Real Madrid have once again decided to try and sign Spain's World Cup-winning captain Rodri, the country's media have claimed. The development comes hardly 24 hours after reports had claimed that Real Madrid had decided to walk away from the deal.
Rodri is almost 30 and having survived a serious ACL injury were listed as the reasons that were forcing club president Florentino Pérez from making a move for him this summer, it was reported on Tuesday. With no Spanish player from the Real squad making it to the World Cup squad, the arrival of Rodri along with Marc Cucurella could win the club more support locally.
The Golden Ball winner at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has a year left on his current deal with Manchester City but has shown little interest in renewing it. His dream of playing for Real Madrid is well known and is said to be the main reason for him blocking contract extension talks with Manchester City. Ballon d'Or winner Rodri fits the "Galáctico" bill that Real likes, but age and fitness issues stalled them from making any moves.
As per the latest report, Real Madrid have internally decided to pursue a deal for the CDM, but no official communication has started with Manchester City yet. “A twist in the last few hours at Real Madrid. From not considering the signing to wanting to get involved in the deal. I have no knowledge of any agreement with City, but there is an intention to explore it. The player will do his part,” noted Spanish journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon said on X.
With just a year left on his current deal, Manchester City will have to agree to an affordable sum, Real is confident. It was in 2019 that he arrived on English shores from Atlético Madrid.
Rodri's second innings
Rodri did not score or provide an assist during the FIFA World Cup 2026, but was central to Spain's possession-based style and control. The central defensive midfielder completed the most passes in the World Cup — 753 at an impressive 94 per cent accuracy — and was involved in 1,803 plays, nearly 200 more than any other player, according to FIFA statistics.
Rodri led Spain's run to its second World Cup title after the Manchester City midfielder struggled early after returning in May 2025 from knee surgery that sidelined him for eight months.
"I heard that at the beginning of the tournament I wasn't able to play, now that I recovered my shape. I tried not to listen too much," Rodri said on the eve of the final. "I've always been confident of myself. I think one of the big parts of my game is trying to replicate this accuracy in terms of passing and being very safe with the ball."
Rodri became just the 11th man to win the World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d'Or — which he won in 2024 when Spain won the European title.
