Spain midfielder Rodri etched his name into FIFA World Cup history with a record-breaking display against France, helping La Roja secure a 2-0 victory and a place in the 2026 World Cup final. According to data platform OptaJoe, the midfield general completed an astonishing 655 passes during the tournament, setting a new record for the most passes by any player in a single World Cup edition since records began in 1966.The remarkable milestone underlines Rodri’s influence at the heart of Spain’s campaign, with the 30-year-old once again dictating the tempo on the biggest stage after a long road back from injury.Against France, Rodri delivered one of his finest performances since returning from the serious cruciate ligament injury he suffered while playing for Manchester City against Arsenal nearly two years ago. Calm in possession and relentless without the ball, he orchestrated Spain’s midfield while ensuring France’s dangerous attack never found its rhythm.“Step by step, one step further,” Rodri said after Spain sealed their place in the final. “The team is elated. It’s the second time we’ve reached a final, and we need to stay calm and get some rest.”His commanding display was a reminder of the form that made him one of world football’s most dominant midfielders and earned him the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Throughout the tournament, Rodri has steadily looked closer to his best, but his semi-final performance was a complete midfield masterclass.Working seamlessly alongside Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi, Rodri helped shut down France’s star-studded frontline featuring Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. Spain’s defensive organisation was so effective that goalkeeper Unai Simon was not required to make a single save, with Rodri repeatedly cutting out attacks before they developed.Equally impressive was his work on the ball. His precise passing kept Spain in control throughout the contest, frequently switching play to full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro while covering more than 12.5 kilometres over the course of the match.Reflecting on Spain’s tactical approach, Rodri said, “Given the characteristics of both teams, you knew one was more explosive and the other more possession-oriented. The support from the full-backs – from the whole team – has been sensational.”Now, with a historic passing record and Spain just one win away from World Cup glory, Rodri has once again proven why he remains one of football’s most influential players.
