Rodri, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner and Manchester City's midfield playmaker, made a stop at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, home of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, during his visit to the Crescent City for Super Bowl LIX.

The 28-year old Spaniard is working his way back from an ACL and meniscus injury suffered in September 2024 that ruled him out of action for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, though the midfielder has plans to beat that timeline and said he wants to play again this season. In his last full season in 2023-24, Rodri helped lead Man City to its fourth consecutive Premier League trophy, tallying eight goals and nine assists.

During his New Orleans visit, the footballer met with the Saints kicker Blake Grupe and exchanged jerseys between the two. The star also joined the Sky Sports pregame show ahead of Super Bowl LIX to talk about his interest in NFL football.

"It's a sport we try to follow in Europe. For me, especially the last years, I've been following so it's so good to be here at such an incredible event that I really admire," Rodri said.