Rodri returns from 'hell' to drive Spain to World Cup glory

Rodri, Spain's midfield linchpin, hopes his journey from a severe knee injury to World Cup glory will inspire younger generations. The 30-year-old midfielder was instrumental in Spain's victory on Sunday, capping a remarkable collection of major footballing achievements.

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It feels like the perfect script. I certainly didn’t expect this. I’d love for the younger generations to see that a player who touches the heavens, then descends into hell, can come back. It’s a lesson in overcoming adversity.

He joined an elite group of players, including Franz Beckenbauer and Zinedine Zidane, to have won the World Cup, continental championship, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or. His triumph is particularly significant given he was still regaining his dominant form after a knee ligament rupture less than two years prior.

"It feels like the perfect script. I certainly didn’t expect this," Rodri said after receiving the Golden Ball award. "I’d love for the younger generations to see that a player who touches the heavens, then descends into hell, can come back. It’s a lesson in overcoming adversity."

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That’s the secret of the national team. We’re always going to go for you. In the end, God rewards you. We’ve been brave.

Despite his individual accolades, Rodri emphasized the team's collective spirit. He lauded his teammates for their resilience against a determined Argentina side, ultimately securing a 1-0 win with a late goal from Ferran Torres in extra time. "That’s the secret of the national team. We’re always going to go for you. In the end, God rewards you. We’ve been brave," he stated.

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We’re on cloud nine. This squad is sensational. We’re two-time World Cup champions. It was the toughest tournament in World Cup history. We beat a great Argentina side, featuring (Lionel) Messi, the best player in history.

Reflecting on the match, Rodri acknowledged Argentina's defensive strength but asserted Spain's superiority. "Argentina. World champions. They haven’t created much, but they’re hard to break down. Spain are simply very good, and in the end, the result was fair,” he concluded, celebrating Spain's second World Cup title.

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Argentina. World champions. They haven’t created much, but they’re hard to break down. Spain are simply very good, and in the end, the result was fair.