Manchester City star midfielder Rodri has dismissed any talk of a rift with Vinicius Junior following his boycott of the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The Spanish international received the men’s award for 2024 in front of the Real Madrid star.
“I have nothing against Vini Jr.,” Rodri told Spanish radio station Onda Cero. “I have the utmost respect for him, for everything he did in that Ballon d’Or year. Other people decide who wins the Ballon d’Or. They tried to pit us against each other, but that’s not the case.”
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Tensions flared as City fans unveiled a tifo at the Etihad Stadium during their 2024 clash, taunting Real Madrid and Vini Jr. for boycotting the event after failing to win the most prestigious individual award in men’s soccer.
The pair have met regularly since then, with UEFA pitting the two clubs against each other in six of the last seven UEFA Champions League campaigns. The last of these meetings came in the round of 16, when the Spanish club advanced again.
“It doesn’t matter if he arrives at the game at a good or bad time, Real Madrid is always Real Madrid,” he added.
Rodri, who has a year left on his contract, has now fueled speculation about a possible return to Spain, most likely with Real Madrid.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is unbelievable. It’s a very intimidating place,” said the Spain international. “The fact that I played for Atltico Madrid doesn’t stop me from playing for Real Madrid. You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”
Rodri played for Madrid’s red side Rojiblancos for a single season in 2018/19 before his €70 million move to Manchester City. He was previously at Villarreal CF where he progressed through the ranks from their B team.
“I didn’t plan to play outside of Spain in my career, but Manchester City came up as an option in 2019 and I said yes,” he elaborated. “I have one year left on my contract at Man City. At some point we will have to sit down and talk. Real Madrid is not a closed door for me,” Onda Cero said.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
26 March 2026 15:47 IST
