Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 and could lead Spain to World Cup glory this weekend, has long defied the stereotype of the flashy footballer. Despite earning a reported £30,000 per week—over £1 million annually—early in his career, the Spanish star chose to live in student halls and drive a second-hand Opel Corsa worth just €4,000.
Student Halls and a Used Car
While playing for Villarreal, Rodri resided at the Universidad de Castellon's student residence, sharing common spaces with fellow students. His friend Valentin Henarejo told Marca: "After the first few days of getting to know him, there was normality. He shared a space with everyone, he liked being with his friends and sitting on the sofa with everyone." Rodri balanced football with a degree in management and business administration, often cycling to the tram station to reach training.
When he finally got his driver's license, Rodri asked his father to find a car for €3,000. His father returned with an Opel Corsa from an elderly seller for €4,000, featuring an eight-centimeter "computer" screen for the radio. Rodri wrote in a 2024 essay for The Players' Tribune: "I drove that car to training every day, like a baller. My teammates made fun of me, but I didn't care! I loved it."
Balancing Football and Education
Rodri completed his degree after joining Manchester City in 2019, reflecting on the challenge in a 2021 interview with mancity.com: "It was tough work, but at the end it was nice. You have time for everything. Of course, it is a very demanding profession as a footballer... but with patience, with dedication you can do it." By then, he had already played nearly 200 Premier League matches and earned 70 senior caps for Spain.
World Cup Final Ahead
Rodri's humble lifestyle contrasts with his on-pitch success. He hopes to cap another remarkable chapter by helping Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday. His journey from student halls to global stardom underscores a grounded approach rare among elite athletes.
