Legendary captain ‘warned’ Real Madrid about Rodri before midfielder joined Barcelona

Former Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal reportedly played a key role in the club's decision not to pursue Rodri, with Gerard Romero claiming the defender warned the Spanish giants about the potential impact the midfielder's arrival could have on the dressing room.

It is to be noted that the former Manchester City midfielder had previously left the door open to a move to Madrid, and talks were held between the player's representatives and the club.

Real Madrid were therefore in the picture before Rodri ultimately chose Barcelona .

The midfielder's decision has been attributed to the appeal of Barça's tactical model and Hansi Flick's sporting project, but Romero has now offered a completely different explanation for why the Madrid move did not happen.

According to the Spanish journalist, Carvajal advised Real Madrid against signing Rodri because of concerns about the effect the transfer could have inside the dressing room.

It is a striking claim given Carvajal's status at Madrid and his relationship with many of the club's senior players.

Carvajal advised Real Madrid not to sign Rodri. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The former captain is currently without a club, but his intervention allegedly came while Real Madrid were considering whether to pursue Rodri.

The midfielder had emerged as an attractive option for the Spanish club, particularly given his status as one of the leading players in his position.

Yet the possibility of bringing him into an already star-studded dressing room apparently raised concerns.

The timing of Rodri's Ballon d'Or triumph could help explain why such concerns may have existed, although there is no confirmation that this was specifically the reason behind Carvajal's alleged warning.

In 2024, Rodri won the Ballon d'Or ahead of several high-profile contenders, including Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.

Back then, many expected the Brazilian to claim the award.

Rodri picked Barcelona over Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Real Madrid reacted strongly to the result by deciding not to attend the ceremony after learning that Vinicius would not receive the prize.

This turned the outcome into one of the biggest talking points surrounding that year's award.

Rodri's victory consequently came against a backdrop of disappointment within the Madrid camp.

Could dressing-room politics have influenced Madrid?

If Romero's account is accurate, Carvajal's intervention would show that bringing another major personality into a dressing room containing established stars can carry sporting and interpersonal considerations.

Still, it would be premature to conclude that Rodri's Ballon d'Or victory directly created a problem with Vinicius or that this alone prevented a transfer.

What is clear is that Rodri eventually chose Barcelona, despite previously being open to Real Madrid.