Rodri leaves Manchester City for Barcelona
By Joel Masibo, August 18, 2026Spanish Rodrigo Hernández Cascante (Rodri) has officially ended his seven-year Manchester City career after completing a move to Barcelona, with the transfer awaiting international clearance.
According to Manchester City’s statement released on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the World Cup winner departs the Etihad having played a central role in arguably the greatest era in the club’s history. Since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2019, he established himself as one of the world’s outstanding defensive midfielders while becoming a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s team.
The 30-year-old made 298 appearances for City and found the net 28 times, helping the club collect 14 major honours. His trophy haul included four Premier League titles, three League Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields, the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Rodri’s most iconic contribution came during the 2022/23 campaign. His goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan secured a 1-0 victory in Istanbul, giving City their first European Cup and completing a historic Treble alongside the Premier League and FA Cup.
His influence had already been evident during his first seasons in England. Rodri scored in the 2020 Carabao Cup final as City defeated Aston Villa 2-1, adding another major trophy to the Community Shield he had helped win earlier in his debut campaign.
He subsequently played a significant part in further Premier League and League Cup successes before producing another memorable moment against Aston Villa in May 2022. His goal helped City recover from two goals down to win 3-2 and claim another league title.
Rodri reached another level during the 2022/23 season, becoming one of the most influential players in Guardiola’s midfield as City secured a third consecutive Premier League championship and lifted the FA Cup after defeating Manchester United in the final.
His outstanding performances also earned individual recognition. In 2024, Rodri became the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d’Or, confirming his status among the very best footballers in the world.
City also made history during the 2023/24 campaign by becoming the first English men’s team to win four consecutive league titles. Rodri again played a decisive role, scoring in the 3-1 victory over West Ham that sealed the championship.
His 2024/25 season was disrupted by a serious knee injury suffered in September 2024, which kept him out for an extended period. After completing his rehabilitation, he returned to competitive football in 2025 and helped City add the 2026 Carabao Cup and FA Cup to their collection.
Rodri’s achievements extended beyond club football. He has earned 70 caps for Spain and was part of the team that won the European Championship in 2024.
He later captained Spain to World Cup glory in 2026, while also receiving the tournament’s Golden Ball award as its outstanding player.
Reflecting on his departure, Rodri expressed immense pride in what he accomplished at City and thanked everyone who contributed to his journey.
“What we have done together in these years is something both very special and unforgettable.
“First, I first want to thank everyone I have worked with at City for all they have done for me and for helping me in so many amazing ways and helping me become the player I am.
“I want to also say a special thank you to all my incredible teammates past and present. They helped make every single day here a total joy.
“It has been such a special privilege to share the dressing room and the pitch with you all.
“Lastly, I just want to pay a special tribute to the city supporters. You helped make me feel at home in Manchester from the moment I arrived, and you have always been there by my side.
“Thank you for supporting me and the team through good times and bad. It has been a pleasure to play in front of you all. My heart will always be blue.
“These seven years have been incredible. I have cherished every moment of what we achieved together and will always carry Manchester City in my heart.”
For his part, director of football Hugo Viana said Rodri’s enormous contribution to the City cause would never be forgotten.
“Rodri has been a quite magnificent servant and played a huge part of what the Club has achieved since he arrived,” said Viana.