Rodri Lists Six Spain Teammates He Believes Deserve 2026 Ballon D’Or

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has identified six Spain teammates he believes have strong claims to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

The prestigious individual award is scheduled to be presented next month in London, with Rodri himself among the 30 nominees.

The midfielder was part of the Spain squad that won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he was also named the tournament’s best player.

Rodri said he would prefer to see a Spanish player receive the award this year.

“What I would really like is for a Spaniard to win it,” Rodri said as per Goal.

He went on to mention five other Spain players alongside himself who are nominated for the prize.

“There are six of us [nominated]: Cucurella, Cubarsi, Rodri, Ruiz, Lamine, and Ferran.

“I can tell you that, individually, every one of them absolutely deserves the Ballon d’Or. I think all my teammates have solid arguments.”

The players named by Rodri are Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsí, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.

The final winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced at the ceremony in London next month.