Spain captain Rodri is set to undergo surgery on a back injury after leading his country to FIFA World Cup 2026 glory, casting fresh uncertainty over his immediate future at Manchester City. The Golden Ball winner has no confirmed timeline for his return, with the latest setback coming amid continued speculation over a possible move to Real Madrid.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a memorable summer in North America, captaining Spain to their second World Cup title while being named the tournament’s best player. Rodri started all eight matches as La Roja lifted the trophy, capping a remarkable comeback after two injury-hit seasons at club level.
However, his celebrations have been tempered by another fitness concern. Reports suggest the midfielder will require surgery to address a back issue, although neither Manchester City nor the player has indicated how long he could be sidelined.
The latest injury comes at a crucial point in Rodri’s career, with just one year remaining on his current contract at the Etihad Stadium.
RODRI TRANSFER NEWS
Rodri’s importance to Manchester City has never been in doubt, but injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress over the past two seasons.
The midfielder missed almost the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) before suffering hamstring and groin problems during the following season. Those setbacks limited him to just 33 appearances in all competitions, including only 17 Premier League starts.
Despite those fitness struggles, Rodri returned in time to inspire Spain to World Cup success. His performances throughout the tournament earned him the Golden Ball, even without registering a goal or an assist, as FIFA rewarded his control, leadership and influence in midfield.
City are expected to hold talks with the midfielder over a contract extension following the World Cup, but reports indicate Rodri has not yet shown a willingness to commit his future beyond the current deal.
REAL MADRID LINKS GAIN ATTENTION
Rodri’s contract situation has naturally fuelled speculation about a return to Spain, with Real Madrid repeatedly linked with the Ballon d’Or winner over the past year.
The midfielder has previously admitted he would like to play in his home country again at some stage of his career, making Madrid an obvious destination in transfer rumours.
However, recent reports suggest the Spanish giants are not actively pursuing a deal. Concerns surrounding Rodri’s injury record, coupled with his age and contract situation, have reportedly cooled Madrid’s interest, with the club unwilling to commit to a major transfer fee.
Any hopes of a move are now likely to depend on his recovery from surgery. Until his rehabilitation progresses and a return date becomes clearer, both his long-term future at Manchester City and the possibility of a move elsewhere remain firmly up in the air.
For City, the immediate priority will be helping one of the world’s finest midfielders recover fully. After finally putting his ACL nightmare behind him and returning to the top of world football with Spain, Rodri now faces yet another battle to regain full fitness.
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