Barcelona midfielder Rodri has shut down speculation that his decision to snub Real Madrid was driven by the club's boycott of the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony — insisting the move was purely a sporting one.

After departing Manchester City, Rodri chose to join Barcelona rather than cross the divide to Real Madrid, a decision that raised eyebrows across European football. Rumours quickly emerged suggesting his Ballon d'Or win — and Real Madrid's high-profile absence from the gala — had soured any possible deal.

The Spain international addressed the claims head-on in an interview published on Barcelona's official website, making clear the ceremony played no role in his thinking.