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From allies to temporary adversaries. Rodri and Bernardo Silva conquered every major trophy together at Manchester City, yet the two found themselves on opposing sides when Spain took on Portugal in a World Cup quarterfinal playoff.
The neighboring Iberian nations produced a largely uninspiring knockout encounter lacking in creativity. Portugal especially appeared content to drag the match into extra time, but manager Roberto Martínez's conservative approach was undone by key Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino deep into stoppage time.
Merino slipped in behind Manchester City's Rúben Dias, latched onto a well-weighted Ferran Torres pass and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The goal proved decisive, with Spain now set to take on Belgium — who eliminated the USMNT — on Friday.
Bernardo Silva did have a golden opportunity to level things at the death, but his headed attempt sailed harmlessly over the crossbar, much to Rodri's delight.
Rodri Admits Igniting Surprising Clash
As Silva crumpled to the ground with his head in his hands, seconds after his header drifted over the bar, he was met by a recognizable face.
Rodri, who was inside the box when Silva spurned the chance, couldn't contain his emotions. The Spanish midfielder pumped his fist and yelled directly at his dejected Portuguese counterpart, who was clearly not amused by his former club colleague's bold celebration.
Rodri quickly moved to comfort Silva, who was in no mood to accept it. It was a heated exchange between old friends, and Rodri acknowledged after the final whistle that he had overstepped: "I made a mistake," the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner told reporters, "because I celebrated when he had missed. I apologized to him immediately.
"But that's all, because of the trust we have."
The two City stalwarts were among Pep Guardiola's most relied-upon players at the Etihad Stadium, sharing the pitch on as many as 249 occasions since Rodri joined from Atlético Madrid in 2019.
Silva has since moved to Real Madrid on a free transfer, bringing an end to his ten-year association with the club. Rodri, meanwhile, has been linked with a switch to the Spanish capital and is set to enter the final year of his contract at City.
Rodri to Miss Start of Man City's 2026–27 Season
Rodri was far from his sharpest last season, having returned from an ACL injury in May 2025. A string of physical setbacks disrupted his campaign, and consistent performances were hard to come by.
His World Cup run had been solid before he delivered his most commanding display of the tournament in Spain's narrow round of 16 win over Portugal.
However, City fans have been informed that their No. 16 will be sidelined at the start of next season due to what the Daily Mail's Jack Gaughan has described as a 'mystery injury'. Rodri is set to have surgery following the World Cup, and while the recovery period is not expected to be lengthy, he will not be available for August 23, when Enzo Maresca's City welcome Bournemouth in their Premier League opener.
Rodri could also be in doubt for the first Manchester derby of the season, now rescheduled for September 13 at Old Trafford.