New contract for Rodri?! Man City ready to hand Ballon d’Or winner extended deal after miraculous recovery from ACL injury ahead of Club World Cup

Rodri’s story this season has all the makings of a modern football fairytale—tragedy, struggle, resilience, and now, redemption. As the Ballon d’Or winner prepares for Manchester City’s Club World Cup campaign, talks of a contract extension have surfaced, signaling just how much faith the club still places in their midfield lynchpin after a season rocked by injury.

The injury, sustained in September 2024 during a high-octane Premier League clash with Arsenal, was a hammer blow—not just for Rodri, but for Manchester City’s tactical foundation. A ruptured ACL is one of football’s most dreaded injuries, often threatening the momentum and longevity of a player’s peak years. For Rodri, who had just reached the summit of global football by clinching the Ballon d’Or, the timing couldn’t have been worse.

Before the injury, Rodri had been in imperious form. His ability to dictate tempo, shield the defense, and launch attacks made him the most critical cog in Pep Guardiola’s well-oiled machine. When he crumpled to the turf that day, City fans feared the worst—and rightly so. His absence would ripple through the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign like a storm.

Manchester City’s decline in Rodri’s absence was swift and brutal. Without their midfield general, Guardiola’s side struggled for rhythm and defensive solidity. Their once-reliable control in big matches faded, and they finished third in the Premier League—behind both Liverpool and Arsenal. For a team that had grown accustomed to dominating the English top flight, this felt like a regression.

The disappointment didn’t end there. City’s campaign in domestic cups fell flat. Their shock FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace laid bare just how central Rodri had become to every aspect of their game. The composure, balance, and discipline he provided were sorely missed as the squad scrambled to fill the massive void.

For the player himself, the road to recovery was as much mental as physical. Rehabilitating from an ACL tear is a grueling journey—one filled with setbacks, hours of lonely training, and constant questions about whether the player will ever return to their former level. But Rodri’s determination, combined with Manchester City’s world-class medical facilities, turned the odds in his favor.

His comeback began in earnest in late May, during City’s penultimate Premier League fixture against Bournemouth. Fans watching held their breath—but within minutes, it was clear: Rodri was back. His passing was crisp, his positioning flawless, his impact immediate. It was as though the injury had never happened.

Rodri’s return just before the Club World Cup was not only symbolic but immensely practical for City. With their midfield maestro back, they now approach the tournament in the U.S. with renewed confidence. Guardiola, notoriously cautious about rushing players back, hailed Rodri’s recovery as “supernatural” and “unbelievable.” Few would argue.

Now comes the next chapter: a new contract. Manchester City are reportedly ready to offer Rodri a fresh deal that would keep him at the Etihad until 2029. That proposed extension is more than just a reward—it’s a declaration. A declaration that City sees Rodri not only as their present, but their future.

The financials of the deal are telling. Rodri is currently on £200,000 per week—a figure that’s set to rise to over £300,000 if the extension is signed. Such an increase would place him among the highest earners at the club, on par with Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. It’s a move that reflects both his importance and the club’s desire to fend off any potential suitors.

But it’s not just about money. For Rodri, signing an extension would be a powerful affirmation of his belief in the project at City. The loyalty shown by the club during his recovery, coupled with their investment in his future, could make the decision straightforward.

Strategically, the extension comes at the perfect time. By acting now, City prevents speculation and ensures stability. It also sends a message to the rest of Europe’s elite clubs: Rodri is not for sale, not even after a serious injury. He remains untouchable.

The midfield role Rodri plays at City is unlike any other. He isn’t just a holding midfielder—he’s the cornerstone of Guardiola’s philosophy. His range of passing, defensive acumen, and positional awareness make him irreplaceable. That was never more evident than during his prolonged absence.

City’s attempt to plug the gap with players like Mateo Kovacic and Kalvin Phillips proved fruitless. They were competent, but none possessed Rodri’s blend of strength, intelligence, and technical precision. Guardiola had to reshuffle tactics, abandon his favored build-up play at times, and compromise the team’s balance.

Even now, the club is still coming to terms with how dependent they’ve become on the Spaniard. His comeback and the resulting contract talks have brought that dependency into focus. For Guardiola, ensuring Rodri stays and remains happy is now a priority, especially as the team transitions into its next phase of evolution.

The upcoming Club World Cup will serve as Rodri’s stage to announce his return to the global footballing elite. City begin their campaign against Wydad AC on June 18, and all eyes will be on the Spanish metronome. A strong showing there could cap his fairytale return with silverware and set the tone for the new season.

Winning the Club World Cup would also offer some redemption for City’s otherwise forgettable 2024-25 season. It may not completely erase the disappointment, but it would reinforce the notion that, with Rodri, City is still a juggernaut.

In the broader scheme, Rodri’s story is one of perseverance. It’s a reminder that even in an era of data and tactics, human willpower still matters. He fought his way back from the brink of a career-disrupting injury and now stands on the verge of becoming one of the highest-paid and most respected midfielders in football.

If the contract extension is signed before the tournament begins, it would serve as the perfect narrative bookend: a Ballon d’Or winner who conquered injury and returns to lead his team on the world stage, not as a question mark, but as a cornerstone once again.

For Manchester City fans, this isn’t just good news—it’s a resurrection. And for Rodri, it’s validation.