The last 18 months have been the most challenging of Rodri's illustrious career. After suffering a devastating cruciate ligament injury in September 2024, the midfielder was forced to watch from the sidelines for a full year, a brutal interruption for a player who was at the peak of his powers and had just claimed the Ballon d'Or. Since his return, the road back to his best has been far from straightforward.
Hernandez opened up about the mental and physical toll the injury has taken on his son. "It's been tough because for a Ballon d'Or winner, suddenly stopping, then having to readjust yourself a year later and saying I want to be the same again is difficult," he explained. Although Rodri has managed 14 league appearances this season, he has been plagued by recurring muscular problems, missing over two months with hamstring issues.