Rodri joins Barcelona after recently undergoing minor back surgery, a setback that was expected to keep him out of the start of the season.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who was also part of Spain’s squad that won the European Championship, strengthened his position after leading his country as captain to glory in the World Cup last month, and was chosen as the best player in the tournament.
Rodri spent six seasons with Manchester City, during which he won many major titles and established himself as a pivotal player under the leadership of Pep Guardiola. But the last two years have also witnessed setbacks due to injuries.
Rodri was absent for more than seven months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2024, and he also suffered from knee and hamstring problems last season.
Rodri leaves City after winning four titles in the English Premier League, the Champions League, and the FA Cup twice, since joining the English club from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
