Rodri Faces Back Surgery After Leading Spain to World Cup Victory
Rodri, the 30-year-old midfielder who captained Spain to their second World Cup title, is set to have back surgery. The exact date for his return to the field remains unclear. Despite not scoring or assisting, Rodri earned the Golden Ball at the tournament by starting all eight games and anchoring Spain’s midfield with consistent performances.
Since clinching a historic treble with Manchester City in the 2022-23 season, Rodri’s career has been plagued by injuries. A torn ACL sidelined him for nearly the entire 2024-25 season, followed by hamstring and groin issues during 2025-26. His absence will certainly impact Manchester City, though their recent signing of Elliot Anderson might ease the transition as the club begins the 2026-27 campaign.
Uncertain Future at Manchester City Sparks Transfer Talk
With just one year left on his current contract, Rodri hasn’t shown interest in extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium. This has fueled speculation about a move back to Spain, where he once mentioned wanting to return. Rumors link him to Real Madrid, yet reports suggest Los Blancos are hesitant, valuing him at no more than €60 million due to his injury record.
The future remains open, but for now, all eyes are on Rodri’s recovery after a remarkable World Cup run that crowned him one of the tournament’s standout players despite physical setbacks.
