• 2024-02

Ricardo Rodriguez

Ricardo Rodríguez

Personal information

Full name: Ricardo Iván Rodríguez Araya
Date of birth: August 25, 1992
Place of birth: Zürich, Switzerland
Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position: Left back
Current club: Torino

Club career

2010–2012: FC Zürich
2012–2014: VfL Wolfsburg
2014–2017: AC Milan
2017–2021: PSV Eindhoven
2021–present: Torino

International career

2011–present: Switzerland

Ricardo Rodríguez (born 25 August 1992) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a left back for Serie A club Torino and the Switzerland national team.

Early life

Rodríguez was born in Zürich to a Spanish father and a Chilean mother. He began his career at local club FC Zürich, where he made his professional debut in 2010.

Club career

FC Zürich

Rodríguez made his professional debut for FC Zürich on 21 March 2010, in a 1–0 win over FC Sion. He quickly established himself as a regular starter for the club, and helped them win the Swiss Super League title in the 2011–12 season.

VfL Wolfsburg

In January 2012, Rodríguez moved to German club VfL Wolfsburg for a fee of €7.5 million. He made his debut for the club on 4 February 2012, in a 2–0 win over 1. FC Nürnberg. Rodríguez quickly became a key player for Wolfsburg, and helped them win the DFB-Pokal in 2015 and the DFL-Supercup in 2015 and 2016.

AC Milan

In July 2014, Rodríguez joined Italian club AC Milan for a fee of €15 million. He made his debut for the club on 30 August 2014, in a 3–1 win over Lazio. Rodríguez was a regular starter for Milan during his three seasons at the club, and helped them win the Supercoppa Italiana in 2016.

PSV Eindhoven

In July 2017, Rodríguez moved to Dutch club PSV Eindhoven for a fee of €12 million. He made his debut for the club on 5 August 2017, in a 3–1 win over AZ Alkmaar. Rodríguez was a key player for PSV during his four seasons at the club, and helped them win the Eredivisie title in 2018 and the KNVB Cup in 2019 and 2022.

Torino

In July 2021, Rodríguez joined Italian club Torino on a free transfer. He made his debut for the club on 14 August 2021, in a 2–1 win over Fiorentina. Rodríguez has been a regular starter for Torino during his time at the club, and has helped them finish in the top half of the Serie A table.

International career

Rodríguez made his international debut for Switzerland on 7 October 2011, in a 2–0 win over Montenegro. He was a member of the Swiss squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2016 UEFA European Championship, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Rodríguez has also represented Switzerland at the Olympic Games, appearing at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Playing style

Rodríguez is a versatile defender who can play as a left-back, centre-back, or defensive midfielder. He is known for his tackling, passing, and crossing ability. Rodríguez is also a set-piece specialist, and has scored several goals from free kicks and penalties.

Honours

Club

FC Zürich
Swiss Super League: 2011–12
VfL Wolfsburg
DFB-Pokal: 2014–15
DFL-Supercup: 2015, 2016
AC Milan
Supercoppa Italiana: 2016
PSV Eindhoven
Eredivisie: 2017–18
KNVB Cup: 2018–19, 2021–22

International

Switzerland
UEFA Nations League: 2018–19

Individual

Swiss Golden Player Award: 2014
Swiss Footballer of the Year: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018
UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2016–17