Rodri to Undergo Back Surgery Following Spain's World Cup Victory

Rodri Faces Surgery After Leading Spain to World Cup Glory

Rodri, the 30-year-old captain of Spain’s national team, is set to undergo back surgery after guiding his country to its second-ever World Cup title. The midfielder does not have a clear timeline for when he will return to action on the field.

Despite not scoring or assisting in the tournament, Rodri earned the Golden Ball award at this summer’s World Cup. His influence was felt throughout all eight matches as he anchored the midfield and helped Spain dictate the pace and style of play.

Injury Struggles Shadow Recent Seasons

Since achieving a historic treble with Manchester City in the 2022-23 season, Rodri has battled through a series of injuries. A torn ACL sidelined him for almost the entire 2024-25 season, and last year he faced setbacks with hamstring and groin issues.

The loss of Rodri is a significant setback for Manchester City. Still, their recent signing of Elliot Anderson may provide some relief as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.

Uncertainty Surrounds Rodri’s Manchester City Future

Rodri’s contract with Manchester City runs out in one year, and there are no signs he intends to extend it. The midfielder has been linked with a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid, fueled by his past statements about wanting to play in Spain again.

Reports suggest Real Madrid are hesitant to meet the asking price due to Rodri’s injury record, valuing him at up to €60 million. Their interest appears cautious rather than enthusiastic at this stage.

“Rodri started all eight games for La Roja and was credited with helping his team to play on their own terms with all-around play in the middle of the park.”

The Spain captain lifted the World Cup trophy alongside his teammates after their victory over Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026. This triumph adds another remarkable chapter to Rodri’s career but also marks the beginning of a recovery period that could keep him off the pitch for an extended time.