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Rodrygo struggled deeply when he learned of his ACL tear back in March 2026.
The overlooked Real Madrid Brazilian forward was overwhelmed by "immense sadness" along with "suffering, sleepless nights, a lot of pain and the urge to vomit and faint." Considering the injury not only ended his season prematurely but also wiped out his entire World Cup campaign, his intense reaction is completely understandable.
However, there is now genuine hope on the horizon. During yet another international break he has had to sit out, Rodrygo took a meaningful step forward by returning to the pitch at Madrid's training facility with a ball at his feet.
There remains a considerable road ahead in his rehabilitation—and the situation he will be returning to at Real Madrid remains uncertain—but the dark cloud that has loomed over Rodrygo is beginning to lift.
What Injury Does Rodrygo Have?
Rodrygo has described the moment he learned the full extent of his knee injury as "one of the worst days of my life." The Brazilian had torn both his anterior cruciate ligament and the lateral meniscus in his right knee. In a different era, such damage might have ended a career entirely. Even with modern medical advancements, this type of injury demands a minimum of nine months of recovery.
"I've always been afraid of this injury," Rodrygo confessed at the time. "Maybe life has been a little cruel to me lately ... I don't know if I deserve it, but what can I complain about? I've experienced so many wonderful things, which I didn't deserve either."
Fellow Brazilian and close friend Neymar, who has dealt with a comparable injury himself, offered his public support. "My number 10, my boy, my heir (as I call you), I only ask you for one thing. Take care of your head," he posted on social media. "Now is the time to put everyone you love around you."
When Will Rodrygo Return for Real Madrid?
The process is being taken step by step. Rodrygo has reached the milestone of resuming individual on-pitch training with the ball at the six-month mark of his recovery, though several more months of demanding work still lie ahead. MARCA has suggested a tentative return window somewhere between December and January.
Even once Madrid's medical staff clear the eager attacker to play, there will typically be a lengthy adaptation period to navigate.
Rodrygo's Clásico rival Rodri serves as a recent illustration of just how long it can take for a top-level player to recapture their peak form following such a debilitating injury. The former Ballon d'Or winner made his first appearance for Manchester City after tearing his ACL in May 2025. Yet it wasn't until this summer's World Cup that he truly rediscovered his finest form.
Shortly after Rodri's initial comeback, Pep Guardiola cautioned: "I said to him, and he maybe struggled to understand, it's not about six, seven, eight months out, then playing and being the Rodri of before. No. Do you know when Rodri will be good? At the World Cup with Spain. At the World Cup he will be the best Rodri."
With that extended timeline in mind, Real Madrid may not be able to rely on the Rodrygo of old until next season.