Rodri is delaying any decision on a Manchester City future while Spain chase World Cup glory. The midfielder plans to park talks until after the tournament, despite links to Real Madrid growing since Pep Guardiola’s departure and Enrique Riquelme’s public interest during the presidential campaign.
The Spain captain, whose Manchester City contract runs until June 2027, has become central for club and country. Since joining before the 2019-20 season, City have won 71.5% of matches with Rodri, compared to 62.8% without the midfielder on the pitch.
Rodri’s honours list with Manchester City is extensive. The midfielder has lifted four Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, two FA Cups, one Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup and one FIFA Club World
Cup, while 2024 brought the Ballon d'Or after Spain’s successful Euros run.
"We're here to talk about the World Cup," Rodri told reporters during the national team's media day. "In terms of my future, I'll wait until the World Cup is over. It's normal, it's a part of football, names of players being linked to particular clubs. I'm focused, I'm captain of the national team. My responsibility is to accept it. I'm a leader in the group, my only job is to help Spain win this World Cup. I won't waste time on all that, and after the World Cup, we'll see. "
Un da ms, un entreno ms.#VamosEspaa | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/oJxr0ry2TUSeleccin Espaola Masculina de Ftbol (@SEFutbol) June 1, 2026
Spain enter the World Cup rated as 16% favourites by the Opta supercomputer, and Rodri arrives unusually rested. The midfielder missed most of the 2024-25 season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and then faced further fitness setbacks during the 2025-26 campaign.
"I'm very happy and excited," Rodri added. "I was just joking that it's the first time I've arrived fresh, and without so many games. I've been able to overcome everything. I'm coming in with less rhythm, but fewer matches under my belt. "
Rodri’s position as Spain captain and key Manchester City figure places this World Cup at a decisive moment in a decorated career. The midfielder’s priority remains Spain’s challenge, with any decision on Real Madrid interest or Manchester City future on hold until the tournament’s final whistle.
