Golden Ball Winner Rodri Faces Surgery and Real Madrid Exit

Just days after lifting the World Cup trophy as Spain's captain and walking away with the Golden Ball, Rodri is facing the prospect of a significant injury layoff. According to The Guardian, the 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder has a back problem that may require surgery and is expected to miss the start of the club season.

The timing is brutal. Rodri had returned to his very best at the tournament after two injury-ravaged seasons at club level, including a serious anterior cruciate ligament rupture in September 2024. To peak so brilliantly at the World Cup only to be struck down again underlines how fine the line is between triumph and setback at the top level.

Sky Sports adds another layer to the saga, reporting that Rodri is actively pushing for a move to Real Madrid despite the imminent surgery. Manchester City now face the real possibility of losing their World Cup-winning talisman at his lowest physical moment, and one of the most decorated summers any player has ever enjoyed could lead straight into an operating theatre.