Cristian Rodríguez

Peñarol and Paris Saint-Germain

Born in Juan Lacaze, Rodríguez started playing professionally with local Peñarol in the Uruguayan Primera División, helping the side to the 2003 title aged 18. After an injury ruled him out for some games in late 2004, he was spotted by television cameras jumping in the stands alongside the supporters, but he eventually escaped a fine or suspension. In 2005, Rodríguez was transferred to French club Paris Saint-Germain FC on a free transfer, along with Carlos Bueno. He appeared scarcely in his first season in Ligue 1, but was important in helping the team to barely avoid relegation in the second, scoring his only goal in a 4–2 home win against AS Monaco FC.

Porto

In late August 2007, Rodríguez moved to Portugal's S.L. Benfica in a season-long loan, together with compatriot Maxi Pereira who arrived from Defensor Sporting. After being one of their most important players throughout 2007–08, he was bought by fellow Primeira Liga club FC Porto in June 2008 (but part of the transfer fee was paid to Play International B.V.). During the two teams' match in Lisbon, on 30 August 2008, he was subjected to vitriolic abuse from the stands in a 1–1 final draw. He eventually settled nonetheless, forming an attacking trio with Argentine Lisandro López and Brazilian Hulk and also scoring occasionally through headers. Silvestre Varela was bought by Porto in the 2009 off-season, and Rodríguez was relegated to a substitute role. He still made 28…

Rodríguez made his Uruguay national team debut at age 18 in a friendly against Mexico, and represented the nation in two Copa América tournaments, scoring in the 2007 edition in a 4–1 quarter-final win over Venezuela, the hosts. After assaulting Argentina's Gabriel Heinze during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying stage (0–1 home loss) he received a four-match ban, and coach Oscar Tabárez opted to not select him to the final stages in South Africa. Picked for the 2011 Copa América in Argentina, Rodríguez featured against Peru (1–1) and Mexico (1–0 victory) in the group stage. Uruguay went on to win the tournament for the 15th time in their history. Rodríguez was included in the 2015 Copa América squad, scoring the only goal in the tournament opener against Jamaica in Antofagasta. The 32-year-old was also selected to the 2018 World Cup.

Club

International

Scores and results list Uruguay's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Rodríguez goal.

Peñarol

Uruguayan Primera División: 2003, 2017, 2018 Supercopa Uruguaya: 2018 Paris Saint-Germain

Coupe de France: 2005–06 Porto

Primeira Liga: 2008–09, 2010–11, 2011–12 Taça de Portugal: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2010 UEFA Europa League: 2010–11 Atlético Madrid

La Liga: 2013–14 Copa del Rey: 2012–13 Supercopa de España: 2014 UEFA Super Cup: 2012 Uruguay

Copa América: 2011