Rodri (footballer, born 1996)

Early Life

Rodrigo Hernández Cascante was born in Madrid on June 22, 1996. He began his football journey at a young age, joining the youth setup of CF Rayo Majadahonda before moving to Atlético Madrid's academy in 2007 at the age of 11. Despite showing promise, he was released by Atlético in 2013 due to concerns about his physical strength. Undeterred, Rodri signed with Villarreal, where he quickly progressed through the ranks. On February 7, 2015, he made his senior debut for Villarreal's reserve team in a 3–1 victory against RCD Espanyol B in the Segunda División B. Just two weeks later, he earned his first start in a 2–0 win over Real Zaragoza B, showcasing his potential as a future star.

Career

Rodri's professional career began to take shape when he made his first-team debut for Villarreal on December 17, 2015, in a Copa del Rey match against SD Huesca. His La Liga debut followed on April 17, 2016, when he substituted for Denis Suárez in a match against Rayo Vallecano. By December 2017, Rodri had become a regular starter, leading to a contract renewal until 2022. He scored his first La Liga goal on February 18, 2018, in a 1–1 draw against RCD Espanyol. On May 24, 2018, he returned to Atlético Madrid for a fee around €20 million, making an immediate impact by playing in the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid. In 2019, Rodri signed with Manchester City, where he has been instrumental in the team's success, including winning four consecutive Premier League titles from 2020 to 2024. His crucial role in the 2022–23 season helped City achieve a historic treble, culminating in a Champions League victory where he scored the decisive goal in the final against Inter Milan.

Achievements

Rodri's career is marked by numerous accolades. He played a crucial role in Manchester City's triumph in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League, where he scored the only goal in the final, earning him the Player of the Season award. At the national level, he made his debut for Spain in 2018 and participated in the UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In 2023, he helped Spain win the UEFA Nations League and was named the best player of the finals. His crowning achievement came in 2024 when he won the Ballon d'Or, becoming the second male Spanish player to do so, following Luis Suárez's win in 1960. Rodri's contributions have been vital in securing both club and international honors.

Legacy

Rodri is recognized for his exceptional playing style, characterized by precise passing, tactical awareness, and physical strength. His ability to control the midfield and break up opposition plays has established him as one of the top defensive midfielders globally. He holds records for most successful passes in a single Premier League season and is known for his composure under pressure. Rodri's influence extends beyond his technical skills; he has become a leader on the pitch for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team. His achievements, including the historic treble with City and his individual accolades, solidify his status as a significant figure in modern football.

Notable Quotes

Did You Know?

• Rodri was released from Atlético Madrid's youth academy due to concerns about his physical strength before making a successful comeback.
• He is the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d'Or.
• Rodri has a background in playing as a central defender before transitioning to a defensive midfielder.