Rodri's World Cup win caps remarkable comeback from injury

As Spain captain Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy into the New Jersey sky on Sunday, he added the greatest prize in football to an already glittering collection. The Manchester City playmaker now boasts a Ballon d'Or, a European Championship, a Nations League, four Premier League titles, a Champions League, and numerous other domestic honors. With Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina, Rodri became a world champion, steering his side to its first World Cup triumph since 2010 and stitching a second star on the national shirt. He was also named player of the tournament.

The 30-year-old joins an exclusive group of men's players who have won the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or: Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer, and Zinedine Zidane. Yet until recently, such success seemed out of reach. In September 2024, Rodri ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, raising doubts about whether he could return to the heights that saw him clinch the Treble with City in 2023 and the Euros with Spain in 2024. Recovery from such a major injury takes time, and only glimpses of his old form appeared last season. Now it appears Rodri was simply biding his time, patiently waiting for full fitness to peak at the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Rodri's role in Spain's triumph

While 19-year-old Lamine Yamal provides flair and creativity, Rodri is the puppet master. His role in midfield may often go under the radar, but he strings the team together. Throughout Spain's World Cup campaign, he completed 756 passes—the most in a single edition on record since 1966. He featured in all eight of La Roja's matches, topping the metrics for touches (910), passes in the opposition half (428), and line-breaking passes (122), including 76 in the final third. Only three players on record (since 1966) have completed 100 or more passes in a World Cup final: Brazil's Dunga in 1994 (130), defender Pau Cubarsi (121), and Rodri (101)—both in this year's edition.

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague said: "Rodri was absolutely outstanding. He is not only the guy who ran the longest in the whole tournament and average per game, the amount of passes he gives to beat defenders, he is at his sharpest, he is at Ballon d'Or level. This is Rodri's team."

Future uncertainty amid Real Madrid links

Rodri's future in Manchester remains uncertain, with only one year left on his contract and Real Madrid reportedly interested. New City boss Enzo Maresca is unlikely to want to let Rodri go, but the situation naturally carries uncertainty. A second Ballon d'Or does not seem out of reach, though he may not have played enough club football to be the favorite in a stacked field. Rodri is currently linked with a move to Real Madrid, where returning manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen on the composure, defensive ability, and ball control of the former Atletico and Villarreal midfielder. One thing is certain: his World Cup performance has placed him as a hot property—one City would surely not want to part with but would fetch a premium price if they did.

Comeback from ACL injury

Returning from an ACL injury is notoriously difficult. Rodri suffered the injury in September 2024, mere months after Spain's Euros triumph, and missed the rest of that season. He featured sporadically last campaign before regaining full fitness for the World Cup. His patience and determination have paid off, culminating in a tournament that has elevated his stock to an all-time high.