Barcelona midfielder Rodri has rejected claims that Real Madrid’s absence from the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony influenced his decision not to join the Spanish club this summer.
Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony after Rodri finished ahead of Vinicius Junior in the voting, but the Spain international said the controversy had no bearing on his choice.
“At the time, it didn't affect me. It was my special day,” Rodri said.
“There’s no point in talking about people who were not at the ceremony. It was a beautiful moment for my family and I.”
Rodri, who previously played for Atletico Madrid, returned to the centre of transfer speculation after leading Spain to the 2026 FIFA World Cup title this summer.
The midfielder informed Manchester City that he wanted to return to his native country for the 2026/27 campaign, with his contract entering its final year.
Manchester City attempted to persuade him to sign a new deal, but Rodri decided against extending his stay. He also turned down a move to Real Madrid following talks with Jose Mourinho.
The interest from both sides was confirmed, while Mourinho said Rodri’s lack of certainty about the transfer had persuaded him that the move would not happen.
However, Rodri has now dismissed suggestions that Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or boycott was behind his rejection of the club.
“Saying no to Real Madrid was not easy, especially since they treated me so well,” he said.
“I made my decision based on sporting aspects, on what excited me more, and where I felt I could win and grow the most as a player.”