Rodri to have back surgery after Spain's 2026 World Cup triumph
Synopsis
Days after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, Spain captain Rodri is reportedly heading for back surgery — his second major operation in under two years. With just one year left on his Manchester City contract and Real Madrid links intensifying, this injury could be the catalyst that ends his time at the Etihad.
Key Takeaways
Rodri is reportedly set to undergo back surgery , sidelining him again after the 2026 FIFA World Cup .
The 30-year-old won the Golden Ball for his performances across eight matches as Spain claimed their second World Cup title .
He suffered ligament damage in September 2024 and managed only 33 appearances last season, including 17 Premier League starts .
Manchester City signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million this summer amid Rodri's injury concerns.
Rodri has one year remaining on his City contract and is reportedly keen on a return to Real Madrid .
Tchouameni and Camavinga are attracting Premier League interest, with their futures partly contingent on Rodri's next move.
Spain captain Rodri is reportedly set for another extended injury absence after reports emerged that the midfielder will undergo surgery on a back injury. The news surfaces just days after the 30-year-old claimed the Golden Ball — awarded to the FIFA World Cup Player of the Tournament — for his commanding performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
World Cup Glory, Then a Setback
Rodri was the fulcrum of Spain's midfield across all eight matches at the tournament, guiding La Roja to their second FIFA World Cup title. His composed, metronomic presence in the centre of the park earned him the tournament's individual top honour. The back surgery news, however, threatens to cut short his momentum at what should have been the peak of his career.
A Body Under Strain
This is not Rodri's first brush with serious injury. In September 2024, he suffered ligament damage that ruled him out for virtually the entire 2024-25 season. Subsequent hamstring and groin problems further disrupted his return last season, restricting him to just 33 appearances across all competitions — including only 17 Premier League starts. When he did return for Manchester City, his former manager Pep Guardiola later acknowledged that Rodri had been rushed back too soon.
Contract and Transfer Speculation
The timing of the injury adds fresh complexity to Rodri's club future. He has just one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, and according to reports, the Spain captain is keen on a return to Real Madrid. That interest has reportedly intensified following his starring role in Spain's World Cup victory. City, meanwhile, have moved to reinforce their midfield options, completing the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer — a move widely seen as contingency planning around Rodri's uncertain availability.
Ripple Effect on Tchouameni and Camavinga
Rodri's situation is also being watched closely for its knock-on effect at Real Madrid. Reports suggest that Aurelien Tchouameni, 26, and Eduardo Camavinga, 23, are attracting interest from several Premier League clubs. Manchester United have a long-standing interest in Tchouameni but have not made fresh enquiries since initial contacts months ago, reportedly deterred by the player's price tag and wage demands. Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal have all been linked with Camavinga, whose age and experience make him an attractive proposition — though the central question remains whether Madrid would sanction either departure.
What Happens Next
No timeline for Rodri's return has been confirmed, and the extent of the back surgery's impact on his availability for the start of the 2025-26 club season remains unclear. His contract situation, transfer interest, and injury history together make this one of the most consequential midfield storylines of the summer transfer window.
Point of View
Not a run of bad luck. Two major surgeries in under two years, plus hamstring and groin complications, raise legitimate questions about whether a player who returned 'too quickly' by his own manager's admission was ever fully fit during the World Cup. Manchester City paid £116 million for Anderson partly as insurance — that tells you everything about how the club privately assesses Rodri's durability. The Real Madrid transfer narrative is compelling, but a club of Madrid's ambitions will want medical assurances before committing to a player with this injury profile, however glittering his recent trophy haul.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rodri having back surgery?
Rodri is reportedly undergoing surgery to address a back injury, details of which have not been fully disclosed. The procedure follows a difficult two-year period in which he also suffered ligament damage, hamstring, and groin problems.
How did Rodri perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Rodri was Spain's standout player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring across all eight of La Roja's matches as they won the title. He was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
What is Rodri's contract situation at Manchester City?
Rodri has just one year remaining on his Manchester City contract. Reports indicate he is keen on a return to Real Madrid, with interest in the move growing after Spain's World Cup triumph.
Who did Manchester City sign to replace Rodri?
Manchester City signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million this summer, widely seen as a move to strengthen the midfield in light of Rodri's recurring injury absences.
How does Rodri's situation affect Tchouameni and Camavinga?
Rodri's potential departure from City to Real Madrid could influence the futures of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga at Madrid. Manchester United have shown interest in Tchouameni, while City, Chelsea, and Arsenal have been linked with Camavinga, though whether either player would leave Madrid remains uncertain.
