Our number 16 guided La Roja to their first Men’s triumph since 2010, becoming the first City player to captain a side to World Cup glory.
Rodri also won the 2026 Golden Ball, awarded to the FIFA World Cup Player of the Tournament.
Spain - already reigning European champions - edged out Argentina 1-0 in extra time in New York.
Ex City manager Guardiola said back in October 2025 that the football world would see the best of our midfield lynchpin at this World Cup – and how right he was, according to Richards who played 245 times for City over 10 seasons.
“Before the game we said how much of an impact he has in this midfield,” said Richards.
“From winning the Euros, to getting the Ballon d’Or, to winning the World Cup, to the Champions League.
“But also having the knee injury and then coming back. We’ve had knee injuries before, it’s very difficult to come back and a lot of people have written him off.
“Pep Guardiola said he’s going to be back at his best at the World Cup. He was absolutely right!
“And he was just the best midfielder in the tournament, hands down.
“His technical ability and his calmness on the ball just takes him to another level.
“What a trophy cabinet he has got at home, wow, fully deserved.”
Watch our last 2026 tour game on CITY+!
Subscribe to CITY+ now to see City’s games during our 2026 pre-season tour of Asia.
After a draw with Inter and win over K-League All Stars, we’ll now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday 9 August at 12:00 (UK).
It will be available to watch on mancity.com and our official app for current CITY+ subscribers globally*.
Available for £34.99 annually or £9.99 per month, or unlock CITY+ as part of Premium Membership (£65/year), which brings together the best of City, in one membership.
*City v Atletico Madrid: Globally available except South Korea, Spain
