Rodrygo, Real Madrid star and Brazil international, has suffered a devastating knee injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the 2025–26 season and the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 25-year-old forward’s campaign came to a sudden halt after scans revealed serious damage sustained in Monday’s La Liga match.
What happened during the match?
The moment unfolded during Real Madrid’s frustrating 1-0 defeat away at Getafe. Rodrygo, fresh off a month-long muscle injury layoff, was introduced as a substitute in the 54th minute.
Barely 12 minutes later, while attempting to burst forward on the left wing, his right leg twisted awkwardly in a challenge. He dropped to the turf in clear pain but showed remarkable determination by getting back up and seeing out the full game.
Official diagnosis from Real Madrid
On Tuesday, the club’s medical team delivered the news after detailed examinations.
“Following tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn lateral meniscus in his right leg,” Real Madrid stated in a release.
This combination of injuries, an ACL rupture plus a meniscus tear, almost always requires surgery followed by intensive rehabilitation. Recovery timelines for elite footballers typically range from 9 to 12 months, meaning Rodrygo is unlikely to return before late 2026.
