Injury woes vs Mourinho hope: Rodrygo’s dual battle for Real Madrid

Rodrygo Goes battles a lingering ACL injury while simultaneously embracing the prospect of playing under José Mourinho at Real Madrid. The Brazilian forward, sidelined since a March clash with Getafe, sees the Portuguese manager’s arrival as a catalyst for his comeback.

One of the most widely identified factors behind Real Madrid’s two recent trophyless seasons has been the club’s recurring injury crises. Despite recent changes in the medical department, the frequency of player absences has not markedly improved.

Rodrygo Goes suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a damaged meniscus during a match against Getafe in March. The injury sidelines him for the remainder of the season and also rules him out of the 2026 World Cup.

He is expected to resume training a few weeks or months into the next season once his recovery is complete. In the meantime, the forward follows Brazil’s World Cup campaign and contributes articles to on his nation’s performances.

Writing for , Rodrygo expressed his enthusiasm for Mourinho’s arrival, saying: “Throughout my journey so far, I have been guided by various top‑level coaches, as well as people I respect and am grateful to such as Zinedine Zidane, Fernando Diniz, Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa. I am continuing my recovery with high hopes of joining Real Madrid under José Mourinho, a manager who has everything it takes to lead us back to winning trophies. In a field as fiercely competitive as football, it is impossible not to look forward to working with a professional known as ‘the Special One’.”

In the same Guardian piece, Rodrygo also reflected on Carlo Ancelotti, noting his role as Brazil’s national team coach and their previous collaboration at Real Madrid. He highlighted Ancelotti’s influence alongside the other mentors he named.

While his talent is unquestioned, Rodrygo must raise his physical level and overcome injury setbacks. A swift return could see him aid Real Madrid’s resurgence under their new coach.