Rodri to Undergo Back Surgery Following Spain's World Cup Victory
Rodri, the 30-year-old midfielder and captain of Spain, is set for back surgery after guiding his nation to their second World Cup title. There’s no clear timeline for when he might return to the field.
The Spain skipper earned the Golden Ball at this year’s tournament despite not scoring or assisting any goals. Still, Rodri started all eight matches and was praised for controlling the midfield and allowing Spain to dictate play throughout the competition.
Injury Struggles Following Manchester City Success
Since helping Manchester City claim a historic treble in the 2022-23 season, Rodri has battled through various injuries. He missed nearly the entire 2024-25 campaign due to an ACL tear and dealt with hamstring and groin problems in the 2025-26 season.
Losing Rodri is a significant setback for Manchester City. The club hopes new signing Elliot Anderson can help offset his absence as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.
Uncertain Future at Manchester City Sparks Transfer Rumors
Rodri’s contract at Manchester City expires in one year, and there’s no sign he plans to extend it. The former Ballon d’Or winner has been linked repeatedly with a move to Real Madrid, with the midfielder having expressed a wish to play again in Spain during his career.
Despite speculation, reports suggest Real Madrid are hesitant to meet the asking price due to Rodri’s injury record. The Spanish giants reportedly value him around €60 million, which may complicate any transfer.
Iconic World Cup Moment
On July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Rodri celebrated lifting the World Cup trophy alongside his teammates after Spain’s victory over Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Final. This moment capped an unforgettable summer for the captain, even as he now faces a challenging recovery ahead.
