Barca's Rodri apologises over Valencia 'weak' comments
September 10, 2026 07:27
Barcelona midfielder Rodri has apologised after video footage appeared to show him making a disparaging remark about Valencia while on the bench during Barcelona’s 5-0 La Liga victory at Mestalla. Broadcaster Movistar said their lip-reading suggested he described Valencia as weak and claimed they had not progressed past the halfway line; the clip itself contains no audio.
Rodri said he has apologised to Valencia captain José Gayà and to the whole Valencia squad. He told reporters after Barcelona’s 5-1 Champions League win over Feyenoord that the exchange was a private expression of surprise, that he did not intend to mock anyone, and that he wants Valencia — which he called one of the league’s top clubs — to recover its standing.
KEY CONTEXT
- The incident occurred after Rodri was substituted during the match that left Valencia bottom of La Liga with no wins from their opening four games.
- Movistar provided the interpretation of the silent footage; fans and parts of the Spanish media criticised Rodri’s apparent remarks.
- Rodri joined Barcelona this summer in a reported £65m transfer from Manchester City and is noted in the report as having won the Golden Ball when Spain won the 2026 World Cup.
WHY IT MATTERS
The episode touches on player conduct and media scrutiny: a short, private-sounding exchange captured on camera has prompted public criticism and required a formal apology. For clubs and players, incidents like this can inflame tensions between teams and supporters, and they illustrate how off-pitch moments can attract attention equal to on-field performance.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Valencia or its captain José Gayà respond further to Rodri’s apology.
- Any follow-up from Barcelona or league officials about the clip or about player behaviour when cameras capture private exchanges.
- Whether the episode affects relations between the clubs or the reception Rodri receives when the sides meet again.
KEY FACTS
- The footage has no audio; Movistar said it lip-read Rodri’s comment.
- The comment was reportedly made while Rodri was on the bench after being substituted in Barcelona’s 5-0 win at Mestalla.
- Rodri apologised publicly to José Gayà and to Valencia’s squad after Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Feyenoord.
- Valencia were bottom of La Liga with no wins in their first four matches at the time of the incident.
- Rodri joined Barcelona this summer in a reported £65m move from Manchester City and was named Golden Ball winner as Spain won the 2026 World Cup.