Barcelona: Rodri's rise to the top
Rodri, 30, has won major honours with Manchester City and Spain, including the Ballon d’Or in 2024. He could claim the award again in October, an unusual prospect for a defensive midfielder.
The midfielder has described himself as an introvert. His football education began early: at 14, a summer camp in Connecticut helped his family balance his studies with his place in Villarreal’s youth system.
After Atletico Madrid released him as a teenager, Rodri trained in the mornings and attended lectures later in the day. Atletico eventually brought him back in 2018, with Diego Simeone helping develop his competitive edge.
His career has included painful and defining moments. He struggled to speak with his family after City lost the 2021 Champions League final to Chelsea, then scored the winning goal in the 2023 final.
Rodri took Real Madrid’s interest seriously during the summer and spoke with people connected to the club. Their welcoming conversations made his decision harder, but his career has now turned toward Barcelona after he left City.
Key points
- Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or and may contend again in October.
- His football education combined youth training with classroom study.
- Real Madrid’s interest complicated his summer decision before his move to Barcelona.