'World Cup Golden Ball' Rodri to Undergo Surgery… Return Date Unset

Rodri (30), who led Spain to victory at the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup and won the Golden Ball (Best Player Award), is ultimately heading for the operating table.

Enzo Maresca (46), the newly appointed manager of English professional football club Manchester City, revealed plans for Rodri's back surgery during his inaugural press conference held on the 25th (Korean time).

Manager Maresca stated, "Rodri will undergo surgery on Monday. Afterward, he will take a vacation, rest, recover, and then return."

He did not specifically mention a timeline for his return.

Rodri started in all of Spain's matches at this World Cup, playing a pivotal role in their second-ever tournament victory and embracing the Golden Ball.

However, he has endured a harsh past two seasons due to injuries at Manchester City.

During the 2024-2025 season, he missed most of the matches due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear, and he had to frequently sit out last season as well due to successive injuries.

Rodri, the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or, returned in top physical condition for this World Cup and put on a stellar performance, but now finds himself facing immediate surgery.

Manager Maresca drew a line regarding recent rumors linking Rodri with a transfer to Real Madrid.

Manager Maresca said, "There are always rumors surrounding exceptional players, so I am not worried. Spain won the World Cup and Rodri is one of the best players, so any manager would want him. He is a top-tier player."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.