Choosing whether you sign for Real Madrid or Barcelona is a privilege reserved for a select few. Could Rodri be next on that list?
Fabrizio Romano revealed that Rodri has a decision to make, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona ready to pay a similar transfer fee to Manchester City. The transfer specialist posted on X that Rodri has been in negotiations with Real Madrid for weeks as a priority, but Barcelona has positioned themselves as well.
We've taken a closer look at nine big-name players who had a Blaugrana and Blancos shirt within their grasp but opted definitively for the latter.
Vinicius Jr was one of the most sought-after talents in the world after playing for Flamengo in 2018. Both Barcelona and Madrid were interested, but this time, Madrid president Florentino Perez would not be beaten to his target. Vinicius himself painted a less nefarious picture in 2019, telling AS that he had proposals from Madrid and Barca, too, and he had to follow his heart.
Rodrygo was another Brazilian super-talent who caught Madrid's attention in 2018. The Barcelona offer arrived first, but Rodrygo's father urged him to wait for an offer from Real Madrid to materialize. In 2022, Rodrygo told the Jota Jota podcast that he chose the Real Madrid shirt over Barcelona's.
Angel Di Maria was one of the hottest talents in Europe while at Benfica in his early 20s. He was the subject of a bidding war between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the first half of 2010, eventually opting for Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo was another global footballing superstar who could have joined Barcelona. In 2008, Barcelona president Joan Laporta faced a no-confidence vote, and had he lost, former Nike executive Sandro Rosell would have taken over and signed Ronaldo. Txiki Begiristain reportedly met Jorge Mendes to discuss a transfer from Manchester United as far back as February 2007.
David Beckham was another global superstar who left Manchester United for Real Madrid amid a media frenzy. In 2017, Laporta told Marca that Beckham was between Barcelona, Ronaldinho, and Thierry Henry, and United told them they would sell him if they won the presidential election.
Mesut Ozil was one of the most sought-after players in the world after impressing at the 2010 World Cup. He chose Madrid, where he stayed for three years, winning a league and a cup while notching 27 goals and 80 assists. In his 2017 autobiography, Ozil explained why he chose Madrid over Barcelona.
Takefusa Kubo was part of Barcelona's youth academy, but he eventually signed for Real Madrid in 2020.
These nine big-name players demonstrate that choosing between Real Madrid and Barcelona is not just a decision for a select few, but also a privilege for the clubs to pursue their targets.
The question remains: will Rodri be the next big-name player to choose Real Madrid over Barcelona?
Source: Planet Football
