Rodrigo Hernández Cascante is a Spanish defensive midfielder who currently plays for English Premier League heavyweights Manchester City.
He is known for his passing, playmaking, and physical attributes; he is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.
Rodri was named the 2024 Ballon d'Or Award winner after beating off competition from Real Madrid trio Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal.
Early Life
Rodri was born on 22nd June, 1996, in Madrid and started his football career at Atletico Madrid while he was schooling. He joined Atletico Madrid as a young boy from CF Rayo Majadahonda, but he was released in 2013 due to a "lack of physical strength." He subsequently signed with Villarreal.
Club Career
His performance at the Villarreal youth side earned him a promotion to the Villarreal B team to make his debut at age 18 in 2015. He adapted quickly to make a senior debut on 17 December 2015, starting in a 2–0 home win against SD Huesca for that season's Copa del Rey.
Rodri, who had been tipped as the next big thing in Spanish football, played his first La Liga game in Villarreal's 2-1 away loss to Rayo Vallecano in April 2016.
He established himself as a standout performer for the club, which earned him a contract until the summer of 2022. However, he emerged on the transfer radar of Atletico Madrid to seal a move to the capital-based club in 2018 in a deal worth €25 million.
Rodri signed a five-year contract with Atletico Madrid and made his first-ever appearance for the club against the club's city rivals Real Madrid in the 2018 UEFA Super Cup final, where he played an instrumental role in Atletico Madrid's triumph.
A year later, English Premier League giants Manchester City triggered his release clause of €70 million to acquire his signature on a long-term contract during the 2019 summer transfer.
Stay of Play
Rodri is a physically strong and tall player. His physique helps him to frequently win tackles, challenges on opponent players, as well as aerial duels.
He has a 73% success rate at tackles on opponent players and has won 100% of his aerial duels in the 2022–23 season, according to Squawka. He averages a passing accuracy of 91–92%.
Rodri is further known for his versatility and tactical intelligence. He is known for his contributions to his team's build-up play.
Often used as an anchor or water carrier, his primary role is to win back possession in midfield and distribute the ball to start counterattacks.
His ability to maintain possession under pressure allows him to perform this role effectively.
Rodri also possesses accurate passing and vision, allowing him to operate as a deep-lying playmaker from the heart of the midfield.
International Career
Having played for Spain at the U16, U19, and U21 levels, Rodri was handed his first-ever invitation to the senior national team of Spain for two international friendlies against Argentina and Germany in 2018.
He made his debut against Germany when he made a cameo appearance, replacing Thiago Alcântara in the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
After missing out on selection for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Rodri was named in Spain's squad for their first two UEFA Nations League fixtures against England and Croatia in September 2018.
Despite being an unused substitute in the first match at Wembley Stadium, he made his competitive debut as a 59th-minute substitute for Sergio Busquets in the 6–0 win over Croatia on 11 September.
A month later, Rodri made his first start for Spain in a 4-1 friendly win over Wales in Cardiff and was named man of the match by the BBC.
On 17 November 2020, Rodri scored his first senior international goal in Spain's 6–0 defeat of Germany in their final group phase match of the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League.
In October 2021, Rodri was included in Spain's squad for the Nations League finals. On 10 October, he started in Spain's 2-1 defeat against France in the final, playing 84 minutes at the San Siro in Milan.
Rodri was included in Spain's FIFA World Cup squad in 2022 and played as a central defender.
He played the entire 90 minutes in Spain's three Group E matches, which included a 7-0 victory over Costa Rica, a 1-1 draw with Germany, and a 2-1 loss to Japan.
In the round of 16, he played 120 minutes in the team's 0-0 draw with Morocco, as La Roja were eliminated after losing 3-0 in the penalty shootout.
Rodri supplanted Sergio Busquets as Spain's midfield pivot after the latter retired from international football on December 16, 2022.
On March 28, 2023, he captained the team for the first time in their second UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier, a 2-0 loss to Scotland at Hampden Park.
Rodri was named Player of the Finals for the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals. He started in both the semi-final against Italy and the final against Croatia, the latter of which Spain won via a penalty shootout, with Rodri scoring his spot kick. He was named the best player of the tournament.
In June 2024, Rodri was named in Spain's squad for UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. In the team's final warm-up match—a 5-1 win over Northern Ireland in Mallorca—he won his 50th cap for Spain.
In the team's opening match of the tournament, he played 86 minutes before being substituted for Martin Zubimendi as La Roja beat Croatia 3–0 at Berlin's Olympiastadion.
Rodri helped Spain reach and win the UEFA Euro 2024 final with an outstanding tournament performance, as he was awarded the best player of the tournament. Spain defeated England 2-1 to secure their fourth European championship.
Height
Yoro’s height is believed to be 1.90 m, which would make him 6 ft 3 in tall.
Preferred Foot
Rodri is known as a right-footed player who loves to use his right foot more than the left in matches.
Salary
Rodri is one of the highest paid players in the English Premier League, and he receives £220,000 per week.
His annual salary is estimated to be £11,440,000.
Personal Life
Rodri holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from Jaume I University, where he studied the program for four years.
Parents
Rodri takes a conservative approach to details about his parents and siblings, keeping such information secret. His family members, including his father and mother, remain mostly unknown.
Similarly, particular personal information regarding Rodri's siblings is not public knowledge.
Girlfriend
Rodri is in a long-term relationship with Laura. He met his partner during his days at Jaume I University, and his girlfriend Laura is a medical professional specializing in surgeries.
Net Worth
The net worth of Rodri is estimated to be €43.6 million. He also owns properties such as real estate, restaurants, and hotels in Spain.
