Barcelona midfielder Rodri has strongly backed one of his Spanish international team-mates to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or following La Roja's World Cup triumph. The former Manchester City man named six deserving compatriots while notably snubbing several high-profile candidates like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.
Spain captain and new Barcelona midfielder Rodri revealed that Real Madrid pushed aggressively to sign him during the summer transfer window. Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, the Ballon d'Or winner explained why he ultimately chose Camp Nou for purely tactical reasons.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has admitted he fully expected Rodri to join Real Madrid before the midfielder eventually sealed a move to Barcelona. The La Roja boss believes the return of such high-calibre talent is essential for the health of Spanish football and the overall standard of the domestic league.
Rodri has publicly backed Barcelona to make a future move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. The Spanish midfielder praised the Argentine's sensational versatility and believes a reunion at Camp Nou would be a spectacular piece of business.
