Rodrigo de Paul

Rodrigo de Paul joined the Racing Club youth academy at a young age, where he began to develop his fundamental skills in football. Born and raised in Sarandí, Argentina, De Paul showed promise from an early age, demonstrating exceptional technical ability and understanding of the game. His time in the academy provided him with a strong foundation, both technically and mentally, preparing him for the demands of professional football. It was this early development that would set the stage for his later successes, not only at club level but also when representing Argentina on the international stage. De Paul's dedication and talent were evident as he progressed through the youth ranks to become one of Racing's standout players.

On February 10, 2013, Rodrigo de Paul made his professional debut for Racing Club in the Argentine Primera División. A product of the Racing youth academy, De Paul quickly made a name for himself with his technical prowess and ability to read the game. In his debut season, he impressed with his dribbling skills and capacity to break up play, demonstrating potential that would make him a sought-after talent in Argentine football. His rise through the ranks at Racing was rapid, and he was regarded as one of the promising young players to watch, heralding the start of a professional career that would later see him move to Europe and play on the international stage with Argentina.

De Paul signed for Spanish side Valencia CF in May 2014 from Racing Club, moving to Europe to further his career. The transfer was a significant move for Rodrigo de Paul, marking his first big international club experience. At Valencia, De Paul faced challenges such as adapting to a new league and higher competition levels. Despite these challenges, he showed glimpses of his talent through his vision and passing. However, De Paul struggled for consistent game time, leading to mixed performances during his tenure at the club. His experience in Spain was an important step in his career, providing him international exposure and experience in Europe's competitive environment.

Rodrigo de Paul returned to Racing Club in July 2016 after a stint in Spain with Valencia. This move was seen as a chance for De Paul to reinvigorate his career. Playing once again for Racing, where he began his professional career, De Paul was able to recover both form and confidence. His performances in Argentina helped re-establish him as a prominent player, showcased by his technical skills and improved maturity on the pitch. His ability to influence games from midfield and sporadically contribute goals were crucial in Racing's local league campaigns.

Rodrigo de Paul transferred to Italian club Udinese in August 2019, marking a major move in his football career. At Udinese, De Paul quickly established himself as a key player. Known for his versatility, passing accuracy, and ability to drive the ball forward, De Paul played both as a midfielder and occasionally as a winger. His performances drew attention from bigger clubs, as he became a standout player in Serie A. Over his time at Udinese, De Paul improved significantly, honing his skills and gaining recognition for his all-around play, vision, and leadership on the field. This move was instrumental in boosting his career, leading to subsequent interest from top European clubs.

Rodrigo de Paul played a crucial role in Argentina's victory over Brazil in the Copa America 2021 final. Held at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the match saw Argentina win their first major title since 1993. De Paul was pivotal in midfield, showcasing his skill and vision. He provided the assist for Ángel Di María's winning goal in the 22nd minute, which was enough to secure the 1-0 victory. His performance was lauded by fans and critics alike, as he helped stop Brazil's attempts to equalize and controlled the tempo of the game. This victory was significant for Argentina as Lionel Messi also secured his first major international trophy with the national team.

Rodrigo de Paul signed with Atlético Madrid in July 2021 after an impressive season with Udinese. This transfer was highly anticipated as De Paul was coming off a great Copa America campaign with Argentina. At Atlético, De Paul joined under the management of Diego Simeone, an Argentine coach, which promised a good synergy and understanding. His arrival brought expectations of bolstering Atlético's midfield with his playmaking abilities, work rate, and physicality. The move to Atlético Madrid, current Spanish champions at the time, was seen as a step up, allowing De Paul to compete at the highest level of European football, including in the UEFA Champions League.

Rodrigo de Paul was part of the Argentina squad that faced Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Despite Argentina's high expectations, the match ended in a shocking 1-2 defeat for Argentina. De Paul played the full game and was involved heavily in midfield operations. However, Argentina struggled to capitalize on their possession and chances. This upset was one of the biggest surprises of the tournament, putting pressure on the squad to rectify their performance in subsequent matches. De Paul's efforts were noted as he sought to maintain composure and dynamism despite the team’s struggles on the day.

Rodrigo de Paul was part of the Argentine team that won the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, defeating France in a dramatic final on December 18, 2022. The match ended 3-3 after extra time, with Argentina emerging victorious 4-2 in a penalty shootout. De Paul played a vital role throughout the tournament and in the final, providing stability and creativity from midfield. His partnership with Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández was instrumental in Argentina’s success. This victory marked Argentina's third World Cup title and was especially monumental as it came during an era when Messi's international legacy was solidified. De Paul's performances were praised, establishing him as a key player in the heart of Argentina's midfield.