Posted by Chinenye on Tue 15th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
Rodri has finally addressed the real reason behind his decision to turn down Real Madrid for Barcelona.
(Rodri. Photo Credit: Kicker)
Barcelona midfielder Rodri has denied that he rejected Real Madrid this summer because of the 2024 Ballon d'Or fallout.
Rodri won the award despite Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior being the favourite.
After the 2026 World Cup, he was linked with a move to Real Madrid but chose to join Barcelona instead.
Rodri said it's not true that he made the decision because of possible tension in the Madrid dressing room over the Ballon d'Or controversy.
He said the award situation didn't bother him and it was a special moment for his family.
There's no point discussing people who weren't at the ceremony, he added.