Rodri Accepts Barcelona's Support for Lamine Yamal

Rodri has admitted that he understands Barcelona's decision to support Lamine Yamal in the 2026 Ballon d'Or race, despite being among the Spanish midfielder's rivals for the award.

Barcelona have publicly backed Yamal, with the teenage winger emerging as one of the leading candidates after helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup.

Rodri, who also played a key role in Spain's triumph and won the tournament's Golden Ball, has no issue with his club taking Yamal's side.

“I understand that,” Rodri said when asked about Barcelona's position.

“Barcelona think Lamine deserves the Ballon d'Or and it's absolutely OK.”

The 30-year-old midfielder explained that individual awards ultimately depend on the voters rather than the players themselves.

He also made clear that he would like to see the prize remain in Spanish hands following Spain's World Cup success.

“I would like a Spaniard to win it,” Rodri said.

Rodri's comments come despite his own strong case for the award. After winning the World Cup with Spain, he was named the tournament's best player, adding another major individual honour to his résumé.

Yamal, meanwhile, has received growing support from within Barcelona and beyond. Teammates and former Barcelona figures have backed the 19-year-old, who was also a key part of Spain's World Cup-winning campaign.

Rather than turning the Ballon d'Or debate into a rivalry with Yamal, Rodri has accepted Barcelona's position and remains focused on the possibility of seeing another Spanish player claim football's biggest individual prize.