Real Madrid have confirmed that Brazilian winger Rodrygo has sustained a serious knee injury that is expected to rule him out of this summer’s World Cup.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Spanish club said medical examinations revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a tear of the lateral meniscus in Rodrygo’s right knee.
The 25-year-old picked up the injury after coming on as a substitute during Monday’s 1–0 La Liga defeat at home to Getafe CF. Although he remained on the pitch at the time, subsequent tests confirmed the severity of the damage.
The setback comes shortly after Rodrygo had returned from a month on the sidelines with tendonitis, compounding frustration for both club and country.
Rodrygo’s absence represents a significant loss for Brazil national football team, who are preparing for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Brazil, five-time world champions, had hoped to rely on the forward’s pace and versatility as they pursue a record-extending sixth title.
The injury also leaves Real Madrid short of options in attack. French forward Kylian Mbappé is currently sidelined with a knee sprain, further stretching the squad.
Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is left with limited attacking resources ahead of next week’s Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
At present, only Vinícius Júnior, Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono are fully fit among Madrid’s senior attacking options.
