Manchester City’s Midfielder Rodri to Undergo Minor Back Surgery After World Cup Golden Ball Success

Rodri led Spain to the 2026 World Cup title in North America, securing the Golden Ball as the tournament’s outstanding performer. Nevertheless, he is expected to undergo surgery to address a back issue, although Manchester City maintain that his upcoming season will not be impacted.

According to Sam Lee and Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, Rodri is scheduled to have surgery before the 2026‑27 campaign begins. The problem is a back discomfort, and a precise return date remains unknown.

Earlier updates, however, portray a more favorable picture. Spanish publication The reason reported on June 29 – while the World Cup was still in progress – that Rodri would need surgery for a minor back injury that did not interfere with his training or involvement with the squad.

the midfielder started every single game for Spain at the World Cup, completing the most passes in the tournament and securing the Golden Ball as the competition’s best player. He missed only the opening match against Cape Verde (87 minutes played) and the final against Argentina, where he was substituted in the 99th minute.

Rodri #16 of Spain lifts the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy.

The reason reported roughly a month ago that the back discomfort is not serious and can be corrected with a brief outpatient procedure. “In and out,” sources close to the player said. “It’s sorted out in less than fifteen minutes.”

Rodri’s future remains a talking point in Manchester

With Pep Guardiola’s departure and Enzo Maresca installed as the new head coach, Manchester City are intensifying their squad rebuilding this summer. Midfielder Rodri, a long‑term target for Real Madrid, has indicated that a return to Spain – and especially to Madrid – remains a possibility.

Transfer expert Matteo Moretto reports that Rodri has given Real Madrid the green light, having already secured a contractual agreement with club president Florentino Pérez. Pérez is now eager to bring the World Cup MVP to the Bernabéu. The next step will be formal negotiations between the clubs, a process Los Blancos will find challenging given Manchester City’s valuation.

One of the most high‑profile signings this summer was Elliot Anderson’s £116 million move from Nottingham Forest, a transaction that could open up a midfield spot should Rodri decide to leave. Currently on post‑World Cup vacation, the Spaniard is set to return for Manchester City’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal on August 16, a date that may serve as a deadline for him to finalize his future plans.

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