Rodrigo De Paul

Rodrigo Javier De Paul is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. Known for his relentless energy, passing range, and defensive work rate, he has earned the nickname 'El Motor' (The Engine) in the midfield. De Paul has been a key figure in Argentina's recent golden era, winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América. He currently plays alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, where he joined in 2025. With over 8 million Instagram followers, De Paul is one of the most recognizable Argentine footballers of his generation, admired for his grit and leadership on the pitch.[edit]

De Paul grew up in the working-class suburb of Sarandí, where he played street football and idolized Argentine stars like Juan Román Riquelme. His father worked in a factory and his mother was a homemaker; they supported his early passion for the game. He attended local schools but left formal education early to pursue football full-time. At age 8, he joined the youth academy of Racing Club de Avellaneda, where he progressed through the ranks. His first pivotal moment came when he was scouted by Racing Club, and he made his senior debut for the club in 2012 at age 18. By 2014, his performances earned a transfer to Valencia CF in La Liga, marking his first step onto the European stage.[edit]

De Paul made his professional debut for Racing Club de Avellaneda in 2012. In 2014, he transferred to Valencia CF for €4.7 million, making his La Liga debut. Two years later, he moved to Udinese in Serie A for €3 million, becoming a key midfielder. He made his senior international debut for Argentina on September 11, 2018, in a friendly against Guatemala. In 2021, he won the Copa América with Argentina and transferred to Atlético Madrid for €35 million. The following year, he played a crucial role in Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup victory, starting in the final against France. He won his second Copa América in 2024. In 2025, he joined Inter Miami CF on a free transfer, reuniting with Lionel Messi and other former national teammates. As of 2026, he continues to feature for Inter Miami and the Argentina national team.[edit]

De Paul is known as an energetic, combative midfielder with excellent passing range and stamina. The media portrays him as the 'heart and soul' of the Argentina midfield, often praised for his defensive contributions and leadership. His social media voice is humble and team-focused, posting training clips and match highlights. Fans refer to him simply as 'De Paul' or 'Rodri,' and chant his name during Argentina matches. His content tone is professional but relaxed, and he connects with fans through his relentless playing style and dedication to the national team.[edit]

Rodrigo De Paul commands a digital following that transcends his club and national team affiliations, with 16 million followers on Instagram tracking his life directly rather than through generic fan clubs. While his support base is often subsumed under the broader identities of Inter Miami or Argentina supporters, he has cultivated a distinct personal brand through initiatives like @shhhhhh.arg. His connection to fans is defined by profound emotional resonance, most notably in August 2026 when he scored a spectacular goal against Nashville SC in Toronto and revealed a jersey reading "Jorge Messi" inside, dedicating the moment to Lionel Messi's late father. This act of loyalty cemented his status as a man of honor, turning him into a legend who embodies the spirit of the team. He is widely known as the "bodyguard" to Lionel Messi, a narrative built on his relentless work rate and tactical shielding of the superstar. Despite his massive individual reach, his fanbase lacks a formalized moniker, operating instead through the infrastructure of his teams. His protective stance against conspiracy theories regarding Argentina's World Cup campaign further endears him to a global audience that values grit and authenticity. Rodrigo De Paul is currently the 15th most famous person from Argentina according to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. He also holds the position of the 80th most famous person in Latin America, maintaining these standings steadily across cycles.[edit]

Known as 'El Motor' for his tireless midfield engine, De Paul listens to Argentine rock band Los Piojos before matches and carries a tattoo of the World Cup trophy inked after 2022. As a child, he served as a ball boy for Racing Club before entering their academy and speaks Italian alongside Spanish. He once remarked he would play football for free but appreciates the paycheck. A defining chapter of his legacy occurred in August 2026 in Toronto, where he scored a stunning goal and pulled up his jersey to reveal the name "Jorge Messi," honoring Lionel Messi's late father in front of 45,000 spectators. This emotional tribute became an instant classic, reinforcing his reputation as the ultimate teammate. Fans frequently recount his role as Messi's "bodyguard," a story that frames his defensive grit as essential to the superstar's success. The cultural mythology surrounding him blends tactical brilliance with deep personal loyalty, creating a narrative where his value extends far beyond statistics.[edit]

De Paul was born to a factory worker father and a homemaker mother in Sarandí. He has not publicly named his parents or siblings, keeping his family life private. He has no children. As of 2026, he is single and lives in Miami, Florida, during the MLS season. He owns real estate in Buenos Aires and Madrid. He has not publicly mentioned any pets.[edit]

De Paul has played alongside Lionel Messi for both Argentina and Inter Miami. He shares a close friendship with Argentina teammates Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina. At Inter Miami, he reunites with former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. He also played with Ángel Di María and Julián Álvarez on the national team.[edit]

De Paul's first public relationship was with Argentine model and influencer Camila Homs, from 2018 to early 2022. The split was acrimonious, with Homs publicly accusing him of infidelity. Shortly after, he began dating Argentine singer and actress Tini Stoessel in mid-2022, a relationship that attracted intense media coverage. They split in late 2023, citing busy schedules. In 2024, he briefly dated Argentine model María José, but they separated amicably in early 2025. As of 2026, De Paul is single and not publicly linked to anyone.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Rodrigo De Paul's net worth stands at $25 Million as of 2026. His primary income source is his MLS salary with Inter Miami, reportedly around $7 million per year. Prior contracts include a €35 million transfer to Atlético Madrid in 2021, where he earned approximately €5 million net annually, and earlier deals at Udinese and Valencia. Endorsement deals with Adidas and Pepsi add an estimated $1–2 million per year. He also holds real estate investments in Buenos Aires and Madrid. His net worth has grown steadily since his 2022 World Cup victory, which boosted his marketability.[edit]

De Paul has won team honors with Argentina: the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the FIFA World Cup in 2022, and the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions in 2022. He has not won any major individual awards.[edit]