Rodri’s Real Madrid move ‘back on table’ after World Cup and Golden Ball triumph

Spain captain Rodri’s future has been thrown wide open after his World Cup-winning heroics, with Real Madrid reported to have radically shifted their stance on signing the Manchester City midfielder.

The 30-year-old played a pivotal role in guiding La Roja to the 2026 World Cup title on Sunday, as Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in the final. His performances in the tournament were recognised with the Golden Ball award as the best player of the competition.

Now, with just one year remaining on his contract at Manchester City, speculation is intensifying that Rodri could swap the Etihad Stadium for the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

Real Madrid change course after World Cup

Transfer specialist Matteo Moretto reports that Real Madrid have significantly altered their position on Rodri in the wake of his World Cup success and individual accolade.

According to Moretto, members of the Real Madrid board are actively exploring the possibility of striking a deal for the Spain international, who is understood to be open to a move to the Spanish champions rather than extending his lucrative agreement with City.

The development marks a notable reversal of the club’s previous internal view of the midfielder, who has long been regarded as one of the world’s leading holding midfielders but had not been prioritised by the Bernabeu hierarchy.

Perez remains decisive voice

Despite the renewed interest from some within the boardroom, the final decision is expected to rest with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

The report states that Perez has previously rejected the idea of signing Rodri, weighing up factors such as the player’s age, his established status at Manchester City and the size of the transfer fee that would likely be required to tempt the Premier League side into selling.

Those considerations are set against the backdrop of Madrid’s medium-term planning in midfield, where the club have invested heavily in younger options in recent seasons.

Contract ticking down at Manchester City

Earlier reports had already highlighted that Rodri had yet to commit his long-term future to Manchester City, with only a year left on his current deal.

That contractual situation has fuelled mounting conjecture that this summer could be the optimal – and perhaps last – realistic opportunity for Real Madrid to bring him back to La Liga, should they decide to push ahead.

For City, Rodri has been central to Pep Guardiola’s system, anchoring the midfield during a period of domestic and European success. Losing him would represent a major blow and force a significant reshaping of their squad.

All options on the table

For now, Rodri’s next step remains unresolved. Remaining at Manchester City with a new contract, engineering a high-profile switch to Real Madrid, or even considering other contenders all appear to be live possibilities.

What is clear is that his World Cup and Golden Ball double has not only cemented his status among the elite midfielders in world football, but also reignited a transfer saga that could define the next phase of his career.