Ballon d'Or 2026: Rodri completely steps out of the spotlight

Despite winning the 2026 World Cup and being named the tournament's best player, Rodri is not campaigning to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

While some contenders have been mounting a major campaign for the 2026 Ballon d’Or for several days now, Rodri remains discreet on the subject. The FC Barcelona midfielder believes that no statement can influence the voting journalists.

"You think I don't want to win it? No. I know it's an award that does not depend on what we say. It depends on what you have shown on the pitch. I think that nothing I say will help influence their decision. Individual awards recognize collective work. It is a team sport; what players like me have won cannot be achieved without their teammates. I would be delighted if a Spanish player won it. Of course I would like to win it, but it doesn't depend on me, so I am not claiming it," declared the former Manchester City player.

Read also: 2026 Ballon d'Or: Mbappé–Dembélé, Jules Koundé reassures over the relationship between the two players

Having already won the award in 2024, Rodri is letting his performances speak for themselves.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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