Club, and last season, he scored in a 1-1 draw with Mallorca. If he finds the net again against Osasuna, he would match Bale’s unique record of scoring the opening league goal for three straight seasons.
Other Real Madrid players who have repeatedly opened scoring for the club include Pirri, with five occasions, and both Karim Benzema and Raul Gonzalez, who have done it four times. However, only Bale has ever managed the feat in three consecutive campaigns, achieving it against Real Betis (2015), Real Sociedad (2016), and Deportivo La Coruna (2017).
Balancing opportunity and challenge
While the record is tantalizingly close, Rodrygo’s limited role under Xabi Alonso makes the challenge significant. Starting against Osasuna is not guaranteed, and without a place in the starting lineup, the likelihood of equaling Bale’s record diminishes.
Still, the forward enters the season with a moment of individual significance to aim for, even amid broader uncertainty about his future. For Rodrygo, scoring Real Madrid’s first goal once again would not only underline his importance on the pitch but also connect him with one of the club’s modern icons.
