Barcelona’s young forward Roony Bardghji has firmly denied recent negative rumors surrounding his exclusion from Sweden’s 2026 World Cup squad. In an interview with Expressen, he called all speculation about his attitude and behavior "nonsense."
The 20-year-old explained that he chose not to comment initially because he understood the decision was simply the coach Graham Potter’s call. Bardghji expressed pride that Sweden qualified for the World Cup, despite not playing in the tournament’s qualifiers, and emphasized that he still considers himself part of the team.
He also contested reports suggesting poor conduct at the post-match celebration after Sweden’s qualification victory. Bardghji said he enjoyed the dinner with his teammates and celebrated just as enthusiastically as when Barcelona recently won La Liga.
Sweden’s head coach Graham Potter also weighed in, saying he noticed nothing unusual that night and was unaware of the media rumors. He noted that other forwards currently show stronger competitive form, which influenced his squad choices.
Regarding Bardghji’s club career, there is ongoing speculation about a possible move away from Barcelona this summer. Facing stiff competition from Lamine Yamal for the right-wing position, Bardghji may be looking for more playing time elsewhere to continue his development.
What this means
Firstly, Bardghji’s public rebuttal demonstrates his effort to maintain a professional image and good relations with the national team staff. Unlike past cases where rumors severely damaged young players’ reputations, this openness helps clear misunderstandings among fans.
Secondly, Bardghji’s absence from the tournament and the linked transfer speculation reflect Barcelona’s challenge of balancing youth development with immediate performance demands—a common theme in top clubs with deep squads.
Lastly, the situation shows how quickly misleading information can spread in the media and underscores the importance of players addressing rumors directly to control their narrative.
Overall, dispelling these rumors allows Bardghji to focus on his role at Barcelona and build a stable career without distraction.
Looking ahead, Bardghji faces a crucial period competing for starting spots and possibly deciding on his future. Supporters should watch how he adapts and contributes in the upcoming matches and transfer window.