World Cup hero Rodri to undergo back surgery before Man City’s new season

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing The Associated Press, reported that Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to have back surgery next week after helping Spain win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. New City head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed the planned operation during his unveiling on Friday, July 24, 2026, but did not provide a timetable for the player’s return.

Rodri captained Spain and received the Golden Ball as the World Cup’s top player after the final on Sunday, according to the report. Maresca said the midfielder would need time away to rest and recover before rejoining the club. The latest fitness issue follows a difficult period for Rodri, who sustained ACL damage in 2024 and had an injury-affected season before his successful international tournament.

The situation comes at a significant moment for Manchester City, with Maresca beginning his tenure after Pep Guardiola’s departure. Al Jazeera reported that Maresca said he wants Rodri to remain at the club despite speculation around the former Ballon d’Or winner’s future, describing transfer talk around leading players as normal after a major tournament.

Maresca returns to City for a third spell, having previously worked as an academy coach and as Guardiola’s assistant during the club’s 2022-23 treble-winning season. Guardiola left after an era that included 17 major trophies at City, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first Champions League. Rodri’s recovery will be an early issue for Maresca as he tries to manage expectations and continuity at the former Premier League champions.