Fresh from leading Spain to FIFA World Cup glory, Rodri now faces a completely different challenge away from the pitch. The Manchester City midfielder, who captained La Roja to a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final, is reportedly set to undergo back surgery, raising fresh doubts over his immediate future and a possible transfer to Real Madrid.
According to The Athletic, the 30-year-old midfielder will undergo an operation to address an ongoing back problem that has troubled him in recent months. Unlike some players who are expected to recover through conservative treatment, Rodri has reportedly opted for surgery in an effort to fully resolve the issue. At this stage, however, there is no official timetable for his return, leaving both Manchester City and potential suitors waiting for further medical updates.
The news comes just days after Rodri enjoyed one of the greatest moments of his career. Wearing the captain’s armband, he guided Spain to their second World Cup title by defeating defending champions Argentina after extra time. Throughout the tournament, Rodri once again demonstrated why he is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football, combining tactical intelligence, composure on the ball and exceptional leadership.
His performances throughout the competition only strengthened his reputation on the international stage. Calm under pressure, dominant in possession and crucial in protecting Spain’s defense, Rodri proved indispensable during the team’s victorious campaign. Many observers considered him one of the standout players of the tournament, reinforcing the belief that he remains among football’s elite midfielders.
However, the announcement of his upcoming surgery inevitably changes the conversation surrounding his future.
For several weeks, Rodri has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid. Reports in Spain have suggested that the midfielder is attracted by the idea of returning to La Liga and wearing the famous white shirt of Los Blancos. The prospect of joining the European giants has reportedly appealed to the Spanish international, particularly with his Manchester City contract entering its final year.
Initially, Real Madrid appeared reluctant to pursue the deal. Club president Florentino Pérez and sections of the sporting hierarchy were believed to have reservations, mainly due to Rodri’s age and previous injury concerns. Nevertheless, following his outstanding World Cup campaign, reports indicated that Madrid had begun reconsidering their position, recognizing that a player of Rodri’s experience and quality could immediately strengthen their midfield.
His contractual situation also makes the transfer particularly interesting. Rodri’s current deal with Manchester City is due to expire next summer, meaning City risk losing one of their most influential players for free if an extension is not agreed. While the Premier League champions have already presented the midfielder with a new contract proposal, uncertainty remains over whether he intends to commit his long-term future to the English club.
The latest injury, however, could complicate negotiations.
Without knowing how long Rodri will be sidelined following surgery, any club considering a move will naturally proceed with caution. Real Madrid, like any top European club, will want complete medical assurances before making a significant investment, even if the player’s transfer fee could be relatively affordable due to his contract situation.
At the same time, Rodri’s reputation has been built on years of consistent excellence rather than a single tournament. His intelligence, positional awareness, passing range and leadership qualities remain unquestioned. Should his recovery progress smoothly, there is little doubt that Europe’s biggest clubs will continue monitoring his situation closely.
🚨 | Rodri is expected to miss the start of the season as he prepares to undergo surgery on a back injury.
— City Chief (@City_Chief) July 23, 2026
Any Real Madrid move depends on Florentino Pérez giving the green light, while #ManCity remain determined to keep him.
[@TelegraphDucker] pic.twitter.com/p5wqEWqjye
For Manchester City, the priority will be ensuring that one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted players returns fully fit before making any decisions regarding his future. For Real Madrid, the coming weeks could prove decisive as they assess whether the opportunity to sign one of the world’s finest midfielders outweighs the uncertainty surrounding his physical condition.
For now, Rodri’s focus shifts from celebrating World Cup success to beginning an important recovery process. Whether this setback delays or ultimately changes his long-discussed move to the Santiago Bernabéu remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his future will remain one of the most closely watched stories of the summer transfer window.
🚨 RODRI OPÉRÉ DU DOS ! 🇪🇸🚑
— BeFootball (@_BeFootball) July 23, 2026
À peine sacré champion du monde, il va subir une opération. Sa date de retour est inconnue.
Un vrai coup dur qui pourrait compromettre son transfert espéré au Real Madrid cet été.
(@TheAthletic via @lequipe) pic.twitter.com/Q1oSQTRgDF
