Rodri completes ‘perfect script’ after coming back from hellish injury lay-off

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Rodri feels like he rounded off the “perfect script” after returning from “hell” to lead Spain to World Cup glory.

The midfielder was named the Player of the Tournament after captaining Spain to the title, with Ferran Torres scoring an extra-time winner in their 1-0 win over Argentina.

Spain were dominant in the showpiece in New York, New Jersey, and claimed their second World Cup, having previously triumphed in 2010.

And they did so by setting a record unbeaten run; they have not lost any of their last 38 matches in all competitions, the longest-ever run by any European or South American team in history.

In September 2024, Rodri ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus, resulting in him missing much of that season, having played a key role in Spain’s Euros triumph.

He did not hit the true heights of his form with Manchester City in 2025-26 but impressed for Spain throughout the tournament.

“It feels like the perfect script. I certainly ​didn’t expect this,” Rodri said.

“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.”

Hello, second star.
For 16 years, the first one carried our greatest memory.

Now it has company.
And our badge shines brighter than ever.

— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) July 19, 2026

Rodri completed 761 passes at the World Cup, the most on record (since 1966) in a single edition.

He was a key part of limiting Argentina’s attack, as Spain registered 20 shots – worth 2.3 expected goals (xG) – with 12 of those on target, while limiting their opponents to just two off-target attempts, both of which came in the 117th minute or later.

Spain conceded just one goal in their eight games, the fewest goals conceded by any team in a World Cup-winning campaign.

La Roja allowed their opponents just 2.4 xG across the entire tournament, an average of only 0.3 xG per game – both are the best figures ever recorded by any team at a World Cup.

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

“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.

“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.”

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