Manchester City midfielder Rodri was born in Madrid and he joined Atletico’s youth setup at the age of 11 having started his youth career at CF Rayo Majadahonda.
After 4 years with Los Colchoneros, he was released, subsequently joining Villarreal’s academy instead where he would go on to make his senior debut.
Rodri’s time in Spain
As is usually the case with players in the Spanish leagues, the midfielder actually made his first senior appearance for Villarreal’s B team against Espanyol’s B side in February 2015.
It wasn’t long before Rodri made his debut for the first team. Just 8 months later, he started Villarreal’s 2-0 win over Huesca in the Copa Del Rey, going on to make 84 appearances for the Yellow Submarine over the next three years.
In the summer of 2018, the Spaniard returned to where it all started as he re-signed for Atletico for €25m. He established himself as a key player very quickly in his one and only season at the club, helping them beat rivals Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup final in his first game.
The midfielder’s move to City
Atletico were keen to keep hold of Rodri after an excellent debut campaign but the Premier League champions had other ideas as they triggered his £62.6m release clause in July 2019.
He did struggle to settle in at the Etihad initially, with City losing the title to Liverpool but the highlight of this first season was the goal that won the League Cup final.
In subsequent seasons, Rodri developed into one of the best holding midfielders in world football, helping City win four consecutive Premier League titles between 2021 and 2024, as well as receiving numerous personal accolades, culminating in his Ballon d’Or triumph.
At international level, he has been equally successful, helping Spain win Euro 2024 by beating England in the final.
Rodri’s individual achievements
- He has won 11 major honours with City, including four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, one Community Shield, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
- Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, having helped City win the league title and Spain win the European Championships.
- He has been named in the PFA Team of the Year on two separate occasions (2022/23 and 2023/34).
- Rodri has been awarded the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season (2023) as well as being included in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (2023).
- He has also been named in FIFA’s Best XI for the year 2024.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
