In Madrid, soccer is the heartbeat of the city. It pulses through every street, every conversation, and every community. It’s more than just a sport—it’s the lifeblood of Madrid's culture. Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, better known as Rodri, embodies this culture and the city's influence on his journey. From playing on the streets of Spain’s capital, training in a football academy in Spain, to winning the Ballon d'Or, Rodri’s success shows how deeply Madrid’s soccer culture influenced his career and character. Rodri's journey is a blueprint for our Madrid Euro Soccer Academy (MESA)  players, showing that greatness is achievable. His path inspires them to push their limits, knowing success is within reach.

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Atletico Madrid’s Influence on Rodri’s Development

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Rodri’s formal training began in Atletico Madrid’s youth academy, a football academy in Spain known for fostering discipline and a competitive drive. Atletico focuses on resilience, defensive tenacity, and adaptability—traits the club drills into its players from a young age. Rodri’s years at the club set the groundwork for:

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• Defensive Skills: Rodri trained to break up attacks and win duels.
• Passing Precision: He refined his long-range passing skills, crucial for moving the game from defense to offense.
• Leadership: Even at a young age, Rodri earned the respect of his teammates through his maturity and leadership.

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This is the club that taught him the importance of defensive responsibilities, shaping him into a player able to transition seamlessly between defense and attack. These skills set him apart early on and made him into a reliable presence.

Villarreal Becomes A Platform for Growth

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Rodri left Atletico’s academy at 17 for Villarreal, another Spanish club famous for its player development. This move brought him into La Liga’s top tier, where he debuted at 19. Villarreal had him prove himself against seasoned professionals, and he thrived under the pressure. By his second season, Rodri was a first-team regular, starting nearly every game and becoming a crucial part of Villarreal’s midfield. His performances drew the attention of bigger teams, not least from his former club.

A Return to Atletico Madrid

In 2018, Atletico Madrid recognized the talent they had let go, re-signing Rodri for €20 million. Back in Madrid, he found himself under the guidance of Diego Simeone, one of the most respected coaches in football. Under Simeone, he significantly improved his defensive capabilities. He sharpened his ability to break up opposition attacks and win duels, built his physique, and pushed his competitive spirit. This made Rodri’s defense a defining aspect of his game.

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Simeone taught Rodri the importance of positioning and defensive transitions, instilling a tactical understanding that turned him into one of the game’s most effective holding midfielders. In one of his interviews, Rodri shared that working under Simeone was crucial to his growth: “But if I want to play holding midfield, you have to be also a bad guy sometimes and be trying to be better defensively, and he improved me in that sense.”

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Taking Madrid’s Lessons to a Global Stage

In 2019, Rodri caught the eye of Pep Guardiola, and he made a record-breaking move to Manchester City. At City, Rodri continued to evolve, adapting to Guardiola’s possession-oriented, fast-paced style. While Simeone deepened Rodri’s defensive skills, Guardiola polished his offensive and positional abilities. The combination created a player who could control games from the midfield. His efforts at Manchester City peaked when he won the Ballon d'Or, cementing his status among the world’s best midfielders.

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Madrid’s Legacy in Rodri’s Career

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Even with the international fame, Rodri’s connection to Madrid remained strong. He once said, "Spain is my country, Madrid my city, at home,” reflecting his deep bond with his roots. His upbringing shaped his character, work ethic, and competitive drive. The city’s passion for soccer, fan base, and the high expectations it sets for players molded Rodri into the competitor he is today. 

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Rodri's story reminds us that Madrid's influence goes beyond skill and tactics—it forges a winning mindset. At Madrid Euro Soccer Academy (MESA), we aim to instill this same relentless drive, resilience, and passion in our players, ensuring they carry the essential qualities needed to thrive as modern soccer talents.

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