The 2025 Super Bowl turned out to be a roaring event with a star-studded audience at the Caesars Superdome. Along with A-list celebrities, which included the USA President Donald Trump and music sensation Taylor Swift, a number of prominent footballers were also there to watch the grand event.
Lionel Messi was invited with his Inter Miami teammates. That was mostly to promote the upcoming 2025 MLS season. However, Manchester City midfielder Rodri’s presence surprised many. Unlike Messi, the Spaniard is not playing in the MLS. Neither does he have to promote the Apple TV subscription.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is currently focused on his rehabilitation from the knee surgery he had to undergo this season. He took some time away from that to travel to New Orleans for the Super Bowl, which the Philadelphia Eagles won by a 40-22 margin. Well, there are the perks of being a Ballon d’Or winner after all!
Rodri was personally invited by the NFL organizers for this event as a VIP Ambassador for the game. He was also Manchester City’s representative in the game and was there to promote the Premier League football scene too. Well, the Spanish international definitely had an eventful day at the Caesar’s Superdome stadium.
The 28-year-old was a bit overwhelmed by the occasion and made an error even before entering the stadium. He was totally confused about exactly how to enter the stadium despite being a ‘VIP’ personality. Rodri had to ask directions from volunteers and make multiple detours to even get into the place.
The midfielder also decided to show off his NFL knowledge after being invited to be a surprise pundit for Sky Sports. He joined the NFL regular pundits Phoebe Schecter, Ndamukong Suh, and Ryan Fitzpatrick in their studio. Rodri spoke about his injury recovery process, claiming that his rehab is going well and he’s remaining positive about recovering from the setback.
The 28-year-old seems to be following the NFL for the last few years. He spoke about his impression of the league, stating: “Well, first of all I am very happy to be here and spend this time in this atmosphere. It’s a sport we try to follow in Europe. For me, especially the last years, I have been following. It’s so good to be here at such an incredible event that I really admire.”
Rodri also gave some advice before the Super Bowl for both teams, on how to approach a huge game like this finale. He explained: “I remember Pep Guardiola saying in the key days before a final that ‘it’s one more game, try to treat it like that’ but inside it’s not. The first final is not the same. But you have to try be as normal as possible, because many times the feelings can make you feel worse.”
Ahead of the Super Bowl, the Manchester City midfielder also took part in a ‘Super Bowl x Ballon d’O’r’ quiz by Sky Sports. He successfully named every single Ballon d’Or winner from a period of 2003-2024. Sky Sports clearly wanted to push content with him knowing Rodri’s popularity with their UK audience.
The Manchester City midfielder also had a very good seat for the occasion. He even went pitchside for a photoshoot and made sure to dress in the best way for the event. Rather than wearing either team’s jerseys, he wore a stylish Christian Dior t-shirt. This brown and beige oblique logo pattern t-shirt’s MRP is about $2800 on the official site.
He also appeared to be wearing Ray-Ban sunglasses, which are worth over £161 and a grey bomber jacket to keep out the cold. It’s clear the Rodri’s Ballon d’Or has elevated his prestige in such mega sporting events and the Manchester City man clearly seems to be enjoying the attention he’s receiving.
