Rodrigo: “I’ll remember 2024 forever for so many reasons”

In the most successful year of his career, marked by an extraordinary list of achievements and recognition from the footballing world as the best in his profession, Rodrigo Hernández has also experienced the harsher side of the sport. Suddenly, everything went dark when his incredible momentum was abruptly halted by a severe injury. After undergoing surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injury, he now faces almost an entire season on the sidelines. Yet, this challenge has prompted him to reflect and embrace the thrilling journey ahead. As he navigates this new phase, the exemplary footballer and one of Spain’s leaders opens up about his daily life during his recovery.
“It’s a tough process—it’s long and tedious,” the Madrid-born player admits, exhausted from his grueling double training sessions. “The first few months were the hardest because I couldn’t put any weight on my leg, and the exercises were so boring, there weren’t many I could do, and I couldn’t put weight on the leg.” Still, Rodrigo now finds some solace in life’s simple pleasures, like being able to walk again. “Once you start walking, it becomes more manageable, more enjoyable. You can introduce activities like cycling, walking, swimming, it gets better. But yes, at the start, it’s a bit of a drag.”
He conquered the Premier League, was named the best player of the Euros where Spain triumphed in Berlin, and received a host of individual nominations. Then, at the pinnacle of his career, disaster struck. But far from despairing, he took it all in stride, accepting the misfortune as part of his profession. “I’m the type of person who deals with things as they come. I’ve always been grateful for what God has given me and what I’ve achieved in my career, and I know injuries are part of the process. It’s clear that these past few months have brought both the best and the worst moments of my career, winning the Ballon d’Or after the Euros victory and then suffering this kind of injury. But I’m an optimist, and I’m grateful for what life gives me. I approach challenges with optimism and determination.”
“I’m grateful for what life gives me. I approach challenges with optimism and determination.”
There’s plenty to smile about, as Rodrigo’s accomplishments in 2024 are nothing short of remarkable. At 28, with years of experience behind him, he values what he has achieved without dismissing the challenges. “On a sporting level, it’s been another fantastic year, full of success both with my club and my national team. Honestly, I’m still at the peak of my career, and I’ve worked very hard to reach this point. I’ll remember 2024 forever for so many reasons.”
One of those reasons is the Ballon d’Or he won in Paris at the end of October, a prize that cemented his status as a leading figure in world football. “It’s incredibly emotional. The significance… It’s not just about following in the footsteps of the players who’ve won it before me and the magnitude of those players but also recognising the ones who haven’t. Especially in your own country,” he says, acknowledging the Spaniards who lifted the trophy before him. “I’m thrilled and happy, but I don’t think I fully understand what it means yet. I think it will sink in properly when I retire. It’s something I never dreamed of, but when you set short-term goals, work hard, stay consistent, and combine that with talent and other factors, you can reach the very top.”
Looking ahead with the national team, Rodrigo is inspired by the path to the World Cup, a goal that feels within reach. “When you can take your country to the very top, and with the group we’re building… These players will be recognised worldwide. We’re creating a legacy, and we’re succeeding. We’ve been working well for a long time, and players are stepping up and being acknowledged for their quality. We’re staying on course, staying humble, and approaching every competition with the goal of winning it.”
“I’m meeting my targets and working hard to feel good again and get back to my best.”
This is how Rodrigo is experiencing the present, thoughtful as Christmas approaches, juggling gym sessions, pilates, cycling, swimming, and physiotherapy. He reflects on the year and looks ahead to 2025, where the challenge is clear. “My main goal is to recover physically, to get back on the pitch and at least give myself the chance to get back to the level I was at. I’m trying to hit all my targets in the best way possible, working hard to give myself and my body the chance to feel good again and get back to my best. I’m not thinking about titles or winning anything; I’m focused on coming back strong, and the rest will follow.”