Rodri has spent the past year at the very top of world football, but the Manchester City midfielder offered a rather different image of himself while making his way back to England. The 30-year-old Spain international was spotted queuing for a budget Ryanair flight from Madrid to Liverpool, leaving fellow passengers stunned as they realised who was standing among them.The midfielder, who was crowned the 2026 World Cup’s Golden Ball winner after helping Spain lift the trophy, appeared to make little effort to draw attention to himself.
Rodri tried to keep a low profile
Rodri was wearing a baseball cap pulled down over his forehead and dark sunglasses while waiting at the departure gate in Madrid.The disguise was not particularly effective.His personalised mini suitcase gave away his identity, with the luggage carrying his name, the Spanish national team flag and his squad number. Once passengers recognised him, photographs and videos of the midfielder quickly began circulating online.The sight of one of football’s most decorated players waiting for a low-cost commercial flight immediately caught attention, particularly because elite footballers of Rodri’s standing routinely have access to private aviation.One social media user joked: “Guys… why is Rodri getting on our Ryanair flight?”Another called it “truly iconic stuff from Rodri flying Ryanair”, while another imagined the reaction of passengers discovering the Manchester City star in their queue: “Imagine boarding your Ryanair flight and seeing Rodri standing in the same queue as you!”
Fans were even more impressed by what happened next
The low-key journey did not stop at Rodri simply choosing a budget airline.Eyewitnesses said the midfielder remained relaxed and approachable despite the attention around him. One travelling family reportedly handed him a World Cup sticker they had found in their luggage, which Rodri accepted before exchanging a fist-bump with the children.The episode quickly became another reason for supporters to praise his understated approach away from the pitch.That reaction was particularly striking given Rodri’s status. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, having helped Manchester City win the Premier League and Spain claim Euro 2024, and was later named the best player of the 2026 World Cup.His decision to travel alongside ordinary passengers nevertheless made him look considerably more like a regular traveller than one of football’s biggest stars.
Rodri is heading back to Manchester City
The flight also comes as Rodri prepares to return to club duties following Spain’s World Cup triumph.He was due back at Manchester City’s Etihad Campus, although it remained unclear whether he would immediately resume training. The midfielder is also set to miss Sunday’s Community Shield.There is an additional reason for caution around his return. Rodri underwent minor back surgery last month after experiencing what was described as “discomfort”, and no definitive timeline had been established for his return to first-team football.That uncertainty comes alongside continued speculation over his future, with Barcelona reportedly maintaining interest in bringing the Spain international back to La Liga.For now, however, Rodri’s journey from Madrid to Liverpool suggests his immediate focus is on getting back to England and preparing for the new season with City. And rather than arriving in a private jet, he did it in a way that left fellow Ryanair passengers wondering if they had somehow ended up sharing a flight with one of the most recognisable midfielders in the world.