Barcelona midfielder Rodri Hernández Cascante has apologised to Spanish professional football club Valencia after he was captured on camera describing the team as “weak” during their 5-0 defeat at the Mestalla last weekend.
Rodri started the match as Barcelona secured a heavy win over Valencia. During the game, cameras showed him on the bench speaking to other players, with lip readers claiming he said: “They're really weak. They haven't got past the halfway line.”
Speaking to A Punt Media in the mix zone, Rodri apologised for the comment.
“First and foremost, I’d like to apologise to anyone who may have felt offended. I had a phone call with my friend Jose Gaya and apologised to him and the whole squad."
Dramatic loss
The controversy erupted during Barcelona’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla last weekend, a result that further compounded the misery of Valencia, currently at the bottom of the La Liga table.
“I want to make it clear that it was an expression of surprise; anyone who watches the video can see that at no point did I intend to mock or take any team out of context. Quite the opposite," Rodri said.
He added: “I hope Valencia return to their rightful place as one of the best clubs in this league. It was a private conversation. We should all learn that sometimes things are taken out of context, but at no point did I intend to be disrespectful.”
Rodri moved to FC Barcelona, having completed a sensational summer transfer from Manchester City in August 2026 for a package valued up to €76.5 million (£65.4m).
The 30-year-old Spanish midfielder and recent World Cup MVP signed a four-year contract through June 2030. He is also the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.
