Left Image - REUTERS/Lee Smith Right Image - REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Barcelona new boy Rodri has named his three favourite players of all time, including Lionel Messi but snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Spanish midfielder won the Ballon d'Or back in 2024 and is one of the favourites to claim the award again this year after leading his nation to a World Cup triumph this summer. Following his participation in this tournament in North America, the midfield maestro has sought a new opportunity at club level.
Despite being heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, Rodri opted for a move to Barcelona in one of the blockbuster moves of the summer window.
Interestingly, all three of his favourite-ever players have ties to these Spanish giants, although the 30-year-old did lean towards the club he's committed his future to.
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In at number three on Rodri's list of his favourite players is his compatriot Andres Iniesta. "I think for his importance, of what he means for our generation and for my country, I think I'll say Andres Iniesta," he told Sports Direct.
Like Rodri, Iniesta led his nation to win the World Cup, scoring the winning goal in the final in 2010 in South Africa. The Barcelona legend also won two European Championships with Spain, playing a crucial role in this era of dominance for La Roja.
Cultured Midfielders
Cultured Midfielders
He retired in 2024, having won nine La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and six Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona, making 674 appearances for the Catalan club in the process. He signed off as one of the most distinguished players of his generation, with his immense technical quality and ability to influence the game in the final third unparalleled amongst most midfielders.
Surprisingly, Rodri didn't name either of Iniesta's midfield teammates, Xavi or Sergio Busquets, who were arguably closer analogues to the former Manchester City star. He was swayed by Iniesta's irresistible swagger on the pitch.
The City legend will now get a chance to replicate his third-favourite player's achievements at the Camp Nou.
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Andres Iniesta's Career Statistics (All Competitions, Club & Country)
Appearances
Goals
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IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Vincent Carchietta
In second place, Rodri picked Messi. Unlike with Iniesta and the man he named as his favourite-ever player, the Spain captain didn't feel as though he needed an explanation when selecting the Argentine.
He might not be top of these rankings, but Rodri did admit he believes Messi is the best footballer ever, saying: "Of course, because I play against him, and I consider him the best of all time."
Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Rodri (Spain)
Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Rodri (Spain)
Winning 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Reys, four Champions Leagues, seven Supercopa de Espana titles, three UEFA Super Cups, three Club World Cups, two Ligue 1 titles, a World Cup, two Copa Americas and eight Ballon d'Or awards, Messi will retire as one of the most decorated footballers to ever live, and arguably the greatest player to ever grace the beautiful game.
While Rodri has never played alongside the playmaker, he's played against him on numerous occasions, and this is certainly enough for the midfielder to warrant selecting the iconic individual.
Lionel Messi's Career Statistics (All Competitions, Club & Country)
Appearances
Goals
Honours
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France's Zinedine Zidane runs with the ball against Portugal.
Finally, Rodri's favourite player of all time is Zinedine Zidane. "I'll have to say my idol, Zizou," he said.
While renowned more for his attacking flair and final third output than Rodri, the two share some similarities. Zidane, like Rodri, was the beating heart of the teams he played in, conducting everything that happened in the middle of the park.
Thus, it's no surprise that the man born in Madrid, who grew up in Zidane's era at the Bernabeu, was in awe of what he saw from the 1998 World Cup winner. Although he won't replicate what his idol did for Los Blancos, he might go on to make a similar impact in El Clasico matches.
That said, this pick certainly won't go down well with Barcelona supporters.
Zinedine Zidane's Statistics (All Competitions, Club & Country)
Appearances
Goals
Honours
All statistics via Transfermarkt - correct as of 19/08/2026.