Rodrigo De Paul has built a career on passion, energy, and technical brilliance. From his early days in Argentina to winning the FIFA World Cup with Lionel Messi and leading Atlético Madrid’s midfield, his journey has been inspiring. Known for his tireless work rate, defensive contributions, and creative playmaking, he has become one of the most important midfielders of his generation.
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Early Years at Racing Club
Rodrigo Javier De Paul was born on May 24, 1994, in Sarandí, Argentina. He grew up playing football in the streets, developing the skills and toughness that would define his career. At the age of eight, he joined Racing Club’s youth academy.
De Paul made his professional debut for Racing Club in 2013 at just 19 years old. He quickly established himself as a dynamic midfielder with excellent dribbling and passing ability. His performances caught the attention of European clubs, and after just one full season, he made the jump to Europe.
Move to Valencia: A Tough Challenge
In 2014, De Paul signed for Valencia CF in La Liga. However, his time in Spain started in frustrating fashion. In his very first match, he was sent off just a minute after coming on as a substitute. This early setback reflected the struggles he would face in Spain.
De Paul found it difficult to secure a consistent place in Valencia’s starting lineup. Managers changed frequently, and he struggled to adapt to the tactical demands of Spanish football. After two underwhelming seasons, he returned to Racing Club on loan in 2016 to regain his confidence.
Rebuilding His Career at Udinese
In 2016, De Paul moved to Serie A, joining Udinese. This proved to be the best decision of his career. He finally found the stability and playing time he needed to develop.
At Udinese, he played in multiple roles—attacking midfielder, winger, and central midfielder. His versatility became one of his greatest strengths. By 2018, he was the team’s most important player. His creativity, work rate, and leadership made him stand out in Serie A.
During the 2020-21 season, De Paul was Udinese’s captain and scored nine goals while providing nine assists. Despite playing for a mid-table team, he was one of the best midfielders in Italy. This attracted interest from bigger clubs, and a transfer was inevitable.
Move to Atlético Madrid and La Liga Success
In the summer of 2021, De Paul joined Atlético Madrid for €35 million. Diego Simeone saw him as the perfect fit for Atlético’s high-intensity style. His defensive work, passing range, and ability to carry the ball forward made him an immediate asset.
De Paul adapted quickly to Simeone’s tactics. He became a key figure in Atlético’s midfield, helping the team stay competitive in both La Liga and the Champions League. His partnership with Koke and Marcos Llorente provided balance and energy.
Despite some inconsistency in his first season, De Paul continued to improve. By the 2023-24 season, he had fully established himself as a leader in Atlético’s squad. His performances in big matches earned him praise from fans and analysts alike.
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Winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina
De Paul’s greatest achievement came with Argentina. He made his international debut in 2018 under Lionel Scaloni and quickly became an essential player.
In the 2021 Copa América, he played a key role in Argentina’s triumph. In the final against Brazil, his assist to Ángel Di María secured a 1-0 victory. His hard work and tactical discipline helped Argentina lift their first major trophy since 1993.
However, the highlight of his career came in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. De Paul was Argentina’s engine in midfield. His relentless pressing, ball control, and leadership were crucial throughout the tournament.
In the final against France, he played a vital role in controlling the midfield and protecting Lionel Messi. Argentina won on penalties, and De Paul became a World Cup champion. His emotional celebrations showed how much the victory meant to him.
Post-World Cup: Leadership and Consistency
After winning the World Cup, De Paul’s confidence reached new heights. He continued to perform at a high level for both Atlético Madrid and Argentina. By 2025, he remained a key player in both squads.
At Atlético, he helped the team remain competitive in La Liga and the Champions League. His experience and leadership became even more valuable as younger players looked up to him.
For Argentina, he continued to be a leader in the midfield. As Lionel Messi aged, De Paul took on more responsibility, guiding the next generation of Argentine talent.
Playing Style: The Complete Midfielder
De Paul’s game is built on a unique combination of skills. He is not just a defensive midfielder or a playmaker—he does both. His ability to cover ground, win tackles, and distribute the ball makes him an all-around midfielder.
His dribbling and passing allow him to break defensive lines and create chances. De Paul’s aggressive pressing forces opponents into mistakes. But his greatest strength is his mentality. He fights for every ball and never stops running.
What’s Next for De Paul?
As he moves into the next phase of his career, De Paul remains one of the top midfielders in Europe. By 2025, he may still be a key figure at Atlético Madrid or move to another top club. There have been rumors of interest from Premier League teams, but his loyalty to Simeone’s system has kept him in Spain.
For Argentina, he will likely play a major role in the 2024 Copa América and the 2026 World Cup cycle. His leadership will be crucial as the national team transitions to a new era.
Conclusion
Rodrigo De Paul’s career is a testament to resilience and hard work. From struggling at Valencia to becoming a World Cup winner, he has proven himself at every level. His journey shows how determination and belief can turn setbacks into success.
As he continues to dominate in midfield, fans can expect many more memorable performances. Whether for Atlético Madrid or Argentina, De Paul remains a warrior on the pitch and a leader in the locker room. His legacy as one of Argentina’s finest midfielders is already secured.
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