Barcelona new boy Rodri has named his three favourite players of all time, including Lionel Messi but snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Spanish midfielder won the Ballon d’Or back in 2024 and is one of the favourites to claim the award again this year after leading his nation to a World Cup triumph this summer. Following his participation in this tournament in North America, the midfield maestro has sought a new opportunity at club level.

Despite being heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, Rodri opted for a move to Barcelona in one of the blockbuster moves of the summer window.

Interestingly, all three of his favourite-ever players have ties to these Spanish giants, although the 30-year-old did lean towards the club he’s committed his future to.

3

Andres Iniesta

In at number three on Rodri’s list of his favourite players is his compatriot Andres Iniesta. “I think for his importance, of what he means for our generation and for my country, I think I’ll say Andres Iniesta,” he told Sports Direct.

Like Rodri, Iniesta led his nation to win the World Cup, scoring the winning goal in the final in 2010 in South Africa. The Barcelona legend also won two European Championships with Spain, playing a crucial role in this era of dominance for La Roja.

He retired in 2024, having won nine La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and six Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona, making 674 appearances for the Catalan club in the process. He signed off as one of the most distinguished players of his generation, with his immense technical quality and ability to influence the game in the final third unparalleled amongst most midfielders.

Surprisingly, Rodri didn’t name either of Iniesta’s midfield teammates, Xavi or Sergio Busquets, who were arguably closer analogues to the former Manchester City star. He was swayed by Iniesta’s irresistible swagger on the pitch.

The City legend will now get a chance to replicate his third-favourite player’s achievements at the Camp Nou.

2

Lionel Messi

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Vincent Carchietta

In second place, Rodri picked Messi. Unlike with Iniesta and the man he named as his favourite-ever player, the Spain captain didn’t feel as though he needed an explanation when selecting the Argentine.

He might not be top of these rankings, but Rodri did admit he believes Messi is the best footballer ever, saying: “Of course, because I play against him, and I consider him the best of all time.”

Winning 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Reys, four Champions Leagues, seven Supercopa de Espana titles, three UEFA Super Cups, three Club World Cups, two Ligue 1 titles, a World Cup, two Copa Americas and eight Ballon d’Or awards, Messi will retire as one of the most decorated footballers to ever live, and arguably the greatest player to ever grace the beautiful game.

While Rodri has never played alongside the playmaker, he’s played against him on numerous occasions, and this is certainly enough for the midfielder to warrant selecting the iconic individual.

1

Zinedine Zidane

Finally, Rodri’s favourite player of all time is Zinedine Zidane. “I’ll have to say my idol, Zizou,” he said.

While renowned more for his attacking flair and final third output than Rodri, the two share some similarities. Zidane, like Rodri, was the beating heart of the teams he played in, conducting everything that happened in the middle of the park.

Thus, it’s no surprise that the man born in Madrid, who grew up in Zidane’s era at the Bernabeu, was in awe of what he saw from the 1998 World Cup winner. Although he won’t replicate what his idol did for Los Blancos, he might go on to make a similar impact in El Clasico matches.

That said, this pick certainly won’t go down well with Barcelona supporters.

All statistics via Transfermarkt – correct as of 19/08/2026.

Arsenal made contact with Atletico Madrid about a deal to sign Marc Pubill before completing a move for Ezri Konsa, Fabrizio Romano has told GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast.

The Gunners reached an agreement with Aston Villa on a deal worth £51m plus add-ons to sign England international Konsa on Wednesday afternoon, with the 28-year-old defender due to undergo a medical on Thursday before putting pen to paper on a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.

He will join Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier, and Bruno Guimaraes as fellow signings in this window, as Mikel Arteta looks to defend the Premier League title they won last season.

But while a deal for Konsa is now on the brink of completion ahead of the new league season, Romano has revealed that the club have been looking at a number of options throughout the transfer window, including Spain and Atletico Madrid defender Pubill.

“I think, also, Arsenal are going to be busy, as you say,” he said.

“The Konsa [deal] is done. It’s verbally agreed for £50m plus add-ons, so everything is okay. He will have his medical in the next 48 hours, and then [it] will be official. So finally, the new defender.

“They also called Atletico Madrid in recent days for Marc Pubill, but the player was not for sale, and so Arsenal closed the deal for Konsa.”

Pubill moved to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium last summer and became a regular under Diego Simeone, featuring 36 times in La Liga, earning himself a call-up to the Spain World Cup squad as they lifted the trophy for the second time.

His performances over the season have earned him the adoration of Simeone, and it’s very clear that they had zero intention of letting him leave before the deadline, which allowed Arsenal to make their move for Konsa more concrete.

Simeone Feels Pubill Can Be CB or RB

Part of the reason behind Konsa being Arsenal’s top defensive target in this window as the fact that he has great versatility, and is capable of playing at both right-back and centre-back to a high level.

The same can be said of Pubill, too, and Simeone has sung his praises in public previously about the potential that he has in the centre.

“He’s remained patient, continued working in that position where we’ve spent countless mornings trying to improve, because he knew we’d need him there. I hope he doesn’t buy the newspapers or listen to the radio,” he said.

“He has speed, strength, aggression, aerial ability, good with his feet, and the ability to press with his back to goal.”