Rodri’s stock at all-time high as he adds to trophy collectionImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Rodri became the first Spanish winner of the Golden Ball since the award was introduced in 1978ByJess AndersonBBC Sport journalistPublished7 minutes agoAs Spain captain Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy high into the New Jersey sky, he added another trophy to his already glittering record.A Ballon d’Or, one European title, one Nations League, four Premier League trophies, one Champions League and numerous other domestic triumphs. And now the greatest prize of them all.The Manchester City playmaker has long been revered for his club exploits, but now his stock is at an all-time high as he added world champion to his list of accolades when Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final on Sunday in New Jersey.
Not only did the Spain captain steer his side to a first triumph since 2010 and stitch a second star on the national shirt, but he was also crowned player of the tournament.
The 30-year-old becomes only the fourth men’s player to win the World Cup, Euros, Champions League and Ballon d’Or, joining legends Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer and Zinedine Zidane.
But until recently, this level of success perhaps seemed out of reach for Rodri.
After rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in 2024, questions were asked about whether he could ever really return to the heights that saw him clinch the Treble with City in 2023 and claim the Euros with Spain a year later.
Such a major injury takes time to recover from and it is only in glimpses during last season that we saw the Rodri of old.
Now it seems the Spaniard was simply biding his time, patiently waiting for a full return to fitness in order to peak at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Rodri’s future in Manchester remains uncertain with only one year left on his contract and Real Madrid reportedly coming knocking.
It begs the question what next for Spain’s conductor?
