Villarreal honour Rodri ahead of kick-off against Manchester City with permanent tribute | OneFootball

Manchester City superstar Rodri has been honoured by his former club Villarreal on Tuesday night ahead of the two clubs’ UEFA Champions League meeting.

The Spanish midfielder, who spent several formative years developing in Villarreal’s youth system, returns to the Estadio de la Cerámica now as one of world football’s most decorated players.

Rodri’s career trajectory since leaving the Yellow Submarine has been remarkable, rising through Atlético Madrid before establishing himself as a generational figure under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, winning multiple Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League, and the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

Tuesday’s occasion represents not just a reunion but a full-circle moment for Rodri, whose leadership and consistency have made him a mainstay of both City and Spain’s national team, while Villarreal’s upcoming gesture will be particularly poignant given his roots and the strong regard in which he is still held at the club.

As confirmed in a statement by Villarreal, Rodrigo Hernández has been honoured at the Estadio de la Cerámica ahead of the UEFA Champions League league phase clash between the two clubs.

The statement explains that the former Villarreal player and academy graduate will receive the club’s ‘Gold Badge’ before kick-off and will also have a place on the ‘Passeig Groc Walk of Fame’ outside the club’s stadium.

Rodri joined Villarreal’s academy before breaking into their senior setup, where his technical intelligence and composure on the ball quickly attracted attention. A €25 million move to Atlético Madrid in 2018, followed by his big-money transfer to Manchester City a year later, marked the start of one of the most successful spells of any Spanish midfielder.

This latest recognition follows a series of personal milestones for Rodri and his emotional return to fitness after a long-term ACL injury.

The 29-year-old has previously spoken often about the importance of his development years and how they shaped his understanding of the game, particularly his emphasis on tactical balance and positional control.

Tuesday night’s match could provide a symbolic moment and a chance for Villarreal to celebrate one of their most successful academy graduates on one of the biggest stages. For Rodri, it represents an emotional homecoming and an opportunity to reconnect with the fans who watched him take his first professional steps.