Brazilian striker Rodrygo suffered a serious injury to his right knee, diagnosed as a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament and external lateral meniscus. The Real Madrid confirmed the problem after tests carried out on March 3, 2026, which ends the player’s season at the club and takes him out of contention for the Copa of the 2026 Mundo with the Brazilian team. The loss represents another chapter in the sequence of prolonged absences that the Merengue team has faced in recent years.
The injury occurred during a recent LaLiga match, and the estimated recovery period varies between six and seven months. Rodrygo expressed on his social networks the emotional impact of what happened, highlighting the difficulty of being left out of important competitions. The player, who is 25 years old and plays as a winger, had been a regular part of the squad led by Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid will now face Celta of Vigo this Friday, March 6, 2026, at 5pm (Madrid local time), in LaLiga. The match will be broadcast live on the Disney+ premium plan.
Sequence of serious injuries in the merengue squad
The case of Rodrygo adds to an extensive list of serious physical problems in Real Madrid. In August 2023, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tore his anterior cruciate ligament and was out for 234 days.
Two days later, defender Éder Militão suffered a similar injury, with 213 days of recovery. David Alaba also suffered a torn ligament at the end of 2023, after four months of previous problems.
Dani Carvajal was injured on October 5, 2024, and Militão was injured again in November of the same year, with more than a year out. Essas casualties directly affect the team’s defense and attack.
Impact on the attack and the Brazilian team
Rodrygo had one goal and three assists in 19 LaLiga games in the 2025/26 season, in addition to contributions in the Champions League. Sua absence forces adjustments in the offensive line, especially on the right wing or as a versatile option.
The Brazilian team loses an important starter in preparation for the 2026 Mundial. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who commands both the club and the national team, needs to reorganize the squad without the striker.
Neymar sent a message of support to his teammate, reinforcing the bond between the Brazilian players.
Streaming options and content on Disney+
Disney+ continues as the main platform to follow LaLiga games on Brasil. Além of the confrontation Real Madrid x Celta of Vigo, the schedule includes Napoli x
By Copa of Inglaterra, Wolverhampton x Liverpool takes place at 5pm (local time). Tennis offers the second round of Indian Wells from 4pm (local time), highlighting João Fonseca x Karen Khachanov.
In the NBA, Dallas Mavericks x Boston Celtics occurs at 9pm (Brasília time), and Los Angeles Clippers x
Recovery and future prospects
Real Madrid’s medical department monitors Rodrygo’s rehabilitation process. The forecast points to a gradual return from September or October 2026, depending on developments.
The club maintains a preventive care routine to reduce similar risks in the squad. Rodrygo has demonstrated resilience in previous recoveries and focuses on intensive treatment.
- Diagnosis: rupture of anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus.
- Estimated time: 6 to 7 months.
- Impact: outside the 2025/26 season and Copa from Mundo 2026.
- Real Madrid’s next game: against Celta of Vigo, March 6, 2026.
Additional content for sports fans
Disney+ offers replays and documentaries about European football. The platform streams live and on-demand competitions for premium subscribers.
LaLiga games remain available exclusively on the service. Fãs can access post-match highlights and analysis.
The catalog includes coverage of other leagues and sports, expanding options during the recovery period for injured athletes.
