Rodrygo, a forward for Real Madrid, has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during a recent match against Getafe. The injury occurred during the second half of the game, which ended in a loss for Real Madrid, and was confirmed by both the club and Spanish newspaper Marca. This unfortunate event comes as the World Cup is due to start in approximately 100 days, highlighting the timing of his injury.

The 25-year-old player, who had recently returned from a month-long absence due to tendinitis, had entered the game in the 54th minute but had to signal for a substitution shortly after due to pain in his knee. Rodrygo's injury is particularly devastating as he had previously participated in the Qatar World Cup in 2022, where he notably missed a penalty in the crucial quarter-final match against Croatia, leading to Brazil's elimination.

In the current 2025/26 season, Rodrygo had played 27 matches for Real Madrid, contributing three goals and four assists. His absence from the upcoming World Cup will not only be a significant loss for the Brazilian national team but also for his club, as he has been a vital player in their campaign. This injury underscores the risks athletes face and the impact these events can have on both individual careers and team dynamics.