Zlatan Ibrahimović has commended Spain midfielder Rodri for his significant impact and resilient comeback, noting the player's ability to perform crucial defensive and leadership roles on the pitch. Ibrahimović, who has experienced a similar career-threatening injury, highlighted Rodri's often-underappreciated contributions.
"He's a player that doesn't get a lot of credit, gets unseen, but [he] won the Ballon d'Or, which is not normal for the position that he plays in," Ibrahimović stated following Spain's World Cup semifinal victory over France. He further described Rodri as a player who not only elevates his teammates but also "puts out fires" through his versatile leadership.
Rodri suffered an ACL rupture in 2024 while playing for Manchester City, an injury that led him to miss Spain's victorious campaign in the 2024 Euros. He made his competitive return in May 2025, coming on as a substitute in the 85th minute during Manchester City's 3-1 win against Bournemouth. The return was met with a standing ovation.
Throughout the current World Cup, Rodri has been a consistent presence, starting every match and playing nearly the entire duration of each game, with only three minutes missed in the tournament. This sustained performance underscores his full recovery and readiness to compete at the highest level.