Rodri

Rodrigo Hernández, Rodri, was born in Madrid in 1996 and spent his youth years in Atlético's academy. Released as a teenager, he rebuilt his path at Villarreal, where he became one of the most promising midfielders in Spain.

The return

In 2018 Atlético brought him home. In his single season in the first team, Rodri was the calm organiser in front of the defence, reading the game, winning the ball and keeping possession. He also won the UEFA Super Cup in August 2018.

Legacy

In 2019 Manchester City paid his release clause. In England he became one of the finest midfielders of his generation, winning the Champions League and the Ballon d'Or, and with Spain he lifted Euro 2024. His Atlético chapter was short, but supporters remember the academy boy who briefly anchored their midfield.