Rodri has performed down discussions surrounding the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting that his focus stays away from the person award whereas expressing his hope {that a} Spanish participant in the end takes dwelling the celebrated prize.
The Barcelona midfielder has emerged as one of many main contenders following an impressive yr with Spain. After beforehand successful the Ballon d’Or in 2024, Rodri added one other main achievement to his résumé by captaining Spain to 2026 World Cup glory.
Softfootball understands that his performances all through the match have been significantly influential, with the midfielder additionally receiving the Golden Ball award because the competitors’s excellent participant. These achievements have naturally positioned him among the many favourites forward of the Ballon d’Or announcement in October.
Nonetheless, Rodri seems reluctant to turn into concerned within the rising debate surrounding who ought to win the award. As an alternative, he referred to as for recognition to be given to each participant who has been nominated and maintained that the main focus must be on celebrating their achievements.
Whereas refusing to marketing campaign for himself, Rodri did reveal his most popular consequence. The midfielder hopes the award stays in Spanish fingers, reflecting the nation’s exceptional yr on the worldwide stage and the performances of a number of Spanish stars at membership and worldwide degree.
Rodri’s feedback come at a time when the Ballon d’Or race is turning into more and more aggressive. Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal are among the many different outstanding names that includes prominently in early energy rankings, whereas Rodri’s World Cup-winning marketing campaign has strengthened his personal credentials.
For Rodri, nonetheless, the person recognition seems secondary to the collective success Spain achieved. Having already claimed the award as soon as, the Barcelona star is aware of precisely what it takes to achieve the highest of world soccer.
Whether or not he turns into the primary participant to win the prize twice in three years or one other Spanish star takes the honour, Rodri’s choice is obvious: he needs Spain to have a good time one other Ballon d’Or winner.
