Rodri had his route to the final planned all along

World Cup, World Cup, World Cup. Spain, Spain, Spain. Rodri’s obsession this season was unmistakable. His top priority never changed. Everything he did from the start of the campaign was geared toward reaching this moment in peak condition, culminating in his masterclass against France in Dallas.

Rodri did everything possible to make it happen. He gave everything for the national team, even voluntarily stepping away for part of the season to prevent the minor injuries that often follow knee surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation. It had been only six months since he was medically cleared after going under the knife.

That planned break lasted 10 matches, from the Champions League group-stage clash against Dortmund until his return against Sunderland in the Premier League. In other words, from early November until the end of 2025. During that in-season preseason, he worked tirelessly alongside doctors, physiotherapists and recovery specialists.

“Rodri is an incredible player, but this isn’t about coming back after six, seven or eight months and immediately being the player he was before — no. Do you know when he’ll be that player? At the World Cup with Spain. At the World Cup we will see the best Rodri,” Guardiola predicted on October 3. He could not have been more accurate.

Guardiola knew Rodri’s plan firsthand and fully supported it. It was the best way to ensure his captain would be at full fitness for the decisive stretch of the season in May and June, when the biggest trophies are won. Unfortunately for Manchester City, they lost much of their edge in the Premier League during Rodri’s absence and were unable to make an impact in the Champions League, which came too soon after his return. Even so, operating at roughly 60% of his best, Rodri helped City stay in the title race with Arsenal until the final weeks and lift both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.

The best, however, was still to come. With his fitness steadily improving, Rodri had already reminded Luis de la Fuente of his importance during the March friendlies, where he emphatically ended the manufactured debate over whether he or Martín Zubimendi should anchor Spain’s midfield.

Every training session, every minute and every match sharpened him further. The incident against Cape Verde in Spain’s World Cup opener only reinforced his convictions, contrary to what some believed. De la Fuente’s staunch defence reflected that belief.

“I find it insulting to say that Rodri slows the game, to speak that way about the best player in the world. Would people dare say the same about other players considered among the world’s best? Rodri is this team’s lighthouse, a player of extraordinary influence, clarity, vision and balance.”

Having already won everything at club level, Rodri is now obsessed with lifting the World Cup. His command of matches has been extraordinary. He controlled proceedings against Portugal with a superb display, followed it with another outstanding performance against Belgium, and then delivered a midfield masterclass against France that had everyone talking.

“Rodri was everywhere. What a match, what a player! He doesn’t get enough recognition, but he was everywhere. He was simply magnificent. Today football won,” Ibrahimović said after the semifinal.

His numbers against France were overwhelming: 90 minutes played, 82 touches, 87% pass accuracy, 100% of his aerial duels won, a 64% success rate in defensive duels, four tackles, two clearances, two recoveries, two passes into the final third and three fouls won. He also covered 12 kilometres, taking his tournament-leading total to 83.47 kilometres.

Others have Messi, Mbappé and Kane. Spain has Rodri. Their engine. Their captain. Their Ballon d’Or.

With him, they have every reason to believe they can lift the trophy the Madrid native has spent the past year sacrificing everything to win: the World Cup. If anyone has earned that opportunity, it is Rodri.

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