Rodrigo De Paul

Rodrigo Javier De Paul, born on 24 May 1994 in Sarandí, Buenos Aires, is an Argentine professional footballer who has established himself as one of the most dynamic and versatile midfielders of his generation. Currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, De Paul's journey began at the age of eight when he joined Racing Club's youth academy in 2002, eventually making his professional debut in 2013 and spending his formative years at his boyhood club until 2014. His impressive performances earned him a high-profile transfer to Valencia CF in Spain, where he gained valuable experience in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League between 2014 and 2016, despite facing challenges that included a brief loan return to Racing Club. The Argentine's career reached new heights when he transferred to Italian side Udinese in 2016, spending five prolific seasons where he became club captain and established himself as one of Serie A's most creative midfielders, amassing 177 appearances and 33 goals. His outstanding form culminated in a marquee move to Atlético Madrid in July 2021, where he won the La Liga Team of the Season award for 2024-25, before making a historic switch to Inter Miami in 2025 to join former national teammates in Major League Soccer.

On the international stage, De Paul has been an integral component of Argentina's golden generation, making his senior debut in 2018 under manager Lionel Scaloni and quickly becoming an indispensable midfield cornerstone. He played a crucial role in Argentina's triumphant 2021 Copa América campaign, notably providing the assist for Ángel Di María's winning goal in the final against Brazil, and was instrumental in their 2022 FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar, cementing his legacy as a world champion. De Paul added another Copa América title in 2024, earning selection to the Team of the Tournament in both victorious editions, while also securing the 2022 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions. Known for his tireless work rate, exceptional vision, and technical mastery, De Paul holds Italian citizenship through his maternal heritage and has balanced his professional achievements with a high-profile personal life, including a twelve-year relationship with model Camila Homs, with whom he shares two children, and a subsequent relationship with Argentine singer Tini. His move to Inter Miami marked a new chapter, bringing his wealth of European and international experience to American soccer while continuing to represent Argentina at the highest level, including selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.