Profile: Guido Rodríguez
Your guide to our new signing
Age: 30
Nationality: Argentinian
Position: Defensive midfielder
Transfer fee: Free
"I feel like it’s every footballer’s dream to play in the Premier League, and I was very excited when I heard that West Ham were interested in me. It’s a historic club that has a really interesting project. I think it’s the right club for me, at the right time, and I hope together we can keep growing"1.
BBC Sport
River Plate
Born on 12th April 1994 in Sáenz Peña, Buenos Aires, Guido Rodríguez embarked on his footballing journey with the River Plate youth academy. Though struggling for consistent game time during his formative years, he made his senior debut for the Argentine giants in October 2014, featuring in a Copa Argentina quarter-final clash against Rosario Central. Over the next couple of seasons, Rodríguez's appearances remained limited, with only 16 league outings and a loan stint at Defensa y Justicia in 2016.
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Tijuana
In the summer of 2016, Rodríguez joined Mexican side Club Tijuana. He swiftly established himself as a vital cog, making 39 league appearances and scoring five goals.
Club América
His performances caught the eye of Club América, who secured his services in July 2017 for a reported $7 million fee. Rodríguez flourished, playing a role in América's 2018 Apertura triumph and earning the coveted Balón de Oro award in 2019 for his outstanding contributions.
In addition to the 2018 Apertura title, he guided the club to the 2019 Clausura Copa MX and was named the Liga MX Defensive Midfielder of the Year in 2016-17 and 2018-19.
Real Betis
In January 2020, with six months remaining on his América contract, Rodríguez joined La Liga side Real Betis. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3-0 victory over Osasuna in July 2020.
Rodríguez's breakthrough came in the 2021-22 season when he played a role in Betis' historic Copa del Rey triumph, featuring in the full 120 minutes of the final against Valencia.
Internationals
Rodríguez's earnt his first call-up in June 2017 for a friendly against Brazil. He has since amassed 30 caps, scoring one goal – a strike against Uruguay in the 2021 Copa América.
He played a role in Argentina's triumphant 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar and was an integral part of the squads that clinched the 2021 and 2024 Copa América crowns. He also played in Argentina's 2022 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions triumph, where they defeated Italy 3-0.
West Ham United
On 6 August 2024, West Ham United announced the acquisition of Rodríguez on a free transfer, following the expiry of his Betis contract. The Argentine's pedigree, encompassing two Copa América triumphs (2021 and 2024), the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2022 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions, made him a marquee signing for the Hammers.
The 30-year-old revealed that he had consulted his former teammate and current West Ham midfielder Edson Álvarez before making the move, with both players eagerly anticipating their reunion in East London.
The Argentine's wealth of experience, coupled with his proven ability to deliver on the biggest stages, promises to elevate the Hammers' aspirations and instil a winning mentality within the squad.
Career Overview
River Plate (2014-2016)
Matches: 16
Goals: 1
Defensa y Justicia (Loan) (2016)
Matches: 15
Goals: 0
Tijuana (2016-2017)
Matches: 39
Goals: 5
América (2017-2020)
Matches: 103
Goals: 12
Real Betis (2020-2024)
Matches: 139
Goals: 6
West Ham United (2024-Present)
Honours
River Plate:
Copa Sudamericana: 2014
Recopa Sudamericana: 2015
América:
Liga MX: Apertura 2018
Copa MX: Clausura 2019
Real Betis:
Copa del Rey: 2021-2022
Argentina:
Copa América: 2021, 2024
FIFA World Cup: 2022
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions: 2022