International Football · Sunday, August 23, 2026
Rodri absent from Barcelona's opening before 2026
The Spanish midfielder, best player of the 2022 World Cup, will miss the start of the LaLiga season for better integration.
By Editorial team
Rodri, recruited by Barcelona for 75 million euros and recognized as one of the pillars of the Spanish national team for the 2026 World Cup, will not play on Sunday against Elche. Coach Hansi Flick announced that the midfielder will join the squad from Monday onwards, following his signing until 2030. This absence from the opening match aims to prepare the player in the best conditions before the continental qualifiers for the American World Cup.