Rodri Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 18, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, one name stands above all others not just for consistency, but for transformative influence: Rodri Hernández—the metronome, the shield, the architect, and by many measures in 2024–2025, the best and most important player on the planet.
Once a technically gifted but under-the-radar midfielder from Spain, Rodri has evolved into the linchpin of Manchester City’s historic dynasty and the heartbeat of the Spanish national team.
In 2025, he isn’t just fulfilling his potential—he’s redefining what it means to be a modern defensive midfielder.
Then: The Humble Beginnings – A Quiet Talent in Madrid (2014–2019)
1. Early Life and Atletico Madrid Academy
Born on June 22, 1996, in Madrid, Spain, Rodrigo Hernández Cascante—known universally as Rodri—grew up immersed in football. He joined Atlético Madrid’s youth academy (cantera) at a young age, where his intelligence, composure, and passing range quickly set him apart.
Unlike flashy wingers or prolific strikers, Rodri’s brilliance was subtle:
- Positional awareness
- First-touch control
- Calm under pressure
He made his senior debut for Atlético in 2018, stepping into a team known for its defensive solidity under Diego Simeone. Though not a regular starter, his performances in key matches—especially in the UEFA Europa League—showed glimpses of his immense potential.
2. Recognition and Transfer to Manchester City
In July 2019, after just one full season as a senior player, Pep Guardiola identified Rodri as the long-term successor to Fernandinho and signed him for £62.6 million—a then-record fee for a defensive midfielder.
Many questioned the price. But Guardiola knew: he wasn’t just buying a player. He was investing in the future of his football philosophy.
Related: Lautaro Martínez Then and Now
The Rise: Becoming Indispensable (2019–2023)
1. Adapting to Guardiola’s Vision
Rodri’s early years at Manchester City were about adaptation. He wasn’t just a “destroyer” or a “holder”—he was a hybrid: a deep-lying playmaker who could break up play, recycle possession, and initiate attacks with inch-perfect long balls.
By 2020–2021, he had become City’s first-choice pivot in a 4-3-3, allowing Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva to push forward with freedom.
2. The 2022–2023 Treble Season – A Defining Campaign
The 2022–2023 season was Rodri’s coming-of-age moment. As City chased an unprecedented continental treble, Rodri delivered a season of historic significance:
- Played every single minute of Manchester City’s Premier League campaign
- Scored crucial goals, including the winner in the Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid
- Dominated midfield battles against the world’s best
- Named UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season
When City lifted the Champions League trophy in Istanbul, Rodri wasn’t just a participant—he was the engine that powered the machine.
Related: Son Heung-min Then and Now
Now: The Ballon d’Or Winner and Global Icon (2024–2025)
1. Historic Ballon d’Or Victory (2024)
In a landmark moment for football, Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or—becoming:
- The first defensive midfielder to win the award since N’Golo Kanté’s near-miss in 2018
- The first Manchester City player to win it since the club’s modern era began
- The first Spaniard to win since Carles Puyol’s symbolic award in 2009 (team award)
His victory was a watershed moment—proving that impact, consistency, and tactical intelligence could outweigh pure goal-scoring statistics.
The award was sealed not just by club success, but by his heroics for Spain at Euro 2024.
2. Euro 2024: National Hero
At UEFA Euro 2024, hosted in Germany, Rodri captained Spain through a grueling tournament. With Sergio Busquets retired, the mantle of midfield leadership fell on his shoulders.
He delivered:
- Three Man of the Match performances
- A tournament-defining performance in the final against England
- Composed control in a 2–1 victory that brought Spain their fourth European title
Named Player of the Tournament, Rodri became a national icon—the spiritual successor to legends like Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets.
3. Evolution into a Complete Midfielder
By 2025, Rodri is no longer just a “defensive” midfielder. He’s a complete, all-action general:
- Passing accuracy: 95%+ in top competitions
- Ball progression: Elite long-range distribution
- Defensive stats: Top 3 in interceptions and tackles in the Premier League
- Goal threat: Scored 12 goals in 2023–2024, including clutch Champions League strikes
He’s also taken on a leadership role at City, often seen organizing the team, mentoring younger players like Rico Lewis and Nico González, and embodying Guardiola’s footballing ideals.
4. Tactical Genius and Football IQ
Coaches, pundits, and players alike praise Rodri’s football intelligence:
“He sees the game three steps ahead.” – Pep Guardiola
“When Rodri has the ball, the game slows down. When he doesn’t, it speeds up.” – Gary Lineker
His ability to dictate tempo, break lines with vertical passes, and neutralize elite attackers makes him the most tactically valuable player in world football.
Related: Bruno Fernandes Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Despite his fame, Rodri remains remarkably humble. He is married to Irene Echeverría, his longtime partner, and they have a daughter. He often shares quiet family moments on Instagram, avoiding the spotlight off the pitch.
Known for his professionalism, discipline, and quiet confidence, Rodri is a rare blend of elite talent and grounded character. He speaks multiple languages (Spanish, English, some Italian), studies football tactics in his free time, and is pursuing a degree in Sports Science.
He’s also an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking openly about the pressure of being “the most important player.”
Related: Florian Wirtz Then and Now
Cultural Impact and Legacy (In 2025)
Rodri’s rise has redefined the value of the holding midfielder:
- Proved that non-scoring roles can be the most vital
- Inspired a new generation of “brain-first” midfielders
- Elevated the status of tactical intelligence in an age of athleticism
He’s also a symbol of consistency—a player who rarely has a bad game, who shows up in every match, and who thrives under pressure.
In Spain, he’s celebrated not just as a champion, but as a modern role model—intelligent, hardworking, and deeply committed to his craft.
Conclusion: Rodri – Then and Now (In 2025)
- Then: A promising but unproven midfielder from Atlético Madrid, doubted for his price tag and physicality.
- Now: The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, UEFA Champions League champion, Euro 2024 winner, and widely regarded as the most important player in world football.
Rodri’s journey is a testament to vision, patience, and footballing intelligence. He didn’t win with flair or flashy goals—he won with control, precision, and unwavering consistency.
As Manchester City enters a new era and Spain builds its next generation, one truth remains clear in 2025:
Rodri isn’t just a player.
He’s the foundation.
And in a game full of stars, he has proven that the quietest presence can be the most powerful.
🏆 “The best player isn’t always the one who scores. It’s the one without whom nothing works.” – Pep Guardiola on Rodri
Related: Jamal Musiala Then and Now