Rodri, the midfielder for Manchester City and winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or, has reportedly been reported to police by neighbours who claim his drone activities may be invading their privacy.
The Spanish football star, who lives in a luxury penthouse apartment in Manchester city centre, has been seen flying a drone from the balcony of his high-rise residence. According to reports, some residents in nearby apartments say the unmanned aircraft has been hovering close to their windows, raising concerns about possible privacy violations.
Several tenants living in the same building or nearby high-rise apartments have complained that the drone appears unexpectedly outside their windows, leaving them feeling uncomfortable and disturbed.
Authorities have confirmed that the matter is being looked into. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told reporters that officers are aware of the situation and have begun making enquiries to determine whether any laws or regulations have been breached.
Residents who live on upper floors of the building say the presence of the drone is particularly unsettling because one of the main advantages of living high above street level is the expectation of privacy.
One local resident described the experience of seeing the drone hovering outside the window while relaxing at home.
“I live with my partner on a high floor and the last thing you expect to see when you’re watching television is a drone just a metre outside the window,” the resident reportedly told The Sun.
The resident added that the situation has made his partner uncomfortable and anxious, especially since they believed their apartment would be free from outside observation due to its height.
“My wife is very unnerved by it. One of the benefits of living so high up is that you’re not overlooked by anyone, but now we are being plagued by Rodri and his drone,” the resident said.
Another neighbour living on the 34th floor of the building shared a similar experience. He explained that he and his girlfriend were watching television one evening when they suddenly noticed a green flashing light outside their window.
The resident claimed that the light appeared to come from a drone hovering close to their apartment before it eventually returned to the balcony area believed to belong to Rodri’s penthouse.
Concerned about the situation, the resident said his girlfriend decided to contact the police by calling 101, the non-emergency phone number used to report incidents to Greater Manchester Police.
Drone usage has become increasingly popular in recent years for aerial photography, videography, and recreational flying. However, authorities in the United Kingdom have introduced strict rules governing how drones can be used, particularly in residential areas.
Under regulations enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority, drone operators must follow safety guidelines that include maintaining safe distances from buildings and people and avoiding actions that may endanger privacy or safety.
In many cases, drone users are required to ensure that their devices do not fly too close to individuals or private property without permission. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to fines or other penalties.
At the moment, it remains unclear whether Rodri has violated any specific drone regulations or privacy laws. Police officials have indicated that they are simply gathering information and assessing the situation.
Neither Rodri nor representatives of Manchester City have publicly commented on the allegations so far.
Rodri, widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football, has been a key figure for Manchester City in recent seasons. His performances for both club and country have earned him major recognition, including winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 2024.
Despite his football success, the latest controversy highlights the growing challenges associated with drone technology in urban environments, where privacy concerns are becoming increasingly common.
As police continue their enquiries, residents in the building hope the situation will be addressed quickly so they can once again enjoy the privacy they expected when moving into their high-rise homes in Manchester city centre.
