Rodri, widely regarded as one of the finest defensive midfielders in world football, has become a cornerstone of both Manchester City and the Spanish national team.
Known for his composure, tactical intelligence, and ability to control the tempo of a match, Rodriโs rise in the football world has been nothing short of impressive.
From his early days in Spain to winning the Ballon dโOr and dominating European football, this biography explores the key moments in his life and careerโcovering his age, career stats, net worth, salary, and the numerous honors heโs earned along the way.
Rodri Biography
Rodrigo Hernรกndez Cascante, popularly known as Rodri or Rodrigo, was born on June 22, 1996.
He is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Manchester City in the English Premier League and also represents the Spain national team.
Renowned for his vision, passing ability, physical strength, and intelligent playmaking, Rodri is widely regarded as one of the top midfielders in world football.
Rodri began his senior career in La Liga, playing for Villarreal and later Atlรฉtico Madrid, where he gained recognition for his composed performances.
In 2019, he made a high-profile move to Manchester City, where his influence in midfield became increasingly vital.
Since joining City, Rodri has played a key role in the clubโs dominance of English football.
He helped the team secure four consecutive Premier League titles between 2020โ21 and 2023โ24.
One of his most iconic moments came during the 2022โ23 season, when he scored the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final, helping City win their first-ever Champions League title.
His outstanding performances throughout the tournament earned him the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award.
Rodri made his debut for the Spanish national team in 2018 after rising through the youth ranks.
He has represented Spain at major tournaments, including UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2024.
In 2023, he played a crucial role in helping Spain win the UEFA Nations League, where he was named the Player of the Finals.
His stellar form continued into Euro 2024, where he again led the team to victory and was crowned the Player of the Tournament.
Rodriโs career reached a historic milestone in 2024 when he was awarded the Ballon dโOr, becoming only the second Spanish male player to win the prestigious honor after Luis Suรกrez in 1960.
He also made history by being the first-ever Manchester City player to claim the award.
Rodri Age
Rodrigo Hernรกndez Cascante, commonly known as Rodri, was born on June 22, 1996, in Madrid, Spain.
As of now, he is 28 years old. Despite still being in his late twenties, Rodri has already achieved what many players only dream ofโbecoming a key figure in one of the best football clubs in the world and representing his country on the biggest international stages.
His age places him in the prime years of his career, where his experience, physical condition, and football intelligence all align to deliver world-class performances consistently.
Early Life and Youth Career
Rodri was born in Madrid and began his footballing journey with Atlรฉtico Madridโs academy in 2007 at the age of 11.
However, he was released in 2013 due to concerns about his physical development. Undeterred, he moved to Villarreal, where his perseverance and talent earned him a spot in the senior team.
Villarreal Breakthrough
Rodri debuted for Villarreal B in February 2015 and made his first-team appearance later that year in a Copa del Rey match.
His La Liga debut followed in April 2016. By 2017, he had become a key player for Villarreal and signed a contract extension. He scored his first top-flight goal in February 2018 against Espanyol.
Return to Atlรฉtico Madrid
In May 2018, Rodri returned to Atlรฉtico Madrid for a reported fee of โฌ20 million plus add-ons.
He was signed to a five-year deal and made an immediate impact, including playing in the UEFA Super Cup win against Real Madrid.
Move to Manchester City
Rodri transferred to Manchester City in July 2019 after the club activated his โฌ70 million release clauseโmaking him the clubโs most expensive signing at the time.
He debuted in the Community Shield against Liverpool and scored his first Premier League goal against Norwich City in September 2019.
Despite an injury setback in his first season, Rodri played a crucial role in Cityโs EFL Cup final win in March 2020.
Dominance with Manchester City
Rodri has since evolved into one of Manchester Cityโs most consistent performers. He helped the club secure multiple Premier League titles from 2020โ2024, becoming a key figure in Pep Guardiolaโs system.
In the 2022โ23 season, he played a central role in Cityโs historic treble, scoring the only goal in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan and earning Player of the Season honors. He renewed his contract in July 2022, committing to the club until 2027.
Despite receiving his first Premier League red card in 2023, Rodri rebounded by scoring a decisive goal in the 2024 season finale against West Ham United, helping City clinch a fourth consecutive league title.
In October 2024, he was awarded the prestigious Ballon dโOr, becoming the first Manchester City player and only the second Spanish man (after Luis Suรกrez in 1960) to receive the honor.
After recovering from a serious injury sustained in late 2024, he made a triumphant return in May 2025.
International Career with Spain
Rodri has represented Spain at every level, from U16 to the senior team. He made his senior debut in 2018 and played in several major tournaments including UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2024.
He was instrumental in Spainโs 2023 UEFA Nations League victory, where he was named Player of the Finals.
At Euro 2024, Rodri led Spain to their fourth European Championship title and was named Player of the Tournament thanks to his outstanding performances and leadership.
Controversy
Following Spainโs Euro 2024 triumph, Rodri was involved in controversy after he and teammate รlvaro Morata were filmed chanting โGibraltar is Spanish.โ The incident sparked backlash, leading to a formal complaint from the Gibraltar government and a one-match UEFA ban for both players.
Legacy and Impact
Rodriโs rise from a youth academy dropout to one of the best midfielders in modern football is a testament to his resilience, intelligence, and work ethic. With major honors for both club and countryโand individual accolades like the Ballon dโOrโRodri has etched his name among footballโs elite.
Rodri Stats
A Deep Dive into His Performance
Rodri has built a reputation as one of the most consistent and technically gifted midfielders in world football.
Since joining Manchester City in 2019, the Spanish international has consistently delivered top-level performances in both domestic and European competitions.
In the Premier League, Rodri has established himself as a key figure under Pep Guardiola.
His passing accuracy regularly exceeds 90%, showcasing his ability to control the tempo of the game and distribute the ball under pressure.
During the 2021โ22 season alone, he averaged over 82 passes per 90 minutesโone of the highest among midfieldersโalongside an impressive interception and tackle success rate, proving his defensive strength.
In European competitions, Rodri has also been a standout performer. His crucial goal in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final not only secured Manchester Cityโs first-ever title in the tournament but also highlighted his knack for turning up in big moments.
He finished that campaign with multiple man-of-the-match performances and was later named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.
On the international stage, Rodri has been equally effective for Spain. Whether deployed as a holding midfielder or occasionally in a defensive role, he has brought stability, intelligence, and leadership.
His performances in UEFA Euro 2024, where he was awarded the Player of the Tournament, reflect his growing influence on the global stage.
As of 2025, Rodri has earned over 50 caps for Spain, scored crucial goals, and won several titles with both club and country.
His stats are not just numbersโthey tell the story of a modern midfielder who excels in nearly every aspect of the game.
Rodri Net Worth
As of 2025, Rodriโs estimated net worth ranges between ยฃ15.6 million and ยฃ50.8 million, reflecting his status as one of footballโs elite midfielders.
This wealth stems from his lucrative salary at Manchester City, endorsement deals, and prudent financial management.
Rodriโs Salary and Contract
Rodri currently earns a weekly salary of ยฃ220,000, amounting to approximately ยฃ11.44 million annually. His contract with Manchester City is set to expire on June 30, 2027 .
Reports suggest that Manchester City is considering offering him a significant wage increase to ยฃ375,000 per week, which would place him among the clubโs top earners.
Net Worth Breakdown
Rodriโs net worth is bolstered by his consistent performance on the pitch and his marketability off it.
Estimates place his net worth at approximately ยฃ15.6 million , though some sources suggest it could be as high as ยฃ50.8 million .
This financial standing is a testament to his value in the football world and his success with both club and country.
Career Highlights Fueling His Value
Rodriโs financial success is mirrored by his achievements on the field:
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2024 Ballon dโOr Winner: Recognized as the worldโs best player.
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UEFA Champions League: Scored the winning goal in the 2023 final, securing Manchester Cityโs first title in the competition.
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Premier League Titles: Instrumental in Manchester Cityโs four consecutive league titles from 2020 to 2024.
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International Success: Key player in Spainโs UEFA Euro 2024 victory and named Player of the Tournament.
Lifestyle and Financial Philosophy
Known for his disciplined and grounded lifestyle, Rodri holds a degree in Business Administration, reflecting his commitment to personal development beyond football .
He maintains a low profile off the pitch, focusing on his career and personal growth, which contributes to his financial stability and reputation as a consummate professional.
Conclusion:
Rodriโs journey from a promising young talent in Spain to a globally celebrated midfield general is a testament to hard work, discipline, and football intelligence.
With a string of prestigious titles, personal accolades, and a growing legacy, Rodri has firmly etched his name among the sportโs elite.
Whether leading Manchester City to domestic glory or guiding Spain on the international stage, his influence continues to grow. As his career progresses, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate what the future holds for one of footballโs most reliable and respected figures.
Rodri FAQs
What was Rodriโs injury?
Midfielder Rodri marked his comeback for Manchester City on Tuesday, appearing on the pitch for the first time since undergoing ACL surgery in September.
Although the Ballon dโOr recipient was originally anticipated to be sidelined for the remainder of the season, he entered the match as a substitute in the 83rd minute during Cityโs Premier League clash with Bournemouth.