Real Madrid News
Barcelona midfielder Rodri reveals why he did not join Real Madrid: ‘I made my decision based on..’
Spanish National Team captain Rodri was one of Real Madrid’s top midfield targets in the recently concluded summer transfer window, and there was even a point when the club were said to have a verbal agreement with the player over a move.
As the days rolled by, however, talks stagnated and Rodri grew distant from Los Blancos, only to eventually find himself linked to their arch rivals – Barcelona.
Having multiple national team comrades in Catalonia, he eventually opted to sign for Hansi Flick’s side and has enjoyed a good start to life with the Blaugrana.
Rodri’s interview
Opening up to Mundo Deportivo in a recent interview, the World Cup-winning captain was asked about his decision to sign for Barcelona this summer and how Real Madrid actually stood in the race.
The veteran replied by explaining how Los Blancos were indeed a serious option he considered.
“Saying ‘NO’ to Real Madrid was not easy, especially since they treated me so well.”
“I had to consider a lot of things and make a really important decision involving two of the best clubs in the world,” he added on his dilemma at the time.
Rodri then admitted that it was the sporting aspect that formed the foundation of his eventual decision.
“I made my decision based on sporting aspects, on what excited me more and where I felt I could win and grow the most as a player.”
Rodri was then asked about Jose Mourinho publicly stating that he had a phone call with the player, to which the player began his response with doubt towards the legitimacy of the claim.
“I don’t think that it’s his style to reveal a private conversation, but he clearly expressed his desire for me to join the club and told me what I could bring to the team. He treated me very well.”
The Spaniard also explained how he professionally informed Real Madrid and Mourinho after making his final decision to sign for Barcelona.
“When I made my decision, I called him to thank him for his interest and for how he treated me.”
“I think he’s a tremendous coach, and he has already proven that in every club he has been to in his spectacular career,” he added on the Portuguese coach.
Real Madrid News
Kylian Mbappe unlocks three Champions League achievements after Roma 3-4 Real Madrid thriller
Kylian Mbappe marked his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance with a goal against AS Roma, reaching another major milestone in a competition he has dominated throughout his career.
As such, the Real Madrid forward scored his 72nd Champions League goal on Wednesday, moving past club legend Raul Gonzalez on the competition’s all-time scoring list and into fifth place.
Mbappe surpasses Messi and Raul
Mbappe reached 100 Champions League appearances against Roma and marked the occasion with a goal.
Kylian Mbappé is the youngest-ever player to reach 100 Champions League appearances (27y 298d). Lionel Messi’s record is broken (28y 84d). 💯 https://t.co/QxB7jmGlop
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 14, 2026
At 27 years and 298 days, he became the youngest player to reach that landmark, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous record of 28 years and 84 days.
As such, Mbappe’s 72 Champions League goals have come across three clubs: six for Monaco, 42 for Paris Saint-Germain and 24 for Real Madrid.
Only Messi and Lewandowski outscored Mbappe
Mbappe’s record becomes even more impressive when measured against other top Champions League forwards during their first 100 appearances.
📊 Only Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi scored more goals in their first 100 Champions League matches than Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman has netted an incredible 𝟕𝟐 goals in his first century of matches. 🔥 https://t.co/77Yg7DdD6L
— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) October 15, 2026
Robert Lewandowski scored 81 goals in his first 100 matches, while Messi registered 77. Mbappe’s 72 goals place him behind those two players, but ahead of numerous other legendary attackers.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the Champions League benchmark
Despite moving into fifth place, Mbappe still has a substantial gap to close before reaching the top of the all-time scoring rankings.
Karim Benzema sits ahead of him with 90 goals, followed by Lewandowski on 109 and Messi on 129. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the standings with 140 Champions League goals.
𝐊𝐘𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐋 𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐂𝐋 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐒 😲👏 That is now 72 UCL goals for him, breaking into the top 5 😮💨 𝘼𝙡𝙡-𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙧𝙨: 👇 140 ⚽ Cristiano Ronaldo 129 ⚽ Lionel Messi 107 ⚽ Robert Lewandowski 90 ⚽ Karim Benzema 72 ⚽ Kylian Mbappé 71 ⚽ Raúl Where will he finish on the all-time UCL top scorers list? 👀
— 433 (@433) October 14, 2026
Mbappe’s 72 strikes leave him 18 behind Benzema, meaning the next target in his pursuit of the all-time greats is within reach if he maintains his scoring rate.
Understandably, Ronaldo’s 141 goals remain the benchmark, leaving Mbappe 68 goals short of the record.
The gap is considerable, but the Frenchman has already demonstrated the scoring consistency needed to climb the rankings, and it won’t be a surprise if he breaks his idol’s record.
