BREAKING: Brazil Wonder-kid, Rodrygo To Miss 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Real Madrid have confirmed that Rodrygo has suffered a serious knee injury that will rule him out of the World Cup with the Brazil national football team this summer.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Spanish giants said: “Following the tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by Real Madrid’s medical services, he has been diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and a tear of the lateral meniscus in his right leg.”
The 25-year-old winger sustained the injury during Monday’s 1-0 La Liga defeat at home to Getafe CF. Rodrygo came off the bench in the second half and completed the match, but medical checks the following day revealed the full extent of the damage.
An anterior cruciate ligament injury typically sidelines players for several months, with recovery timelines often stretching close to a year. The blow is particularly cruel for Rodrygo, who had only just returned from a month out with tendonitis.
His absence is a major setback for Brazil as they chase a record-extending sixth World Cup title in the United States. It also leaves Real Madrid short in attack at a crucial stage of the season.
French forward Kylian Mbappe is currently sidelined with a knee sprain and has missed the club’s last two matches due to an external ligament issue in his left knee.
With a Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester City F.C. looming at the Santiago Bernabeu next week, Madrid’s attacking options are stretched thin. Only Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono are fully fit and available.
