Rodri
MCI
Signs with Barcelona
Rodri has left Manchester City to join Barcelona, bringing to an end a seven-year spell at the Etihad, the club announced.
Analysis: One of the biggest transfers of the summer, Rodri's return to Spain is the culmination of a remarkable chapter. He made 298 appearances for City, won 14 major trophies including the 2023 Champions League and four Premier League titles, and claimed the 2024 Ballon d'Or. He then capped it all with a World Cup Golden Ball as Spain lifted the 2026 title, captaining the side throughout the tournament. The midfielder is currently still working his way back from minor back surgery, and once fit he looks set to slot alongside Pedri in what would be a formidable Barcelona midfield partnership.
Absent from Shield squad
Rodri has been left out of Manchester City's squad for Sunday's Community Shield against Arsenal, the club announced.
Analysis: Rodri had recently returned to City's training ground following successful minor back surgery after the World Cup, with coach Enzo Maresca noting he was in rehab and it remained unclear when he'd be ready for full training sessions. His absence from this squad comes amid ongoing transfer speculation linking him to a possible move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona, adding further uncertainty to his overall situation. Mateo Kovacic is set to start in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson in his absence. Rodri is expected to provide further clarity on both his fitness timeline and his transfer situation as the window progresses.
Back in Manchester
Rodri (back) was spotted at the training ground in Manchester Friday and could be an option for Sunday's Community Shield against Arsenal, despite transfer links to either Real Madrid or Barcelona for a potential imminent move, according to coach Enzo Maresca, per Sam Lee of The Athletic. "First of all, as I already said, the window transfer is open, we can buy players, we can sell, anything can happen, I just saw Rodri now in the building, I gave him a big hug, He looked good. We will see what happens."
Analysis: Rodri recently underwent successful minor back surgery and has begun a short rehabilitation spell, with Nico Gonzalez and Mateo Kovacic expected to pick up additional minutes while he works his way back to full fitness. His return to the club amid ongoing transfer speculation adds another layer of uncertainty to his situation, with more clarity likely to emerge as the window progresses. Rodri could be available for Sunday's Community Shield against Arsenal since manager Enzo Maresca confirmed he has a fully fit squad for the game and that Rodri was looking good.
Undergoes successful surgery
Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery and will begin a short period of rehabilitation, according to the club.
Analysis: Rodri had been feeling discomfort for some time before undergoing the procedure, and the club described the recovery period as short, though no concrete return timeline has been given. The World Cup Golden Ball winner is a key figure in City's midfield, and Nico Gonzalez and Mateo Kovacic figure to see increased playing time while he works through his rehabilitation ahead of the new 2026/27 Premier League season.
Will undergo back surgery
Rodri will undergo back surgery and doesn't have a timetable to return, according to Sam Lee and Guillermo Rai of The Athletic.
Analysis: The 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner will go under the knife to determine when he'll be back on the pitch, though a concrete recovery period and estimated return will be given once the surgery happens. Losing Rodri is huge for Manchester City, as he's a key player in the middle of the park. Nico Gonzalez and Mateo Kovacic should see more playing time while Rodri is out.
Wins World Cup Golden Ball
Rodri had one shot (zero on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Argentina.
Analysis: Rodri concluded a superb tournament with another impactful display, completing 101 of his 106 pass attempts and winning three of his four tackles in addition to a decent offensive output. Despite not being directly involved in any goal, the midfielder impressed for his vision, versatility and presence all around the field, leading him to earn the Golden Ball award as the best player of the competition. With a European Championship and a World Cup now on his resume, and having overcome a devastating knee injury between 2024 and 2025, Rodri is once again performing at his peak at age 30, ranking among the most complete players in the world.
Strong outing in semifinal
Rodri generated four tackles (one won) and two clearances in Tuesday's 2-0 win versus France.
Analysis: Rodri continued to show his quality by winning 11 of his 16 duels and completing 59 passes during his seventh straight World Cup start. The only downside of his performance was the fact that he failed to generate a shot or a scoring chance after a run of three games with at least one of each of those actions. He has been at his best throughout the summer competition, granting all-around upside in every game as he operates as his team's shield and engine in the midfield zone.
Creates two chances in win
Rodri had one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Friday's 2-1 win against Belgium.
Analysis: Rodri continues to shine as a holding midfielder for La Roja, and while he doesn't get involved in finishing plays often, he created two chances and came close to the 100-pass mark. He's made at least 85 passes in every game and over 90 in four of his six starts. He's also averaging 1.5 chances created per game in the World Cup.
Wins Man of the Match
Rodri had one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 1-0 win against Portugal.
Analysis: Rodri was handed the Man of the Match by FIFA on Monday, contributing on both sides of the ball in his anchor role. He would earn a shot, a chance created and one cross in the attack, although his defensive efforts in the clean sheet were more impressive, notching a clearance and four tackles won. He also completed 87 passes as he always remains around the ball, having completed 85 passes or more in all five games this World Cup.
Holding presence in midfield
Rodri registered one shot (zero on goal) and two chances created in Thursday's 3-0 victory against Austria.
Analysis: Rodri logged a full 90 for a third consecutive game, and he was the defensive anchor the team needed in midfield. The Manchester City playmaker has racked up 13 tackles, six clearances and two interceptions in four World Cup starts while also helping Spain record four straight clean sheets. His holding role limits his fantasy upside, though.
Set for postponed surgery
Rodri (undisclosed) is expected to have surgery after the World Cup to address a minor underlying complaint, which could see him miss the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season under new coach Enzo Maresca, according to Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Rodri started all three of Spain's group stage fixtures off the back of a heavily disrupted domestic campaign, completing 100 or more passes in three straight matches while continuing to contribute defensively with five tackles and one clearance in the win over Uruguay. The planned procedure suggests Manchester City's medical staff want to address the issue properly during the offseason rather than risk further disruption, even if it means the 30-year-old midfielder is unavailable for the opening weeks of the new campaign.
Leads team in tackles
Rodri recorded five tackles (four won) and one clearance in Friday's 1-0 win over Uruguay.
Analysis: Rodri was back in the midfield as Spain closed out the group stage with a win, playing the full 90. He would see most of his work in the defense with five tackles (four won) and one interception as they earned a clean sheet. However, he remains always involved, as it is his third straight game with 100 passes or more completed.
Completes 113 passes
Rodri recorded one shot, a chance created and two tackles won in Sunday's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Rodri was not able to earn a goal contribution Sunday but was still mainly the center of play for Spain, earning a team-leading 113 passes in the win. This now gives him a stunning 229 passes completed in two matches at the World Cup. He should remain in this role as the tournament progresses, hopefully leading to a goal contribution as they make a run for glory.
Creates three chances Monday
Rodri generated two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and three chances created in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Analysis: Rodri unsurprisingly started Spain's opening match of the World Cup, completing an elite midfield alongside Fabian Ruiz and Pedri. Rodri is and was the most defensive-minded of the three, though he still had a significant attacking role considering Spain had the vast majority of possession. He created three chances -- a feat he rarely achieved with Manchester City this past season -- and took two off-target shots on the attack. He wasn't asked to do much on the defensive end, but he provided stability on that end as well. He was subbed off in the 87th minute for Nico Williams.
Defensive shield for Spain
Rodri has been named in Spain's World Cup squad and is expected to be the undisputed defensive midfielder throughout the competition, the anchor around which Spain's system is built.
Analysis: Rodri ended a season of careful management at Manchester City, making 21 Premier League appearances for one goal across 1,514 minutes after returning from a lengthy injury absence, demonstrating his quality even with a reduced workload at the Etihad. The former Ballon d'Or winner brings a unique combination of positional intelligence, ball-winning ability and distribution that no other player in world football can replicate, and his presence in the squad gives Spain a completely different structural foundation to any other team in the tournament. Rodri heads into the World Cup as arguably the most important player in the squad and the defensive cornerstone of a Spain side with ambitions of winning the trophy for the first time since 2010.
Four shots Tuesday
Rodri recorded four shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Tuesday's 1-1 draw versus AFC Bournemouth. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 93rd minute.
Analysis: Rodri was back for a second straight start Tuesday after returning from an injury, playing the full 90. However, it appears the Spaniard is still trying to get back to fitness, appearing to be tiring as the match went on. He recorded a solid four shots and two chances created in the draw, but not enough to pull off the win.
65 minutes during return
Rodri registered one shot in Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea.
Analysis: Rodri was back in the team sheet Saturday after a few weeks off due to injury, starting and playing 65 minutes in the win. However, he wouldn't see much work in the match, only recording a singular shot while attempting 48 passes. Either way, this is a major return as they try to catch Arsenal for a title in the final two games of the season.
Starts FA Cup final
Rodri (groin) is in the starting XI for Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea.
Analysis: Rodri defied the questionable tag that had surrounded him heading into the weekend after missing five straight matches, with manager Pep Guardiola's cautious words proving more optimistic than expected as the crucial midfielder is handed a surprise starting role for the FA Cup final. His ability to come through the testing and earn a starting role in one of the biggest matches of the season is a major boost for a City side desperate to end the campaign with silverware.
Questionable once again
Rodri (groin) is questionable for Saturday's match against Chelsea, according to manager Pep Guardiola. "We will see [if he's available]. He will travel, and we will see."
Analysis: Rodri is still working on a return and remains with no clear status heading into Saturday, as he has not been deemed fit nor ruled out. This continues to be a storyline to end the season, as the crucial midfielder has now missed five straight games, potentially a loss that highlights a wasted shot at a title following his absence in a draw to Everton. He will likely go through some testing as he attempts to return for the final three games of the season, at least trying to help his club capture one trophy this campaign in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Still sidelined
Rodri (groin) is out for Wednesday's match against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Rodri was a late call once again, but is yet to be risked in play, as the midfielder is still not on the team sheet. This likely means they are saving him for the FA Cup on Saturday, putting more priority on winning at least that trophy this season. Either way, he will be expected to return ahead of the end of the season.
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