Rodri Makes His Ballon d’Or Ambition Clear: ‘Do You Think I Don’t Want It?’

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has openly admitted that he wants to win the Ballon d’Or again, despite knowing that his teammate Lamine Yamal is also among the contenders for this year’s award.

The Spain international has just completed a remarkable summer after helping La Roja win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he was named the tournament’s best player.

With another Ballon d’Or ceremony approaching, Rodri has made it clear that he would happily add another individual prize to his collection.

Rodri Makes No Secret of His Ballon d’Or Ambition

Rodri was asked directly whether he still wants to win the Ballon d’Or, particularly with Yamal also competing for the prestigious award.

His response was straightforward.

“Do you think I don’t want to win it?”

However, Rodri immediately emphasised that individual awards are ultimately decided by what happens on the football pitch rather than what players say in interviews.

“Winning that trophy depends on what you do on the field, not what you say off it.”

The Barcelona midfielder also stressed that football remains a collective sport and that individual achievements are closely connected to the work of teammates.

“It’s clear that it’s a team sport and that everything each player achieves is the result of teamwork.”

Rodri has previously said he would prefer to see another Spaniard win the award, but he admitted that he naturally wants to compete for it himself.

“I said I’d prefer a Spaniard to win it, but of course I want to win it. Since it doesn’t depend on me, I don’t go around saying so.”

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Rodri Delighted to Be Back With Spain

Rodri also spoke about his return to action after spending around two months away from the pitch.

The midfielder described his comeback as an emotional moment, particularly because he was able to prove to himself that he had returned to his previous level.

“It’s a very exciting time for me. A moment of great euphoria and joy. Because of what I came back for and being able to prove to myself that I was back.”

His return has also reunited him with several players he now works with at Barcelona.

Rodri believes having so many Spain internationals at the same club can provide an advantage because of their existing understanding of each other’s football.

Barcelona’s Spanish Core Could Be an Advantage

The midfielder highlighted the importance of compatibility between players, particularly when several teammates already share the same tactical ideas at club and international level.

“In football, performance is very important because of the compatibility between players, and it’s important that so many of us are at Barcelona.”

Rodri believes the similarities between Barcelona and Spain can make that transition easier.

“Now we have to adjust our mindset a bit, although I think it’s positive that there are several players from the same team because we also play in a similar style.”

With Rodri joining a Barcelona squad containing several key members of Spain’s World Cup-winning side, that familiarity could become an important feature of the season.

Rodri Compares Flick and De la Fuente

Rodri was also asked about the similarities between Barcelona coach Hansi Flick and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente.

He acknowledged that the two coaches have different tactical details but believes their fundamental demands are largely similar.

“The coaches have different nuances. The core role is practically identical.”

Rodri explained that Flick’s defensive approach differs from De la Fuente’s, but the broader footballing principles remain comparable.

“In terms of footballing concepts, Hansi defends differently, but broadly speaking, they demand the same things. Barcelona is quite similar, but with different nuances.”

With Rodri now back at full strength and Barcelona’s Spanish contingent continuing to grow, the midfielder has plenty to look forward to.

And when it comes to the Ballon d’Or, his message is equally clear: he may prefer a Spaniard to win, but he certainly wants another one for himself.

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