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Monchu
Monchu
from Wikipedia

Ramón Rodríguez Jiménez (born 13 September 1999), commonly known as Monchu, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Super League Greece club Aris.[2]

Key Information

Career

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Barcelona

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Born in Palma, Majorca, Balearic Islands, Monchu joined FC Barcelona's youth setup in 2012, from RCD Mallorca.[3] After progressing through the youth setup, he made his senior debut with the reserves on 15 December 2017, coming on as a second-half substitute for Oriol Busquets in a 3–1 away loss against Cádiz CF in the Segunda División.[4]

Monchu made his first team debut on 8 August 2020, coming off the bench in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg against SSC Napoli.[5]

Loan to Girona

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On 22 September 2020, Monchu joined Girona FC in the second division on loan for the season, with a buyout clause.[6] He scored his first goal for Girona the following 18 October in a 1–0 home victory against Real Oviedo.[7]

Granada

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On 16 July 2021, Granada CF announced the singing of Monchu from Barcelona on a free transfer, with Barça reserving a right to 50% of any future sale and a buy-back option.[8][9] He made his top tier debut on 16 August, starting in a 0–0 away draw against Villarreal CF.

Loan to Valladolid

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On 1 February 2022, Monchu was loaned to Real Valladolid in the second division, for the remainder of the season.[10]

Aris

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On 3 August 2024, Monchu became the most expensive arrival of Aris, with whom he signed a contract running until the summer of 2029.[11] The Spanish midfielder will receive around €800,000 per year, whereas additional bonused have also been predicted.[12]

Career statistics

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As of match played 11 May 2025[13]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Barcelona B 2017–18 Segunda División 6 1 6 1
2018–19 Segunda División B 31 2 31 2
2019–20 26 8 3[a] 2 29 10
Total 63 11 0 0 3 2 66 13
Barcelona 2019–20 La Liga 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Girona (loan) 2020–21 Segunda División 39 3 0 0 4 0 43 3
Granada 2021–22 La Liga 14 0 2 0 16 0
Real Valladolid (loan) 2021–22 Segunda División 15 2 0 0 15 2
Real Valladolid 2022–23 La Liga 33 3 2 0 35 3
2023–24 Segunda División 42 6 0 0 42 6
Total 75 9 2 0 77 9
Aris 2024–25 Superleague Greece 30 3 3 0 33 3
Career total 236 28 7 0 1 0 7 2 251 30
  1. ^ Three appearances in Segunda División B play-offs

Honours

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ramón Rodríguez Jiménez (born 13 September 1999), known professionally as Monchu, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a central for in the . Born in , he stands at 1.73 meters tall and is right-footed, having joined Aris on 3 August 2024 under a contract expiring on 30 June 2029. Monchu began his youth career at CIDE and before joining FC Barcelona's academy at age 13 in 2012, progressing through the U16, U19, and Barcelona B teams. During his time in Barcelona's , he contributed to the team's victory in the 2018 , defeating Chelsea 3–0 in the final in , —the club's second title in the competition. He made his senior debut for Barcelona's first team in the 2019–20 season, appearing in one official match for 12 minutes, alongside four unofficial appearances. Monchu's professional breakthrough came on loan at Girona in the 2020–21 Segunda División, where he played 39 matches, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist. He then moved to Granada in La Liga for the 2021–22 season before joining Real Valladolid on loan, helping the club secure promotion to La Liga by finishing second in the Segunda División that year. Valladolid made his loan permanent in 2022, and he remained there until 2024, again aiding a second-place finish and promotion in the 2023–24 season with 6 goals and 3 assists in 42 appearances.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Ramón Rodríguez Jiménez, commonly known as Monchu, was born on 13 September 1999 in , . Raised in a family deeply passionate about , Monchu's early interest in football was profoundly influenced by his relatives, particularly his father, Ramón, who had played the sport himself and fostered the family's unwavering support for the club. This environment, combined with the vibrant local sports culture on the island of —where football holds a central place in community life—nurtured his budding enthusiasm from infancy. Before entering organized training, Monchu's initial experiences with the game were informal and family-oriented, beginning with kicking a around on a plot of land owned by his grandfather in nearby . He spent much of his early childhood engaged in street and school football on a makeshift field created by his family in Palma, where he honed his skills through daily play and developed a strong affinity for the sport, often idolizing as a childhood inspiration. These unstructured activities laid the foundation for his later involvement in formal academies.

Youth career

Monchu began his youth career at CIDE in 2004, before joining RCD Mallorca's youth academy that same year, where he developed as a until transferring to in 2012. In 2012, at age 13, he transferred to 's prestigious academy, progressing through key youth teams including the U14 squad from 2012 to 2014, the U16 team in 2014–2015, and the U19 side from 2015 to 2018. During this period, he captained the U19 team and played a pivotal role in their success, including winning the 2017–2018 with a 3–0 final victory over Chelsea in . Monchu's development at emphasized the refinement of his technical skills, vision, and positional play as a central , preparing him for higher levels of competition. By 2017, he earned his first exposures in reserve-team matches with B, debuting on December 15, 2017, as a substitute against in a Segunda B fixture.

Club career

Barcelona

Monchu, whose full name is Ramón Rodríguez Jiménez, joined FC 's renowned academy in 2012 after starting his youth career at . As a promising graduate of the system, he signed his initial professional contract with the club in May 2018, extending his stay until 2021 and recognizing his potential as a central . This deal came shortly after his promotion to the B in late 2017, where he made his senior debut for the side on December 15, 2017, as a substitute in a match. During his time with Barcelona B from 2017 to 2020, Monchu established himself as a key player, captaining the team in the 2019-20 season and contributing significantly to their competitive performances in the . Over this period, he appeared in 63 matches and scored 11 goals across various competitions, showcasing his technical ability and leadership in the reserve setup. His performances highlighted his role as a deep-lying , helping Barcelona B maintain a strong standing in Spain's third tier. Monchu's breakthrough to the first team came in the 2019-20 season, beginning with his debut on August 8, 2020, when he entered as a substitute in the 84th minute of a round of 16 second leg against Napoli, replacing in a 3-1 victory. This appearance marked him as the third Barcelona B player to feature for the senior side that season, following and Ronald Araujo. This was his only official first-team outing, with no goals scored, often deployed in midfield to provide defensive solidity and distribution. These brief but notable cameos underscored his emergence as a talent ready for higher-level opportunities.

Loan to Girona

In the summer of 2020, reached an agreement with to loan midfielder Monchu for the season, with the deal running until 30 June 2021 and Girona covering his full salary. This move provided the 21-year-old with his first extended opportunity for regular senior football outside Barcelona's , allowing him to develop in a competitive second-tier environment. Monchu adapted swiftly to the demands of professional play at Girona, establishing himself as a key central midfielder under coach Francisco Rodríguez. He featured in 39 league appearances, starting 34, while scoring 3 goals and recording 1 assist. His contributions were instrumental in Girona's strong campaign, as the team finished fifth in the Segunda División with 71 points from 42 matches, securing a spot in the promotion playoffs despite ultimately falling short in the semi-finals against CD Tenerife. Notable among his performances were his three league goals, each arriving in tightly contested fixtures that underscored his growing influence. On 11 October 2020, he scored the winner in a 1–0 away victory over , helping secure an early-season boost. Eight days later, on 18 October, Monchu netted the decisive goal in a 1–0 home win against , curling a right-footed shot from distance in the 67th minute to earn their second consecutive victory. His third strike came on 11 January 2021, equalizing in a 1–1 draw at and salvaging a point during a mid-season dip. Operating primarily as a box-to-box , Monchu excelled in transitions, averaging 84.7% pass accuracy and creating 28 chances across the season, which highlighted his tactical versatility and physical endurance in supporting both defensive and attacking phases.

Granada

In the summer of 2021, Monchu completed a permanent transfer from to for a fee of €0.75 million. He signed a four-year contract with the club, marking his entry into regular first-division football after a successful loan spell at the previous season. During the 2021–2022 season, Monchu featured in 14 matches for , accumulating 668 minutes on the pitch without scoring any goals or providing assists. He started seven of those games but was predominantly used as a substitute, reflecting a rotational role in the team's midfield setup. Monchu's limited opportunities stemmed from the challenges of adjusting to 's intensity and the fierce competition for starting places among 's midfielders, including established players like Luis Milla and . This period highlighted his ongoing development amid a step up from second-tier football, as he struggled to secure consistent minutes in a squad fighting relegation.

Real Valladolid

In January 2022, Monchu joined on loan from for the remainder of the season, making 15 league appearances and scoring 2 goals as the team secured promotion to by finishing second. His integration into the squad was swift, providing energy in midfield during a crucial run that saw finish second with 81 points from 42 matches. Following the successful loan spell, Monchu completed a permanent transfer to on 6 June 2022 for a fee of €1.2 million, signing a contract until June 2026. Over the subsequent seasons, Monchu established himself as a consistent starter in a box-to-box midfield role, contributing to both defensive solidity and attacking transitions with his work rate and versatility. In the campaign, he featured in 33 league matches, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists, though the team ultimately suffered relegation with 37 points. The following year in the , Monchu played 42 league games, netted 6 goals and recorded 3 assists, totaling 90 league appearances, 11 goals, and 9 assists across his tenure. His performances underscored a reliable presence in the , often covering expansive ground to support counter-attacks and maintain possession under pressure.

Aris Thessaloniki

On 3 August 2024, Monchu transferred from to for a fee of €3.6 million, signing a five-year contract until June 2029. This move marked his first venture outside , joining the Greek club as a central and being assigned number 8. During the 2024–25 season, Monchu made 30 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 8 assists while adapting to the physical demands and tactical nuances of Greek football. His contributions were instrumental in Aris Thessaloniki's fifth-place finish in the , securing qualification for the . He often anchored the midfield, providing stability and dictating play from deeper positions. By demonstrating leadership qualities, such as organizing the team's pressing structure and mentoring younger squad members, Monchu quickly established himself as a pivotal figure in the squad. As of November 2025, in the ongoing 2025–26 season, Monchu has featured in 10 league matches, scoring 1 goal and contributing to Aris' efforts in domestic and continental competitions, including Conference League qualifiers. His integration highlighted his versatility and resilience in a new cultural and competitive environment.

Playing style

Role on the pitch

Monchu primarily operates as a central , fulfilling a box-to-box role that encompasses both defensive recovery duties and forward surges to support attacks. This positional setup allows him to cover extensive ground, intercepting opposition plays in deeper areas while contributing to build-up and transitional phases higher up the pitch. His versatility extends to defensive midfield and left central midfield positions, adapting to various tactical setups depending on team needs. During his time with B, he provided balance in a possession-oriented system. Similarly, at , he was deployed as a defensive . At , as of the 2025–26 season, he continues to play primarily as a defensive while exhibiting box-to-box characteristics. Throughout his career, Monchu's tactical role has evolved from a deep-lying in Barcelona's youth ranks to a more comprehensive all-around contributor in senior football. This progression emphasizes his integration into dynamic transitions, leveraging his energy to link defense and attack effectively in professional environments.

Technical and physical attributes

Monchu possesses a composed demeanor on the ball, frequently playing passes off the ground, which underscores his reliable ball control in midfield transitions. His technical strengths include precise long-range passing, as evidenced by his preference for delivering long balls to advance play. Additionally, he excels in from distance, with strong long-shot accuracy, and demonstrates proficiency in set-piece situations, particularly direct free-kicks rated as very strong and general set-piece taking as strong. Physically, Monchu stands at 1.73 meters tall. He exhibits defensive capabilities, notably in blocking shots effectively. However, this physical profile limits his aerial presence, making him less dominant in challenges involving height or jumping. A noted area for improvement is his tendency to commit fouls frequently, which can disrupt his rhythm in matches.

Career statistics and honours

Club statistics

As of November 13, 2025, Monchu has accumulated 246 appearances and 29 goals in league competitions across his professional club career. These figures encompass his time at FC Barcelona B, (loan), , (loan and permanent), and , reflecting his progression from youth and reserve levels to senior football in Spain and . Including domestic cups and European competitions, his total club appearances exceed 280, with additional contributions in 4 matches (0 goals), 5 Greek Cup matches (0 goals), and 4 Conference League qualifiers (2 goals). The following table provides a season-by-season breakdown of his league appearances, goals, and assists (where available), drawn from official match records.
SeasonClubCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
2017–18FC Barcelona BSegunda División B610
2018–19FC Barcelona BSegunda División B3124
2019–20FC Barcelona BSegunda División B2683
2020–21Girona (loan)Segunda División3931
2021–22Granada CFLa Liga1400
2021–22Real Valladolid (loan)Segunda División1524
2022–23Real Valladolid (loan)La Liga3332
2023–24Real ValladolidSegunda División4263
2024–25Aris ThessalonikiSuper League Greece3038
2025–26Aris ThessalonikiSuper League Greece1013
Club Breakdown (All Competitions): These statistics highlight Monchu's versatility as a , with increasing contributions in assists during his time at higher levels. Detailed match logs and minutes played are available from specialized football databases.

Honours

Monchu's youth career at 's academy culminated in significant recognition, including his contribution to the U19 team's victory in the , where the squad defeated Chelsea 3–0 in the final to secure the club's second title in the competition. During his time with Barcelona B in the , Monchu served as one of the team's captains, demonstrating leadership in key matches, such as scoring a late penalty in a 3–3 draw against Cornellà in November 2019. The reserve side achieved strong league finishes, including third place in their group during the 2019–20 season, though promotion efforts were halted by the , resulting in no senior-level titles. At the senior professional level with clubs including , , and , Monchu has not yet secured any team honours. His status as a La Masia graduate remains a notable recognition of his foundational development within Barcelona's renowned .

References

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