Passengers in shock: World Cup MVP spotted on a Ryanair flight like any other traveler
While waiting at the gate at the airport, passengers on the flight from Madrid to Liverpool were stunned to discover that Rodri was waiting in line next to them. A BBC Radio sports broadcaster documented: "We got such a crazy end to an amazing vacation." The Manchester City midfielder returned to England, while talks regarding his move to Barcelona continue.
Passengers on a Ryanair flight from Madrid to Liverpool on Thursday were stunned to discover Rodri, the Manchester City and Spain national team star and the newly crowned MVP of the 2026 World Cup, waiting in line next to them at the airport gate and boarding the plane like any other traveler.
One person who was amazed to discover the star next to her was Emily Rubin, a sports broadcaster for BBC Radio, who was returning with her family from a vacation in Spain. "Guys... why is Rodri getting on our Ryanair flight?", she wrote on her X account, and the post instantly gained huge exposure on social media.
Her children were also delighted by the unexpected encounter. They found a World Cup sticker with Rodri's picture, gave it to him, and he put it in his pocket. Later, while in line at border control, he even stopped for a moment and gave the children a friendly fist bump.
"We got such a crazy end to an amazing vacation," said Rubin, who found it hard to believe that the great footballer who won the Ballon d'Or and was only recently crowned the best player of the World Cup tournament was simply standing in line with them and boarding the same flight.
Rodri is currently in negotiations regarding a possible move to Barcelona, but at this stage the talks have not yet matured and he has now returned to England on a flight to Liverpool. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, talks between the parties are continuing as the Spanish champions try to sign the experienced midfielder.
