Scandal – Rodri reported to police for harassing neighbours with a drone
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 10.03.26. | 12:50
Maybe the Manchester City player isn’t quite what he seems
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has become involved in a dispute with neighbours after being reported to the police over what residents describe as an "invasion of privacy."
People living in a high-rise building in Salford claim the Ballon d'Or winner has been operating a drone — an unmanned aerial vehicle — extremely close to their apartment windows, raising fears about potential voyeurism and possible violations of aviation regulations.
The Spanish international, who owns a penthouse in Salford, is said to have upset several residents in nearby city-centre apartments. According to complaints, Rodri has been flying the drone just meters from windows during the night, something neighbours say undermines the privacy usually associated with living on higher floors. Numerous residents have contacted both the building’s concierge and Greater Manchester Police, claiming the drone’s flashing green lights have left them feeling “unnerved” and “plagued.”
Photos allegedly showing the 29-year-old standing on his balcony with a controller have circulated in building WhatsApp groups, prompting formal complaints referencing harassment and regulations enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Locals have openly voiced their frustration, arguing that the drone’s closeness to their homes feels particularly intrusive given the height of the apartments.
One resident, an HGV driver who lives on the 34th floor, recalled the moment he and his partner noticed the device.
"I live with my partner on a high floor and the last thing you expect to see when you’re watching telly is a drone a metre outside the window," he told The Sun. "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."
Another neighbour suggested the situation could amount to a breach of voyeurism laws, revealing that his girlfriend contacted the non-emergency police number, 101, to report the continuing disturbance.
UK drone regulations require operators to respect others’ privacy, avoid causing nuisance and, depending on the drone’s weight, complete a theory test and register the device.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are currently "making enquiries" regarding the reports. For Rodri, who generally keeps his private life out of the spotlight, the investigation represents an unusual piece of negative publicity since his £63 million transfer from Atletico Madrid in 2019. Authorities are expected to speak with the midfielder to ensure he is aware of the country’s aviation and privacy laws.
While the matter is unlikely to lead to serious legal consequences if resolved promptly, it comes at a delicate moment for Manchester City. Should a CAA violation be confirmed, Rodri could face a fine or an official warning.
For the time being, however, the midfielder’s main focus remains football as Pep Guardiola’s side prepares for a demanding run of fixtures in both the Premier League and the Champions League.