'I Google my stats': Rodri admits he doesn't use social networks

The 2024 Ballon d’Or has crowned football’s silent heroes, epitomised by Rodri, a midfielder who has evolved into a dynamic box-to-box player. In an exclusive interview with Relevo, Rodri reflects on his meteoric rise, his World Cup experience, and the journey that led him to football’s most prestigious individual accolade.

Rodri, currently living with his parents during his rehabilitation, has found himself taking on household duties that he once had an excuse to avoid. "As soon as I started walking again…" he joked, hinting at his newfound responsibilities.

He admits that his rise to fame, which gained further momentum even before winning the Ballon d’Or, has been largely due to his ability to contribute with goals and assists—statistics that have become essential to modern football’s media narrative. "Goals and assists—nothing sells better in this sport," he said.

His impressive performances for Manchester City have made it all the more surprising that Luis Enrique used him as a central defender during Spain’s World Cup campaign last year.

"It helped that I played three or four games there for City, but it wasn’t the same as in a World Cup," he reflected. "Those weeks leading up to the tournament… I struggled. Nerves, pressure. It was my first World Cup, but I think I did well."

 Away from the business side of football, Rodri has always been a player focused on the game itself. Now, with more time on his hands due to injury, he’s able to reflect on what sets him apart from many of his peers.

"I’m not really into social media. I don’t have a profile, but I stay aware of everything that’s going on," he claimed. "When I watch a match and need to look up a stat, instead of going to social media, I just type 'stats Rodri' into Google. That’s how I check my own numbers."

As Rodri’s career continues to soar, his humility and grounded nature remain key to his success—a factor that no doubt played a part in his remarkable rise to football’s highest individual honour.