Santiago Rodríguez officially leaves NYCFC but is this truly goodbye? | OneFootball

Well, it is official.  After weeks of rumors and reports, New York City FC officially announced that Santiago Rodríguez is leaving the club.  The Uruguayan is joining Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas in Brazil, subsequently ending his time with the Pigeons.

Interestingly, the announcement was made right before NYCFC took on Inter Miami CF in the season opener.  While everyone knew he was leaving, it did not make Saturday’s move any easier, especially with the 2-2 draw that the team should have won.

Rodríguez leaves the team after scoring 34 goals and registering 28 assists in 144 appearances in all competitions.  Of course, he won the 2021 MLS Cup in his first season with the Bronx side and the one-game Campeones Cup in 2022.  The midfielder’s best season was arguably last year when he scored 16 goals and had six assists.

Santiago Rodríguez leaves NYCFC

Rodríguez and his versatility were also valuable to NYCFC.  He could play both as the winger and as the attacking midfielder.  Losing him will certainly impact the Starting XI and the product on the pitch.

Additionally, this was not a move that was expected, but Sporting Director David Lee said, “Santi has established himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in MLS.  His development across the last four years with the club and his recent performances resulted in interest from teams around the world.”

That is not shocking after his 2024 season.  Plus, it seemed Rodríguez wanted the move, possibly seeing this as a new challenge.  Lee also said, “We have a proud track record of supporting our players’ journeys to help them maximize their career ambitions.  While we will miss Santi’s infectious personality in the locker room and his impact on the field, we wanted to support Santi’s wishes while also making sure the club received appropriate compensation for a player of his caliber.”

Truthfully, Rodríguez should have waited to move to Europe.  While he did sign a four-year contract with Botafogo, perhaps he thought Brazil would get him overseas sooner rather than later.  Still, if he continued to perform as he has with NYCFC, then it is possible he could have gone to a European team this summer or at the end of 2025.

At the same time, it is understandable why NYCFC accepted this deal.  Per reports, the club will receive $17 million for the player and will have a sell-on percentage if he leaves his new club.  The Pigeons also said his transfer is the second-highest in team history.  That money could be utilized to bring in a star or a promising young player who can immediately contribute.

Nevertheless, the transfer does not mean that Rodríguez is leaving NYCFC behind.  Rather, he is grateful for his time with the Bronx side.  He told newyorkcityfc.com the following:

“New York City FC has been a defining part of my career and life, and I will always carry these memories with me.  While this chapter is ending, the love and connection I’ve felt here will never fade.  Thank you for everything—this city and this club will always have a special place in my heart.”

Moreover, is it possible that he sees himself back with the team in the future?  In a video released by NYCFC, he said, “And from the bottom of my heart, I hope to be able to return to the club one day.”

So, does that mean he wants to be able to visit down the road?  Or does he see himself returning one day as a player?  Perhaps he believes he can reach the level of success that he desires, and then return in the future.  Maybe, just maybe, this is not goodbye, but rather, see you later.

It would be amazing for Rodríguez to return to NYCFC one day.  He is 25, and still has many years ahead of him where he can grow, possibly make the jump to Europe, and play at a high level.  But as of today, fans have seen the last of the star midfielder.  It is sad that he is leaving, but it is easy to be grateful for his time with the team.