Rodri Real Madrid move complicated by Ballon d’Or fallout

Real Madrid’s long standing admiration for Rodri may be complicated by lingering tension surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or, with reports in Spain suggesting “something broke down” between the midfielder and the club.

Rodri has been a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side since arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2019. He played a pivotal role in City’s 2022/23 treble-winning campaign and lifted the European Championship with Spain in 2024 before claiming the Ballon d’Or later that year.

Despite suffering a serious injury shortly before that ceremony, the 29-year-old has returned to regular action in recent weeks and remains central to City’s plans. The Premier League champions are understood to be keen on extending his contract beyond its current 2027 expiry.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has again highlighted Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri as part of their summer planning. The La Liga giants are reportedly assessing midfield reinforcements, with the Manchester City star firmly on their radar.

However, El Desmarque claim that any potential deal faces a significant obstacle linked to the Ballon d’Or fallout.

Journalist Rubén Uría told El Desmarque Madrugada that relations between Rodri and Real Madrid cooled following the 2024 award ceremony.

“It would be very difficult for Rodri to go to Real Madrid,” Uría said. “Something broke down between Rodri and Real Madrid when he won the Ballon d’Or. There were people connected to Real Madrid who behaved indecently regarding the Ballon d’Or.”

Vinícius Júnior had been widely tipped as a favourite for the prize that year but ultimately lost out to Rodri. According to the report, the reaction within sections of the Madrid camp left a lasting impression.

Another journalist, Roberto Gómez, suggested the transfer would be illogical from a footballing perspective.

“Rodri doesn’t fit in with Real Madrid’s style,” Gómez said.

That assessment contrasts with the midfielder’s profile as one of Europe’s most complete holding players. Having followed Manchester City’s structure closely, Rodri’s positional intelligence, ball progression and defensive screening remain integral to Guardiola’s system.

It remains too early to draw firm conclusions about whether Real Madrid will actively pursue the move in the summer. Contract negotiations at City could ultimately render speculation irrelevant.

From Manchester City’s standpoint, the reported friction may strengthen their hand in ongoing renewal discussions. Securing Rodri long-term would remove uncertainty and underline his status as a cornerstone of the project.

Given his recovery from injury and return to consistent minutes, the timing of any new deal could prove decisive.

Manchester City are expected to continue internal discussions over Rodri’s contract in the coming months. Real Madrid’s summer strategy will also clarify whether interest translates into action.

For now, Rodri’s focus remains on regaining full rhythm and anchoring City’s midfield as the season intensifies.

Should Manchester City prioritise tying Rodri down now, or wait until summer clarity emerges?