As Spain captain Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy into the New Jersey sky, he celebrated adding another prestigious title to his impressive collection. This victory marks an incredible moment in his career, which already includes:

• One Ballon d'Or
• One European title
• One Nations League
• Four Premier League trophies
• One Champions League

With Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final, Rodri's status has never been higher, especially after being named player of the tournament. This triumph is particularly significant as it represents Spain's first World Cup victory since 2010 and allows the team to add a second star to their shirt.

At 30 years old, Rodri has joined an elite group of only four men's players to have won the World Cup, Euros, Champions League, and Ballon d'Or, alongside legends like Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer, and Zinedine Zidane. However, his journey to this pinnacle was not without challenges. Following a serious knee injury in 2024, doubts lingered about his return to form after a season where glimpses of his previous brilliance were sporadic.

Throughout the World Cup, Rodri showcased his skills, completing a record 756 passes, the most in a single tournament since 1966. His contributions included:

• 910 touches
• 428 passes in the opposition half
• 122 line-breaking passes
• 101 passes in the final

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague praised Rodri's performance, stating, "Rodri was absolutely outstanding... he is at his sharpest, he is at Ballon d'Or level. This is Rodri's team."

Looking ahead, Rodri's future at Manchester City remains uncertain with just one year left on his contract and interest from Real Madrid. The potential move could see him reunite with manager Jose Mourinho, who values his composure and defensive skills. While City is likely to resist selling him, Rodri's World Cup performance has certainly made him a hot commodity in the transfer market.