Striker Rodrygo, from Real Madrid, underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery and repair of the external meniscus of his right knee this Tuesday morning (10), at Madri, at The procedure took place at the hospital under the responsibility of doctor Manuel Leyes, a specialist who has treated several players from the Spanish club. The serious injury occurred during the match against Getafe, on March 2, for Campeonato Espanhol, when the player came on as a substitute and suffered a tear after a play close to the touchline.
Real Madrid confirmed the success of the surgical intervention, with the club reporting that the athlete is now beginning the recovery process. Rodrygo, aged 25, will be sidelined for an estimated period of between eight and twelve months, depending on the progress of the rehabilitative treatment. Essa’s absence compromises the remainder of the 2025/2026 season at the Spanish club and also eliminates any possibility of participating in the Copa of the 2026 Mundo, which will start in June.
Details of the injury suffered on the field
The incident occurred during Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Getafe, at Santiago Bernabéu. Rodrygo had recently returned from tendonitis that kept him out for almost a month. Após the collision with the opponent, the player felt instability in his right knee and needed immediate tests.
Tests carried out on the Tuesday following the match revealed a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the associated injury to the external meniscus. Essa combination of damage is common in football contact trauma and requires surgical intervention to restore joint stability.
The Spanish club released an official statement highlighting the accurate diagnosis after evaluating medical services. The surgery aims to reconstruct the ligament with a graft and repair the meniscus, a standard procedure for similar cases.
Surgical procedure and responsible team
The operation was performed on Madri by doctor Manuel Leyes, a leading professional in sports traumatology. Ele has already performed interventions on athletes such as Éder Militão, Luka Modric and others from the Real Madrid squad.
The procedure followed established protocols for ligament reconstruction, focusing on minimizing risks and optimizing functional recovery. Após surgery, Rodrygo remains under intensive medical monitoring to control inflammation and early start of physical therapy.
The club’s multidisciplinary team monitors the case closely, with an individualized rehabilitation plan that includes progressive muscle strengthening and gradual return to weight bearing.
Impact on Real Madrid and the player’s career
Rodrygo has played 27 games this season for Real Madrid, scoring three goals and providing four assists. Sua versatility in attack was an important part of the team’s tactical scheme.
The prolonged absence represents a challenge for the club, which loses one of the main names in the offensive squad at a decisive moment in the calendar. The medical department works to adjust the cast planning.
In recent history, Rodrygo had already dealt with a partial injury to the same ligament in 2023, for the Brazilian team, but opted for conservative treatment at the time and has continued to perform without major complications until now.
Recovery and future prospects
The initial phase of recovery involves controlled rest, use of crutches and gentle mobility exercises. Especialistas indicate that full return to high-intensity activities generally occurs between eight and ten months, with constant assessments to avoid relapses.
Rodrygo shared a message on social media after the procedure, stating that the day marks the beginning of a new stage and expressing confidence in the process. Ele expressed gratitude for the support received and reinforced the focus on rehabilitation.
The player maintains a routine of psychological and physical support to deal with the period away. Casos similar results show that athletes return at a high level after ligament injuries, as long as they strictly follow the protocol.
Repercussion on the Brazilian team
The absence of Rodrygo directly affects the preparation of the Brazilian team for Copa of Mundo. The striker was a constant presence in recent squads, performing well in friendlies.
The technical committee will need to look for alternatives for the offensive sector. Jogadores with similar characteristics may gain opportunities in the next eliminatory and preparatory matches.
Confederação Brasileira of Futebol expressed support for the athlete and wished him a complete recovery. The injury reinforces the importance of preventive monitoring in elite athletes.
