Andoni Iraola has used Rodri’s World Cup Golden Ball achievement as an example of the “team first” mentality he wants to imprint on his Liverpool squad.
Rodri picked up the Golden Ball award as player of the tournament after Spain’s triumph over Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.
It capped an impressive tournament from the Spain captain, who also won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, having led his team from his usual role at the base of the midfield.
Iraola believes the recognition Rodri has received for his “team first” approach – rather than awarding Spain’s top goalscorer Mikel Oyarzabal or star Lamine Yamal, for example – is an example for what he wants from his Liverpool side.
NEW JERSEY, USA - Sunday, July 19, 2026: Spain's Víctor Muñoz lifts the "Fifa World Cup Trophy" after the FIFA World Cup Final 2026 between Spain and Argentina at the Met Life Stadium. Spain won the World Cup 1-0 in extra time. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NEW JERSEY, USA - Sunday, July 19, 2026: Spain's Víctor Muñoz lifts the "Fifa World Cup Trophy" after the FIFA World Cup Final 2026 between Spain and Argentina at the Met Life Stadium. Spain won the World Cup 1-0 in extra time. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I always say that a sense of collectiveness is very important. Spain has never had the best athletes,” he told reporters including the Mail‘s Lewis Steele.
“If you analyse, in swimming, track and field, they don’t normally win medals.
“But in collective sports they are very good. In football, basketball, handball, hockey…normally they have good teams. We always put the team first.
“An example is someone like Rodri. He didn’t score or make an assist but at the end they won the World Cup and he won best player of the tournament.
“‘Team first’ was always integrated in how we’re raised.”
25.09.2010, San Mames, Bilbao, ESP, Primera Division, Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona, im Bild Atletic de Bilbao's Andoni Iraola (l) and FC Barcelona's Adriano Correia during La Liga match. EXPA Pictures © 2010, PhotoCredit: EXPA/ Alterphotos/ Acero +++++ ATTENTION - OUT OF SPAIN / ESP +++++
25.09.2010, San Mames, Bilbao, ESP, Primera Division, Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona, im Bild Atletic de Bilbao's Andoni Iraola (l) and FC Barcelona's Adriano Correia during La Liga match. EXPA Pictures © 2010, PhotoCredit: EXPA/ Alterphotos/ Acero +++++ ATTENTION - OUT OF SPAIN / ESP +++++
Iraola was brought up in a singularly particular region of Spain, the Basque country, with a collective mindset throughout its culture.
The 44-year-old spent almost his entire playing career with the Basque-based Athletic Club – even turning down an offer from Liverpool in 2013 – and he sees similarities with the club he has now joined.
“I see a lot of things [similar],” he continued.
“This sense of belonging, of being a little bit different. This connection, also, with players from the academy. The atmosphere of Anfield.
“This is one of the biggest clubs in the world and, in some way, the comparison to Athletic Club probably isn’t fair. But in a lot of ways I see a lot of things similar.”
Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Fulham in Liverpool, England, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Fulham in Liverpool, England, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Football – FA Premier League – AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool FC
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 21, 2024: Liverpool's Darwin Núñez (R) challenges with Bournemouth's Illya Zabarnyi during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)