Real Madrid star 'refusing to play for club again' because of Bellingham as worrying rift revealed

A Real Madrid star has allegedly refused to represent the club again, with the decision reportedly linked to the presence of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe. 

Bellingham and his Real Madrid teammates are expected to finish the 2024/25 campaign without silverware, after a 4-3 loss to Barcelona in El Clásico on Sunday (May 11), which left them seven points adrift in the title race under Carlo Ancelotti. 

  Bellingham started the match alongside Fede Valverde, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe, who netted a hat-trick. 

 But one significant name was missing from the starting lineup. 

 Rodrygo, though listed on the bench, did not get any game time. In fact, he hasn't played since being taken off at halftime during Real Madrid’s 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona in April. 

He also sat out the league clash with Celta Vigo on May 4. According to Spanish publication MARCA, the Brazilian winger informed club staff that he "didn’t feel physically or mentally prepared to play," despite having participated in four training sessions that week. 

When pressed on the matter in a post-match press conference, Ancelotti said: “He had recovered, but he wasn't feeling well. He wasn't at his best. I have no problem with him. He's had a fever, and putting him on for five minutes when he's not well has a risk: that he could get injured." 

 On Tuesday (May 13), MARCA revealed that tensions are escalating around Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid. 

 The report suggests the Brazilian winger feels “pushed aside” following the high-profile signings of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe in recent seasons—signings that have allegedly caused a “strain” in his relationship with Vinicius Jr. 

 According to the outlet, Rodrygo is currently staying at home and is visibly frustrated after losing the prominent role he once envisioned alongside Vini Jr., leading to speculation that he no longer wishes to continue with the club.

It remains uncertain whether Xabi Alonso—widely expected to take over from Carlo Ancelotti—will be able to resolve the issue.

If Rodrygo decides to leave, there will be no shortage of interest. Later on Tuesday, MARCA added that Rodrygo pulled out of training during the warm-up session and is unlikely to feature in the upcoming match against Mallorca. T

he 24-year-old, whose contract with Real Madrid runs until the summer of 2028, has reportedly drawn interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.