Brazilian star Rodrygo has torn ACL, expected to miss FIFA World Cup

Real Madrid and Brazil winger Rodrygo faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines after the Spanish club confirmed on Tuesday that the 25-year-old has sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage in his right knee. The injury, suffered during Monday’s 1-0 defeat to Getafe, is expected to rule him out for the remainder of Madrid’s campaign and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Rodrygo had entered the match as a substitute after nearly a month out with tendinitis, but his return lasted only minutes before the knee buckled. Neither Madrid nor the Brazilian federation has outlined a surgical plan or recovery timeline, though the federation issued a brief statement wishing the forward a “speedy recovery.”

The timing is especially cruel for the Brazilian star, who featured in all five of Brazil’s matches at the 2022 World Cup. His most memorable moment came in the quarter-final shoot-out against Croatia, when his opening penalty was saved as Brazil exited the tournament. Although Rodrygo was absent from Brazil’s last four qualifying fixtures for the 2026 edition, national-team coach Carlo Ancelotti had recalled him for each of the four friendlies staged in October and November, underlining his importance to the Seleção’s attacking plans.

At club level, Rodrygo had made 27 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing three goals and six assists. His absence compounds an already challenging injury list for Madrid, who continue to be without star striker Kylian Mbappé.

Rodrygo’s loss deprives both Madrid and Brazil of a versatile, dynamic wide player capable of operating across the forward line. With the World Cup now less than 100 days away, Brazil must redraw their attacking blueprint, while Madrid must navigate the business end of the season without one of their most consistent creators.