Spain midfielder Rodri has publicly apologised to club teammate Bernardo Silva for a provocative gesture that sparked a confrontation between the two during Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The flashpoint came deep in stoppage time, with Portugal desperately chasing an equaliser. After Bernardo Silva failed to connect with a crucial header, Rodri stood over him and delivered what witnesses described as a mocking, playful tap — a celebration that did not go unnoticed.

Bernardo reacted with immediate fury, spinning around to confront Rodri before teammates from both sides intervened to defuse the situation seconds before the final whistle.

Longtime friends, brief enemies

The episode was made all the more striking by the pair's close relationship. Rodri and Bernardo Silva are not only international rivals on occasions like this — they are close friends and longtime teammates at Manchester City.

Rodri wasted no time in making amends. Speaking to reporters after the match, the defensive midfielder said he owned up to the error on the pitch itself, and that their friendship absorbed the incident without lasting damage.