Rodri's Next Chapter: City, Madrid, and a World Cup Dream
11 February 2026
Where will the Spanish star go next?
Rodri's Award, Comeback, and the City–Madrid Tug-of-War
Rodri Hernandez's father, speaking on behalf of his son, accepted the King Felipe Award for Best Athlete of 2023, recognizing the Manchester City midfielder's commitment to his team's clash with Fulham this evening in the Premier League.
That year, Rodri collected a treble with City—the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup—and helped Spain win the Nations League, achievements that earned him Ballon d'Or recognition the following year.
After months of health setbacks, including a torn ACL in September 2024, Rodri returned with high confidence, keeping an eye on the next World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Moments after receiving the award, his father commented: "I think he's fine—watch him in the games. We asked him to ease his effort, but he stays committed. The process went smoothly, and he returned to the pitch, the Rodri we know."
Recent media chatter has linked Real Madrid with a possible move for Rodri, noting that his Manchester City contract runs through June 2027.
Regarding the prize itself, Antonio Hernandez spoke about the joy of being the father of a champion who also won the Ballon d'Or later on. He urged context, saying Rodri's happiness comes from giving his best, not chasing fame, and emphasized a healthy mental state and a supportive home environment.
And for the record, the world keeps turning—much like Rodri's passes—proving that patience in football often beats panic in the press.
Punchline 1: If Rodri ever loses a pass, blame the defender for taking his GPS.
Punchline 2: In football as in life, timing is everything, and Rodri's calendar is always in mint condition.
