If Rodri looked through the bus window of the Spanish national team when leaving Dallas after the victory over France in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, he would probably see the roller coasters of Six Flags Park in the distance. However, the ups and downs that this midfielder has experienced in the past 3 years are even more intense than any roller coaster.
From the hero who scored goals to help Manchester City win the 2023 Champions League, won EURO 2024 with the Spanish national team and won the Golden Ball, Rodri then faced a serious knee ligament injury that seemed like it could ruin his career. The long recovery process with many recurrences caused him to go through the most difficult period in his career.
After regaining fitness and form this summer, Rodri entered the 2026 World Cup final with great confidence.
A year ago, at the FIFA Club World Cup with Man City, Rodri had the first positive signs in his recovery process when he took the field against Juventus. However, in the match against Al-Hilal, he had to leave the field in extra time because he felt his knee was not stable, and Man City was eliminated. Coach Pep Guardiola later revealed that Rodri himself took the initiative to ask for a substitution because he was not in the best condition.
12 months later, also in the US, Rodri became the "heart" where the midfield helped Spain defeat France to win the right to the World Cup final. After the match, coach Luis de la Fuente gave special praise to his student: "Rodri is a pillar in the midfield, helping everything run smoothly".
That is a very noteworthy compliment because De la Fuente always values collective strength more than outstanding individuals. Although the 2026 World Cup gathers a series of superstars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane, Spain still advanced to the final thanks to a cohesive playing style, in which Rodri is the most important link.
Today we are facing one of the strongest teams in the world. But they also have to face the strongest team in the world" - De la Fuente affirmed after the victory over France.
Not scoring or assisting like Messi and Mbappe, Rodri made a difference with a silent performance. He won 11 tackles, more than the entire French midfield combined, achieving an accurate pass rate of 87%, making four tackles and twice recovering the ball.
In Pedro Porro's second goal, fans often paid attention to the combination between Dani Olmo and Tottenham defenders. However, the starting point of that situation was Rodri's quick ball control and handling, opening up an attack leading to a goal.
Statistics at the 2026 World Cup further show the influence of the 29-year-old midfielder. No player touches the ball more than Rodri (794 times), makes more successful passes (655) or has more through-the-line passes (106). That is the class that helped him win the Ballon d'Or in 2024.
After two long breaks due to injury last season, many people once doubted Rodri's ability to return to the top. However, both Pep Guardiola and Luis de la Fuente believe that he will be in the best condition when the 2026 World Cup takes place and reality has proven that.
After a difficult journey to overcome injury, Rodri is now only one match away from the World Cup trophy. If he and Spain defeat Argentina in the final, it will be the perfect ending to the extraordinary comeback journey of the world's best midfielder.
