It feels a little strange to have Rodri this low on a list like this, because at his best he is one of the most important players in world soccer. The Manchester City midfielder won the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or after helping City win another Premier League title and starring for Spain in its Euro 2024 triumph, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
Rodri is not the kind of player who dominates highlight reels, but he is a master of controlling games. He dictates tempo, protects the back line, breaks up attacks, and keeps possession moving with a calmness that makes everything around him look more organized. When he is on the field, Spain tends to look more balanced, more mature, and much harder to break down. When fully healthy, he remains a central figure for both club and country.
The big question heading into the World Cup is less about quality and more about sharpness. After a slow return from injury, Rodri is gradually getting back to his top form. If Rodri is fully fit and close to his peak level, Spain will have one of the tournament’s ultimate tone-setters in midfield. He may not pile up goals or flashy moments, but he is the sort of player who can quietly decide whether a team has the control and composure to win seven games in a row. That alone makes him one of the most significant players to watch in the entire tournament.