Real Madrid are facing mounting anger from their own supporters after club president Florentino Perez rejected growing calls to sign Spain and Manchester City star Rodri – even after the midfielder inspired his country to the 2026 World Cup and was named the tournament’s best player.
The 30-year-old, who also collected the 2024 Ballon d’Or, is understood to be keen on returning to Spain and joining Real Madrid. But according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the Bernabeu hierarchy have effectively closed the file on any potential deal, despite Rodri’s willingness to come home and City having previously offered him to the club.
Rodri remains under contract with Manchester City until the summer of 2027, leaving Real needing to pay a premium if they were to change stance. For now, Perez is said to be adamant that the club will not move for the World Cup-winning playmaker.
World Cup redemption after injury-hit season
The midfielder’s form in the 2025-26 season for Manchester City had raised questions before the World Cup. Rodri endured a difficult campaign blighted by recurring knee and hamstring tendon problems following a serious injury lay‐off.
He featured in only one of City’s final six matches ahead of linking up with Spain, sparking concerns over his sharpness and fitness. However, those doubts were emphatically erased in North America, where he was central to Spain’s run to lifting the World Cup under coach Luis de la Fuente, who never lost faith in his midfield leader.
Rodri’s performances there – capped by the award for best player of the tournament – have only intensified the debate in Madrid over why the club hierarchy are unwilling to move for a player widely regarded as one of the world’s outstanding holding midfielders.
‘I won’t make any decisions now’
During the World Cup, Rodri repeatedly swerved questions about his future amid growing speculation linking him with a return to La Liga.
He said at the time: “ابتعدت تماما عن كل ذلك. اتفهم ان اسماءنا تتداول في وسايل الاعلام لكنني لا افكر في الامر ولن اتخذ اي قرارات حاليا”.
His stance of public neutrality has not stopped the swirl of rumours, especially as Manchester City are entering a new era following the departure of long‐time manager Pep Guardiola. Rodri has been mentioned among the senior players who could consider a move away in the wake of Guardiola’s exit, even though his contract still has a year to run after the 2026-27 season.
Fans question faith in Tchouameni
Perez’s firm resistance to pursuing Rodri has become a major talking point among Real Madrid supporters and commentators, particularly after Spain’s World Cup celebrations in the capital shone a spotlight on the midfielder’s status as a national hero.
The controversy has been sharpened by Real’s decision to extend the contract of France international Aurelien Tchouameni until 2031. Many fans have questioned why the club has shown such long‐term faith in Tchouameni, who is viewed as Rodri’s closest positional counterpart, despite what was seen as an underwhelming World Cup from the Frenchman and a perceived lack of leadership in Real’s midfield.
By contrast, Rodri’s influence for both club and country in recent years has seen him tipped by many as the ideal anchor for Real Madrid’s next generation. Supporters argue that a spine featuring Rodri alongside the club’s emerging talents would secure the team’s dominance for years.
For now, however, Perez’s refusal to engage in talks – and the board’s apparent decision to ignore the possibility of a deal – has left a growing rift between the Real Madrid hierarchy and a fanbase that believes the club are passing up a rare chance to bring the world’s leading defensive midfielder back to Spain.
