{"id":245402,"first_name":"Rodrigo","last_name":"Hernández Cascante","short_name":"Rodri","common_name":"Rodri","place_of_birth":"Madrid","gender":"male","height":190,"weight":78,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T10:11:21.279Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-01T15:03:13.684Z","locale":"en","age":29,"stb_id":"rodri-3","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Rodri","top_position":null,"introduction":"**Rodrigo Hernández Cascante**, commonly known as **Rodri**, is one of the most impactful defensive midfilders in modern footbal. Standing at 190cm tall, the Spanish international has become the backbone of \"Manchester City FC\" and the Spanish national team's success in recent years. Rodri combines exceptional tactical intelligence with impresive physical attributes, making him the ideal protector for his team's defence. His journey from being released as a youth player to winning the Ballon d'Or represents one of the most remarkable development stories in contemporary football.","early_life_and_career":"Born in Madrid, Spain, Rodri began kickin the ball at CF Rayo Majadahonda before joining \"Atlético Madrid's\" youth setup in 2007. Despite showin early promise, the youngster faced a major setback when Atlético released him in 2013, citing a \"lack of physical strength\" as the primary reason. This rejection woulda crushed many young players, but not Rodri. The young lad moved to \"Villarreal\" where he continued his development with determination.\n\nInterestingly, while pursueing his football dreams, Rodri also prioritized education. He earned a degree in Business Administration and Management from Jaume I University over four years. At uni, he met his long-term girlfriend Laura, who works in the medical field. This balanced approach to life off the pitch reflects the inteligence he displays on it.\n\nHis professional debut for \"Villarreal\" came in December 2015 when he was 19. By December 2017, the player had established himself as a regular in the team. The player's performances were so impressive that his former club came calling again.","professional_career_and_highlights":"After impressing at \"Villarreal\", Rodri made a triumphant return to \"Atlético Madrid\" in May 2018 for a fee of around €20-25 million. His homecoming was sweet but brief. Just one season later, **Pep Guardiola** identified him as the perfect midfield anchor for his \"Manchester City\" system. In July 2019, City triggered his €70 million release clause (approximately £62.6 million), making him one of the club's most significant signings.\n\nAt \"Manchester City\", Rodri has been absolutely central to their domestic and European dominance. He's helped the Citizens secure four consecutive Premier League titles between 2020 and 2024. Four titles in a row! The highpoint of his City career came in the 2022-23 season when he scored the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final, finally delivering the trophy that had eluded Guardiola's team for so long.\n\nHis international carrer has been equally impressive. After winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2015, he made his senior Spain debut against Germany in March 2018. Rodri has since become the midfield linchpin for his country, helping them win the UEFA Nations League in 2023 where he was named Player of the Finals. This was followed by victory at UEFA Euro 2024, where his performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award.\n\nTragically, Rodri suffered a serious ACL injury in September 2024 that has sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season, bringing to an end his remarkable run of 50 Premier League matches without defeat.","playing_style_and_skills":"Standing at 6'3\" (1.90m), Rodri possesses a rare combiantion of physical presence and technical refinement that makes him the ideal modern defensive midfielder. His passing accuracy consistently hovers around 91-92% - numbers that highlight his extraordinary reliability in possession. The Spaniard reads the game brilliantly, often appearing to be two steps ahead of opponents when breaking up attacks.\n\nRodri excels as a regista sitting in front of the back four, controlling the tempo of matches with metronomic precision. He dishes out passes with immaculate weight and timing, whether it's a simple five-yard ball or a defense-splitting through pass. His ability to remain calm under pressure is remarkable - even when sorrounded by opposition pressers, he rarely gives the ball away.\n\nDefensively, he's no slouch either. Rodri uses his frame effectively in aerial duels and isn't afraid to put in a crunching tackle when needed. His positional awareness means he's often in the right place at the right time to make interceptions without having to dive into challenges. This intelligence has drawn comparisons to his compatriot Sergio Busquets, tho Rodri offers more mobility and physical presence.","notable_achievements":"Rodri's trophy cabinet is absolutely brimming with silverware from both club and international football. At \"Manchester City\", he's won 4 consecutive Premier League titles (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24), one FA Cup (2022-23), two League Cups (2019-20, 2020-21), the UEFA Champions League (2022-23), UEFA Super Cup (2023), and the FIFA Club World Cup (2023). That's ten major trophies in just five seasons with the club!\n\nWith Spain, he's claimed the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024. His individual contribution to these successes was recognized with the Player of the Finals award in the Nations League and Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024.\n\nPerhaps his crowning achievment came in 2024 when he became the first \"Manchester City\" player and only the second Spanish male player to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or. This recognition placed him alongside the greatest footballers in history and validated his status as the world's best player. Before his unfortunate injury, Rodri had gone unbeaten in 50 straight Premier League matches - an incredible testament to his influence.","impact_on_sport":"Rodri has redefined the defensive midfield position for the modern era. While not as flashy as attacking players, his contribution to \"Manchester City's\" tactical dominance cannot be overstated. Guardiola's system demands technical perfection and positional discipline - Rodri delivers both with remarkable consistency.\n\nHis journey from being released as a teenager due to perceived physical limitations to becoming the Ballon d'Or winner serves as an inspirational story for young players facing rejection. It showcases the importance of perseverance, tactical intelligence, and continuous improvement.\n\nThe Spanish international has elevated the defensive midfielder role beyond mere destruction. He demonstrates that the position requires exceptional vision, technical ability, and football IQ. When Rodri suffered his ACL injury in 2024, the immediate drop-off in \"Manchester City's\" performance highlighted his irreplacable value to the team.\n\nWhile midfielders who score spectacular goals or provide assists often receive more attention, Rodri's recognition with the Ballon d'Or has helped bring deserved appreciation to the less glamorous but equally crucial defensive midfield position. His success has ensured that future generations will study his game as the template for excellence in this specialized role.","stb_internal_id":"019300f5-1073-7ee9-b1d8-a1b9bc1d6c39","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"defensive-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, commonly known as Rodri, is one of the most impactful defensive midfilders in modern footbal. Standing at 190cm tall, the Spanish international has become the backbone of \"Manchester City FC\" and the Spanish national team's success in recent years. Rodri combines exceptional tactical intelligence with impresive physical attributes, making him the ideal protector for his team's defence. His journey from being released as a youth player to winning the Ballon d'Or represents one of the most remarkable development stories in contemporary football.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Born in Madrid, Spain, Rodri began kickin the ball at CF Rayo Majadahonda before joining \"Atlético Madrid's\" youth setup in 2007. Despite showin early promise, the youngster faced a major setback when Atlético released him in 2013, citing a \"lack of physical strength\" as the primary reason. This rejection woulda crushed many young players, but not Rodri. The young lad moved to \"Villarreal\" where he continued his development with determination.

Interestingly, while pursueing his football dreams, Rodri also prioritized education. He earned a degree in Business Administration and Management from Jaume I University over four years. At uni, he met his long-term girlfriend Laura, who works in the medical field. This balanced approach to life off the pitch reflects the inteligence he displays on it.

His professional debut for \"Villarreal\" came in December 2015 when he was 19. By December 2017, the player had established himself as a regular in the team. The player's performances were so impressive that his former club came calling again.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

After impressing at \"Villarreal\", Rodri made a triumphant return to \"Atlético Madrid\" in May 2018 for a fee of around €20-25 million. His homecoming was sweet but brief. Just one season later, Pep Guardiola identified him as the perfect midfield anchor for his \"Manchester City\" system. In July 2019, City triggered his €70 million release clause (approximately £62.6 million), making him one of the club's most significant signings.

At \"Manchester City\", Rodri has been absolutely central to their domestic and European dominance. He's helped the Citizens secure four consecutive Premier League titles between 2020 and 2024. Four titles in a row! The highpoint of his City career came in the 2022-23 season when he scored the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final, finally delivering the trophy that had eluded Guardiola's team for so long.

His international carrer has been equally impressive. After winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2015, he made his senior Spain debut against Germany in March 2018. Rodri has since become the midfield linchpin for his country, helping them win the UEFA Nations League in 2023 where he was named Player of the Finals. This was followed by victory at UEFA Euro 2024, where his performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

Tragically, Rodri suffered a serious ACL injury in September 2024 that has sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season, bringing to an end his remarkable run of 50 Premier League matches without defeat.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Standing at 6'3\" (1.90m), Rodri possesses a rare combiantion of physical presence and technical refinement that makes him the ideal modern defensive midfielder. His passing accuracy consistently hovers around 91-92% - numbers that highlight his extraordinary reliability in possession. The Spaniard reads the game brilliantly, often appearing to be two steps ahead of opponents when breaking up attacks.

Rodri excels as a regista sitting in front of the back four, controlling the tempo of matches with metronomic precision. He dishes out passes with immaculate weight and timing, whether it's a simple five-yard ball or a defense-splitting through pass. His ability to remain calm under pressure is remarkable - even when sorrounded by opposition pressers, he rarely gives the ball away.

Defensively, he's no slouch either. Rodri uses his frame effectively in aerial duels and isn't afraid to put in a crunching tackle when needed. His positional awareness means he's often in the right place at the right time to make interceptions without having to dive into challenges. This intelligence has drawn comparisons to his compatriot Sergio Busquets, tho Rodri offers more mobility and physical presence.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Rodri's trophy cabinet is absolutely brimming with silverware from both club and international football. At \"Manchester City\", he's won 4 consecutive Premier League titles (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24), one FA Cup (2022-23), two League Cups (2019-20, 2020-21), the UEFA Champions League (2022-23), UEFA Super Cup (2023), and the FIFA Club World Cup (2023). That's ten major trophies in just five seasons with the club!

With Spain, he's claimed the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024. His individual contribution to these successes was recognized with the Player of the Finals award in the Nations League and Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024.

Perhaps his crowning achievment came in 2024 when he became the first \"Manchester City\" player and only the second Spanish male player to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or. This recognition placed him alongside the greatest footballers in history and validated his status as the world's best player. Before his unfortunate injury, Rodri had gone unbeaten in 50 straight Premier League matches - an incredible testament to his influence.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Rodri has redefined the defensive midfield position for the modern era. While not as flashy as attacking players, his contribution to \"Manchester City's\" tactical dominance cannot be overstated. Guardiola's system demands technical perfection and positional discipline - Rodri delivers both with remarkable consistency.

His journey from being released as a teenager due to perceived physical limitations to becoming the Ballon d'Or winner serves as an inspirational story for young players facing rejection. It showcases the importance of perseverance, tactical intelligence, and continuous improvement.

The Spanish international has elevated the defensive midfielder role beyond mere destruction. He demonstrates that the position requires exceptional vision, technical ability, and football IQ. When Rodri suffered his ACL injury in 2024, the immediate drop-off in \"Manchester City's\" performance highlighted his irreplacable value to the team.

While midfielders who score spectacular goals or provide assists often receive more attention, Rodri's recognition with the Ballon d'Or has helped bring deserved appreciation to the less glamorous but equally crucial defensive midfield position. His success has ensured that future generations will study his game as the template for excellence in this specialized role.

\n","photo":null,"traits":[{"id":105,"type":"pros","value":"positioning, passing"},{"id":106,"type":"cons","value":"speed"}],"social_media":{"id":578359,"esea":null,"esl_gaming":null,"facebook":null,"faceit":null,"instagram":null,"reddit":null,"steam":null,"strava":null,"tiktok":null,"twitch":null,"twitter":null,"website":null,"youtube":null},"nationality":{"id":10850,"name":"Spain","country_code":"ESP","iso_code":"ES","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:01:27.352Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:39.170Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70d-26b5-7028-974f-d08ae0605e02","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Spain_ES_8487a90b5d.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}},"trophies":[{"id":45,"name":"Champions league","createdAt":"2024-10-21T13:39:55.880Z","updatedAt":"2024-10-21T13:42:41.450Z","locale":"en","icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Uefa_Champions_League_df5e49f311.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}},{"id":54,"name":"Ballon d'Or","createdAt":"2024-11-12T14:04:23.905Z","updatedAt":"2024-11-12T14:10:17.412Z","locale":"en","icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Ballon_d_Or_28b59c5d0c.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}},{"id":106,"name":"European Championship 2024 Germany","createdAt":"2024-12-01T11:00:07.969Z","updatedAt":"2025-10-01T11:00:47.786Z","locale":"en","icon":null},{"id":121,"name":"FIFA Club World Cup 2023 Saudi Arabia","createdAt":"2024-12-01T11:00:08.718Z","updatedAt":"2025-10-01T11:01:16.317Z","locale":"en","icon":null}],"footballExtra":{"id":473977,"__component":"person-extra.person-extra-soccer","position":"Midfielder","foot":"right"},"membership":{"id":1136377,"end_date":null,"start_date":"2019-07-02","role":"player","active":true,"createdAt":"2024-11-14T20:30:01.468Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T14:19:41.822Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"01932c5e-56b6-7083-969a-a4a98c9ad75e","overrides":null,"team":{"id":49682,"name":"Manchester City FC","short_name":"Man City","tla_name":"MCI","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Manchester City Football Club","founded":1894,"colors":"Sky Blue,White","nicknames":"City,The Citizens,The Sky Blues","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:40:40.317Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-16T17:40:25.919Z","website":"https://www.mancity.com","address":"SportCity","address_city":"Manchester","address_zip":"M11 3FF","locale":"en","stb_id":"manchester-city-fc","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## Key information about Manchester City\n\nIs it possible to imagine modern football without **Manchester City**? One of the **most powerful teams in the world**, which sets the pace not only in England, but also on the international stage. Founded in **1880**, the club was originally called **St. Mark's**, but already in **1894** received a name that is now thundering around the world.\n\nThe home arena is the legendary **Etihad**, which has become a place for spectacles that make fans go crazy. But the path to success was not as simple as it might seem at first glance.","sporting_achievements":"## Man City: the history of the club\n\nIt all started with a small team that performed at the amateur level. No one at that time could have thought that one day this club would become a **European giant**. In **1937**, the team won the **first championship title**, but a year later it was relegated to the **second division**.\n\nThe following decades were like a see-saw: sometimes successes, sometimes failures. In **1998** the team ended up in the **third division** - it seemed like it was the end. But in **2008** a real revolution took place: the club got **new owners**. Big construction has begun.\n\nCulmination? **2016**, when **Pep Guardiola** took over. What this coach did with the team is hard to describe in words. He **changed the very essence of the game** and now opponents know that playing against City is like running a marathon with weights on your feet.","club_identity":"## Man City: Etihad Stadium\n\nIf anyone thinks that a stadium is just a place where football is played, let them visit **Etihad**. The arena, designed for **53 thousand seats**, creates such an atmosphere that even the most experienced football players feel the pressure.\n\nIt is interesting that initially the stadium was built for the **Olympic Games**, but as a result it became the home of the \"townsmen\". Its uniqueness is in the little things: **perfect lawn**, **unbelievable lighting**, **maximum visibility** from anywhere.\n\n## Man City achievements\n\nYou can talk about titles for a long time, because **Manchester City** has turned into the **main favorite** of almost all tournaments in recent decades.\n\n* **Champion of England** – 9 times\n* **FA Cup** – 6 times\n* **League Cup** – 8 times\n* **UEFA Champions League** – 2023\n* **World Club Championship** – 2023\n\nThese are not just numbers. These are years of **work**, **struggle** and **constant improvement**.","current_status_and_future":"## Man City famous players\n\nIf you've been following football for the past 20 years, you definitely know these names.\n\n* **Sergio Aguero** is the man who made history with his famous goal in 2012.\n* **Kevin De Bruyne** is a footballer who sees the field better than most coaches.\n* **Yaya Toure** is one of those who made the team a champion.\n* **Vincent Kompany** is a captain who held the defense like a rock.\n* **Erling Holland** is a goal-scoring machine.\n\n## Man City: interesting facts\n\n* In **2017/18** Man City became the first team in Premier League history to score **100 points** in a season.\n* **2019** – FA Cup final, where the team destroyed **Watford** 6:0.\n* The most expensive player in the club's history is **Jack Grealish** (100 million pounds).\n* **Guardiola** has brought a new philosophy to the game that makes City virtually invincible.","stb_internal_id":"0192f731-0ae9-7231-8220-e428cfa3fd30","overrides":{"name":"Manchester City FC"},"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

Key information about Manchester City

Is it possible to imagine modern football without Manchester City? One of the most powerful teams in the world, which sets the pace not only in England, but also on the international stage. Founded in 1880, the club was originally called St. Mark's, but already in 1894 received a name that is now thundering around the world.

The home arena is the legendary Etihad, which has become a place for spectacles that make fans go crazy. But the path to success was not as simple as it might seem at first glance.

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

Man City: the history of the club

It all started with a small team that performed at the amateur level. No one at that time could have thought that one day this club would become a European giant. In 1937, the team won the first championship title, but a year later it was relegated to the second division.

The following decades were like a see-saw: sometimes successes, sometimes failures. In 1998 the team ended up in the third division - it seemed like it was the end. But in 2008 a real revolution took place: the club got new owners. Big construction has begun.

Culmination? 2016, when Pep Guardiola took over. What this coach did with the team is hard to describe in words. He changed the very essence of the game and now opponents know that playing against City is like running a marathon with weights on your feet.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Man City: Etihad Stadium

If anyone thinks that a stadium is just a place where football is played, let them visit Etihad. The arena, designed for 53 thousand seats, creates such an atmosphere that even the most experienced football players feel the pressure.

It is interesting that initially the stadium was built for the Olympic Games, but as a result it became the home of the \"townsmen\". Its uniqueness is in the little things: perfect lawn, unbelievable lighting, maximum visibility from anywhere.

Man City achievements

You can talk about titles for a long time, because Manchester City has turned into the main favorite of almost all tournaments in recent decades.

Champion of England – 9 times
FA Cup – 6 times
League Cup – 8 times
UEFA Champions League – 2023
World Club Championship – 2023

These are not just numbers. These are years of work, struggle and constant improvement.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Man City famous players

If you've been following football for the past 20 years, you definitely know these names.

Sergio Aguero is the man who made history with his famous goal in 2012.
Kevin De Bruyne is a footballer who sees the field better than most coaches.
Yaya Toure is one of those who made the team a champion.
Vincent Kompany is a captain who held the defense like a rock.
Erling Holland is a goal-scoring machine.

Man City: interesting facts

In 2017/18 Man City became the first team in Premier League history to score 100 points in a season.
2019 – FA Cup final, where the team destroyed Watford 6:0.
The most expensive player in the club's history is Jack Grealish (100 million pounds).
Guardiola has brought a new philosophy to the game that makes City virtually invincible.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/464_254e88dd65.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/large_avif_464_254e88dd65.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/large_webp_464_254e88dd65.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/small_avif_464_254e88dd65.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/small_webp_464_254e88dd65.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/medium_avif_464_254e88dd65.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/medium_webp_464_254e88dd65.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"current_season":{"stb_id":"2025-2026-3"}}},"shirtNumber":16,"rating":7.5}

Transfer	Goal	Assists
Man City July 2019 - Now	0	1
Spain March 2018 - November 2024	1	0

Rodri: Career