BARCELONA, Spain — Rodri, the newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner from Manchester City, expressed that he would consider a move to Real Madrid if they ever decided to pursue him. In a recent sports talk show in Spain, he was posed with the question of how he would react should the renowned club make an approach for his services.
When asked, Rodri acknowledged the significance of Real Madrid in the world of football, referring to them as “the best club in history, the club with the most titles, and all that it represents.” He emphasized that it would be an honor to listen to their proposition, but he quickly reiterated his contentment with his current situation at Manchester City.
Spanish footballers often face inquiries from the media about their aspirations regarding a potential move to either Real Madrid or FC Barcelona, especially if they are not already affiliated with these clubs. Such responses by players frequently garner significant media attention.
At 28, Rodri remains contracted with Manchester City until June 2027. He is currently in recovery after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL and a damaged meniscus, injuries sustained during a match in September. A month following his surgery, he made headlines as the first Spanish male player to win the Ballon d’Or in over six decades. His compatriot, Aitana Bonmatí, also earned her second consecutive award as the top female player during the same event.
Real Madrid decided to skip the gala where the awards were distributed upon learning that Rodri had won over forward Vinícius Júnior. Despite this, Rodri mentioned that he was not offended by Madrid’s absence from the celebration. He commented, “It’s a decision that a person or a club may have their reasons for, and I don’t want to attribute more significance to it.”
Rodri further emphasized his happiness with his life at Manchester City, where he has contributed significantly to the team’s success under coach Pep Guardiola—winning a Champions League title and four Premier League championships since his arrival in 2019 after previous spells at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.
His recognition as the best player in the world came after his instrumental role in helping Spain secure the European Championship earlier this summer. Rodri took this opportunity to highlight the often-unrecognized contributions of defensive midfielders. “The influence of the central midfielder is often only appreciated when it’s lacking; it’s almost an invisible aspect of soccer,” he remarked. “I believe that this Ballon d’Or helps shine a light on its importance.”
For almost two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo had dominated the Ballon d’Or, with Luka Modric winning the title in 2018. Prior to Rodri’s achievement, the last non-attacking player to win the award was Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.