Rodri Breaks Silence on Real Madrid Rejection Rumours
Rodri has also made clear that his career decisions are based on sporting and personal considerations rather than one controversial evening.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Barcelona midfielder Rodri Hernandez has dismissed claims that he rejected a move to Real Madrid because the Spanish giants boycotted the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The Spain international addressed the long-running speculation in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, explaining that Real Madrid’s absence from the ceremony had nothing to do with his decision to join Barcelona.
“It’s not true that I rejected Real Madrid because they boycotted the Ballon d’Or. At the time, it didn’t affect me, as it was my special day,” Rodri said.
The controversy goes back to October 2024, when Real Madrid decided against attending the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris after learning that Vinicius Junior would not win the award.
Rodri eventually claimed the prestigious prize, finishing ahead of the Brazilian forward and becoming the first Spanish player since Luis Suarez in 1960 to win the men’s Ballon d’Or.
Madrid’s decision to stay away generated widespread debate, with the club’s absence becoming one of the main talking points surrounding the ceremony. Rodri, however, said he refused to allow the controversy to overshadow what was an important night for him and his family.
“There’s no point in talking about people who were not at the ceremony. It was just a beautiful moment for my family and I,” he added.
Rodri has since moved on from Manchester City and joined Barcelona, where he has taken on a new chapter in his career.
His arrival at Camp Nou has added further interest to the old Real Madrid speculation, particularly because the midfielder had previously been linked with a move to the Spanish giants.
The 29-year-old had established himself as one of the world’s leading midfielders during his time at Manchester City. He joined the English club from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and became a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s side.
His performances were central to City’s historic 2022-23 campaign, when they won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. Rodri scored the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, further strengthening his reputation at the highest level.
Now at Barcelona, the midfielder is focused on helping his new club compete for major honours.
Rodri has also made clear that his career decisions are based on sporting and personal considerations rather than one controversial evening.
His latest comments therefore appear to put an end to the theory that Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or boycott played a role in his eventual decision to join Barcelona.
If Rodri’s move to Camp Nou has closed the door on a potential Real Madrid transfer, the reason was not the events of the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
About Author
