Barcelona summer signing Rodri has wasted little time making his mark with Spain after the World Cup, reaching a notable milestone during his first international break as a Blaugrana .
The midfielder scored Spain's second goal against the Czech Republic while wearing the captain's armband, becoming the tenth Barcelona player to score for the national team as a starting captain.
It was a significant moment for Rodri, who has stepped into a leading role for Spain following Alvaro Morata's departure from the squad.
Rodri's goal came in the 35th minute against the Czech Republic, putting Spain 2-0 ahead and giving the midfielder his first international goal since June 2024.
His previous strike for La Roja came against Georgia during the European Championship, making the latest goal his first for Spain in more than two years.
The circumstances made the occasion even more notable, as Rodri was not only starting for the world champions but also leading them as captain, having been handed greater responsibility following the changes to Spain's squad.
Rodri's achievement places him in select Barcelona company. Only nine other Blaugrana players had previously scored for Spain while starting a match as captain.
Notably, the list includes established names such as Xavi, David Villa, Luis Suarez (the winner of the Ballon d'Or in 1960) and Ferran Torres, among others.
Rodri scored his first goal for Spain since 2024. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
That makes his first international break as a Barcelona player particularly memorable.
The midfielder has already combined two roles that carry considerable significance: he is now a Barcelona player and the captain of a Spain side that lifted the 2026 World Cup.
His goal against the Czech Republic has ensured that his first season as a Blaugrana will also be remembered as the moment he joined an exclusive list of Barcelona players to achieve the same feat for Spain.
