The Ballon d'Or is football's most coveted individual prize, and after Spain's historic World Cup triumph, midfield general Rodri isn't mincing words: he believes the next golden ball belongs to a Spaniard.
Key Points:
- Rodri firmly believes a Spanish player must win the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
- He named a six-man shortlist exclusively comprising his Spain teammates.
- Notable omissions include global superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.
- Youth talents like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí are highlighted for their meteoric rise.
A Fiery Plea for La Roja's Golden Era
Rodri's strong conviction comes after Spain's recent World Cup victory, a moment that has clearly fueled his nationalistic pride for individual honors. The Manchester City maestro didn't just suggest; he insisted the prestigious individual accolade belongs to a player from his triumphant national squad.
Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, Rodri outlined his unwavering preferences for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. His clear message is that the trophy must return to Spain, celebrating the collective success with individual recognition.
Rodri's Exclusive Spanish Six
Rodri wasn't shy in naming his preferred candidates. His shortlist features a mix of experience and electrifying youth: Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsí, Fabián Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and, of course, himself.
"What I would really like is for a Spaniard to win it," Rodri declared with passion. "I can tell you that, individually, every one of them absolutely deserves the Ballon d'Or. I think all my teammates have solid arguments."
Why Each Spaniard Shines
Rodri passionately articulated the unique strengths of his chosen six. He lauded Fabián Ruiz for accumulating the most collective titles, a testament to his consistent impact throughout a demanding season.
Rising stars from Barcelona also earned special mention. Pau Cubarsí was praised for his "incredible achievements" at just 19 years old, showcasing maturity beyond his years. Lamine Yamal, another teenage sensation, was simply described as "incredible" for his dazzling performances.
Completing the offensive picks, Ferran Torres received credit for scoring the "decisive goal" when the stakes were highest, proving his big-game temperament. Rodri himself, of course, was named Player of the Tournament – a strong case for his own inclusion.
The Elephant in the Room: Snubbing Global Superstars
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Rodri's list is who didn't make the cut. Global attacking behemoths like Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Ousmane Dembélé were conspicuously absent from his considerations.
This deliberate exclusion sends a clear message: for Rodri, national glory with Spain currently outweighs individual brilliance from other nations. He acknowledged the media buzz around these superstars, stating, "I think it's great that they consider themselves the best in the world," yet remained steadfast in his conviction that the 2026 Ballon d'Or belongs to a member of La Roja.
