Rodri absent as seven Barcelona World Cup winners receive Elche tribute

The seven Barcelona players who helped Spain win the World Cup were honoured before their side’s match against Elche at the Martinez Valero Stadium.

Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo received a warm reception from Elche’s supporters and players before kick-off. Each of the world champions was also presented with a commemorative plaque bearing the Elche badge.

The ceremony celebrated Spain’s success in the most recent World Cup, where they lifted the trophy after beating Argentina in the final. The achievement marked Spain’s return to the summit of international football and highlighted the significant contribution made by a group of players who also have a strong presence at Barcelona.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the tribute took place on the pitch at Martinez Valero, with the seven Barcelona players being recognised in front of both sets of players and supporters.

Rodri, another member of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad and one of Barcelona’s most prominent summer signings, was the only player unable to attend. He did not travel with the team because he remains involved in an ongoing physical training programme.

The celebrations will continue in Barcelona on Thursday, when the World Cup winners are due to receive a further reception before the postponed fixture against Athletic Club at Camp Nou.

That occasion will allow the players to be honoured in their own stadium and in front of their home supporters. The World Cup trophy will also visit Barcelona as part of the event, with eight players from the winning squad to be recognised at the ground.

The Barcelona ceremony will be the fourth stadium visit made by the trophy during a programme organised by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The initiative is designed to honour players from the six Spanish clubs represented at the World Cup.

Barcelona’s seven recognised players were among the Spain squad that secured the title with victory over Argentina in the final. Their success has since been acknowledged at club level, beginning with the tribute staged by Elche at Martinez Valero.

The presentation formed part of the events surrounding the match between Elche and Barcelona, where the hosts joined their supporters in applauding the Spanish champions. Although Rodri was missing, the presence of the seven Barcelona players allowed Elche to mark the achievement on the pitch before the game.

Further recognition is now planned at Camp Nou, where the trophy and the eight Barcelona-linked members of Spain’s victorious squad will be brought together for a celebration in front of the club’s supporters.