Link to newsround

Man City's World Cup winner Rodri joins Barcelona

Rodri with the Golden Ball award after the 2026 Fifa World Cup final.Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Rodri won the Golden Ball trophy at this summer's World Cup - awarded to the tournament's best player

  • Published

Spain captain Rodri has completed his transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona.

The midfielder who won the 2024 Ballon d'Or as the world's best player, signed a four-year contract after Barcelona agreed to pay around £65 million to get him.

Rodri, who also lifted the World Cup with Spain this summer, said he was "very happy and excited about this new stage" of his career.

Rodri's super-skills

Rodri holding up a Barcelona shirt.Image source, Getty Images

Rodri is widely seen as one of best players in the world at the moment when it comes to controlling the game from midfield.

He is widely known for his accurate passing, defensive skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.

Rodri captained his country to World Cup victory earlier this summer, where he was also presented with the Golden Ball trophy - awarded to the tournament's best player.

Rodri at City.Image source, PA Media

The 30-year-old spent seven seasons at Manchester City, having joined from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

He made 298 appearances and won 12 major honours - including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League in 2023.

After the announcement was made, Rodri said that his new club "really suits my personality... I'm very happy and excited about this new stage in my career.

"It's a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again."