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Article Summary
Rodrigo De Paul is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. Born in Sarandí, Buenos Aires, on 24 May 1994, De Paul came through the youth ranks at Racing Club, making his first-team debut in 2012. He spent over a decade in European football, representing Valencia, Udinese, and Atlético Madrid, before joining Inter Miami in 2025. De Paul has been a cornerstone of Argentina’s golden generation, winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América. Nicknamed Messi’s “bodyguard” for his tireless work rate, he has been a key starter for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. He has two children with his ex-partner Camila Homs and was previously in a relationship with singer Tini Stoessel. His net worth is estimated at approximately £28.6 million ($31 million).
Table of Contents
- Early Life and Background
- Club Career
- International Career
- Major Achievements
- Personal Life
- Latest News
- Upcoming Events
- Recent Awards
- Career Timeline
- Career Statistics
- FAQs
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
Quick Facts Table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rodrigo Javier De Paul |
| Born | 24 May 1994 |
| Birthplace | Sarandí, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Age | 32 (as of 2026) |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Current Club | Inter Miami |
| Jersey Number | 7 |
| Former Partner | Camila Homs (ex-partner) |
| Children | Two: Francesca and Bautista |
| Net Worth | Estimated £28.6 million ($31 million) |
Full Biography
Early Life and Background
Rodrigo Javier De Paul was born on 24 May 1994 in Sarandí, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. He grew up in the working-class neighborhood of Sarandí, part of the Avellaneda district.
De Paul’s football journey began at the age of three when he started training at Club Atlético Belgrano, a local club just three blocks from his home. He followed in the footsteps of his older brother Guido, who also learned to play there. His mother is Mónica Ferrarotti.
At the age of eight, De Paul joined the youth academy of Racing Club de Avellaneda, one of Argentina’s most historic clubs. He developed through the ranks at Racing, where his talent and versatility as a midfielder began to emerge.
Club Career
Racing Club (2012-2014)
De Paul made his professional debut for Racing Club in 2012, at the age of 18. He quickly established himself as a promising young midfielder, making 54 league appearances and scoring six goals for the club.
Valencia (2014-2016)
In 2014, De Paul made the move to European football, signing with Spanish club Valencia. He made 34 league appearances and scored one goal for the club. In 2016, he was loaned back to Racing Club, where he made 11 appearances.
Udinese (2016-2021)
In 2016, De Paul joined Italian club Udinese. His time in Serie A was the most productive period of his European career. Over five seasons, he made 177 league appearances and scored 33 goals. During his time at Udinese, he established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A, producing 34 goals and 36 assists in 184 matches.
Atlético Madrid (2021-2025)
In July 2021, De Paul signed for Atlético Madrid. He spent four seasons at the Spanish club, making 134 league appearances and scoring 11 goals. He was a first-team regular for Atlético and played a key role in the team’s midfield.
Inter Miami (2025-Present)
In July 2025, De Paul joined Inter Miami on loan from Atlético Madrid. The move reunited him with his Argentina teammate and close friend Lionel Messi. De Paul made an immediate impact, scoring the title-clinching goal in Miami’s 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS Cup 2025.
In December 2025, Inter Miami fully acquired De Paul from Atlético Madrid as a designated player. During the 2026 MLS campaign, he has produced 4 goals and 7 assists in 13 appearances for Miami. His contract with Inter Miami runs until 2026, with a four-year deal if the option is triggered.
International Career
Debut and Rise to Prominence
De Paul made his senior debut for the Argentina national team in 2018. Since then, he has become a regular starter and one of head coach Lionel Scaloni’s most trusted players.
De Paul has been a key figure in Argentina’s recent golden era. He was part of the squads that won the 2021 Copa América in Brazil and the 2024 Copa América in the United States.
2022 FIFA World Cup: The “Bodyguard”
De Paul shot to international stardom during Argentina’s run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he was dubbed Messi’s “bodyguard” by the media for his tireless work rate and protective role around the captain.
2026 World Cup
De Paul was selected for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad. He has been a key starter for Argentina throughout the tournament, featuring in the starting XI for the Round of 16 match against Egypt and the quarter-final against Switzerland.
As of July 2026, De Paul has earned 89 caps for Argentina and scored 2 goals.
Major Achievements
De Paul’s major honors include:
Argentina National Team
- Copa América: 2021, 2024
- Finalissima: 2022
- FIFA World Cup: 2022
Inter Miami
- MLS Cup: 2025
Personal Life
De Paul was in a long-term relationship with Argentine model Camila Homs for over a decade. The couple separated in early 2022. They have two children together: a daughter named Francesca (born January 2019) and a son named Bautista.
After his separation from Homs, De Paul was romantically involved with Argentine actress and singer China Suárez and later with singer Tini Stoessel.
Latest News
As of July 2026, Rodrigo De Paul is competing in his third FIFA World Cup with Argentina. He has been a key starter for Argentina, featuring in the starting XI throughout the tournament.
De Paul and Lionel Messi made history by becoming the second and third players to represent Inter Miami at a World Cup. In the lead-up to Argentina’s semi-final against England, De Paul made headlines by referencing the Falklands/Malvinas conflict: “It was an atrocity.”
Upcoming Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 FIFA World Cup | Semi-final against England |
Recent Awards
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Copa América | Won |
| 2022 | FIFA World Cup | Won |
| 2022 | Finalissima | Won |
| 2021 | Copa América | Won |
Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Born in Sarandí, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| 2002 | Joined Racing Club’s youth academy at age 8 |
| 2012 | Made professional debut for Racing Club |
| 2014 | Signed for Valencia CF in Spain |
| 2016 | Joined Udinese in Italy |
| 2018 | Made senior debut for Argentina |
| 2021 | Signed for Atlético Madrid; won Copa América with Argentina |
| 2022 | Won Finalissima and World Cup with Argentina |
| 2024 | Won Copa América with Argentina |
| 2025 | Joined Inter Miami on loan; won MLS Cup |
| 2026 | Fully acquired by Inter Miami; selected for Argentina’s World Cup squad |
Career Statistics
| Club | Seasons | League Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racing Club | 2012-2014 | 54 | 6 | Senior debut |
| Valencia | 2014-2016 | 34 | 1 | |
| Racing Club (loan) | 2016 | 11 | 0 | Loan spell |
| Udinese | 2016-2021 | 177 | 33 | 184 total appearances |
| Atlético Madrid | 2021-2025 | 134 | 11 | |
| Inter Miami (loan) | 2025 | 11 | 0 | MLS Cup winner |
| Inter Miami | 2026-Present | 13 | 4 |
International Caps: 89 (as of July 2026)
FAQs
How old is Rodrigo de Paul?
Rodrigo De Paul was born on 24 May 1994 in Sarandí, Argentina, which makes him 32 years old as of 2026.
What is Rodrigo De Paul’s net worth?
Rodrigo De Paul’s net worth is estimated to be approximately £28.6 million ($31 million) as of 2026. He earns £94,000 per week.
Which club does Rodrigo de Paul play for?
Rodrigo De Paul plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. He joined the club on loan in July 2025 and was fully acquired in December 2025.
Has Rodrigo De Paul won the World Cup?
Yes. De Paul was a key member of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Is Rodrigo De Paul going to the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. De Paul was selected for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad and has been a key starter.
What is Rodrigo de Paul’s height?
Rodrigo De Paul stands at 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches).
What trophies has Rodrigo de Paul won?
De Paul has won the Copa América (2021, 2024), Finalissima (2022), FIFA World Cup (2022), and MLS Cup (2025).
Does Rodrigo De Paul have children?
Yes. De Paul has two children with his ex-partner Camila Homs: a daughter named Francesca (born January 2019) and a son named Bautista.
What is Rodrigo de Paul’s position?
Rodrigo De Paul plays as a midfielder, primarily as a central or holding midfielder.
Why is Rodrigo De Paul called Messi’s “bodyguard”?
De Paul earned the nickname for his tireless work rate and protective role around Lionel Messi during Argentina’s run to the 2022 World Cup title.
Key Takeaways
- Rodrigo De Paul is an Argentine midfielder born on 24 May 1994 in Sarandí, Buenos Aires.
- He began his career at Racing Club before moving to Europe, where he played for Valencia, Udinese, and Atlético Madrid.
- He joined Inter Miami in 2025, winning the MLS Cup in his first season.
- He has been a key figure for Argentina, winning the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- He was selected for the 2026 World Cup and has been a key starter for Argentina.
- He has two children with his ex-partner Camila Homs.
- His net worth is estimated at approximately £28.6 million ($31 million).
Conclusion
Rodrigo De Paul’s journey from the streets of Sarandí to the pinnacle of world football is a story of perseverance, versatility, and unwavering commitment. He began his career at Racing Club, the club he supported as a boy, before embarking on a decade-long European adventure that took him from Valencia to Udinese to Atlético Madrid. His tireless work rate, technical ability, and leadership have made him an indispensable part of Argentina’s golden generation. Nicknamed Messi’s “bodyguard” for his protective role around the captain, De Paul has been a key figure in Argentina’s recent triumphs. In 2026, he is competing in his third World Cup, continuing to prove his worth on the biggest stage of all. With a growing legacy as one of Argentina’s modern footballing heroes, Rodrigo De Paul’s story is far from finished.
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