Rodrygo's milestone week: Return to ball training and a new romance (photos)

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes reached a long-awaited milestone in his recovery process on Monday. More than six months after being sidelined by a severe injury, the Brazil international resumed ball work at the Valdebebas training complex, marking a major step toward his return to action.

The winger's ordeal began on March 2 against Getafe at the Bernabéu. Following an unfortunate incident, he suffered the most severe injury of his career: a torn anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus in his right knee. The diagnosis ruled him out of the decisive stages of last season and definitively shattered his hopes of playing in the World Cup for Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti.

Following surgery on March 10, the forward embarked on an estimated eight to nine-month recovery timeline. Showing patience and adhering strictly to the club's medical plan, he delivered the first major sign of progress in early September when he returned to light pitch running. "Such a great feeling to be running on the grass again!" he shared on social media at the time.

Now, he has taken the next step with his return to ball drills during a memorable week: five days ago, he went public with his relationship with Brazilian model and influencer Gabriella Lenzi, posting photos from her birthday celebrations.

Boasting over one million followers on social media, Lenzi is no stranger to the spotlight. The daughter of Brazilian jet ski icon Alessander Lenzi, she was previously linked to Neymar—though neither ever confirmed a romance—and, according to the Brazilian press, also caught the attention of pop star Justin Bieber at a party during his visit to the country, though she rebuffed his advances.

Rumours linking Rodrygo and Gabriella Lenzi have circulated since 2025. In October of that year, the pair turned heads at a Halloween party hosted by Vini Jr. and Virginia Fonseca in Madrid by sporting matching outfits. In July, they were seen together at a Formula 1 practice session in Spain, though they maintained discretion regarding their relationship status at the time.