Rodri: Ballon d'Or Means Nothing Without a World Cup for Spain
Spain’s midfield maestro Rodri has laid bare his true ambitions, declaring he’d gladly trade his 2024 Ballon d’Or for a World Cup triumph and the right to wear a second star on his national shirt.
Speaking at Spain’s pre-World Cup media day in Las Rozas, Madrid, the Manchester City pivot made no bones about where his heart lies. “I’d take the World Cup and that second star over the Ballon d’Or any day,” Rodri told reporters, his tone resolute. “That’s the ultimate prize.”
The 2024 golden ball winner — who cut his teeth at Villarreal and Atlético Madrid before joining City in 2019 — is now fully immersed in preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With the tournament just under three years away, the focus is squarely on building momentum for what could be the defining chapter of his international career.
Rodri also addressed the swirling transfer speculation surrounding his future. Though his contract with Manchester City runs until 2027, he insists he’ll wait until after the World Cup to consider his next move. “Everything comes after the World Cup,” he said. “No decisions, no talks — not even a whisper — until we’ve done our job for Spain.”
The intrigue only deepened when Real Madrid presidential hopeful Enrique Riquelme publicly named Rodri as a top target for the club, fueling rumours of a potential high-stakes reunion with his former La Liga rivals. But for now, Rodri remains laser-focused on the red-and-yellow jersey.
Spain enter the 2026 campaign as reigning European champions — having lifted the UEFA EURO 2024 crown and the Nations League under coach Luis de la Fuente — with Rodri at the heart of their success. His composure, vision, and relentless work rate have been instrumental in both triumphs, and now he’s determined to complete the set.
With the North American stage beckoning, the message from Las Rozas was clear: the Ballon d’Or may be a personal accolade, but for Rodri, the World Cup is the only trophy that truly matters.