July 11, 2010, Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa .
The World Cup final went into the final stages of extra time, with Spain and the Netherlands still tied 0-0. In the 116th minute, Iniesta received a pass from Fabregas and, facing Dutch goalkeeper Stekelenburg, volleyed the ball into the net!
The moment the football flew into the goal, the whole of Spain went wild.
This marks the first time in Spanish football history that a team has stood on the World Cup champion's podium.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the ocean in the United States, a 14-year-old Spanish boy sat in front of the television and witnessed this moment.
The boy's name was Rodri.
He came to the United States to attend a summer camp, learn English, and experience different cultures. At that time, Rodri was just an ordinary young football player in Madrid. He could never have imagined that he would one day become one of the world's best midfielders.
But Iniesta's historic goal left a deep impression on him that summer.
For countless Spanish children, the 2010 World Cup victory was the beginning of a dream; for Rodri, it was also the first time he truly felt the glory and emotion that football could bring.
Years later, when Rodri once again led Spain to the world's highest stage, the boy who once looked up at heroes in front of the television finally became a hero in the eyes of others.
From being abandoned by Atletico Madrid to redefining the defensive midfield position
Rhodes' career path was not a typical path for a genius.
Born in Madrid in 1996, Rodri was not the most watched player in the youth academy when he was young.
Compared to his peers who are fast and have flashy skills, Rodri seems a bit "different".
His physique is not outstanding, and his explosive power is not an advantage.
But he possesses one of the most valuable abilities of a midfielder:
Reading competition.
He can anticipate his opponent's next move and find the best position before the pace of the game changes.
However, these abilities were not immediately recognized in his youth.
Rodri left Atlético Madrid during his youth academy years.
At that time, no one would have imagined that this boy, who was considered to have limited potential, would become the core player that Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, and even the Spanish national team would compete for.
After leaving Atletico Madrid, Rodri joined Villarreal.
There, he gained a real opportunity to grow.
During his time with Villarreal, Rodri gradually showcased his unique qualities.
Unlike traditional defensive midfielders who are only responsible for interceptions, he doesn't pursue individual performances like attacking midfielders.
He's more like the team's brain.
A simple lateral pass might be adjusting the rhythm of the game; a well-timed positioning might be defusing a dangerous attack.
His football, without many dazzling individual performances, is able to influence every detail of the game.
Guardiola was looking for someone who could understand football.
In 2018, Rodri returned to Atlético Madrid.
But this time, he is no longer the boy who left.
He has become one of the most watched young defensive midfielders in La Liga.
Just one year later, Manchester City paid a release clause of approximately €70 million to bring him to the Premier League.
When he first arrived in England, there were still doubts from the outside world.
The Premier League has a faster pace, more physicality, and a higher intensity.
Can a defensive midfielder who is not known for his speed adapt to Guardiola's football?
But Guardiola saw Rodri's special qualities.
In Manchester City's system, the defensive midfielder not only needs to defend, but also needs to be the controller of the game.
Rodri has gradually become a key figure in Manchester City's tactical system.
He is responsible for connecting the defense and the offense, controlling the pace of the game, and making the right choices during the transition between offense and defense.
In many matches, Rodri is not the most dazzling player.
But it was only when he was absent that people truly realized his value.
He's like the engine in Manchester City's sophisticated machine; he goes unnoticed most of the time, but he determines whether the whole machine can run at high speed.
That shot in the Champions League final made the world remember Rodri.
The 2022-23 season was a major turning point in Rodri's career.
That season, Manchester City set their sights on their first-ever Champions League title.
After eliminating Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Manchester City finally stood on the Istanbul final stage.
The Champions League final against Inter Milan was a close match.
In the 68th minute, Bernardo Silva created an opportunity with a pass, and Rodri met the ball and shot from the edge of the penalty area.
The ball flew through the defense and into the goal.
Manchester City lead 1-0.
That was the decisive goal that secured Manchester City's first Champions League trophy in club history.
This was also the most important moment of Rodri's career.
Someone who had long worked behind the scenes finally stepped into the spotlight.
After the Ballon d'Or glory, comes the greatest test of life.
In 2024, Rodri reached the peak of his career.
European Cup champions.
The best player of the European Championship.
Golden Globe Awards.
Throughout the past few decades of football history, the Ballon d'Or has long belonged to attackers.
Messi, Ronaldo, Kaká , Zidane , Shevchenko ...
These names often represent the most glamorous side of football.
Rodri's emergence made the world rediscover the value of midfielders.
Changing the game doesn't always depend on scoring goals.
Controlling the game can also make you number one in the world.
However, just after reaching the peak, fate gave him a cruel test.
A serious knee injury forced Rodri to leave the field.
From being the world's best player to spending a long recovery period in hospital beds and training grounds, he had to start all over again.
This is the most difficult stage for any athlete.
Injuries take away not only playing time, but also form, confidence, and uncertainty about the future.
Sixteen years later, that boy finally fulfilled his dream.
But Rodri was ultimately not defeated by the injuries.
After a long recovery, he returned to the court.
When he put on the Spanish national team jersey again, he was no longer the boy who sat in front of the TV watching Iniesta.
He became the new core of Spain.
On the World Cup stage, he continued to influence the game in his own way.
Precise passing, stable ball control, and crucial defense.
He doesn't need to prove himself with exaggerated celebrations, because his playing style itself is the best answer.
Ultimately, Rodri stood on the World Cup podium and won the Golden Ball award.
At that moment, time completed a wondrous cycle.
He cried when he was 14 years old because of Iniesta's goal.
Years later, he became a new symbol of glory for Spanish football.
Time will leave behind the true legends.
In the world of football, some players change the game with their talent, while others conquer fans with their speed.
Rodri's story is a story about time.
He was once underestimated, and he was once abandoned.
He experienced the waiting for growth and also the test of injuries after reaching his peak.
But in the end, he proved it with more than a decade of perseverance:
Truly great players aren't necessarily noticed by everyone from the very beginning.
They need time to mature and to undergo trials before they can finally shine on their own stage.
This is perhaps the most fascinating aspect of football.
As Manchester City's exclusive global liquor partner, Jiannanchun will accompany all fans and record every glorious moment of the Citizens.
From that boy who looked up at the World Cup champions in an American summer camp to today's world champion who lifted the Golden Ball award at the World Cup.
Rodri spent sixteen years writing his legend, much like a glass of Jiannanchun wine that has been sculpted by time, accumulating over the years and ultimately blossoming into the richness and glory of a champion.
Let's congratulate Rodri on his dominant performance, which added another title to the Spanish national team and crowned him with glory!
Fans are welcome to type the phrase "Rodri World Cup Golden Ball" in the comments section to receive a Jiannanchun custom pendant. Use this exclusive memento to pay tribute to the "Shi Yiyao" we have all witnessed!
Pendant illustration:
