Rodrigo Hernández Cascante: A Rising Star in Football
Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, commonly known as Rodri, is a Spanish professional footballer who has become one of the most highly regarded defensive midfielders in the world.1
Born on June 22, 1996, in Madrid, Spain, Rodri’s journey from local youth clubs to international prominence with Manchester City and the Spain national team showcases his technical skills, footballing intelligence, and dedication to the sport.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Youth Career
- Rodri was born in Madrid and began his football journey at a young age. Growing up in a family that valued education, Rodri was encouraged to pursue both academic and athletic endeavors.
- His early football development began at Atlético Madrid’s youth academy, where his talent as a midfielder quickly became apparent.
- However, in his early teens, Rodri was released from Atlético Madrid due to concerns about his physical development. Not discouraged, he joined Villarreal’s youth system, where he honed his skills and gained the physicality required to excel at the highest level.
- At Villarreal, he continued his impressive development and eventually made his way into the club’s senior squad.
Professional Debut at Villarreal
Rodri made his professional debut for Villarreal in the 2015-16 season. His composure on the ball and ability to read the game quickly earned him recognition as one of Spain’s most promising young talents. His performances in midfield, particularly his defensive positioning and ball distribution, made him a key player for the club.
Return to Atlético Madrid
In 2018, Rodri returned to Atlético Madrid after the club paid his €20 million release clause. His second stint at Atlético saw him flourish under manager Diego Simeone, who valued Rodri’s ability to break up opposition attacks and initiate counter-attacks from deep midfield.2
In his single season with Atlético, Rodri became an essential part of the team, playing 47 matches and helping the club secure a second-place finish in La Liga.
Manchester City: A Landmark Move for Rodri
In July 2019, Rodri made a landmark transfer to Manchester City, signaling the start of a new phase in his already promising career. After excelling at Atlético Madrid, Rodri was identified by City manager Pep Guardiola as the ideal successor to Fernandinho in the defensive midfield role.
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Manchester City activated his £62.6 million release clause, a club record at the time, allowing Rodri to buy out his contract with Atlético Madrid. T
Adapting to Life at Manchester City
Upon his arrival, Rodri signed a five-year contract with Manchester City, solidifying his long-term commitment to the Premier League champions. His role in the team was clear from the outset: to anchor the midfield, protect the backline, and facilitate City’s possession-based style of play under Guardiola.3
Adapting to the pace and physicality of the Premier League was a challenge for Rodri initially, as English football is notably faster and more physical than La Liga. However, with Guardiola’s guidance, Rodri quickly settled into his role. His intelligence on the field, combined with his ability to control the tempo of matches, made him an essential figure in the Manchester City midfield.
2019–2020 Season: A Solid Debut
- Rodri’s debut season with Manchester City in 2019–2020 was solid, as he quickly established himself as a first-team regular. He made his Premier League debut on August 10, 2019, in a 5-0 win over West Ham United, showcasing his defensive capabilities and passing range.
- While City did not win the Premier League that season, finishing second behind Liverpool, Rodri’s presence in midfield was instrumental in maintaining City’s high level of performance.
- He made 35 Premier League appearances and scored two goals during the season.
- His composure on the ball and ability to win back possession became key elements of City’s play, particularly in their strong domestic cup performances.
EFL Cup Success
Rodri’s first taste of silverware with Manchester City came in the EFL Cup. On March 1, 2020, City defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in the final, with Rodri playing a pivotal role. He scored the second goal in the match with a powerful header from a corner kick, helping secure City’s third consecutive EFL Cup title.
Rodri and His Family: A Private Life
Rodri, whose full name is Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, is known for maintaining a low-profile when it comes to his personal life, particularly regarding his family. Despite being a prominent figure in the football world, the Manchester City star chooses to keep details about his family largely away from the public eye.
This reserved approach has contributed to his reputation as a focused and professional athlete who prioritizes his career while keeping his personal matters private.
A Private Family Background
Rodri’s background is rooted in Spain, but beyond that, very little is known about the lives of his family members. His father and mother have not been named publicly, and the midfielder has rarely, if ever, discussed them in interviews or social media.
Similarly, any details about whether Rodri has siblings are also not publicly available, reflecting his desire to protect his family’s privacy from the scrutiny that often comes with fame.
Don Rodrigo Hernandez 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/82znK5TYvi
— Manchester City (@ManCityPT) January 14, 2024
Focus on Football
Rodri’s decision to keep his family life private might also be a reflection of his deep focus on football. Since his early years, he has dedicated himself to becoming one of the top defensive midfielders in the world, and this has required a level of discipline and dedication that often comes with a more private personal life.
Unlike some athletes who share personal stories and details about their families with fans, Rodri has chosen to let his football achievements speak for themselves.
Life in England
- Since moving to England in 2019 to play for Manchester City, Rodri has embraced his new surroundings but continues to maintain a private life off the pitch.
- Even though he has become a star in the Premier League, fans and the media rarely get glimpses into his personal life outside of football.
- This level of privacy is rare in today’s world of social media and constant media attention, but it aligns with Rodri’s calm and composed demeanor.
- Despite his rising status, Rodri has not made his family the subject of public conversation, allowing them to remain out of the spotlight while he continues to excel on the field.
- His quiet, reserved nature has earned him respect from teammates, coaches, and fans, and this discretion around his personal life is consistent with his approach to football—focused, professional, and dedicated.
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Rodri’s Net Worth, Salary, and Earnings
As of 2024, Rodri Hernández, commonly known as Rodri, has an estimated net worth of $15.6 million. The Spanish footballer has established himself as one of the top defensive midfielders in world football, contributing both to his impressive salary at Manchester City and his growing market value.
His current transfer market value stands at €80 million, reflecting his importance to both his club and the Spain national team.
Salary Breakdown at Manchester City
- Rodri joined Manchester City in 2019 after the club paid his release clause from Atlético Madrid, marking a pivotal point in his career. Manchester City met his £62.6 million (€70 million) release clause, and the deal broke records for the club at the time.
- As part of his five-year contract with the English Premier League giants, Rodri earns a significant salary, making him one of the highest-paid players in his position.
- Rodri’s annual salary is estimated to be around $7.5 million, which equates to approximately $144,000 per week. This figure is reflective of his importance to Manchester City, where he plays a crucial role in their midfield under manager Pep Guardiola.
- The combination of his defensive prowess, passing ability, and tactical intelligence has made him indispensable to the team.
Endorsements and Earnings
In addition to his salary from football, Rodri earns income through endorsement deals and sponsorships, although these have been kept relatively private compared to many other top footballers.
Rodri has maintained a focus on his professional career rather than pursuing a high-profile off-field brand, but his popularity continues to grow, which could lead to more lucrative sponsorships in the future.
Future Financial Prospects
Rodri’s current contract with Manchester City runs until 2024, with options for extension. If the club chooses to extend his stay, it is likely that Rodri’s earnings will increase as he continues to be a key player in one of Europe’s top teams.
Additionally, his transfer value may rise further depending on his performances in both the Premier League and international tournaments.
Personal Life of Rodri
Rodrigo Hernández, widely known as Rodri, leads a relatively private life off the pitch, despite his growing prominence as a top footballer for Manchester City and the Spain national team. Rodri is known for his balanced approach to life, placing importance not just on football but also on education and personal relationships.
Academic Pursuits
One of the most distinguishing aspects of Rodri’s personal life is his dedication to education. During his time in the youth academy at Villarreal, Rodri pursued a degree in business administration and management at Jaume I University in Castellón de la Plana.
While many young footballers solely focus on their careers, Rodri was committed to balancing his football training with academic studies, demonstrating his long-term thinking and maturity.
Relationship with Long-Term Girlfriend Laura
- During his university years, Rodri met Laura, who was studying medicine. The two developed a close relationship, and they have been together for several years.
- Laura’s decision to pursue a career in medicine further exemplifies the intellectual atmosphere that surrounds Rodri’s personal life, as the couple shares a commitment to their respective fields.
- While not much is publicly known about their relationship, the couple is said to maintain a private life, away from the limelight of Rodri’s football fame.
- Unlike many footballers who often make headlines for their high-profile relationships, Rodri and Laura prefer to keep their personal lives out of the public eye, focusing instead on their careers and shared future.
A Grounded Lifestyle
Rodri’s life outside of football is marked by a sense of groundedness and modesty. Despite his success and substantial earnings from football, Rodri is known to live a relatively simple lifestyle compared to other football stars. He avoids the extravagance often associated with professional athletes, choosing instead to invest in his education and future.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Rodrigo Hernández?
Ans: Rodrigo Hernández, commonly known as Rodri, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Manchester City in the Premier League and the Spanish national team. He is known for his tactical intelligence, ball distribution, and defensive abilities.
2. How old is Rodrigo Hernández?
Ans: Rodri was born on June 22, 1996, making him 28 years old as of 2024.
3. What are the key highlights of Rodrigo Hernández’s career?
Ans: Rodri began his career with Villarreal, later moving to Atlético Madrid before joining Manchester City in 2019. He has won multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City.
He is also a key figure in the Spanish national team, representing them in major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.
4. What is Rodrigo Hernández’s estimated net worth?
Ans: As of 2024, Rodri’s estimated net worth is around $40 million, largely due to his lucrative contracts with Manchester City and endorsements.
5. What is known about Rodrigo Hernández’s family and personal life?
Ans: Rodri is known to keep his personal life private. He grew up in Spain and has expressed his strong connection to his family. He holds a degree in business management, highlighting his focus on life beyond football.
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