Manchester City may yet see Rodri return to action this season, as the newly crowned 2024 Ballon d’Or winner himself hinted during an interview in Spain.
The 28-year-old defensive midfielder was awarded the Ballon d’Or after a standout year, marking the first time a player in his position has won since Lothar Matthaus in 1990. Rodri’s achievement came after his remarkable performances, securing a fourth consecutive Premier League title with City and helping Spain claim the European Championship, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
Though he overcame fierce competition from stars like Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, Dani Carvajal, and Jude Bellingham to take home the trophy, Rodri’s season was abruptly halted by a serious knee injury earlier in the campaign. With City manager Pep Guardiola and medical staff ruling him out for the remainder of the season, many had assumed Rodri’s impact would end there.
However, in a recent interview with El Partidazo de COPE, Rodri expressed a determination to defy expectations. “I have in mind to play this season,” he said, adding, “The seasons are getting longer, and the (FIFA Club) World Cup ends on July 13. I have in mind to return this year as a challenge.”
Updating fans on his recovery, Rodri shared, “I’ve already started walking, and I’m feeling better than I thought.” Reflecting on the urgency to return, he recalled a sentiment shared by Barcelona midfielder Gavi: “I need to play football.” Rodri added, “At my age, you see it differently; you have time to rest and recover well.”
Manchester City qualified for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States thanks to their UEFA Champions League victory, a title Rodri himself secured with the winning goal against Inter Milan in Istanbul.
Rodri’s statements suggest that his focus is likely on returning for the Club World Cup, rather than earlier competitions. As City weigh their options in light of his absence, names like Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Samuele Ricci (Torino), Ederson (Atalanta), and Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan) have been floated as potential winter transfer targets to help fill the void in midfield.
