The shocking stat that could cement Rodrygo as Real Madrid’s worst striker ever

Time keeps slipping away for Rodrygo as he struggles to find the back of the net. The Brazilian forward has now gone 30 official games without scoring for Real Madrid. After Sunday’s draw at Girona, his drought stood at 1,339 minutes without a goal, creating a streak no player wants to claim.

Rodrygo has now tied Mariano Díaz’s record for the most consecutive games without a goal for Madrid - 30 matches totaling 986 minutes between 2020 and 2022, according to data from Míster Chip. He is also dangerously close to breaking Rafa Marañón’s long-standing club record of 1,416 minutes over 29 matches between 1972 and 1974, the longest scoring drought for a Real Madrid forward.

Nine months without a goal in official matches

It has been 273 days since Rodrygo, 24, last scored in an official Madrid match. His 68th goal for the club came on March 4 at the Bernabéu, opening the Champions League knockout tie against Atlético Madrid. Since then, Real has scored 83 goals, with 17 different players on the scoresheet.

Top scorers during this span include Kylian Mbappé with 39 goals, Vinicius Jr. with 9, Jude Bellingham 8, Arda Güler 6, and several others contributing multiple times. Even defenders like Rüdiger and Militao have found the net, leaving Rodrygo as the only regular attacker yet to score.

Some bright spots amid the drought

There have been small victories along the way. Rodrygo scored in a friendly against WSG Tirol and has contributed three assists in official games: for Tchouameni vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey, for Gonzalo vs. Al Hilal, and for Camavinga against Kairat.

Rodrygo has continued to shine with the Brazilian national team. During the October international break, he scored twice against South Korea, starting in three of Brazil’s last four friendlies and performing well. With Madrid, he has played in 15 games this season but started only four, facing stiff competition for attacking spots.

Upcoming fixtures offer Rodrygo hope

Looking ahead, Madrid faces Rodrygo’s favorite opponents: Manchester City on Wednesday, December 10, and Sevilla on Saturday, December 20, against whom he has scored four goals each. He also has a strong record against Athletic Bilbao, with three goals. These matches could be the perfect opportunity for him to finally break his unwanted streak.