Rodri has chosen Barcelona after holding talks with Real Madrid, becoming the latest high-profile player to favour the Catalan club over their Spanish rivals.
The midfielder’s decision ends weeks of speculation about his next move. Real Madrid viewed the Spain international as an ideal solution to restore balance to their midfield, particularly because of his ability to retain possession, control matches and organise play alongside an already powerful attacking group.
But after a prolonged period of uncertainty, Rodri opted for a move to Camp Nou, adding another significant chapter to the long-running rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The contest between the two clubs has extended far beyond the pitch. For decades, they have repeatedly competed in the transfer market for some of the biggest names in world football, with a number of players ultimately choosing Barcelona instead of a move to Santiago Bernabeu.
Rivaldo was one of the most promising talents in Spanish football during his time at Deportivo La Coruna and had attracted interest from Real Madrid. Barcelona moved decisively in 1997, however, and signed the Brazilian, who went on to enjoy an outstanding career at the club.
Rivaldo later became one of the world’s leading players, won the Ballon d’Or and left a lasting mark on Barcelona’s history.
Ronaldinho was another major target for both clubs. Following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2003, the Brazil forward was among the most sought-after players in Europe.
He chose Barcelona, a decision that had a major impact on the club’s future during a difficult period both on and off the pitch. Ronaldinho became the driving force behind Barcelona’s return to the top of the game and helped lay the foundations for the team that would later provide the stage for Lionel Messi’s emergence.
After impressing at Sevilla, Seydou Keita attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading clubs because of his physical strength, work rate and versatility. Barcelona won the race for his signature in 2008, making the Mali midfielder one of the early additions to Pep Guardiola’s project.
Samuel Eto’o’s story carried a different significance. The Cameroon striker began his career in Real Madrid’s academy but was not given enough opportunities with the first team. After loan spells and a successful period at Real Mallorca, Eto’o developed into one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.
Barcelona signed him in 2004, giving him the platform to fulfil his potential. He became one of the most influential strikers in the club’s history, in a move widely regarded as one of Real Madrid’s biggest missed opportunities.
Dani Alves later revealed that he had come very close to joining Real Madrid after establishing himself as one of the world’s best full-backs with Sevilla. The deal did not happen and he moved to Barcelona in 2008 instead.
The Brazilian enjoyed one of the most successful periods of his career at Camp Nou, winning multiple La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies while becoming one of the defining figures of Guardiola’s era. Alves later admitted his career might have followed a completely different path had he joined Real Madrid.
David Villa was also a long-term Real Madrid target after becoming one of Europe’s leading goalscorers with Valencia. The Spain forward was repeatedly linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu, but negotiations never produced an agreement.
Barcelona completed his signing in 2010. Villa joined Guardiola’s team and became part of the group that won both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Following an exceptional season with Liverpool, Luis Suarez was pursued by both Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Uruguay striker decided to join Barcelona in 2014, and the transfer quickly proved its value.
His family connection to Barcelona and his comfort with life in Catalonia helped him settle at the club. He subsequently formed the famous “MSN” attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Neymar and became one of Barcelona’s leading scorers of the modern era.
Andre Gomes was considered by both Barcelona and Real Madrid while he was at Valencia. Barcelona eventually completed the deal in the summer of 2016 for 35m euros plus add-ons, in one of the most notable occasions on which the Catalan club prevailed over their rivals.
At his presentation, Gomes explained that Barcelona’s football philosophy was more closely aligned with the way he understood the game, suggesting sporting considerations played a central role in his decision.
Cesc Fabregas followed a different path. His desire was to return to the club where he had developed as a player. While he was starring for Arsenal, Real Madrid were among the clubs to consider signing him, but the Spain midfielder consistently made clear that Barcelona was his priority.
In 2010, AS reported that Fabregas had confirmed his wish to return to Camp Nou and felt it would be difficult to give up the opportunity. A year later, that ambition was fulfilled when he returned to Barcelona after several successful seasons in England.
The battle for Neymar was perhaps one of the fiercest transfer contests between the two clubs. Real Madrid made significant efforts to persuade the Brazilian forward to join them, but he chose Barcelona in 2013.
According to AS at the time, Neymar had admired Lionel Messi and Barcelona’s style for several years. His father also said his son had selected the club he believed best suited his qualities and preferred way of playing.
Neymar’s arrival at Camp Nou therefore represented one of Barcelona’s most significant victories over Real Madrid away from the football pitch. Rodri’s decision now adds his name to that long list.
