World Cup winner Rodri has undergone back surgery amid speculation about a move to Real Madrid

Spain captain Rodri is set to undergo surgery on a back injury after leading his country to glory at the 2026 World Cup, sparking fresh uncertainty over his immediate future at Manchester City. The Ballon d’Or 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 and was named the best player of the tournament. Rodri started all eight matches as La Roja lifted the trophy, completing a remarkable comeback after two injury-hit seasons at club level.

However, his celebrations were tempered by another fitness concern. Reports suggest the midfielder will need surgery to fix a back problem, although Manchester City and the player have not said 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 questioned, but injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress over the past two seasons.

The midfielder missed almost the entire 2024-25 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and suffered hamstring and groin problems the following season. These setbacks limited him to just 33 appearances in all competitions, including just 17 Premier League starts.

Despite these fitness issues, Rodri returned in time to inspire Spain to World Cup success. His performances throughout the tournament earned him the Ballon d’Or, although he did not record a goal or assist as FIFA rewarded his control, leadership and influence in midfield.

City are expected to hold talks with the midfielder over a contract extension after the World Cup, but reports suggest that Rodri has yet to show his willingness to commit to a future beyond his current contract.

REAL MADRID LINKS GAIN ATTENTION

Rodri’s contract has naturally fueled speculation of a return to Spain, with Real Madrid repeatedly linked with the Ballon d’Or winner over the past year.

The midfielder has previously admitted that he would like to play in his native country again at some point in his career, making Madrid an obvious transfer target.

However, recent reports suggest that the Spanish giants are not actively pursuing a deal. Concerns surrounding Rodri’s injury, along with his age and contract status, have reportedly cooled Madrid’s interest, with the club unwilling to commit to a large 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.

Helping one of the world’s best midfielders fully recover will be an immediate priority for City. After finally putting his ACL nightmare behind him and returning to the summit of world football with Spain, Rodri now faces another battle to regain full fitness.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

23 Jul 2026 11:17 IST