Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Rodrygo opens up on racism in football: “Nobody does anything”
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo spoke about the incident of racism targeted towards the Brazilian players during their 5-1 win over Tunisia on Wednesday night.
Brazil and Tunisia played locked horns at Parc des Princes in Paris in an international friendly, where goals from Raphinha, Richarlison, Neymar and Pedro were enough to guide the South American team home.
The incident in question, however, happened when Tottenham forward Richarlison made it 2-1 for Brazil in the 19th minute. As the striker went towards the corner flag to celebrate his achievement, a banana fell right at his feet. While the players seemed to ignore it, the intention was rightly crucified.
It wasn’t just that, throughout the match, several objects including bottles were thrown at the pitch and the aforementioned incident resembles what happened with former Barcelona full-back Dani Alves in 2014 in the Villarreal-Barça match.
As he went to take the corner, a banana was thrown toward the veteran, but instead of getting steam, he simply picked it up and took a bite.
More recently, Rodrygo’s Real Madrid and Brazil teammate Vinicius Jr was subjected to racist chants at the Civitas Metropolitano by a section of Atletico Madrid supporters.
Sadly enough, Brazilian players have always been targets of racism and while acknowledging the same, Rodrygo said that the players are now used to it.
“Very happy with the victory. It has been a pleasure to be with the Brazilian National Team,” said the forward on the ‘El Partidazo de COPE’ program, as quoted by MARCA.
“We are used to these things happening (racist acts). We always say it, but nobody does anything” added the Real Madrid star.
Rodrygo, who got a total of 21 minutes of play in Brazil’s last two encounters, will now return to club duty, hoping to keep his side’s unbeaten run intact. And as he explained, his goal is now “to continue working well at Real Madrid” and “then the World Cup”.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
