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Rodri

Rodri is the professional nickname of Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, a Spanish footballer born in 1996.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rodri is the professional nickname of Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, a Spanish footballer born in 1996. He plays as a defensive midfielder for Manchester City and captains the Spain national team. He is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading midfielders and won the Ballon d’Or in 2024.

Early life and youth career

Rodri was born in Madrid and developed as a footballer in Spain. Sources indicate he came through youth systems associated with Atlético Madrid and Villarreal before starting his senior career.

Club career

Rodri joined Manchester City in 2019 after playing for Atlético Madrid. He has since become a central figure in the team’s midfield and has won major honours with the club, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

International career

Rodri has represented Spain at senior level and serves as captain of the national team. He has been part of Spain’s major tournament success in the 2020s.

Style of play and recognition

Rodri is recognised as an elite holding midfielder, valued for his passing range, game control and tactical awareness. In 2024 he won the Ballon d’Or, reflecting his standing in world football.

Key facts

  • Rodri’s full name is Rodrigo Hernández Cascante and he was born on 22 June 1996 in Madrid, Spain.
  • He plays for Manchester City in the Premier League and wears number 16.
  • He is a defensive midfielder known for passing, composure, playmaking and physical attributes.
  • He captains the Spain national team.
  • He won the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
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Canadian context

Rodri is relevant to Canadian readers through Premier League coverage on Canadian sports media and the global reach of Manchester City matches, which are followed by many football fans in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Rodri?
Rodri is the nickname of Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Manchester City and Spain.
What position does Rodri play?
He plays mainly as a defensive midfielder.
When was Rodri born?
He was born on 22 June 1996.
What club does Rodri play for?
He plays for Manchester City in the Premier League.
Has Rodri won the Ballon d’Or?
Yes. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
What is Rodri’s connection to Spain?
He is Spanish, plays for the Spain national team, and has captained the side.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodri_(footballer,_born_1996)
    Supports: Full name, birth date, nationality, position, club, Spain captaincy, and general career overview
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rodri
    Supports: Birth details, Manchester City affiliation, holding-midfielder role, and Ballon d’Or recognition
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/231828/rodri
    Supports: Club, squad number, position, height, birthdate, birthplace, and nationality
  4. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/220566/rodri/overview
    Supports: Nationality, preferred foot, date of birth, appearances, goals, and assists
  5. Manchester City F.C. — https://www.mancity.com/players/rodrigo
    Supports: Transfer from Atlético Madrid in 2019, role description, youth development, and Ballon d’Or statement
  6. Soccerbase — https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=89571
    Supports: Birth date, place of birth, nationality, date signed by Manchester City, and transfer fee