Rodri says Ballon d’Or didn’t affect his Barcelona move over Real Madrid

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has rejected claims that he turned down a transfer to Real Madrid this summer because of the fallout from the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, which he won despite Vinicius Junior being the favourite. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Rodri said the award controversy did not affect his decision and described the night as a special moment for his family. After Spain’s 2026 World Cup campaign, he was heavily linked with a move to Los Blancos but ultimately signed for their eternal rivals, Barcelona. Rodri emphasized that there is no truth to suggestions he avoided Real Madrid to prevent potential dressing‑room tensions linked to the Ballon d’Or debate.

For Nigerian football fans, the clarification sheds light on how individual accolades and club rivalries influence player choices, especially amid frequent speculation about African talents moving to European giants. It also underscores that transfer decisions are often multifaceted, involving personal, sporting and environmental factors beyond trophy politics.

Rodri’s move to Barcelona adds a high‑profile midfielder to La Liga, potentially shifting the balance of power in Spain’s top league. Fans watching his adaptation may gauge whether the Premier League‑trained player can thrive in a different tactical setup, and whether his presence impacts Barcelona’s chances in domestic and European competitions.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/15/i-didnt-reject-real-madrid-because-of-ballon-dor-award-rodri/