Barcelona: Rodri apologises after controversial Valencia comments

The Spanish midfielder contacted José Luis Gayà after being filmed making harsh comments about Valencia’s performance

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Barcelona: Rodri apologises after controversial Valencia comments

Facing his first controversy since joining Barça, Rodri quickly called José Luis Gayà to apologise for comments caught on camera.

Rodri has not had to wait long to discover the intense media spotlight that comes with playing for Barcelona. During Sunday’s emphatic 5-0 win away to Valencia in La Liga, the Spanish midfielder was filmed on the bench making a highly critical assessment of the opposition after being substituted.

The footage, captured by Movistar+, quickly spread across Spain and generated widespread reaction. Rodri criticised Valencia’s lack of intensity and their inability to get beyond the halfway line in the second half. His comments came during a match completely controlled by Barça, who had 74% possession and 25 shots compared with just three from Valencia.

Rodri calls Gayà to calm the controversy

With the story gathering momentum, the World Cup winner moved quickly to defuse the situation. According to Sport and Cadena SER, Rodri personally contacted Valencia captain José Luis Gayà, a familiar face from the Spain national team, to apologise and make clear that he never intended to disrespect the club or its players.

📲 Rodri Hernández a présenté AUJOURD’HUI ses excuses au vestiaire de Valence.

Il ne l’a pas fait par l’intermédiaire du Barça ou de quelconques intermédiaires. Il a pris l’initiative de le faire personnellement. [@sanchis14] pic.twitter.com/HF0HIETtW8
— Més Blaugrana (@MesBlaugrana) September 8, 2026

The sporting context made the comments even more sensitive. Barcelona had comprehensively beaten Valencia 5-0, leaving the hosts 20th and bottom of La Liga with one point from four matches. Barça, meanwhile, lead the standings with 12 points from four wins.

A first league start already under the spotlight

The night had actually been an important one for Rodri from a sporting perspective, as it marked his first La Liga start since joining from Manchester City. Signed on August 18 on a contract running until June 2030, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner played 61 minutes and attempted 83 passes as Barcelona controlled the game.

The episode is an early reminder that every word and gesture will now be closely watched. Rodri chose to shut down the controversy quickly as he settles back into Spanish football after seven seasons in England.