RODRI NAMES SIX SPAIN PLAYERS AS BALLON D'OR CONTENDERS

Rodri has named six players, including himself, as the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with the ceremony for the award set for October 26 in London. The Barcelona midfielder, who was named Player of the Tournament at the World Cup, said no single favourite has emerged now that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer dominate the race for the prize. Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe have also been mentioned among those in contention, while Messi was credited with a strong World Cup campaign. Rodri said his preference was for a Spanish winner, naming five Spain team-mates alongside himself as deserving candidates. There are 30 nominees for this year's award in total.

Rodri identified his fellow nominees as Cucurella, Cubarsi, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal and Ferran, all of whom were part of the Spain squad that won the World Cup. He said each of them "absolutely deserves" the Ballon d'Or and that all six had strong individual arguments. Fabian Ruiz, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, was highlighted as the player with the most titles this year, having won the World Cup, the Champions League and the Ligue 1 title within the same calendar year. Rodri pointed to Cubarsi's achievements at a young age, Ferran's decisive goal, and his own Player of the Tournament award as further justification for their claims. He reiterated that his personal preference remained for a Spaniard to win the honour.

Separately, former Real Madrid player Guti named his own three favourites for the award as Kane, Mbappe and Rodri. The Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 26 in London, with 30 players nominated for the prize this year. Rodri's own case rests on his selection as Player of the Tournament at the World Cup, alongside the trophy won by Spain. Messi was separately noted for a strong World Cup campaign, though he was not included among Rodri's named contenders. The winner is due to be announced at the ceremony next month.