The drama surrounding Manchester City star Rodri has taken a stunning new twist. Just weeks after reports of his emotional break and temporary absence from the squad, new photos have surfaced showing the Spanish midfielder enjoying a lavish vacation — while his team struggled on the pitch without him.
The shocking images, leaked on social media over the weekend, show Rodri relaxing at a five-star beach resort in the Maldives, sipping cocktails, cruising on a private yacht, and dining at exclusive seaside restaurants. While fans initially believed the midfielder was in recovery and focusing on regaining full fitness, the reality seems very different.
“While City suffered without him, Rodri was living his best life,” one fan wrote bitterly on X (formerly Twitter). The comment quickly went viral, with thousands of supporters expressing outrage that one of their most vital players appeared to be “celebrating life” while the club endured back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.
Sources close to the player, however, insist the situation has been misunderstood. “Rodri has been dealing with intense pressure and burnout,” one insider told The Daily Scoop. “This trip was approved by the club’s medical staff as part of his recovery plan. He needed to reset mentally before returning.”
Still, that explanation hasn’t stopped the wave of criticism. Many fans are questioning the timing and optics of the trip, especially given how much the team has struggled without his presence in midfield. “He’s our engine. Without him, we’re lost. Seeing him on a yacht while we’re dropping points? It just hurts,” another supporter posted.
Rodri, who has yet to publicly comment on the controversy, appeared unfazed in the images — smiling, tan, and relaxed, a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil that’s reportedly been surrounding him in recent weeks.
For Manchester City, the story adds another layer of pressure as they fight to stay on top in the league. And for Rodri, the line between “recovery” and “indulgence” is now at the center of a heated public debate.
Whether this was a well-deserved mental health break or a tone-deaf escape, one thing is undeniable: the pictures have changed everything.