Rodrygo: ACL injury 'one of the worst days of my life'

Rodrygo says he has endured "one of the worst days of my life" after being ruled out for the rest of the season and the 2026 World Cup due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

The Brazilian was struggling with pain in his right knee late on in Real Madrid's 1-0 loss to Getafe in LaLiga on Monday.

It was his first appearance in all competitions since February 1 due to injury and suspension, but Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that he would not play again this term.

And while it is a blow to Madrid's hopes of clinching LaLiga and the Champions League, it is also a hit to Brazil, with Rodrygo sidelined for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Rodrygo made five appearances at the 2022 edition as Brazil were knocked out in the quarter-finals, and the 25-year-old is gutted he will not be able to help his nation in their bid to win a first World Cup title since 2002.

"One of the worst days of my life, how much I always feared this injury," Rodrygo wrote in a social media post.

"Maybe life has been a little cruel to me lately. I don't know if I deserve this, but what can I complain about? How many wonderful things I've experienced that I didn't deserve either.

"A major obstacle has arisen in my life, in my career, which prevents me from doing what I love most for a certain period of time.

"I'm out of the rest of the season with my club and out of the World Cup with my country, a dream that everyone knows how much it means to me. And all I can do is be strong as always; this is nothing new.

"Even though it's a very difficult time, I promise not to stop here. I believe I still have many incredible things to experience and bring joy to everyone who trusts me."

Brazil begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, with Haiti and Scotland also in their group.