Rodrigo

Talented defensive Spanish midfielder...

Rodrigo, the then 23-year-old Spanish midfielder, joined from Atletico Madrid and became Pep Guardiola’s second signing of the summer on 4 July 2019. 

The defensively minded midfielder is most at home sitting in front of the back four, where Rodrigo has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting prospects.

Born Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante on 22 June 1996, City’s newest recruit supported Atleti as a boy and progressed through the academy ranks before departing in 2013 to complete his youth development at Villarreal.

One of their most coveted prospects, Rodri made his debut in December 2015 aged 19 and went on to represent the Yellow Submarine 84 times in three seasons.

Combining an impressive reading of the game with great touch, Rodrigo won admirers for his ability to break up opposition attacks before setting up his own with his thoughtful range of passing.

It was enough to earn a return to Atletico, who brought him back in 2018 for a fee believed to be in the region of £20million and it was at Wanda Metropolitano where he further enhanced his reputation.

Standing at 6’3 and with his technical ability and tactical understanding of the game both equally impressive, Rodrigo has been compared to Sergio Busquets.

He helped Atleti lift the 2018 UEFA Super Cup with a 4-2 victory over Real Madrid and went on to play 47 times, scoring three goals as his home-town club finished second in La Liga.

At international level, he was part of the Under-19 squad which won the 2015 European Championships, where he was named in the team of the tournament before making his senior debut in 2018. 

Rodrigo enjoyed an impressive first season at City making 52 appearances across all competitions and scoring the winner in our Carabao Cup final win against Aston Villa in March 2020.

Rodrigo‘s second season with City again saw him play almost every game, clocking up 53 appearances during another solid campaign that ended with a Premier League title.

And the towering midfielder’s influence increased again in 2021/22 when he played 46 times, scoring seven goals and was consistently excellent throughout.

He has proved to be the ideal successor to Fernandinho in the anchoring role of the team.

On the international stage meanwhile, Rodrigo was part of the Spain squad that took part in the 2022 World Cup finals.

He made four starting appearances out in Qatar, with Spain eventually departing at the last 16 stage.

Rodrigo has been a powerhouse in City’s midfield, working relentlessly as City competed for another English title. And his determination in the heart of City’s team paid off, helping us lift the 2022/23 Premier League trophy for a third consecutive year. 

The Spain international continued to show how integral he is to Guardiola‘s system after playing exceptionally well in our 2-1 win over Manchester United in the final of the FA Cup. 

He scored the only goal in our 1-0 win over Inter to help City win our first-ever Champions League trophy and complete the Treble. 

Starting the 2023/24 campaign strong, Rodrigo had a sublime performance in midfield during our Super Cup win over Sevilla to help City win it for the first time in our history. 

Our Spanish anchor added a FIFA Club World winner’s medal to his tally after the 4-0 win over Fluminense in December 2023.

And, as prolific as ever, Rodrigo helped City make history as we lifted the Premier League trophy for a fourth successive season - making City the first English club to achieve the feat. 

A summer break from club football would not stop the midfield maestro from winning trophies. He helped Spain win Euro 2024 to top off another fantastic season.

And in acknowledgement of his consistent, outstanding performances as a defensive midfielder for both club and country, Rodrigo was named the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner, making him the first Manchester City player to receive the prestigious award.