Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, known as Rodri, is a distinguished Spanish professional footballer currently excelling as a defensive midfielder for Manchester City and the Spain national team. His career began at Atlético Madrid’s youth academy, where he showcased his potential before moving to Villarreal, where he made his first-team debut in 2015. Rodri’s impressive performances earned him a return to Atlético Madrid in 2018, where he quickly established himself as a key player, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

In July 2019, Rodri made a high-profile transfer to Manchester City for a record fee of £62.6 million. His debut season was marked by vital contributions, including scoring in the EFL Cup final, helping City secure the trophy. Over the following seasons, Rodri’s influence grew substantially, as he became a linchpin in City’s midfield, playing a crucial role in the club’s remarkable achievement of four consecutive Premier League titles from 2020 to 2024 and securing the historic continental treble in 2022-23, where he scored the decisive goal in the Champions League final.

Rodri has also made significant strides on the international stage, representing Spain since 2018. He played pivotal roles in major tournaments, including the UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and was instrumental in Spain’s UEFA Nations League victory in 2023 and their Euro 2024 triumph, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

Recognized for his tactical intelligence and physical prowess, Rodri is considered one of the best defensive midfielders globally. His ability to dictate play, coupled with his defensive skills, has garnered praise from pundits and coaches alike, solidifying his reputation as a central figure in both club and international football.