Born on June 22, 1996, Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, commonly known as Rodri, is a highly regarded Spanish professional footballer renowned for his role as a defensive midfielder. Currently plying his trade for the Premier League club Manchester City and representing the Spanish national team, Rodri has earned acclaim as one of the world’s premier defensive midfielders.

Renowned for his adept ball-winning abilities, skilled dribbling techniques, and precise long-range passes, Rodri has consistently served as a key starter for Manchester City, contributing significantly to their Premier League triumphs in 2021 and 2022. Acknowledged for his exceptional defensive and offensive positioning, adept tackling, precise passing, and ball control, Rodri has become a pivotal figure on the field.

In 2023, Rodri achieved further acclaim by contributing to Spain’s triumph in the UEFA Nations League, earning recognition as the best player of the finals tournament. His multifaceted skills and consistent performance have solidified his status as a key player at the club and international levels. He has just won the 2024 Ballon d’Or Award surpassing Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr in the race.

Rodri began his football journey by joining Atlético Madrid’s youth setup at the age of 11 in 2007, transitioning from CF Rayo Majadahonda. However, in 2013, he was released due to a perceived “lack of physical strength,” leading him to sign with Villarreal CF.

Rodri’s early breakthrough came on February 7, 2015, when, still a junior, he made his senior debut for Villarreal CF’s reserves, contributing as a late substitute in a 3–1 victory against RCD Espanyol B in the Segunda División B. Just 15 days later, he earned his first start in a 2–0 triumph over Real Zaragoza B. Rodri’s consistent performances earned him a contract extension until 2022 on December 4, 2017. He marked his presence in La Liga with his inaugural goal on February 18, 2018, scoring the opener in a 1–1 away draw against RCD Espanyol.

Atlético Madrid

Rodri made a significant move in his football career on May 24, 2018, as he returned to Atlético Madrid. The club reached an agreement with Villarreal for his transfer, and Rodri signed a lucrative five-year contract with the Madrid side. The transfer involved a fee in the approximate range of €20 million, with an additional €5 million in variables.

His debut for Atlético Madrid took place on August 15, 2018, in the 2018 UEFA Super Cup held in Tallinn. During this match, he played a key role, participating for the first 71 minutes in a thrilling encounter that saw Atlético Madrid emerge victorious with a 4–2 extra-time win over their city rivals, Real Madrid.

In the 2019–20 season, Rodri made a significant move to Manchester City. The club successfully met the terms of his £62.6 million release clause on July 3, 2019, allowing him to buy out the remaining duration of his contract with Atlético Madrid. This transfer marked a new record fee paid by Manchester City, and Rodri committed to a five-year contract.

His debut for Manchester City took place in the 2019 FA Community Shield on August 4 at Wembley Stadium. During this match, he played the entire 90 minutes as City secured victory on penalties against Liverpool after a 1–1 draw. Rodri also made his Premier League debut against West Ham United six days later, contributing to a 5–0 away win. On September 14, he scored his first goal for Manchester City in a 3–2 away defeat against Norwich City.