Rodrigo accepts the challenge

Some footballers stand out for their individual brilliance, while others elevate the performances of those around them. The case of Rodri is exceptional, as he combines both qualities to become a pivotal figure in the Spanish national team setup.

The Madrid-born midfielder is preparing for his second FIFA World Cup appearance after playing every possible minute for Spain at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Four years later, Rodri captains a generation overflowing with talent and confidence, one of the youngest squads at the tournament, with an average age of just 26.

Although he has yet to turn 30 — he will celebrate his birthday on 22 June during the competition — the Manchester Citymidfielder is already among the senior figures in the squad, having earned 61 international caps. Rodri has embraced the captaincy naturally, following in the footsteps of former Spain captains such as Álvaro Morata, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Sergio Ramos, all of whom he played alongside after making his international debut in 2018.

The midfielder arrives at the World Cup as one of the cornerstones of Luis de la Fuente’s side, having played a starring role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph before going on to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or later that year. In doing so, he became only the second Spanish player to claim the honour, following Luis Suárez in 1960.

At 29, Rodri has become the balancing force of the national team, both on and off the pitch — a guiding presence who provides composure, intelligence and clarity in the most demanding moments. A leader ready to embrace the responsibility of guiding a squad brimming with talent and ambition in pursuit of Spain’s long-awaited second World Cup star.