Rodri

Early life and career

Rodrigo Hernández Cascante was born on 22 June 1996 in Madrid. He joined Atlético Madrid's youth setup in 2007 aged 11, from CF Rayo Majadahonda. Released in 2013 due to a "lack of physical strength", he subsequently signed with Villarreal. On 7 February 2015, while still a junior, Rodri made his senior debut for the reserves, coming on as a late substitute in a 3–1 away win against RCD Espanyol B in the Segunda División B. He was handed his first start 15 days later, in a 2–0 victory at Real Zaragoza B. Rodri made his first-team debut on 17 December 2015, starting in a 2–0 home win against SD Huesca for that season's Copa del Rey. His first La Liga appearance was on 17 April 2016, when he came on as a second-half substitute for Denis Suárez in a 2–1 away loss to Rayo Vallecano. On 4 December 2017, having already established himself as a regular, Rodri renewed his contract until 2022. He scored his first goal in the Spanish top level on 18 February 2018, the opener in a 1–1 away draw against Espanyol.

Atlético Madrid

On 24 May 2018, Rodri returned to Atlético Madrid after the club reached an agreement with Villarreal for his transfer. He signed a five-year contract with the club, for a fee in the region of €20 million, plus €5 million in variables. He made his debut on 15 August in the 2018 UEFA Super Cup in Tallinn, playing the first 71 minutes of a 4–2 extra-time win over city rivals Real Madrid. He scored his first goal for the club…

Youth career

After playing for Spain at under-16, under-19 and under-21 levels, Rodri was first selected by the full side on 16 March 2018 for two friendlies with Germany and Argentina. He made his debut five days later, replacing Thiago Alcântara late in the 1–1 draw against Germany in Düsseldorf.

Senior career

2018–2021: First international tournaments

After missing out on selection for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Rodri was named in Spain's squad for their first two UEFA Nations League fixtures against England and Croatia in September 2018. After being an unused substitute in the first match at Wembley Stadium, he made his competitive debut as a 59th minute substitute for Sergio Busquets in the 6–0 win over Croatia on 11 September. A month later, Rodri made his first start for Spain in a 4–1 friendly win over Wales in Cardiff and was named man of the match by the BBC. Rodri played in seven of Spain's ten matches during UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying, starting in five. On 17 November 2020, Rodri scored his first senior international goal in Spain's 6–0 win over Germany in their final group phase match of the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League. The win in Seville ensured La Roja would finish top of Group 4 and qualify for the 2021 UEFA Nations League Finals in Italy. In June 2021, he was included in Luis Enrique's 24-man squad for the postponed UEFA Euro 2020 finals. In the absence of captain Sergio Busquets due to COVID-19, Rodri started the team's first two…

Club

As of match played 31 August 2026

International

As of match played 19 July 2026

As of match played 19 July 2026 Spain score listed first, score column indicates score after each Rodri goal

Early years

Born in Soria, Castile and León, Rodri grew up in Dos Hermanas, Province of Seville, where he was discovered by Sevilla FC scouts, thus entering the Andalusians' youth ranks. In 2009, he helped the Juvenil side win the Copa del Rey in the category after defeating Athletic Bilbao 3–2 in extra time, with two goals from the player.

Sevilla

Rodri played the vast majority of his first year as a senior with Sevilla Atlético, in the Segunda División B. He was first called to the first team for the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie against PFC CSKA Moscow, but did not leave the bench. Eventually, on 28 February 2010, he made his debut for the main squad – in La Liga – playing three minutes in a 0–0 home draw with Athletic Bilbao after having replaced Renato; Manolo Jiménez was the club's manager. Rodri's second game came almost three months later, in the last round of the season, playing the last ten minutes at UD Almería: in the 93rd minute, Frédéric Kanouté passed to Jesús Navas, who crossed the ball to the box. After a failed attempt by Sébastien Squillaci, the youngster scored the 3–2 winner through a bicycle kick. With this victory, Sevilla edged RCD Mallorca for the fourth place, thus returning to the UEFA Champions League; the player's performance was subsequently praised in the local press.

Barcelona

Rodri was acquired by FC Barcelona Atlètic on 16 August 2011, signing a four-year contract. He made his official debut 11…

Just two days after making his debut with Sevilla's first team, Rodri played for the first time with the Spanish under-21s.

As of 5 July 2018

While a Villarreal youth player, Rodri studied at the Jaume I University in nearby Castellón de la Plana for four years to gain a degree in business administration and management. At university, he met his longterm girlfriend Laura, who was studying medicine. He avoids using social media.

Sevilla

Copa del Rey: 2009–10 Ceuta

Primera Federación: 2024–25 Individual

Primera Federación top scorer: 2022–23