Rodri honoured with Walk of Fame inclusion | OneFootball

Rodri has been afforded the honour of being added to former club Villarreal’s ‘Yellow Walk of Fame’ ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash with City.

Our Spanish midfielder was on hand for the ceremony this afternoon as his name was inserted on the wall outside the Tribuna stand at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

The 29-year-old came through the Academy of tonight’s opponents and started his senior career there, impressing for their B side before making the step up to the first team.

One of their most coveted prospects, he made his debut in December 2015 aged 19 and went on to represent the Yellow Submarine 84 times in three seasons before moving to Atletico Madrid.

Today, on a return to his former home ahead of tonight’s 20:00 (UK) clash, he was added to their ‘Passeig Groc’, which features special wall tiles marking celebrated players, directors and historic milestones.

The honour comes in recognition of the club’s former graduate being named the best player in the world by winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

Before the match this evening, after the warm-up but before both teams take to the field for kick-off, Rodri – who has gone on to win 11 major honours at City - will also be presented to the crowd where he’s sure to receive a warm and welcoming reception from both sets of fans.

Villarreal President Fernando Roig will then present the midfielder with a special Gold Badge as well as a small replica of the Walk of Stars tribute tile.

Previously, Villarreal has recognised former players Santi Cazorla and Bruno Soriano, the teams that won the UEFA Europa League in 2021 and the first promotion to the second division in 1970, as well as former vice-president Jose Manuel Llaneza and the centenary of the Estadio de la Ceramica on their symbolic Walk.

“I feel honoured to have received this special recognition from my former club,” our midfielder said today.

“I enjoyed my time with Villarreal immensely. I was a young boy, still learning and still developing and they helped me start on a good path which has led to many, many proud moments in my career so far.

“I would like to thank the club for this inclusion on their Walk of Stars. I really appreciate and it means a lot to me and my family.”

Congratulations to Rodri on this honour.