In a significant career move, 17-year-old Rodriguez, an emerging talent in English football, has transitioned from Southampton to Lyon, where he has been making his mark as a striker. The young player, who holds a Portuguese passport, recently scored in England’s under-17s Euros opener against Belgium. Despite being offered a promising deal by Southampton, Rodriguez opted to join Lyon, where he made his senior debut against Lens in the Europa League. Originally from Venezuela, Rodriguez was discovered by Southampton while playing for a local team in Eastleigh.
Rodriguez said: “I’ve always been a goalscorer growing up, and I’ve played there this season with Lyon. It’s been great for me in France this year. I didn’t know how it was going to be when I first arrived as I didn’t know anyone there. I can speak English, Spanish and Portuguese, but didn’t speak French but the people have been great and they talk to me every day about how I am and how I’m feeling, so it’s been very positive and I like it over there. It’s obviously a different kind of football from in England, but you get used to it in and that’s what I’ve managed to do in the last six months.”
Rodriguez’s adaptation to French football has been impressive, as he has netted 12 goals in 22 appearances for Lyon’s youth teams, compared to three goals in 13 matches for Southampton. His journey from Venezuela to England began at the age of 10, facilitated by his uncle who was already residing in Southampton. Rodriguez’s early footballing days saw him join Eastleigh, where his goal-scoring prowess caught the attention of Southampton scouts, leading to a trial and subsequent signing.
Rodriguez added: “When I was a young kid, I always wanted to be a professional footballer and that was one of my goals, to move to a European country. My uncle helped to move me and my family over to England, and I’ve just gone through the ranks of football since then and it’s all been very fast. I first joined Eastleigh, which was near where we lived and after I scored a lot of goals there, Southampton had a look at me and took me on trial. They signed me after one week. After two months there, I got a scholarship with them and soon after that I got into the England squad.”
Rodriguez’s journey highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by young talents in the football world. His ability to adapt to different styles of play and cultures is a testament to his dedication and ambition. As he continues to develop in Lyon, Rodriguez’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers aiming to make their mark on the international stage.
