Spain midfielder Rodri is making a massive impact for La Roja at this World Cup, powering them towards their first title since way back in 2010, and it is all happening after a brutal ACL injury nearly two years ago. FOX Sports soccer analyst Zlatan Ibrahimović, who knows a thing or two about coming back from major injuries, lauded Rodri's remarkable recovery after Spain's semifinal win over France. Seriously, the praise from Zlatan was off the charts, and if anyone knows a true game-changer, it's him.
Zlatan's Shocking Endorsement: Ballon d'Or Winner Under the Radar?
Zlatan didn't hold back, pointing out something crucial about Rodri: "He's a player that doesn't get a lot of credit, gets unseen, but he won the Ballon d'Or, which is not normal for the position that he plays in." Can you believe that? A Ballon d'Or winner flying under the radar while still bossing the midfield! Zlatan absolutely nailed Rodri's skillset too, saying the guy not only "puts players around him on fire" but can also "put out fires." That's the definition of multi-faceted leadership, right? He’s the spark, and he’s the extinguisher, all rolled into one. It shows he's got the brains and the grit to lead the team from anywhere on the pitch.From ACL Hell to World Cup Heroics
This comeback story is just insane. Rodri ruptured his ACL in 2024 playing for Manchester City, which obviously meant surgery and a brutal recovery. He even missed Spain's title run at the 2024 Euros, which must have been soul-crushing for him. But talk about bouncing back! He made his competitive return in May 2025, and you know it was a moment because he got a standing ovation when he subbed in during the 85th minute of City's 3-1 win over Bournemouth. That's the kind of moment that sends shivers down your spine! At this World Cup, he's been an iron man, starting every single game and missing only three minutes the entire tournament. With that kind of consistency and health, there's no doubt Rodri is absolutely back and playing at the highest level. Spain absolutely dominated against Mbappé and France in that semifinal, and Rodri was a huge part of it. They're the first team to clinch a ticket to the final, and now the big question is, can they seal the deal and bring home that World Cup trophy for the first time since 2010? Rodri's performance will be key, and we'll all be watching to see if his fire-starting, fire-extinguishing leadership can carry La Roja all the way.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.