Rodri’s surprising verdict on Lamine Yamal - “People don’t really know him”

Rodri Hernández was the featured guest on DAZN’s Revelado. Following the format of the show, the Manchester City midfielder was shown photographs from different stages of his career and asked to reflect on them in chronological order: Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, his triumphs with City and his success with Spain.

Looking back at a school photo, he laughed: “What a haircut I had. This was during that period between being a kid and a teenager. I was 12 years old. I have great memories of that time, with the school’s distinctive green polo shirt. It’s one of the few pictures I still have from school. I’m still friends with people from those days.”

Shown a photo training in Villarreal’s academy, Rodri was struck by how much he had changed. “It’s incredible, I’m so skinny. I was just starting to grow. It was my first year and my first game with Villarreal. A very beautiful journey began there. There were difficult moments at the start, but I see a kid full of excitement and ambition to progress in soccer. What remains from that child is the enthusiasm, the essence of who I am as a player and as a person. I never imagined I would reach the level I’ve reached. There was that innocence of simply wanting to play soccer, that childhood sense of excitement and carefree optimism.”

Simeone’s influence and Atlético Madrid dream

Reflecting on a photo with Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid, Rodri highlighted the coach’s impact on his development.

“I’ve been very fortunate with all the coaches I’ve had in my career and especially with Cholo. It was a short period, but a fundamental one. The move to Atlético allowed me to reach the European stage and play in the Champions League. I learned so much from Simeone. He passed on many positive things that perhaps I didn’t naturally have. I always talk about that competitive gene he instilled. The work without the ball, the aggression, the tactical side of the game. He understood my strengths and weaknesses perfectly and knew how to maximize one while improving the other.”

Rodri also admitted that adapting to Simeone’s methods felt like a rite of passage.

“Absolutely. Simeone believes you have to adapt to his style and go through a process. Many great players experienced it. From day one, he makes it clear that you’re going to go through that military service period. Mine wasn’t too long. I think he started me in the Super Cup right away. He saw I had the maturity to play. I’ve always admired him. He helped me enormously and we’ve stayed in touch over the years. I’m happy Atlético is doing so well.”

Guardiola, the Champions League and City success

One of the most memorable images shown was from Manchester City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title, sealed with a goal from Rodri.

“Possibly the most complete season of my career. I was scoring goals and physically I was in incredible shape. Helping the team win a fourth straight title was special. It was an extremely difficult season, as they all are when you’re competing for everything. To finish it with that goal made it even more memorable.”

The midfielder also reflected on winning the Champions League under Pep Guardiola.

“It was a very special day because of what that title meant for the club and what that goal meant for me personally. But I always think about the team. The ability we showed to overcome previous disappointments and finally win a trophy that I believe we had deserved for years but that kept slipping away from us. I remember talking with Pep afterward about how difficult the journey had been. It was a moment of pure happiness.”

Asked about Guardiola’s influence, Rodri praised both the manager’s competitive drive and his human side.

“It’s sporting, but also personal. You learn from someone with such a strong character and such a competitive personality. He always tries to bring the best out of you and the team. There are disagreements and moments when you don’t always like his decisions, but overall he wants what’s best for the group. On a human level, there have been moments when he’s known how to separate soccer from life. The way he has honored people who are no longer with us or treated players who have left says a lot about him. He’s a special person in my career.”

Busquets, Euro 2024 and Spain’s rise

A photograph alongside Sergio Busquets prompted Rodri to pay tribute to the former Spain captain.

“It’s a very symbolic picture. Generational. He has been everything for Spain and for the holding midfield position as we understand it today. His greatest achievement was redefining that role and creating a blueprint for everyone who came after him. Those of us who followed had it easier because we could learn from him. I think the photo is from my debut. Imagine replacing him.”

When shown a picture with the European Championship trophy, Rodri described it as the greatest moment of his career.

“It’s the most beautiful moment of my career. Achieving your dreams with your country is even more special than doing it with your club. The way we won that tournament was incredible. We weren’t among the favorites and what we accomplished was extraordinary. It capped off a unique year.”

He explained that Spain’s confidence grew throughout the tournament.

“We knew we were the best, but we had to prove it. We beat Croatia, then Italy, then Albania. Georgia looked like the easiest opponent but ended up being anything but. We came back to win. Then we beat France and Germany in Germany. That victory over the hosts was when we truly believed we could go all the way. We won every game in the tournament. That says everything about what that team was.”

Injury fears and doubts about returning

One of the most emotional moments came when Rodri discussed his knee injury.

“It’s part of life. There are difficult moments. It was my knee injury. You have to face it as positively as possible. It was a time to reflect and recover. It was hard, I won’t hide that, but it’s the kind of challenge that makes you stronger when you overcome it. Now I’m back and I feel stronger than before.”

He admitted there was a period when he feared he might never return to his previous level.

“When I came back, I had doubts about whether I could play normally again. I felt limited and in a lot of pain. There was a moment when I wasn’t asking whether I could return to my level, but whether I would play again at all.I’ve shown that I can. I’ve regained that stability in my game. It’s a long road.”

Rodri also spoke about going through rehabilitation alongside Dani Carvajal.

“It happened to two of the team captains at the same time. We tried to set an example for everyone else. We visited the federation and spent time with the squad. Everyone faces difficult moments. What matters is how you deal with them. We went through very similar experiences and tried to be examples.”

Ballon d’Or, Lamine Yamal and World Cup ambition

Despite winning the Ballon d’Or, Rodri insisted it was never something he truly expected.

“I wouldn’t describe it as a dream because it never seemed realistic to me that I could win it. Life surprises you. I don’t give it more importance than it deserves, even though it’s obviously significant. Being named the best player is recognition for work done well. I’m grateful to everyone who voted for me. It was very special for me and my family.”

Looking at a photo with Lamine Yamal, Rodri predicted a bright future for the young star.

“Two Spanish players, one representing the present and one the future. Although he’s already the present. The future ahead of him is incredible. One day he’ll win the Ballon d’Or. He’s an animal. He’s a fantastic kid. I have a great relationship with him. People don’t really know him. I wish they could. He’s a wonderful person.”

Asked whether Yamal receives unfair criticism, Rodri disagreed.

“No. Players of his dimension, players who are unique, attract attention for both good and bad reasons. You have to live with that. He’s far more mature than people realize. Some of the image people have of him isn’t accurate. He has remarkable values for someone his age. Very focused, very mature. Let’s not forget he’s only 18.”

Rodri also reserved praise for Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.

“He took me with the Under-19s when I was 18 and we won the European Championship. He’s someone I owe a lot to because he always trusted me. We’ve followed the same path together for years. For the national team, he’s the perfect coach. He gave us the extra edge we needed to start winning.”

Finally, Rodri looked ahead to the 2026 World Cup.

“The captain and the coach are fundamental in setting the direction of the team. We know exactly what we need to do to win that World Cup.”

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