Combative and technically brilliant Argentine midfielder whose goals and leadership were central to the World Cup-winning squad of 2022.
Rodrigo Javier De Paul was born in Sarandí, Buenos Aires on 24 May 1994. A box-to-box midfielder of exceptional quality, De Paul combines tenacious pressing with elegant technique and a keen eye for goal. He came through Racing Club and had a difficult spell at Valencia before flourishing at Udinese, where his exceptional performances earned a £35m move to Atlético Madrid in 2021. He won La Liga with Atlético in his debut season. Internationally, De Paul was one of the most important players in Argentina's run to World Cup glory in 2022, playing a high-tempo, technically excellent role in midfield alongside Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernández. He won the Copa América in 2021 and the Finalissima in 2022. He has earned over 70 caps for Argentina.
Key player in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory
He was one of Argentina's most consistently excellent performers at the 2022 World Cup, providing energy, technique and leadership throughout the successful campaign.
Did You Know?How They Played
Box-to-box midfielder with excellent passing range and work rate
Lasting Impact
De Paul established himself as one of Argentina's most important midfielders during their golden period of 2021-2022, helping end the national team's major trophy drought.
Career Honours
- World Cup 2022
- Copa América 2021
- La Liga 2021
- Finalissima 2022
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racing Club | 2014–2016 | 36 | 11 | #7 |
| Valencia | 2016–2018 | 165 | 27 | #7 |
| Udinese | 2018–2021 | 133 | 23 | #7 |
| Atletico Madrid | 2021–present | 134 | 7 | — |
| Argentine | — | 73 | 3 | — |