Rodrigo De Paul
A relentless midfield engine whose tactical intelligence and fierce passion became a cornerstone of Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Argentine footballer·Birthday: May 24·Millennials
Biography
Rodrigo De Paul's journey from the youth ranks of Racing Club in Avellaneda to the summit of world football is a story of relentless evolution. Initially a flashy winger in Argentina, his move to Europe, first to Valencia and then Udinese, saw him transform into a complete, box-to-box midfielder. It was in Italy where he honed the defensive grit and playmaking vision that caught the eye of Lionel Scaloni. De Paul became Scaloni's undisputed tactical lieutenant on the pitch for the Argentine national team, a role defined by boundless energy, aggressive ball recovery, and a crucial, unselfish link between defense and attack. His work rate and partnership with Lionel Messi were instrumental in ending Argentina's 28-year wait for a World Cup, cementing his status not just as a player, but as a vital cultural figure in that historic campaign. After a stint at Atlético Madrid, he now brings his experience to Inter Miami.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Rodrigo was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Rodrigo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Rodrigo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with the Argentina national team in Qatar.
- Lifted the 2021 Copa América with Argentina, their first major trophy in 28 years.
- Key figure in Atlético Madrid's 2020-21 La Liga championship-winning season.
- Named to the Copa América Team of the Tournament in 2021 for his dominant midfield displays.
- Recorded over 60 caps for the Argentine national team as a central midfield fixture.
Did You Know?
He is famously known for his close friendship and on-field understanding with Lionel Messi, often acting as his primary protector and link-up player.
Before football, he was a promising roller hockey player in his youth.
He has a distinctive large eagle tattoo on his back, which he got after Argentina's Copa América win.
His father, Osvaldo De Paul, was also a professional footballer who played for clubs like Rosario Central.
“I always said I wanted to be a part of the national team that gives something to the people, and today we gave them the greatest joy.”
