Rodri In 2026: Net Worth, Salary, Bio, Personal Life & Frequently asked Questions

Profile

Rodri, whose real name is Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, has made a name for himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in contemporary football. This 29-year-old Manchester City star created history in 2024 when he became the second male Spanish player to win the coveted Ballon d'Or. He was born in Madrid, Spain, on June 22, 1996. His amazing journey from being dismissed from Atlético Madrid's youth system due to his lack of physical strength to developing into a top-tier midfield player is truly motivating.

Rodri was voted Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 as Spain won the trophy, and he was instrumental in Manchester City's unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title during the 2023–24 season. He is an invaluable asset for both club and nation because of his reliability, tactical acumen, and technical prowess.

Net Worth and Salary in 2026

Icon Polls projects Rodri's net worth in 2026 to be between $17 million and $20 million based on a thorough market research. His lucrative Manchester City contract, performance bonuses, and endorsement deals with well-known companies like Puma and EA Sports are the main sources of his significant riches.

Rodri presently makes over £220,000 a week under his current Manchester City deal, which is equivalent to about £11.44 million a year. His present contract expires on June 30, 2027, although there is a lot of talk about a big contract extension that may increase his weekly pay to between £300,000 and £375,000.

The management of Manchester City is planning to make Rodri the second-highest paid player at the team, right behind Erling Haaland, because they see him as an indispensable member of their team. His status as the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner would be reflected in the proposed new deal, which would also recognize his crucial contribution to the team's extraordinary achievement.

Biography and Career Journey

Early Life and Youth Career

Born in Madrid, Rodri demonstrated promise as a young football player, joining Atletico Madrid's development academy from CF Rayo Majadahonda in 2007 at the age of 11. However, the club's 2013 decision to release the 17-year-old owing to concerns about his physical development would turn out to be one of their worst mistakes. Rodri's career might have ended as a result of this setback, but he persisted in pursuing his goal.

He started a stunning metamorphosis after joining Villarreal's youth system. Rodri continued his studies at Villarreal as well, graduating from Jaume I University in 2021 with a degree in Business Administration and Management. This academic accomplishment demonstrates his brilliance and dedication to growth outside of football.

Professional Career Highlights

After making his professional debut for Villarreal in 2015, Rodri immediately became one of the most promising midfielders in La Liga. He made 63 appearances for the Yellow Submarine before returning to the team that had previously rejected him in 2018 when Atletico Madrid approached him. He signed for about €20 million, and in his first game, he won the UEFA Super Cup.

He became the club's biggest signing when Manchester City activated his £62.6 million release clause in July 2019. Rodri became the best defensive midfield player in the world under Pep Guardiola's tutelage. His list of accomplishments at City is astounding and includes four straight Premier League titles, the FIFA Club World Cup, the 2023 UEFA Champions League (where he scored the game-winning goal against Inter Milan), and other domestic cups.

Most astonishingly, from March 2023 to May 2024, Rodri led his club and country to an unprecedented 74-match winning streak. Manchester City never lost a game while he was on the field throughout this time, demonstrating how crucial he was to the team's success.

International Success

Rodri's performance with Spain's national squad has been as excellent. He was crucial to Spain's victory in Euro 2024 in Germany and to their 2023 UEFA Nations League victory. He was named Player of the competition for his performances during the competition, solidifying his place among the best players in the game.

2024 Ballon d'Or Victory

Rodri became a football legend on October 28, 2024, when he won the Ballon d'Or at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. After Luis Suárez in 1960, he was the first player from Manchester City and the first male Spanish player to win the most coveted individual award in the sport. His outstanding 2023–24 season, in which he made 63 appearances for both club and country, scoring 12 goals and dishing out 15 assists, was acknowledged with this trophy.

Rodri dedicated the prize to Spanish football greats like Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Iker Casillas, and Sergio Busquets who were never given the honor in his tearful acceptance speech. He also related a heartwarming tale of almost quitting football at the age of 17, attributing his perseverance to his father.

Personal Life

Relationship with Laura Iglesias

Rodri and Laura Iglesias, whom he met while attending university in Spain, have been together for a long time. When they first met, Rodri was playing for Villarreal's U21 squad and Laura was a medical student living in a dorm. Rodri recounted the humorous circumstances of their first encounter in a Manchester City interview, stating that Laura appeared perplexed to find a football player at the student residence.

Laura, who is currently undergoing surgical training, wants to keep a low profile and is not frequently featured in the media. Rodri's close friends and family are aware of her support for his job, nevertheless. "I want to thank the most important person in my life, Laura. Today is our anniversary," he said in his Ballon d'Or winning speech, making care to emphasize her significance.

Rodri has talked about seeing films of Laura enjoying his home goals in interviews, especially the way she reacted after he scored against Arsenal. Throughout his challenging career, her fervent support gives him stability and motivation. The pair has been together for around eight years and keeps their love quiet and grounded, out of the spotlight.

Lifestyle and Personality

Rodri is renowned for leading a modest and grounded life despite his success and notoriety. Even while playing professionally for Villarreal, he drove a secondhand Opel Corsa, according to friends from his university days, since he didn't want to waste money on unnecessary expensive goods. Throughout his career, he has maintained this modest outlook on life.

Rodri stays away from social media and would rather keep his personal and business lives apart. He characterizes himself as a composed, typical individual who concentrates on his work and makes an effort to live a decent life. He has gained the respect of teammates, coaches, and supporters due to his grounded demeanor. Pep Guardiola has praised him as a player who embraces every training session with professionalism and determination, demonstrating his legendary work ethic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rodri

1. What is Rodri's net worth in 2026?
Rodri's estimated net worth in 2026 is between $17 million and $20 million, according to Icon Polls. His high salary at Manchester City, performance bonuses, endorsement agreements with companies like Puma and EA Sports, and other investments are the basis for this amount.

2. What is Rodri's salary at Manchester City?
At the moment, Rodri makes about £220,000 a week, or about £11.44 million annually. But according to reports, Manchester City is drafting a new deal that would raise his weekly income to between £300,000 and £375,000, making him one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League.

3. Does Rodri have a spouse?
Rodri has been dating Laura Iglesias for around eight years, but he is not married. They first connected while attending university in Spain, and they have remained close and discreet throughout his career.

4. What is Laura, Rodri's girlfriend, doing for a living?
Laura Iglesias is a medical practitioner undergoing surgical training. She attended college to study medicine and has opted to keep a low profile, supporting Rodri's football career while concentrating on her medical profession.

5. Rodri won the Ballon d'Or when?
On October 28, 2024, Rodri was awarded the 2024 Ballon d'Or during a ceremony at Paris's Théâtre du Châtelet. He was only the second Spanish male player in history to win the coveted trophy, and the first player from Manchester City to do so.

6. What is Rodri's position?
Rodri is a defensive midfielder, sometimes referred to as a deep-lying playmaker or holding midfielder. He plays at the base of Manchester City's midfield, where he is a master at possession, passing, and winning the ball. He is considered by many to be the world's top player in this position.

7. What is Rodri's height?
Rodri is 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall. He is very effective in both offensive and defensive scenarios, notably during set pieces, thanks to his remarkable height, technical proficiency, and tactical acumen.

8. With Manchester City, what awards has Rodri won?
With Manchester City, Rodri has won multiple trophies, including the FIFA Club World Cup, two FA Cups, two EFL Cups, the UEFA Super Cup, the 2023 UEFA Champions League (where he scored the game-winning goal), and four straight Premier League victories (2020–21 through 2023–24). In 2023, he was also selected Player of the Season for the UEFA Champions League.

9. Has Rodri have any success with Spain?
Indeed, Rodri's achievements with the Spanish national team have been noteworthy. He was a major contributor to Spain's victory in Euro 2024, where he was voted Player of the Tournament, and he won the UEFA Nations League in 2023. His club achievements and his international accolades played a significant role in his Ballon d'Or win.

10. What was the length of Rodri's winning streak?
Between March 2023 and May 2024, Rodri accomplished an incredible 74-match winning streak for both club and nation. Manchester City did not lost a single game while he was on the field throughout this record-breaking streak, establishing a European football record and highlighting his enormous value to the team.

11. In 2024, what injury did Rodri sustain?
On September 22, 2024, Rodri sustained a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in his right knee during Manchester City's 2-2 tie with Arsenal. It is anticipated that he will miss the most of the 2024–25 season due to this severe injury. He used crutches to accept his award at the Ballon d'Or presentation despite the injuries.

12. What was the price Manchester City paid for Rodri?
In July 2019, Manchester City paid £62.6 million (about €70 million) to Atletico Madrid to activate Rodri's release clause. At the time, this made him City's most expensive acquisition, and it turned out to be one of the best moves the team has ever made.

13. Was Rodri truly turned down by Atletico Madrid?
Yes, Rodri was dismissed from Atlético Madrid's youth academy in 2013 at the age of 17 due to a lack of physical strength. This choice plagued the team when he returned in 2018 and established himself as a vital member before relocating to Manchester City, where he developed into one of the top midfielders in the world.

14. What is Rodri's level of education?
In 2021, Rodri graduated from Jaume I University in Castellón de la Plana, Spain, with a degree in Business Administration and Management. His decision to continue his professional football career while attending school shows his intelligence and desire to growth outside of the game.

15. When does Rodri's Manchester City contract expire?
Rodri has a deal with Manchester City that expires on June 30, 2027. He may stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2028 or 2029 if the club offers him a substantial contract extension, though, with a sizable pay raise commensurate with his elite status.

16. What style does Rodri play?
Rodri is renowned for his remarkable passing accuracy (often above 91%), poise under duress, tactical acumen, and capacity to regulate the tempo. He is excellent at gaining possession, distributing the ball efficiently, and shielding his backline from harm. He is especially successful in set pieces and aerial duels because of his muscular presence.

17. Is Rodri a parent?
No, Rodri and Laura Iglesias, his longtime partner, are childless. At the moment, Laura is concentrating on her medical training to become a surgeon, while Rodri is focusing on his football career.

18. Does Rodri have any endorsement deals?
Rodri has sponsorship agreements with a number of well-known companies, including as EA Sports for the FIFA/FC video game series and Puma for his football footwear and accessories. His 2024 Ballon d'Or win has probably made him more marketable and may result in more sponsorship chances.

19. What is the number on Rodri's jersey?

Rodri represents Manchester City in the number 16 jersey. Since joining the team in 2019, he has worn this number, which has come to represent his fruitful time at the Etihad Stadium.

20. What distinguishes Rodri from other midfield defensive players?
Few defensive midfielders can equal Rodri's combination of outstanding technical abilities, physical presence, and tactical understanding. He stands out for his consistency, poise under pressure, reading the game, and accuracy when passing. Rodri is equally skilled at starting attacks and managing the tempo of games, in contrast to many defensive midfielders who concentrate only on disrupting play. He is an indispensable midfield player for Manchester City and Spain due to his versatility and completeness.

21. Has anyone ever sent Rodri off?
On the field, Rodri is renowned for his extraordinary discipline. He has a stellar disciplinary record throughout his career and seldom needs to take risks due to his astute positioning and tactical knowledge. One of the many reasons Pep Guardiola views him as so important to Manchester City's system is his poise.

One of the greatest comeback tales in football is Rodri's journey from being released by Atlético Madrid as a teenager to winning the Ballon d'Or. Hard effort, intelligence, humility, and an unwavering dedication to progress are the foundations of his success. Rodri has attained financial success to match his on-field achievements, with an estimated net worth of between $17 and $20 million and a salary commensurate with his elite rank.

What sets Rodri apart is his character, not his stats or awards. Despite his success, he stays grounded, leads a private life with his long-term girlfriend Laura, and approaches every day with diligence and professionalism. Football fans worldwide will be watching with anticipation to see what more this outstanding midfield player can accomplish as he heals from his ACL injury and looks to the future.

Rodri's legacy in football is already assured, whether it is through continuing to inspire the next generation of Spanish midfielders, adding more titles to his already outstanding collection, or setting the bar for what a modern defensive midfielder should be. His tale is evidence that obstacles can be surmounted, that intelligence and diligence can transcend early physical limits, and that success tastes best when it is based on humility and tenacity.