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Rodrigo De Paul
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Rodrigo Javier De Paul (Spanish pronunciation: [roˈðɾiɣo ðe pol];[3] born 24 May 1994) is an Argentine professional football player who plays as a central midfielder or right midfielder for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, on loan from La Liga club Atlético Madrid, and the Argentina national team.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Racing Club
[edit]Born in Sarandí, Greater Buenos Aires, De Paul joined Racing Club's youth setup in 2002, aged eight.[4] He was called up to the main squad on 24 June 2012, while still a junior, for a match against Vélez Sarsfield, but remained unused in the 1–2 home loss.
On 10 February 2013, De Paul played his first match as a professional, replacing Mauro Camoranesi in the 86th minute of a 0–3 loss at Atlético de Rafaela.[5] He scored his first goal a month later, netting the last through a long-range shot in a 3–0 win at San Martín de San Juan.[6]
De Paul appeared in 19 matches during the 2012–13 campaign. He then played a key part in 2013–14, featuring in 35 matches and scoring four times.
Valencia
[edit]On 9 May 2014, it was announced that Valencia CF agreed to a US$6.5 million deal for De Paul with Racing.[7] He signed a five-year deal with Los Che on 6 June,[8] and made his La Liga debut on 23 August under head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, replacing Paco Alcácer in the 65th minute in a 1–1 away draw against Sevilla FC, but being sent off just one minute later due to fouling Aleix Vidal.[9]
He scored his first goal for the club on 4 December 2014 in the 2–1 win against Rayo Vallecano in the Copa del Rey.[10] He followed this up with his first La Liga goal on 9 April 2015 against Athletic Bilbao,[11] making 29 appearances in all competitions during his first season at the club.
After making 14 appearances in all competitions during the first half of the 2015–16 season, including two in the Champions League. On 4 February 2016, he was loaned out by then Valencia manager Gary Neville to his former side Racing Club.[12] He scored his first and only goal in a victory against Bolívar on 24 February in the Copa Libertadores.[13]
Udinese
[edit]On 20 July 2016, De Paul was transferred to Italian Serie A club Udinese.[14] He made his debut on 20 August 2016 against AS Roma in a 4–0 defeat. He scored his first goal for the club on 29 January 2017 against AC Milan in a 2–1 victory.[15]
He started the 2018–19 season with four goals in the first six matches of the Serie A season.[16] He would finish the season as Udinese top goal scorer with nine goals during the 2018–19 Udinese Calcio season and also nine assists.[17]
On 15 October 2019, De Paul signed a new five-year contract at Udinese.[17] He would score seven goals and gain six assists for Udinese in Serie A during the 2019–20 season.[18]
De Paul became Udinese's club captain in December 2020, replacing Kevin Lasagna.[19]
Atlético Madrid
[edit]
On 12 July 2021, De Paul signed a five-year contract with Atlético Madrid. He joined his new club just days after winning the Copa América with Argentina.[20] On 7 December 2021, he scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 away win against FC Porto in the final group game of the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League.[21]
Inter Miami
[edit]On 25 July 2025, De Paul joined Major League Soccer club Inter Miami on an initial six-month loan from Atlético Madrid, with a mandatory purchase clause worth €15 million plus potential bonuses. He is expected to sign a four-year deal through 2029 once the move becomes permanent.[22] A month later, on 6 August, he scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 win over Pumas UNAM during the 2025 Leagues Cup league phase.[23]
International career
[edit]
De Paul made his senior international debut for Argentina in a 4–0 victory against Iraq on 11 October 2018,[24] and later became a regular under manager Lionel Scaloni; he was part of the Argentina squad that finished third in the Copa América 2019 after beating Chile 2–1 in the third-place match.[25]
On 3 July 2021, De Paul scored the opening goal in a 3–0 win over Ecuador in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Copa América in Brazil.[26] In the final of the tournament against the hosts Brazil, De Paul's long pass set up Ángel Di María to score the only goal of the match, allowing Argentina to capture their joint record 15th Copa América title and their first major international title since 2008.[27][28] He was also part of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.[29][30]
Personal life
[edit]
Rodrigo's mother is of Italian descent, which earned him Italian citizenship.[31][32] De Paul was in a relationship with Argentine model Camila Homs for twelve years. They have two children together. In January 2022, the couple confirmed that they were separating.[33] De Paul dated Argentine singer Tini from August 2021 to August 2023.[34]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Racing | 2012–13 | Argentine Primera División | 19 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 20 | 2 | |
| 2013–14 | Argentine Primera División | 35 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2[b] | 0 | — | 37 | 4 | ||
| Total | 54 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 57 | 6 | |||
| Valencia | 2014–15 | La Liga | 25 | 1 | 4 | 1 | — | — | 29 | 2 | ||
| 2015–16 | La Liga | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3[c] | 0 | — | 15 | 0 | ||
| Total | 34 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — | 44 | 2 | |||
| Racing (loan) | 2016 | Argentine Primera División | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3[d] | 1 | — | 15 | 1 | |
| Udinese | 2016–17 | Serie A | 34 | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 35 | 5 | ||
| 2017–18 | Serie A | 37 | 4 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 39 | 4 | |||
| 2018–19 | Serie A | 36 | 9 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 37 | 9 | |||
| 2019–20 | Serie A | 34 | 7 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 35 | 7 | |||
| 2020–21 | Serie A | 36 | 9 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 38 | 9 | |||
| Total | 177 | 33 | 7 | 1 | — | — | 184 | 34 | ||||
| Atlético Madrid | 2021–22 | La Liga | 36 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 9[c] | 1 | 1[e] | 0 | 48 | 4 |
| 2022–23 | La Liga | 30 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5[c] | 1 | — | 38 | 3 | ||
| 2023–24 | La Liga | 34 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 8[c] | 1 | 1[e] | 0 | 48 | 4 | |
| 2024–25 | La Liga | 34 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 10[c] | 0 | 3[f] | 0 | 53 | 3 | |
| Total | 134 | 11 | 16 | 0 | 32 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 187 | 14 | ||
| Inter Miami (loan) | 2025 | MLS | 11 | 0 | — | — | 9[g] | 1 | 20 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 421 | 51 | 32 | 2 | 40 | 4 | 14 | 1 | 507 | 58 | ||
- ^ Includes Copa Argentina, Copa del Rey, Coppa Italia
- ^ Appearances in Copa Sudamericana
- ^ a b c d e Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- ^ Appearances in Copa Libertadores
- ^ a b Appearance in Supercopa de España
- ^ Appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
- ^ Six appearances and one goal in Leagues Cup, three appearances in MLS Cup playoffs
International
[edit]- As of match played 14 October 2025[37]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 2018 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 14 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 15 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 15 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 15 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 7 | 0 | |
| Total | 82 | 2 | |
- As of match played 14 October 2025.
- Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each De Paul goal.[37]
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 July 2021 | Estádio Olímpico Pedro Ludovico, Goiânia, Brazil | 1–0 | 3–0 | 2021 Copa América | |
| 2 | 10 October 2021 | Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina | 2–0 | 3–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
Honours
[edit]Argentina
Individual
References
[edit]- ^ "Comunicato Ufficiale N. 59" [Official Press Release No. 59] (PDF). Lega Serie A. 2 October 2018. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 November 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
- ^ "Rodrigo de Paul player profile". atleticodemadrid.com. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
- ^ "Rodrigo De Paul en Llave a la Eternidad" [Rodrigo De Paul in Key to Eternity]. YouTube (in Spanish). Televisión Pública. 14 June 2023. Archived from the original on 14 August 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ Así es Rodrigo de Paul, nuevo jugador del Valencia CF (This is Rodrigo de Paul, new player of Valencia CF) Archived 11 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine; Deporte Valenciano, 2 May 2014 (in Spanish)
- ^ En su casa, Atlético de Rafaela goleó a Racing (At home, Atlético de Rafaela thrashed Racing) Archived 10 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine; Mundo D, 10 February 2013 (in Spanish)
- ^ En otro partido con incidentes, Racing goleó y ayudó a Independiente (In another match with incidents, Racing thrashed and helped Independiente) Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine; Cancha Llena, 10 March 2013 (in Spanish)
- ^ Comunicado Oficial (Official announcement) Archived 13 November 2022 at the Wayback Machine; Valencia's official website, 9 May 2014 (in Spanish)
- ^ Rodrigo de Paul, nuevo jugador del Valencia CF (Rodrigo de Paul, new player of Valencia CF) Archived 30 November 2022 at the Wayback Machine; Valencia's official website, 6 June 2014 (in Spanish)
- ^ "Punto de fe del Valencia" [Valencia point of faith] (in Spanish). Marca. 23 August 2014. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
- ^ "Copa del Rey: Rodrigo de Paul gives Valencia 2-1 advantage over Rayo". ESPN. 4 December 2014. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "Athletic Bilbao 1 Valencia 1". Sports Mole. 9 April 2015. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "Valencia youngster Rodrigo de Paul joins Racing Club on loan". Sports Mole. 4 February 2016. Archived from the original on 3 June 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "RACING OPEN GROUP STAGE CAMPAIGN WITH COMFY BOLIVAR WIN". Fox Sports. 25 February 2016. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "VCF Official Statement | Rodrigo de Paul transferred to Udinese". Valencia CF. 20 July 2016. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
- ^ "Udinese 2 AC Milan 1". Goal.com. 29 January 2017. Archived from the original on 18 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "Udinese claims 2–0 win over last-placed Chievo in Serie A". www.efe.com. Efe. 23 September 2018. Archived from the original on 18 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ a b "Official: De Paul extends at Udinese". Football Italia. 29 January 2017. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
- ^ "Report: Udinese want €40m for De Paul". Football Italia. 5 August 2020. Archived from the original on 18 September 2020. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
- ^ "Lasagna "declassato"? Nonostante la sua titolarità ieri il capitano era De Paul". tuttoudinese.it (in Italian). Tutto Udinese. 24 December 2020. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
- ^ "Club Atlético de Madrid - Welcome, Rodrigo de Paul!". Club Atlético de Madrid. Archived from the original on 22 January 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
- ^ "Atleti win at Porto to qualify for UCL last 16". Atlético Madrid. 7 December 2021.
- ^ "Rodrigo De Paul Joins Inter Miami". Transferwatcher.com. 26 July 2025. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
- ^ "Rodrigo De Paul comes up clutch with first Inter Miami goal". MLSsoccer.com. 7 August 2025.
- ^ "Iraq 0 Argentina 4". Sky Sports. 11 October 2018. Archived from the original on 8 November 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "Argentina venció 2-1 a Chile y se quedó con el tercer puesto" (in Spanish). CONMEBOL. 6 July 2019. Archived from the original on 8 July 2019. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
- ^ "Argentina beat Ecuador 3-0 to move into Copa America semi". Reuters. 4 July 2021. Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ "Highlights of Copa America final 2021". Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ a b Graham, Bryan Armen (11 July 2021). "Argentina 1-0 Brazil: Copa América final – live!". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ Pope, Greg LeaContributions from Conor; Hancock, Tom; Mazur, Martin; published, Alasdair Mackenzie (18 December 2022). "Argentina World Cup 2022 squad: Lionel Scaloni's full team". fourfourtwo.com. Archived from the original on 18 December 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ^ "Lionel Scaloni dio a conocer la lista de la Selección argentina para la Copa América 2024". Todo Noticias. 15 June 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ Mosca, Lorenzo (12 July 2021). "De Paul, addio Udinese. All'Atletico Madrid dell'argentino Simeone per 35 milioni". Gaucho News (in Italian). Archived from the original on 19 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
- ^ Redazione (18 February 2017). "Italia, oriundi-mania: ecco la top 11 dei "convocabili"". RadioGoal24 (in Italian). Archived from the original on 19 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
- ^ "Rodrigo De Paul y Camila Homs: Cómo la historia de un amor terminó en un escándalo internacional". www.prensalibre.com (in Spanish). 18 February 2022. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
- ^ * "Rodrigo De Paul le confesó su amor a Tini Stoessel: "Te amo"". Caras (in Spanish). 20 August 2022. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
- Sánchez, Miguel Jorge (2 August 2023). "Rodrigo de Paul y Tini Stoessel confirman su separación: "Vivimos momentos muy lindos"". La Vanguardia. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
- "Tini Stoessel y Rodrigo De Paul anunciaron su separación: "Vivimos momentos muy lindos"". La Nación. 2 August 2023. Archived from the original on 1 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
- ^ "R. de Paul". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 8 April 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
- ^ Rodrigo De Paul at ESPN FC
- ^ a b Rodrigo De Paul at National-Football-Teams.com
- ^ Murray, Scott (18 December 2022). "Argentina beat France on penalties after thrilling World Cup final – live reaction". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 10 May 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
- ^ "Argentina defeats Colombia to Become The Champion of CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™". Copa América. 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ "Italy 0–3 Argentina: Messi and Di Maria shine in impressive Finalissima win". BBC Sport. 1 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
- ^ "Uno por uno, el equipo ideal de la CONMEBOL Copa América 2021 elegido por el GET". Copa América (in Spanish). 13 July 2021. Archived from the original on 14 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
- ^ "The CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™ Best XI". Copa América. 31 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
- ^ "EA Sports FC 25 La Liga Team of the season 2024-25". LaLiga. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
External links
[edit]- Profile at the Atlético Madrid website
- Rodrigo De Paul – UEFA competition record (archive)
- Rodrigo De Paul at BDFutbol
- Rodrigo De Paul at Soccerway
Rodrigo De Paul
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family background
Rodrigo Javier De Paul was born on 24 May 1994 in Sarandí, a working-class neighborhood in the Avellaneda partido of Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina. He grew up in humble circumstances in a close-knit family, the youngest of three brothers alongside older siblings Damián and Guido. His parents, Roberto De Paul and Mónica Ferrarotti, divorced when Rodrigo was a child, after which he was primarily raised by his mother, who became the central figure in sustaining the family and instilling values of hard work and perseverance.[4][9][10][11] De Paul's family heritage includes Italian roots through his mother's side, which qualified him for Italian citizenship and allowed him to obtain dual nationality. Mónica Ferrarotti played a pivotal role in his upbringing, serving not only as a parent but also as a supporter of his early pursuits; she served as treasurer of Club Social y Deportivo Belgrano, the local club where he began playing.[12][10][9] His relationship with his father remained distant during childhood, with De Paul later reflecting on the challenges this posed, though his mother's unwavering presence provided stability amid the family's modest means. His paternal grandfather, Osvaldo De Paul, was a significant influence in his early football passion; Osvaldo's death in 2008, when Rodrigo was 14, nearly led him to quit the sport, but his mother's encouragement convinced him to continue.[4][9] From an early age, De Paul's passion for football was evident, shaped by Sarandí's vibrant local culture where the sport was a communal escape and source of pride. He began kicking a ball at age three at Deportivo Belgrano, the neighborhood club, initially playing as a goalkeeper before transitioning to midfield; these informal experiences fostered his love for the game, which he has described as salvaging an otherwise tough childhood filled with hardships. At eight years old, this enthusiasm led him to join the youth academy of Racing Club.[13][14][15][6]Youth career
De Paul joined the youth academy of Racing Club in 2002 at the age of eight, beginning his structured football development in one of Argentina's prominent clubs.[16] He progressed through the club's various youth categories over the next decade, initially featuring as a goalkeeper before transitioning to midfield roles where his versatility and work rate became evident.[4] In 2012, while still part of the youth system, De Paul made his first appearances for Racing Club's reserve team, participating in 15 matches and scoring one goal as the most frequently used player in that squad during the season.[17] His reserve outings included standout moments, such as creating a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper in a clásico derby against Independiente that ended in a draw.[18]Club career
Racing Club
Rodrigo De Paul began his senior professional career with Racing Club, the Argentine club where he had developed through the youth ranks. He signed his first professional contract in 2012 and made his debut on 10 February 2013 in a Primera División match against Atlético de Rafaela, entering as a substitute in a 3–0 loss.[4] Over the subsequent seasons, he established himself as a versatile presence in the midfield, blending defensive solidity with creative passing. Between 2012 and 2014, De Paul made 54 appearances for Racing Club, scoring 4 goals, which showcased his growing influence in domestic competitions. A notable highlight came in March 2013, when he netted his first professional goal in a match against CA San Martín de San Juan.[19] During the 2013–14 season, his role became pivotal in the team's midfield, where he helped maintain league stability amid a challenging campaign that saw Racing finish mid-table; De Paul's energy and ball-winning prowess were key in transitioning play from defense to attack. He scored four goals that season, including in a 3–0 home win over All Boys on 5 April 2014. De Paul's performances attracted European interest, leading to his departure from Racing Club in June 2014, when he transferred to Valencia for a reported €6.5 million fee, ending his time at the club on a high note after contributing to its resurgence.Valencia
De Paul transferred to Valencia from Racing Club on 1 July 2014 for a fee of €6.5 million, signing a four-year contract.[20][21] He made his La Liga debut on 23 August 2014 against Sevilla, entering as a substitute in the 66th minute before receiving a straight red card just 63 seconds later for violent conduct, resulting in a four-match ban that Valencia appealed.[22][23][24] During his time at Valencia from 2014 to 2016, De Paul made 34 appearances in La Liga, scoring one goal, but faced significant challenges adapting to European football, including inconsistent form and limited starting opportunities under managers Nuno Espírito Santo and Gary Neville.[25][26] These struggles, compounded by injuries and a lack of regular minutes, led to his marginalization in the squad despite initial promise following his breakout at Racing Club. In January 2016, De Paul returned to Racing Club on loan until the end of June 2016 to regain form, where he featured in 11 appearances and scored 2 goals across all competitions.[27] The move provided a familiar environment to rebuild confidence amid his difficulties in Spain, though his Valencia tenure ultimately marked a turbulent introduction to elite European football.Udinese
On 20 July 2016, De Paul transferred to Serie A club Udinese from Valencia for a reported fee of €3 million.[28] The move came after limited opportunities at Valencia, where he had spent two seasons on loan back at Racing Club and in sporadic appearances, allowing him to seek regular playing time in Italy.[29] De Paul made his Serie A debut for Udinese on 20 August 2016, starting in a 4–0 away loss to Roma.[22] He quickly established himself as a versatile midfielder, capable of playing in central, attacking, or wide roles, contributing to Udinese's efforts to maintain mid-table stability in the league. Over his five seasons with the club from 2016 to 2021, he amassed 177 appearances in Serie A, scoring 33 goals and providing 41 assists that highlighted his growing influence.[3] His development peaked in standout campaigns, notably the 2019–20 season, where he netted 7 goals and recorded 6 assists in 34 matches, helping Udinese avoid relegation amid a challenging year.[3] The following 2020–21 season saw further consistency, with 9 goals in 36 appearances, underscoring his role as a creative and tenacious presence in midfield who often dictated tempo and delivered key passes. During this period, De Paul assumed the club captaincy in December 2020, succeeding Kevin Lasagna and leading the team with composure despite Udinese's mid-table finishes.[30] De Paul's tenure at Udinese culminated in his departure on 12 July 2021, when he joined Atlético Madrid for a club-record €35 million transfer fee.[31] This move reflected his transformation into a reliable Serie A performer and leader, valued for his technical skill, work rate, and ability to impact both defensive transitions and attacking builds.[32]Atlético Madrid
Rodrigo De Paul joined Atlético Madrid from Udinese on 30 July 2021, signing a five-year contract for a transfer fee of €35 million.[33] He made his La Liga debut for the club on 15 August 2021 in a 1–0 away victory against Rayo Vallecano, starting in midfield and contributing to a solid defensive performance under manager Diego Simeone.[7] Over his tenure at Atlético Madrid from 2021 to 2025, De Paul amassed 134 appearances in La Liga, scoring 11 goals and providing 18 assists, while featuring in various European competitions.[34][3] His versatility as a central or right midfielder proved integral during the 2021–22 season, where he played 36 league matches, helping secure the La Liga title with key contributions including two goals and creative play that enhanced the team's midfield dynamism.[35] In the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League, De Paul featured in 8 matches, recording one goal and one assist, with a standout moment being his first goal for the club in a 3–1 win over FC Porto on 7 December 2021. He also played a pivotal role in the team's run to the 2022 Europa League final, appearing in knockout stages and providing midfield stability during a campaign that ended in a penalty shootout loss to Bayer Leverkusen.[36][3] De Paul's time at Atlético culminated in a loan move to Inter Miami CF, announced on 25 July 2025, through the end of the 2025 MLS season with an option to make the transfer permanent through 2029 for approximately €15 million.[2][37]Inter Miami
On 25 July 2025, Rodrigo De Paul joined Inter Miami CF on loan from Atlético Madrid until the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, with the deal including a purchase option valued at approximately €15 million to make the move permanent through 2029.[2][38] This transfer marked De Paul's transition to Major League Soccer, bringing his European experience to a squad aiming to contend in the playoffs and Leagues Cup. The move was facilitated through targeted allocation money to fit MLS roster rules, allowing Inter Miami to integrate the 31-year-old midfielder without occupying a designated player spot initially.[39] De Paul made his MLS debut on 31 July 2025 against the Philadelphia Union, entering as a substitute in a match that highlighted his quick adaptation to the league's pace.[40] As of November 2025, he had accumulated 11 appearances across all competitions, contributing one goal that underscored his role in the team's attacking transitions.[3] His first goal for Inter Miami came on 6 August 2025, a composed finish in a 3-1 Leagues Cup victory over Pumas UNAM, where he combined effectively with forward Luis Suárez to extend the lead.[41] Integrating into Inter Miami's midfield, De Paul formed a dynamic partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, leveraging his familiarity with the Argentine stars from national team duties to enhance the team's creativity and pressing intensity. This trio's synergy was evident in key matches, where De Paul's box-to-box energy complemented Messi's playmaking and Suárez's finishing, helping Inter Miami maintain a strong position in the Eastern Conference standings during the latter half of the 2025 season.[42]International career
Youth international career
De Paul had limited involvement with Argentina's youth international teams, with no notable appearances in major tournaments recorded.[1]Senior international career
De Paul made his senior international debut for Argentina on 11 October 2018, starting in a 4–0 friendly victory over Iraq in Riyadh, where he contributed to the midfield control that led to goals from Lautaro Martínez, Roberto Pereyra, Germán Pezzella, and Franco Cervi.[43][44] He quickly became a regular under coach Lionel Scaloni, earning 82 caps and scoring 2 goals for Argentina as of November 2025. He was appointed captain of the national team in 2025.[43] De Paul played a pivotal role in Argentina's 2021 Copa América triumph, starting all seven matches including the final against Brazil on 10 July, where his precise long ball assisted Ángel Di María's iconic opener in a 1–0 win, ending Argentina's 28-year trophy drought. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he featured in all seven games, providing relentless energy in midfield despite a hamstring injury sustained before the quarter-final against the Netherlands, which Argentina won 4–3 on penalties after a 2–2 draw; his pressing and distribution were crucial in maintaining possession during extra time. In the semi-final against Croatia, De Paul completed 90 minutes, recording the tournament's highest pass count up to that stage with 436 accurate passes overall, helping set up the 3–0 victory through his progressive play alongside Enzo Fernández.[45] De Paul was instrumental in Argentina's 2024 Copa América success, starting five of six matches en route to a 1–0 final win over Colombia, where his defensive recoveries and forward surges earned him a spot in the tournament's Best XI.[46] In November 2025, De Paul received a call-up to Argentina's squad for a friendly against Angola on 14 November in Luanda, where he played the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 victory, marking his continued importance despite his recent move to Inter Miami.[47]Personal life
Family
Rodrigo De Paul shares two children with his former long-term partner, Camila Homs: a daughter named Francesca, born in 2019, and a son named Bautista, born in 2021.[48][49] As devoted parents, De Paul and Homs have prioritized their children's well-being, with De Paul frequently expressing his commitment to fatherhood amid his demanding professional schedule.[50] The couple announced their separation in January 2022 after more than a decade together, a decision that drew significant media attention during Argentina's World Cup campaign.[48] Post-separation, De Paul and Homs have maintained co-parenting arrangements, navigating challenges including legal disputes over child support while ensuring shared involvement in family milestones, such as Bautista's birthdays.[51][52] De Paul's family life has influenced his career choices, particularly in his early years when he opted to remain close to home in Argentina to support his loved ones during key personal transitions.[4] De Paul holds dual Argentine-Italian citizenship through his maternal grandparents' heritage, reflecting his family's mixed Argentine-Italian roots.[49]Public image and relationships
Rodrigo De Paul has cultivated a prominent public image as a charismatic and media-savvy footballer, often engaging with fans through social media and public endorsements, which has amplified his visibility beyond the pitch. His approachable persona, highlighted by frequent interactions during Argentina's international campaigns, has endeared him to supporters, positioning him as a relatable figure in Argentine football culture.[4] De Paul's high-profile romantic relationship with Argentine singer Tini Stoessel began in late 2021, marked by mutual social media follows and subsequent public confirmations of their romance. The couple frequently appeared together at events, including music awards and football matches, sharing affectionate moments that fueled media coverage across Latin America. Their partnership ended in August 2023, with Stoessel announcing the breakup via Instagram, stating they had decided to part ways after sharing "beautiful moments" but needed to grow individually.[53][54] They reconciled in early 2025 and, as of November 2025, remain together, with reports indicating plans for a wedding postponed to 2026.[55][56] De Paul's philanthropic efforts, though not extensively publicized, include support for youth football initiatives in his hometown of Sarandí, Argentina, where he has funded local academies to aid underprivileged children in accessing sports opportunities. These contributions underscore his dedication to community development, filling gaps in broader charitable visibility among athletes.[48] His 2025 transfer to Inter Miami CF drew significant public criticism, with commentators questioning the timing less than a year before the 2026 World Cup, suggesting it could hinder his national team form and commitment. Critics argued the move to Major League Soccer at age 31 represented a step down from European competition, potentially impacting his selection for Argentina.[57]Playing style
Attributes
Rodrigo De Paul excels in technical proficiency, particularly in passing. In the 2025 MLS season with Inter Miami, he recorded a passing accuracy of 87.9%.[58] His vision enables him to execute precise through balls and key passes, often breaking defensive lines and creating scoring opportunities for teammates.[59] Complementing this, De Paul demonstrates a strong aptitude for long-range shooting, frequently attempting and scoring from distance, as evidenced by multiple goals from outside the penalty area in Serie A and La Liga.[60][59] In defensive phases, De Paul shows commendable work rate through aggressive pressing and recoveries, averaging approximately 2 tackles per 90 minutes during his early La Liga campaigns at Atlético Madrid.[3] His stamina supports a demanding box-to-box role, with recorded distances covered reaching up to 17 kilometers in high-stakes international matches, underscoring his endurance in covering the pitch end-to-end.[61] Despite these strengths, De Paul occasionally faces disciplinary challenges, receiving yellow cards at a rate of about 0.3 per 90 minutes, particularly in intense games where his pressing intensity leads to fouls.[3] Since transitioning from Udinese to Atlético Madrid, he has adapted his attributes to a more disciplined tactical system, enhancing his overall balance.[16]Positions
Rodrigo De Paul primarily operates as a central midfielder, a role he has held throughout much of his professional career.[1] His versatility allows him to adapt across midfield positions, including defensive and attacking duties depending on tactical needs.[62] During his time at Udinese, where he served as club captain from December 2020, De Paul frequently featured in a defensive midfield role, often as part of a double pivot to provide stability and progression from deeper areas. At Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone, his role evolved to right midfielder, emphasizing wide contributions in a 3-5-2 formation while maintaining central involvement.[62] For the Argentina national team, he has excelled in more attacking midfield positions within a 4-3-3 setup, typically operating right of center to support transitions and link play.[63] At Inter Miami, he operates as a central midfielder alongside Sergio Busquets.[37] De Paul is right-footed and stands at 1.80 meters tall, attributes that enhance his effectiveness in aerial duels during various roles.[64] His renowned physical stamina, earning him the nickname "El Motorcito," enables seamless switches between defensive and offensive positions across competitions.[65]Career statistics
Club
As of 19 November 2025, Rodrigo De Paul has recorded 431 appearances and 48 goals in his professional club career across all competitions.[36] His contributions are distributed across clubs as shown in the following table:| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Racing Club | 65 | 3 |
| Valencia CF | 44 | 1 |
| Udinese | 177 | 33 |
| Atlético Madrid | 134 | 11 |
| Inter Miami CF | 11 | 0 |
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | Valencia CF | La Liga | 25 | 1 | 4 |
| 2015-16 | Valencia CF | La Liga | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | Racing Club | Primera División | 11 | 0 | 1 |
| 2016-17 | Udinese | Serie A | 34 | 4 | 1 |
| 2017-18 | Udinese | Serie A | 37 | 4 | 8 |
| 2018-19 | Udinese | Serie A | 36 | 9 | 9 |
| 2019-20 | Udinese | Serie A | 34 | 7 | 6 |
| 2020-21 | Udinese | Serie A | 36 | 9 | 9 |
| 2021-22 | Atlético Madrid | La Liga | 36 | 3 | 1 |
| 2022-23 | Atlético Madrid | La Liga | 30 | 2 | 7 |
| 2023-24 | Atlético Madrid | La Liga | 34 | 3 | 5 |
| 2024-25 | Atlético Madrid | La Liga | 34 | 3 | 5 |
| 2025 | Inter Miami CF | MLS | 11 | 0 | 4 |
International
Rodrigo De Paul has represented the Argentina national team at senior level since his debut in 2018, accumulating 83 caps and scoring 4 goals as of 19 November 2025.[43] His senior international appearances break down by competition as follows:| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 7 | 0 |
| Copa América | 17 | 2 |
| FIFA World Cup qualifiers | 33 | 1 |
| Friendlies | 25 | 1 |
| Other (Finalissima, etc.) | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 83 | 4 |
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Result | Notes/Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Oct 2018 | Friendly | Iraq | 4–0 W | Debut |
| 6 Sep 2019 | Friendly | Nicaragua | 5–1 W | 1 goal |
| 3 Jun 2021 | WC Qualifier | Chile | 1–1 D | 1 goal |
| 30 Nov 2022 | FIFA World Cup Final | France | 3–3 (4–2 pens) W | Key midfielder in victory |
| 14 Jul 2024 | Copa América Final | Colombia | 1–0 W | Full match |
| 11 Oct 2025 | Friendly | Venezuela | 1–0 W | Recent appearance |
| 13 Oct 2025 | Friendly | Puerto Rico | 6–0 W | Recent appearance |
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