A World Cup master-class from a Manchester City midfielder is a reminder of what City simply must do | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been one of the stars of this summer’s World Cup. The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder has returned to his dominant best and has played a key role in Spain’s progression to the final of the 2026 World Cup. Spain booked their place in the final of the tournament with a dominant 2-0 win over tournament favourites France overnight. Rodri put in a masterful display in midfield to help Spain beat a powerful French outfit. In the process, Rodri’s performance against France was a reminder that Manchester City must extend his contract with the club.

Rodri helped Spain ruthlessly dispatch France in their World Cup semi-final clash.

The midfield battle loomed as the decisive factor in Spain’s World Cup semi-final against France. With Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise starting for France, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot started in midfield for Didier Deschamps’ side. In midfield, Spain started Rodri and Fabiàn Ruiz in midfield with Dani Olmo also dropping into midfield.

Simply put, France were overmatched in midfield. A first-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second-half strike from Pedro Porro would seal a 2-0 win for Spain. As would an outstanding performance from every Spanish player on the pitch. At the heart of it all was Rodri, who was absolutely brilliant in midfield.

Rodri was at his imperious best in last night’s World Cup semi-final. He dictated the tempo of last night’s match with support from Fabiàn Ruiz and his teammates. Manchester City’s midfield general covered the pitch exceptionally well, routinely snuffing out the threat of the French. Rodri’s ability to read the game and contain any danger was superb. In possession, Rodri was his composed self as the occasion never phased him.

Rodri’s performance last night was reminiscent of his best displays for Manchester City. He has rightly earned the plaudits that his performance deserved. If anything, Rodri’s display was a reminder that he remains by far and away the best number six in world football by some distance.

In an ideal world, Manchester City will extend Rodri’s contract and it feels like it is a move they need to make.

Rodri has returned to his dominant best at the World Cup. The 2025-26 season was frustrating for him as niggling injuries kept him from making the impact he’d have liked for Manchester City last season. He is clearly over those issues which has stood out throughout the World Cup. While Rodri has starred for Spain, another story has bubbled away in the background. Rodri’s contract is set to expire in 12 months time. Watching him at the World Cup and based on his importance and standing at Manchester City, City simply have to extend his contract.

Yes, Rodri is 30 and did suffer a serious knee injury early in the 2024-25 season. It has taken time for him to get back to his dominant best. However, he remains an integral member of the Manchester City squad. Also, as City embark on a new era, they’ll need Rodri now and in the future. Rodri is an inspirational figure and he lifts those around him. The longer City can keep his presence at the club, the better.

Rodri put in arguably his best performance of the 2026 World Cup as he led from the front for Spain in their 2-0 win over France to book a place in this summer’s World Cup final. It was a performance for the ages from the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder and it was also a reminder that City need to extend his contract so that he can continue to be the leader for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders they need in their new era.