Barcelona midfielder Rodri pursued university studies in business administration in Castellon, combining morning training sessions with afternoon lectures. He cycled to training and lived among students who were unaware of his burgeoning football career with Villarreal.
Rodri, who describes himself as an introvert, has achieved significant success in his career. He won 12 major trophies with Manchester City and contributed to Spain's European Championship and World Cup victories. He also secured the Ballon d'Or in 2024 and is a contender for the award again this October.
This summer, Rodri moved to Barcelona after leaving Manchester City, having declined an offer from Real Madrid. His decision was based on where he felt he could grow and contribute most, favouring a project with a squad of young players who aligned with his understanding of the game.
Inside Barcelona, Rodri's arrival is seen as a significant development. He has played in almost every match of Barcelona's strong start to the campaign and has taken on an informal mentoring role with academy graduates, explaining rather than just demonstrating.