Rodri to Undergo Back Surgery After World Cup Triumph
WHO:
The Business Standard - Rodri won the Golden Ball following the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
FOX Sports - Manchester City midfielder Rodri will undergo back surgery.
FOX Sports - Coach Enzo Maresca confirmed the surgery.
Yahoo Sports - Real Madrid is interested in signing Rodri.
Yahoo Sports - Florentino Pérez is involved in the decision-making regarding Rodri's potential transfer.
WHAT:
The Business Standard - Rodri completed one of football's most inspiring comeback stories by winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball.
The Business Standard - Rodri has made more than 250 appearances and scored over 25 goals across all competitions for Manchester City since joining the club.
FOX Sports - Rodri will have back surgery next week.
FOX Sports - Rodri sustained ACL damage in 2024 and had an injury-disrupted campaign before winning the World Cup with Spain.
Yahoo Sports - Real Madrid has changed its stance and is now actively pursuing a deal for Rodri.
Yahoo Sports - Rodri's Manchester City contract is set to expire in 12 months.
WHERE:
Yahoo Sports - Real Madrid is located in Spain.
FOX Sports - The surgery will take place in Manchester.
WHEN:
The Business Standard - Rodri's Golden Ball win occurred on 19 July 2026.
FOX Sports - Rodri's surgery is scheduled for Monday.
Yahoo Sports - Real Madrid is operating on the basis that Rodri will be joining the club this summer.
WHY:
The Business Standard - Rodri's performances during the tournament earned him the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament.
Yahoo Sports - Real Madrid's change in stance is due to Rodri's performance level and role in Spain's World Cup triumph.
FOX Sports - Maresca expressed a desire for Rodri to stay at Manchester City amid transfer speculation.
HOW:
The Business Standard - Rodri's achievements include winning the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or, placing him among legends such as Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, and Zinedine Zidane.
Yahoo Sports - Negotiations for Rodri's transfer have been initiated with intermediaries.
(UPDATED July 25, 2026 07:39 UTC)
Rodri has completed one of football's most inspiring comeback stories by winning the Golden Ball following the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19, 2026. His outstanding performances throughout the tournament earned him the award as the best player, adding to an impressive list of achievements that includes winning the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or. Since joining Manchester City, Rodri has made over 250 appearances and scored more than 25 goals across all competitions, solidifying his place among football legends like Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, and Zinedine Zidane.
--
(UPDATED July 25, 2026 01:26 UTC)
Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, is set to undergo back surgery next Monday, as confirmed by coach Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Real Madrid has shifted its approach and is actively pursuing a deal for Rodri, whose contract with Manchester City expires in 12 months, with negotiations already underway. This change comes in light of Rodri's impressive performance during Spain's World Cup victory, although Maresca has expressed a desire for him to remain with the club amid the transfer speculation.