Rodri

Following a Manchester City match, Rodri stated that the referee needed to be 'neutral' while questioning several decisions. The Football Association charged him with improper conduct; he admitted the charge and was fined £80,000 in March 2026, with a warning concerning his future conduct.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Personally implicated

During Valencia–Barcelona, cameras captured Rodri on the bench describing the opposing team's standard as very weak and poor. Publication of the footage triggered controversy; Valencia coach Carlos Corberán described the remarks as disrespectful.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or ahead of Vinícius Júnior. Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony after learning that its player would not win, prompting international controversy over voting and its criteria. Rodri subsequently defended the legitimacy of the result against criticism, including remarks from Cristiano Ronaldo.

State of the evidence

Documented

During celebrations of Spain's European title, Rodri chanted 'Gibraltar is Spanish'. UEFA initiated disciplinary proceedings and suspended him for one match, as it did Álvaro Morata, for violating principles of conduct and using a sporting event for a non-sporting demonstration.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Ahead of the new Champions League format, Rodri said players were approaching a point where a strike could be considered because of the growing number of matches. His remarks revived the dispute between players, leagues, UEFA and FIFA over fixture congestion.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

As transfers to the Saudi Pro League multiplied, Rodri said the departure of talent from Europe was becoming worrying and argued that decision-making bodies should control the situation. His remarks fuelled debate over Saudi money and the competitiveness of European leagues.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

During Manchester City–Nottingham Forest, Rodri was sent off following an altercation in which he grabbed Morgan Gibbs-White by the neck. The straight red card for violent conduct triggered the standard three-match suspension.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated