Rodri is heading for the operating table. The Spain captain, fresh off leading his country to World Cup glory and being named the tournament’s Golden Ball winner, will undergo back surgery on Monday, new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed. The news comes as speculation swirled over the midfielder’s long-term future at the club, talk Maresca was quick to dismiss.
Two seasons ravaged by injury
At 30, Rodri finds himself in a strange position: at the very top of the world game after winning the World Cup, yet his body has repeatedly let him down at club level. An anterior cruciate ligament injury ruled him out for the majority of the 2024-25 campaign, and further setbacks limited his availability again in 2025-26 at Manchester City.
The back issue now requiring surgery adds another frustrating chapter to a run of physical setbacks for a player who, not long ago, swept the board individually as reigning Ballon d’Or winner.
Maresca brushes off transfer speculation
With Rodri’s name linked to interest elsewhere, Enzo Maresca was unequivocal: there is no intention of letting his on-field captain leave. The Italian coach stressed that the Spaniard remains central to his plans once he is fully recovered.
No official offer for Rodri has been confirmed at this stage, and by all available information, any talk of a departure remains speculation rather than a concrete development.
Back to his best at the World Cup
Rodri started all eight of Spain’s matches at the tournament, rediscovering his best form at exactly the right moment as the Roja won the World Cup for the second time. The performance earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s outstanding player, a year on from already being crowned the world’s best with the Ballon d’Or.
FAQ
Why is Rodri having surgery?
Rodri has a back issue that requires surgery, scheduled for this Monday, as confirmed by Enzo Maresca.
Is Rodri leaving Manchester City?
No transfer has been confirmed. Enzo Maresca dismissed the speculation and said he plans to build around Rodri once he recovers.
How did Rodri perform at the World Cup?
He started all eight of Spain’s matches as they won the World Cup, and he was named the tournament’s best player, winning the Golden Ball.
How long has Rodri been out injured recently?
An ACL injury sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 season, followed by further fitness setbacks in 2025-26.
Has Rodri won a major individual award before?
Yes, he was already the reigning Ballon d’Or winner before adding the World Cup Golden Ball to his collection.
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