Jesús Rodríguez: "I’ve fulfilled every child’s dream"

Immediately after the match in Sofia, Jesús Rodríguez picked up the phone to call his family and share the joy of making his debut for Spain:"Who would have told me that a year ago I was starting to train with Betis’ first team, or three or four years ago I was playing for a local village team, and now I’m debuting with my country’s senior national team? It’s every child’s dream."

His family has played a fundamental role throughout his career, and the Como 1907 forward wanted to dedicate his Spain debut to them: "I’m immensely grateful for all the effort they’ve made for me because without them I wouldn’t be here. This is for them and for my grandfather."

Jesús, who has experience with Spain’s U19 and U21 teams—including winning the European Championship—admits that wearing the senior national team jersey feels different: "It feels different. You get a unique adrenaline rush. There are also some nerves, but the good kind; you can’t wait to step onto the pitch and make your debut."