Rodri wins World Cup MVP, faces back surgery, transfer speculation swirls

Rodri Hernández was named the best player of the 2026 World Cup after leading Spain to a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final, earning his second star for La Roja and cementing his legacy Source: euronewses. The Manchester City midfielder, who won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, now joins an elite group of players who have won a World Cup, Champions League, European Championship, and Ballon d'Or Source: excelsiormx.

Surgery and recovery

New City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed Rodri will undergo back surgery on Monday: "He needs holidays. He needs to rest, recover and then he will come back with us" Source: eldiado. Reports describe the procedure as a minor outpatient intervention planned to address chronic discomfort, aiming for a full recovery before the 2026-27 season Source: excelsiormx.

Transfer speculation

Numerous sources report Real Madrid's renewed interest in the 30-year-old, whose contract enters its final year. While some outlets claim the club's president Florentino Pérez had doubts about Rodri's injury history Source: hoydo, his World Cup performance has shifted opinions, though Madrid reportedly sets a €60 million limit Source: elespanol. However, other sources indicate the club's midfield is already well-stocked and a move is not a priority Source: elconfidencial. Maresca dismissed the rumors: "Any coach wants to have Rodri because he is a top-level player" Source: infobae.

Key points

• Rodri was MVP of both the World Cup and Euro 2024 Source: euronewses.
• He completed the tournament with a pass accuracy above 93%, the most passes in a single World Cup Source: euronewses.
• His mother once said he is "away from normality" for not spending €400 on sneakers Source: elespanol.