Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji has vehemently denied reports suggesting his omission from Sweden’s 2026 World Cup squad was due to attitude problems. The claims originated in Swedish media following the announcement of Graham Potter’s 26-man squad, with reports suggesting the decision wasn’t based on sporting merit.
Bardghji was initially involved in Sweden’s successful World Cup play-off campaign in March, contributing to their qualification for the tournament in North America. However, he was a surprising exclusion from the final squad, prompting speculation about the reasons behind Potter’s choice.
Speaking to Expressen, as reported by Sport, Bardghji stated he initially chose not to comment on his non-selection, respecting the coach’s decision. However, he felt compelled to address the allegations regarding his behaviour. “I decided not to comment on my failure to be selected for the World Cup, as I understood that it was simply Graham Potter’s decision. I’ve always respected the decisions of my coaches, whether I agreed or not,” he said.
He continued, “I understood that I had to speak because the rumours spread in that article had no basis. I was very happy and proud that we qualified for the World Cup, even though I didn’t participate from the pitch. I still feel like I’m part of the team. All those rumours that have been said about me are nonsense. Contrary to what was said, I really enjoyed the post-match dinner. We celebrate with my teammates, just like I did after winning La Liga with Barcelona last week.”
The 20-year-old has become a promising talent for Barcelona since his arrival, though he frequently finds himself as a backup option to Lamine Yamal on the right wing. Bardghji’s future at the Spotify Camp Nou has been subject to speculation, with a summer transfer a possibility as he seeks more consistent playing time. His recent La Liga title win with Barcelona suggests he remains a valued member of the squad, but his desire for regular football could prompt a move. A departure would allow Barcelona to potentially recoup a significant fee for the young Swede and reinvest in other areas of the team.
