Rodri: Biography, Salary Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

Some footballers make their mark with dazzling skills or wild goal celebrations. Others, like Rodrigo Hernández Cascante—better known as Rodri—do it with quiet brilliance. He’s not the guy doing five-stepovers in a row; he’s the guy who controls the whole game so those stepovers can even happen.

From his early days in Spain to lifting trophies in Manchester, Rodri’s journey has been one of patience, intelligence, and an uncanny ability to read the game. Let’s take a deep dive into his life, career, net worth, and how he became one of the most important players in world football.

Early Life – Born to Play the Game

Rodri was born on June 22, 1996, in Madrid, Spain. Growing up in a football-loving country, the game was a constant presence in his life. He joined Atlético Madrid’s youth setup at just 11 years old, showing early signs of the intelligence and composure that would define his career.

Here’s the thing: Rodri wasn’t a flashy prodigy. He wasn’t banging in 40 goals a season or making viral highlight reels. Instead, he was quietly learning, focusing on positioning, passing, and understanding the flow of the game—skills that would later make him one of Europe’s most reliable midfielders.

The First Break – Villarreal

In 2013, Rodri was released by Atlético Madrid’s academy. The reason? Some coaches believed he wasn’t physically strong enough to compete at the highest level.

It could have been the end of his dream—but it wasn’t. Villarreal saw his potential and brought him into their youth system. This was a turning point. At Villarreal, Rodri’s football intelligence flourished. He grew physically, too, and by 2015 he was making his debut for Villarreal B.

By 2015–16, he was already knocking on the first-team door, and in December 2015, he made his La Liga debut. Over the next few seasons, he became a regular starter, anchoring Villarreal’s midfield with his calm passing and defensive awareness.

Return to Atlético Madrid

In 2018, Atlético Madrid realised the player they had let go had turned into one of La Liga’s most promising midfielders. They signed him back from Villarreal for a reported €20 million.

Playing under Diego Simeone, Rodri added steel to his game. Simeone’s system demanded high work rate, defensive discipline, and tactical intelligence—perfect for Rodri’s natural style. He slotted straight into the starting lineup, helping Atlético finish second in La Liga and win the 2018 UEFA Super Cup, beating Real Madrid 4–2.

The Big Move – Manchester City

Pep Guardiola had been looking for a long-term successor to Fernandinho, someone who could control games from deep midfield. Rodri ticked every box. In July 2019, Manchester City triggered his €70 million (£62.6m) release clause, making him the club’s record signing at the time.

The move was huge for Rodri—not just in terms of money, but also in expectations. Replacing a club legend like Fernandinho was no small task. But Rodri’s adaptability and intelligence meant he settled in quickly, becoming a key part of City’s possession-heavy system.

Life at Manchester City – The Rise of the Midfield General

Since arriving in Manchester, Rodri has grown into one of the best holding midfielders in the world. He’s been central to City’s domestic dominance and European success.

• Premier League titles: 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24

• FA Cup: 2022–23

• EFL Cup: 2019–20, 2020–21

• UEFA Champions League: 2022–23

• UEFA Super Cup: 2023

• FIFA Club World Cup: 2023

Perhaps his most iconic moment came in June 2023, when he scored the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, securing Manchester City’s first-ever European crown. Calm as you like, in the biggest game of his career—that’s Rodri in a nutshell.

International Career – Spain’s Midfield Anchor

Rodri made his debut for the Spanish national team in 2018. Since then, he’s become a regular starter, bringing his club form to the international stage. He played in Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and was part of the squad that won the 2023 UEFA Nations League, where he was named the Player of the Tournament.

Spain’s style of play—based on possession and control—suits him perfectly. In many ways, he’s the natural heir to legends like Sergio Busquets, offering that same sense of calm and control in midfield.

Playing Style – The Thinking Footballer

Rodri’s role is often misunderstood. He doesn’t rack up goals or dazzling assists; instead, he’s the glue that holds everything together.

Key traits:

• Positional intelligence – Always in the right place to intercept danger.

• Passing range – Can keep it simple or spray 40-yard diagonals with ease.

• Composure – Rarely panics, even under intense pressure.

• Physical presence – At 6’3” (1.91 m), he’s strong in duels and aerial battles.

Pep Guardiola once called him “a perfect holding midfielder,” and coming from Pep, that’s about the highest praise you can get.

Salary and Net Worth

Rodri’s performances have earned him not only praise but also a healthy pay packet.

• Weekly wage: Estimated at around £220,000

• Annual salary: Roughly £11.4 million

• Net worth: Estimated between £15–20 million (and growing fast)

On top of his salary, Rodri has endorsement deals—most notably with Nike—which add to his income.

Transfer History – From Madrid to Manchester

1. 2007–2013: Atlético Madrid youth

2. 2013–2015: Villarreal youth

3. 2015–2018: Villarreal senior team – 84 appearances, 1 goal

4. 2018–2019: Atlético Madrid – 47 appearances, 3 goals

5. 2019–present: Manchester City – over 200 appearances, multiple trophies

Total career transfer fees: around €90 million.

Life Off the Pitch

Rodri is known for being humble and down-to-earth. Unlike some footballers, he doesn’t flaunt a flashy lifestyle. He famously drove a modest car when he first arrived in Manchester and even lived in student accommodation for a while.

He has a degree in business studies and often talks about preparing for life after football. That level-headed approach is part of what makes him such a consistent performer.

The Legacy He’s Building

At just 28 years old, Rodri has already achieved more than most players dream of—multiple league titles, a Champions League, and international honours. But he’s far from done.

His game is based on intelligence, which means he could keep playing at the highest level well into his 30s. If he continues on this trajectory, he could go down as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

Final Thoughts – The Quiet Leader

Rodri’s story isn’t about dramatic rags-to-riches transformations. It’s about patience, self-belief, and constant improvement. He’s the kind of player who makes the team tick, even if he doesn’t always make the headlines.

For Manchester City, he’s been the perfect blend of steel and skill—a player who can break up attacks one moment and start them the next. For Spain, he’s a rock in midfield. And for football fans, he’s proof that the most important players aren’t always the flashiest.