Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has been ruled out for the rest of the season and the upcoming World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury, leaving the Brazil international heartbroken. The 25-year-old later admitted he felt cruel at times and said he didn’t know if he “deserved it”.
The injury occurred during Real Madrid’s La Liga game against Getafe after Rodrygo came on as a second-half substitute. Just 11 minutes after entering the field, he buckled his knee during a feint on the wing and medical tests later confirmed a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee, prompting an emotional reaction from the Brazilian on social media.
“There has been a huge obstacle in my life, in my career, which for a while prevents me from doing what I love most. I’m out of season with my club and out of the World Cup with my country, a dream that everyone knows how much it means to me. All I can do is be strong as always; that’s nothing new,” wrote Rodrygo.
“One of the worst days of my life. I’ve always been afraid of this injury. Maybe life has been a little cruel to me lately… I don’t know if I deserve it, but what can I complain about? I’ve had so many amazing things that I didn’t deserve either.”
Rodrygo has been an important part of Real Madrid’s squad this season, making 27 appearances across all competitions. The Brazilian striker scored three goals and provided six assists, often contributing with his pace and creativity on the wing.
RODRYG’S WORLD CUP DREAM STRUGGLED
The injury also marked a heartbreaking end to Rodrygo’s hopes of representing Brazil at the upcoming World Cup.
While he was not included in Brazil’s final four World Cup qualifiers, national team coach Carlo Ancelotti relied on him during international friendlies in October and November as Brazil fine-tuned their attacking options ahead of the tournament.
With his recovery expected to take several months, Rodrygo will now miss the World Cup entirely, dealing a blow to Brazil’s attacking depth heading into the global event.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also released a statement expressing support for the player.
“The CBF expresses its solidarity with the athlete Rodrygo Goes, striker of Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, who suffered a serious injury during the match against Getafe in the Spanish league. The CBF wishes the athlete a speedy recovery and that he returns to the field as soon as possible.”
NEYMAR CONSOLE RODRYGO
Brazil star Neymar was among the first to send a message of support to Rodrygo after news of the injury emerged.
Neymar, who himself suffered a similar ACL and meniscus injury in 2023, said the news brought back painful memories of his own road to recovery.
He described the experience as one filled with suffering, anxiety and fear, while expressing sympathy for Rodrygo as the young striker begins his rehabilitation.
With surgery and months of recovery, Rodrygo now faces the difficult challenge of regaining his fitness and coming back stronger after one of the worst setbacks of his career.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
March 4, 2026 11:04 AM IST
