Rodrygo Undergoes Successful ACL Surgery, Faces Lengthy Recovery

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes has successfully undergone surgery to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his right knee, the club announced on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The injury, sustained during a La Liga match against Getafe on March 3, 2026, will sideline the Brazilian international for an extended period, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the year and the upcoming World Cup.

Injury Details and Surgical Procedure

Rodrygo suffered the injury just 11 minutes after entering the match as a substitute against Getafe. Despite initially playing through the pain, subsequent medical examinations revealed the severity of the damage. The surgery was performed by Dr. Manuel Leyes, a specialist in sports traumatology who has previously operated on several Real Madrid players, including Courtois, Militao, and Asensio .

Recovery Timeline and Expected Return

While Real Madrid has not provided a specific timeline for Rodrygo’s return, reports suggest he could be out for 10-12 months . This would mean he is unlikely to play again in 2026, missing the remainder of the domestic season and the World Cup, with a potential return at the beginning of the following year. He will begin his rehabilitation in the coming days .

Recurring ACL Injuries at Real Madrid

Rodrygo’s injury marks the sixth ACL injury to a Real Madrid first-team player in the last three seasons. Courtois, Militao (twice), Alaba, and Carvajal have all suffered similar injuries, raising concerns about the club’s training methods and the frequency of these types of injuries .

Previous Injury and Return to Play

The ACL injury occurred shortly after Rodrygo returned to action following a nearly month-long absence due to tendonitis . He was introduced as a substitute in the 54th minute against Getafe in an attempt to provide an attacking spark.