Figo says Real Madrid may chase Rodri and names Ballon d’Or favourites

Former Real Madrid star Luis Figo told Betfair that he would not be surprised if Real Madrid pursued Manchester City midfielder Rodri, and he also disclosed his four Ballon d’Or favourites for this season. The Portuguese legend highlighted Rodri’s recent World Cup best‑player award as a key factor.

Rodri’s performances for Spain earned him the FIFA World Cup best player award, intensifying speculation about his future. The midfielder’s standout display in the tournament has kept him linked with a return to Spain and a possible move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Rodri remains under contract with Manchester City, adding a layer of complexity to any Real Madrid approach. While Real Madrid are known admirers of the English club’s influential midfielder, securing a deal would require Manchester City’s willingness to part with one of its key players.

“I know there has been talk of the possibility of Rodri coming to Real Madrid,” Figo said. “I think it will be difficult, because he’s under contract with Manchester City, but everyone knows that Real Madrid always want to sign the best players in the world,” he added, referencing AS.

Reports continue to link Rodri with the Santiago Bernabeu and suggest the player desires a move to Real Madrid, yet no concrete agreement has been announced. Negotiations would need to align the club’s planning with Manchester City’s stance, and so far no deal has materialised.

Figo’s Ballon d’Or shortlist features Rodri, Kylian Mbappé of Paris Saint‑Germain, and two fellow PSG midfielders, Vitinha and Desire Doué. He argued that consistency across the entire season, including domestic titles and the Champions League, should outweigh a single tournament’s impact in the voting.

The former Portuguese international also commented on Jose Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabeu, saying Real Madrid’s priority is simply to start winning again after two years without a trophy. He expects the new manager to restore the club’s winning momentum.

The difficulty of convincing Manchester City to release one of its most influential players underscores the broader challenges elite clubs face in the current transfer market, where contract situations often dictate the feasibility of high‑profile moves.