Rodrygo deletes controversial WhatsApp message about Kylian Mbappe and other Real Madrid teammates
Real Madrid star Rodrygo has deleted a controversial WhatsApp message that referenced Kylian Mbappe and some of his other teammates.
Many anticipate that Real Madrid will easily handle La Liga this season, but Carlo Ancelotti’s team started their title defense with a 1-1 draw at Mallorca on Sunday.
In the first half, Madrid’s attacking lineup—Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham—appeared poised to overwhelm their opponents, but Mallorca mounted a strong comeback after the break and came close to securing a win themselves.
As the match progressed, Madrid’s defense seemed increasingly vulnerable to Mallorca’s counter-attacks, lacking balance.
Rodrygo, the Brazilian winger, scored for Madrid in the first half but seemed displeased with the focus on Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinicius.
The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana reported that Rodrygo had to remove a WhatsApp message where he expressed frustration over being overshadowed by his superstar teammates.
In his message, Rodrygo said, “Yesterday’s result wasn’t ideal. Every point in La Liga counts. I’m pleased with my goal and the team’s progress. Last week, they highlighted Bellingham, Mbappe, and Vini, but now they’ll need to include ‘R’ for Rodrygo in that trio.
We have our attacking quartet and the entire team, each with their role in our various competitions. It will be a busy week until our next match at the Bernabeu.”
Cortegana noted that Rodrygo’s message stirred controversy, leading to its deletion, but defended him, stating, “I understand why he feels the need to assert himself after being excluded from the spotlight; anyone in his position would feel the same way.” Rodrygo’s deleted WhatsApp message highlights the internal dynamics and potential tension within Real Madrid’s star-studded squad. Despite contributing with a goal in the match against Mallorca, the Brazilian winger felt overshadowed by the heavy focus on teammates like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham. The message, where Rodrygo pointed out his importance alongside these superstars, reflects his desire to be recognized as an integral part of the team.
While Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Mallorca is seen as a setback in their La Liga title defense, Rodrygo’s comments suggest a need for balance in how the squad’s contributions are perceived. His frustration could stem from the intense media attention surrounding Mbappe and Bellingham, which might leave other players like himself feeling undervalued.
This situation is indicative of the challenges that arise in teams packed with high-profile talent. For Carlo Ancelotti, maintaining harmony and ensuring that all players feel equally valued will be crucial to sustaining Real Madrid’s competitive edge throughout the season.
