Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, popularly known as Rodri, is now one of the most complete defensive midfielders in modern football. With his precision passing, tactical awareness, and calmness under pressure, Rodri has set himself apart at both the club and international levels. Here’s everything you need to know about the Spanish star, covering his journey from early days to his current superstardom.
Rodri’s Biography
Here’s a comprehensive table detailing Rodri’s personal information:
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Rodrigo Hernández Cascante |
| Nickname | Rodri, “The Octopus” |
| Born | June 22, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years |
| College | Universidad Autónoma de Madrid |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Turned Pro | 2015 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $45 million |
| Salary | Approx. £11.5 million (Manchester City contract) |
| Spouse | Engaged to Marta López |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Children | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @rodriherna |
Rodri is known for his reserved lifestyle and commitment to family. Despite his fame, he maintains a low profile off the pitch, spending most of his free time with loved ones or pursuing his academic interests, like his college studies.
Early Career
Rodri started playing football in Madrid, joining Atlético Madrid’s youth academy as a child. He moved to Villarreal in his teens to hone his skills, quickly rising through the ranks. By 2015, Rodri made his professional debut with Villarreal, showcasing mature tactical awareness and composure that attracted scouts from major clubs across Europe.
Professional Career
After impressive performances with Villarreal, Rodri rejoined Atlético Madrid in 2018. His precise passing and intelligence in midfield made him indispensable. In 2019, Manchester City signed Rodri for a club-record fee as they sought a successor to Fernandinho.
Since then, Rodri has become a linchpin for City, orchestrating play from deep, shielding the defense, and contributing crucial goals—including the only strike in the 2023 Champions League final that secured City’s first ever European crown.
Renowned for consistency and tactical acumen, Rodri has achieved multiple Premier League titles and domestic trophies. He continues to stand out as one of the world’s top holding midfielders, with Spain’s national team also relying heavily on his leadership and technical skills.
Rodri’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Rodri’s net worth is estimated to be around $45 million. This figure comprises his salary from Manchester City, endorsem*nt deals, bonuses for team and personal achievements, and a small portfolio of investments. His value has steadily increased, matching his rise as one of the top midfielders in global football.
Contract
In 2022, Rodri signed a contract extension with Manchester City, committing to the club through 2027. His deal reportedly includes an annual salary of approximately £11.5 million, performance incentives, and bonuses linked to team achievements such as league titles and Champions League progress. The contract reflects Rodri’s status as a crucial member of the squad and one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders. There is a buy-out clause set at £70 million, making it difficult for rival clubs to lure him away easily.
Career Earnings
Here’s a breakdown of Rodri’s career earnings as estimated from documented sources:
| Source | Estimated Total (USD) | Notes |
| Villarreal (2015–2018) | $1.2 million | Initial professional salary |
| Atlético Madrid (2018–19) | $3 million | Improved contract, included bonuses |
| Manchester City (2019–2022) | $37 million | Includes base salary & performance bonuses |
| Manchester City (2022–2025) | $28 million | Contract extension boost |
| Endorsements | $8 million | Major sponsorships and advertising |
| International Bonuses | $2.5 million | Spain national team appearances |
| Total Career Earnings | $79.7 million | As of 2025 |
Endorsements
Rodri’s endorsem*nt portfolio consists of collaborations with globally recognized brands. His notable partnerships include:
- Adidas (main personal kit sponsor)
- EA Sports (featured in FIFA video games)
- Hublot (luxury watches ambassador)
- Pepsi (global advertising campaigns)
- Gatorade (sports nutrition products)
Career Records
Rodri has faced and often outperformed some of the game’s brightest stars. Here’s a table that highlights some of his career records and well-known opponents:
| Notable Opponent | Competition | Highlight Performance |
| Real Madrid | La Liga, UCL | Dominant midfield display vs. Modric, Kroos |
| Bayern Munich | Champions League | Tackling and passing masterclass |
| Manchester United | Premier League, Cup | Consistent match-winning displays |
| Liverpool | Premier League | Key battles against Fabinho, Henderson |
| Paris Saint-Germain | Champions League | Outclassed midfield stars |
| Chelsea | Champions League | Head-to-head with Kante, Jorginho |
| Arsenal | Premier League | Controlled games, influential in victories |
| Barcelona | La Liga | Held his own against Busquets |
| Juventus | Champions League | Helped Manchester City progress |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Premier League | Decisive role in crucial top-flight matches |
FAQs
1. Who is Rodri and what position does he play?
Rodri is a Spanish professional footballer with the full name Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, born on June 22, 1996, in Madrid, Spain. He is a defensive midfielder known for his exceptional composure, positional intelligence, and passing accuracy. Standing 1.91 meters tall and weighing 82 kilograms, Rodri plays primarily as a holding midfielder for Manchester City and the Spanish national team.
2. How much did Manchester City pay for Rodri?
Manchester City signed Rodri from Atlético Madrid in July 2019 for a club-record transfer fee of £62.8 million (approximately €70 million). This broke City’s previous transfer record and gave him a five-year contract. The transfer was completed after City met the terms of his release clause.
3. What are Rodri’s major achievements and trophies?
Rodri has won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, four consecutive Premier League titles with Manchester City (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24), the UEFA Champions League in 2023, the UEFA Super Cup twice, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain. He was also named UEFA Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament at the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals.
4. When did Rodri win the Ballon d’Or and why?
Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or in October 2024. He received the award for his stellar performances during the 2023-24 season when Manchester City won their fourth consecutive Premier League title and he was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, where he was named Player of the Tournament. He scored 12 goals and provided 15 assists across all competitions for club and country that season.
5. What is Rodri’s international career history with Spain?
Rodri made his senior international debut for Spain on September 11, 2018, against Croatia. He has represented Spain at major tournaments including UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2024. He also won the 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championship with Spain’s youth team. As of October 2025, he has earned 59 caps for the Spanish national team.
6. What serious injury did Rodri suffer in 2024?
On September 22, 2024, during Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Rodri suffered a severe ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and meniscus injury in his right knee. He underwent surgery and was initially expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season. After nearly nine months of recovery, he made his return to action in May 2025.
7. Which clubs did Rodri play for before Manchester City?
Rodri began his professional career at Villarreal, making his first-team debut in December 2015. He spent three seasons there before returning to Atlético Madrid in May 2018 after the club re-signed him. At Atlético, he made 34 league appearances before joining Manchester City in July 2019.
8. Did Rodri pursue higher education while playing football?
Yes, Rodri pursued further education while establishing his football career. He completed a degree in Business Administration and Management from Jaume I University in Castellón de la Plana, Spain, in 2021. He also embarked on a degree in Management and Business Administration at Castellon University when he joined Manchester City in 2019 and completed the course while balancing his professional football commitments.
9. What makes Rodri’s playing style unique?
Rodri is renowned for his exceptional passing accuracy, tactical intelligence, and ability to control the tempo of matches. Under Pep Guardiola, he has redefined the modern holding midfielder role by positioning himself between the center-backs to facilitate build-up play while maintaining possession. He is proficient in various types of passes including long-range shots, line-breaking passes, and chipped passes. He ranks among the top midfielders for pass completion rate and has an exceptional ability to read the game and win possession in the attacking third.
10. What was Rodri’s record-breaking unbeaten streak?
From March 2023 to May 2024, Rodri went on a remarkable world-record unbeaten streak of 74 games for club and country, avoiding defeat except through penalties. This streak was finally broken when Manchester United defeated Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final. During the 2023-24 Premier League season, Manchester City did not lose a single game in which Rodri played.