When Rodri lifted 2024 Ballon d’Or, it had it as if the world was finally applauding the midfielder who did it all, won the Premier League with Manchester City, success in Europe with Spain and providing performances that seemed inviolable. At that time, there were debates about whether he really deserved it. Some argued that Vincius Jnior, fresh from the Laliga and Champions League with Real Madrid, was robbed. This discussion disappeared, replaced by another story. Rodri has hardly influenced the trophy victory.
Almost immediately after the Paris ceremony, Rodri’s football universe changed. Instead of dominating matches, it was more often seen how limp them. The price came when he was driving a serious knee injury, a cracked ACL and an unpleasant meniscus.
Since the night in October, his performances were sporadic and short. He played five Premier League games, two Champions League trips and several Spanish shields and finished 90 minutes only twice. His latest portrait in Brentford lasted only 22 minutes, with the midfielder clutching his hamstring, a scene that became too well known and had fans and scientists question his immediate future. Rodri was again injured during the city of VS Brentford. (Reuters Photo)
The Spanish Football Federation confirmed that Rodri had stepped out of World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria. Midfielder Manchester City, who has been limited to 15 matches since last season, is now focusing exclusively on re -obtaining fitness and sharpness for the club and the country. His absence is a blow in Spain, which relies on him to anchor his middle field, checking the possession and playing of the connection between defense and attack.
Long way back
Pep Guardiola was clear about the challenge ahead of us. He said before a trip to West London, who spoke to the city of West London, said he would take Rodri back to his Ballon d’Or level.
“He will be caused to play in Brentford, but if he returns to the player last year, he will have time,” Guardiola explained before the clash of Brentford, emphasizing caution with 29 years.
Rodri’s body was persistent in testing. August brought another failure and added to a total of 53 games missed in 236 days. It was soon replaced in a draw of the city 2-2 with Monaco, missed 5-1 victories over Burnley and was forced after only 22 minutes against Brentford. Rodri had to leave the field within 22 minutes vs Brentford. (Reuters Photo)
For players whose vision, tactical consciousness and passage range were the key to the middle field engine in Manchester City, every minute missed feels like a gap in the rhythm of the team.
Career interrupted, not defined
It might feel tempting to ask if there is “Ballon d’Or curse” or whether Rodri has already given the best. To assess him about his absence would not be fair.
Before this launch of the disaster, he proved to be one of the European elite midfielders who was able to dictate games with intelligence, timing and technical brilliance. His ability to read the game, break opposition attacks and start offensive transitions makes it a rare middle field talent.
At the crucial moments, the backbone of the city and Spain was felt so eager, especially last season on the side of Pep Guardiola.
Recent trips were limited and frustrating, but there is a reason to believe that Rodri’s best is not behind him. With careful management from Guardiola and Spain, he can still get back the dominance that has earned him the highest individual honor of football. Fans hope to see him back in full swing, organize the game and set the pace as he did, and at the same time reminded why he was selected as the best European midfielder in 2024. When will we see Rodri’s right return? (Reuters Photo)
Rodri, now excluded from Spanish important World Championship qualifiers, let the fans wondered if he would be able to make a comeback until the Premier League Football Returns would see that Manchester City will accept Everton. His way back from the injury will be carefully monitored because supporters hope to witness a midfielder who will return to the form that made him the winner of Ballon d’Or, which proves that resistance and patience can eventually restore him to his rightful PP
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Published:
Debodinna Chakracorty
Published on:
6th October 2025
