Rodrigo De Paul: The Journey of an Argentine Midfield Warrior
Rodrigo De Paul is a name that resonates with passion, determination, and talent in the world of football. As an Argentine midfielder, he has captured the hearts of fans with his relentless effort, versatility, and pivotal role in the Argentine national team, particularly alongside Lionel Messi. His journey, marked by highs and lows, embodies the essence of a player who blends technical skill with grit and love for the jersey he wears. This article explores De Paul’s life, career, and impact on football, celebrating his path from Sarandí, Argentina, to the elite stages of international football.
Early Life and Beginnings
Roots in Sarandí
Rodrigo Javier De Paul was born on May 24, 1994, in Sarandí, a city in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Raised in a humble neighborhood, football was more than a sport—it was a cultural passion. From a young age, De Paul displayed a natural talent for the game, dribbling makeshift balls in the streets with friends and dreaming of following in the footsteps of Argentine idols like Juan Román Riquelme and Ángel Di María.
First Steps at Racing Club
At age 10, De Paul joined the youth academy of Racing Club de Avellaneda, one of Argentina’s most storied clubs. His skill with the ball and tireless energy quickly set him apart. He progressed through the youth ranks, developing a playing style that combined vision, precise passing, and an impressive ability to win back possession. His dedication to Racing earned him a professional contract, marking the start of his high-level football career.
Club Career
Debut at Racing Club
In 2012, De Paul made his senior debut for Racing Club at just 17 years old. His energy and bravery caught attention, though he was still a young player in a competitive environment. Over two seasons, he played 54 matches and scored 6 goals, showing flashes of brilliance. However, the pressures of Argentine football and the need to mature prompted him to seek new opportunities abroad.
European Adventure: Valencia and Udinese
In 2014, De Paul transferred to Valencia in Spain’s La Liga, a move that promised to be a major step in his career. However, adapting to La Liga proved challenging. Facing intense competition and a different playing style, he struggled to secure a regular spot, playing just 34 matches over two seasons. Despite the difficulties, the experience in Spain was crucial for his personal and professional growth.
In 2016, De Paul found a new home at Udinese in Italy’s Serie A. It was in Italy that he truly began to establish himself as a world-class midfielder. Over five seasons, he played 184 matches, scoring 34 goals and providing 36 assists. His ability to switch between offensive and defensive roles, combined with his technical quality, attracted attention from Europe’s biggest clubs. Udinese became the stage where De Paul honed his combative and creative style.
Consolidation at Atlético Madrid
In July 2021, after winning the Copa América with Argentina, De Paul signed with Atlético Madrid for €35 million. Under the guidance of Diego Simeone, known for his philosophy of grit and tactical discipline, De Paul evolved further. Simeone molded him into a complete midfielder, capable of pressing opponents, winning back possession, and initiating attacks with precise passes. Over four seasons, he played 187 matches, scored 14 goals, and provided 11 assists, becoming a key piece in the team’s setup.
However, his time at Atlético had its ups and downs. Despite his dedication, some fans felt he didn’t replicate the same brilliance seen with Argentina. In 2025, De Paul surprised the football world by signing with Inter Miami in the MLS to play alongside Lionel Messi, marking a new chapter in his career.
Argentine National Team: Messi’s “Bodyguard”
Debut and Rise
De Paul debuted for the Argentine national team in 2018, in a 4-0 victory over Iraq. Under coach Lionel Scaloni, he quickly became an undisputed starter. His relentless energy and tactical versatility made him the perfect complement to Lionel Messi’s genius. In 2019, he helped Argentina secure third place in the Copa América, defeating Chile 2-1.
Copa América 2021: First Major Title
The pinnacle of De Paul’s career came in the 2021 Copa América, held in Brazil. He scored the opening goal in the quarterfinals against Ecuador (3-0) and was decisive in the final against Brazil. A long pass from De Paul found Ángel Di María, who scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory, securing Argentina’s 15th Copa América title and their first major trophy since 1993. His partnership with Messi flourished, earning De Paul the nickname “Messi’s bodyguard” for his protective role on and off the pitch.
2022 World Cup: Global Consecration
In 2022, De Paul was a cornerstone of Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar. His intensity in midfield, pressing opponents and initiating attacks, was crucial. He played every match, showcasing remarkable tactical growth. A former Udinese teammate, Brazilian Sandro, praised his transformation: “He’s not the player I played with. Before, he was a number 10 who didn’t track back. Now, he’s a complete midfielder with intensity and desire.” The combination of Simeone’s coaching at Atlético and the inspiration of playing alongside Messi was pivotal to this evolution.
Copa América 2024: Back-to-Back Champion
In 2024, De Paul shone again in the Copa América held in the United States. Despite quieter performances in the group stage, he stepped up in the knockout rounds, delivering a standout display in the final as Argentina clinched the title. His dedication to the Albiceleste cemented his status as a leader of Argentina’s new generation.
Playing Style
Versatility and Combativeness
Rodrigo De Paul is known for his combative and versatile playing style. In midfield, he can fulfill multiple roles: winning back possession, distributing precise passes, and advancing to create scoring chances. His ability to press opponents with intensity makes him ideal for modern tactical systems.
Technical Quality
Despite his reputation as a “warrior,” De Paul possesses refined technical skills. His long passes, like the one that led to Di María’s goal in the 2021 Copa América final, demonstrate his vision. He is also adept at dribbling and finishing, though his focus remains on collective play.
Leadership and Charisma
Off the pitch, De Paul is a natural leader. His friendship with Messi, marked by shared mate sessions and card games, has made him a bridge between the star and Argentina’s younger players. He is seen as a future captain of the national team due to his influence on and off the field.
Personal Life
Family and Roots
De Paul maintains strong ties with his family despite the distance. He has expressed regret over the limited time he spends with loved ones, describing the life of a footballer as a “golden prison.” Since 2016, he has lived in Europe, far from Sarandí, but the Argentine national team reconnects him to his cultural roots.
Relationships and Controversies
De Paul was married to model Camila Homs, with whom he has two children, Francesca and Bautista. Their 11-year marriage ended in 2022 amid speculation of infidelity involving Argentine singer Tini. The separation was contentious, with De Paul accusing Homs of harassment and agreeing to a significant settlement, including 10% of his salary and luxury properties. Despite the controversies, he remains focused on his career and raising his children.
Impact and Legacy
Inspiration for the Next Generation
Rodrigo De Paul is a beacon of determination for young players. His journey from a humble neighborhood in Sarandí to the biggest stages in football inspires dreamers across Argentina. His transformation from a classic number 10 to a complete midfielder highlights the importance of adaptability and hard work.
Legacy with the Argentine National Team
With four titles for Argentina—Copa América 2021 and 2024, the 2022 World Cup, and the Finalissima—De Paul has already left his mark on the Albiceleste’s history. His partnership with Messi and his leadership ensure he will be remembered as a pillar of Argentina’s golden era.
New Chapter at Inter Miami
His move to Inter Miami in 2025, at age 31, surprised many but reflects his desire to play alongside Messi at the club level for the first time. The move also offers a chance to enjoy life off the pitch, which he deeply values. At Inter Miami, he joins other former Messi teammates like Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez in an ambitious project led by David Beckham.
Conclusion
Rodrigo De Paul is more than a footballer—he is a symbol of passion, resilience, and loyalty. From his humble roots in Sarandí to his consecration as a world champion, he has proven that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle. His story is still being written, and whether in the MLS or with the Argentine national team, De Paul will continue to inspire with his commitment on the pitch and charisma off it. For Argentine fans, he is Messi’s “bodyguard,” the heart of the midfield, and a true warrior of the Albiceleste.
