Rodri's stock at all-time high as he adds to trophy collection

Spain captain Rodri has reached the pinnacle of international football, lifting the World Cup trophy high after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final held in New Jersey. This triumph adds the sport's ultimate prize to an already glittering collection that includes a Ballon d'Or, a European title, a Nations League title, four Premier League trophies, and a Champions League title.

Beyond leading his team to their first World Cup since 2010, Rodri was also crowned the tournament's best player. At 30 years old, he joins an elite group of male players, including Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer, and Zinedine Zidane, to have won the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or.

His current success stands in stark contrast to the uncertainty surrounding his career trajectory just a year prior. After rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in 2024, questions arose about his ability to return to the elite level that saw him achieve the Treble with Manchester City in 2023 and win the Euros with Spain a year later. The recovery from such a significant injury is arduous, and glimpses of his former self were only seen sporadically last season.

It now appears Rodri was strategically timing his return to fitness, aiming to peak for the World Cup. His performance has solidified his status as a world-class player, though his future at Manchester City remains uncertain with only one year left on his contract. Real Madrid is reportedly interested in the midfielder, known for his composure, defensive skills, and ball control. New City manager Enzo Maresca is unlikely to want to part ways with Rodri, but his contract situation creates natural speculation.

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Rodri was absolutely outstanding. He is not only the guy who ran the longest in the whole tournament and average per game, the amount of passes he gives to beat defenders, he is at his sharpest, he is at Ballon d'or level. This is Rodri's team.