Rodri Rejects Ballon d’Or Lobbying as Barcelona Star Eyes 2026 Prize
Rodri will not run a public campaign for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the Barcelona midfielder insisting the award must be decided by performances rather than press-room lobbying.
The 30-year-old Spain international has made clear that he wants to win the individual prize, but does not believe interviews or promotional efforts can influence the journalists casting their votes.
“Of course I want to win it,” Rodri said. “But the award is not decided by what we say. It comes down to what you have done on the pitch, and I do not think my words can affect the decision.”
Rodri credits Barcelona team-mates
The midfielder stressed that any individual recognition would reflect the work of the squad around him, rather than one player alone.
“Individual awards come from collective work,” he added. “Football is a team game. What players such as me achieve would not be possible without our team-mates. I would be happy to see a Spanish player win it. I would love to win, naturally, but it is beyond my control and I will not make a claim for it.”
- Rodri is continuing his midfield role for Barcelona as they chase further Liga points.
- The Spain World Cup winner is among the players being discussed ahead of the individual award.
- He says his focus remains on football rather than building a personal case through the media.
What happens next
- Rodri will return his attention to Barcelona’s domestic fixtures over the next month.
- The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed on Monday, October 26.
- The 70th edition of the ceremony will be staged in London for the first time in the award’s history.
