Rodrygo suffered an ACL injury this week during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu. Reports now suggest that a past gamble from the Brazilian is the key reason he is missing the FIFA World Cup this summer.
Past ACL Gamble Haunts Real Madrid Star Rodrygo
Rodrygo is expected to be sidelined for up to a year following the rupture of his ACL and lateral meniscus during the defeat to Getafe. Videos circulating on social media showed the winger injured in the 65th minute but continuing to play the remainder of the match as his side trailed.
The Athletic has reported that the Real Madrid star has been dealing with a partial ACL tear since 2023. He sustained the injury on international duty, but doctors determined he did not need surgery and allowed him to continue playing.
Sources, who requested anonymity, told the outlet that Rodrygo should have undergone treatment, even if surgery was not required. They claim the winger always faced the risk of a serious ACL injury and could have reduced the likelihood with ‘preventative work’ such as gym sessions and physiotherapy.
Rodrygo had missed the last three league matches due to tendinitis but returned to the lineup this week. He came off the bench in the 55th minute of the defeat to Getafe before suffering the ACL tear.
The Brazilian wrote a message to fans, calling it the worst days of his life after being ruled out of the FIFA World Cup this summer. He vowed to return stronger, saying:
“One of the worst days of my life, how much I always feared this injury… maybe life has been a little cruel to me lately… I don’t know if I deserve this, but what can I complain about? How many wonderful things have I experienced that I also didn’t deserve.
“A major obstacle has arisen in my life, in my career, preventing me from doing what I love most for a while. I’m out for the rest of the season with my club and out of the World Cup with my country, a dream that everyone knows how much it means to me. All I can do is be strong as always, which is nothing new.”
Reports earlier this month suggested that Rodrygo was among three Real Madrid stars guaranteed a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad. Vinicius Jr. and Eder Militao were also said to be part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
