Rodri Hernández hit a major milestone in Spain’s last friendly before Euro 2024 in Mallorca against Northern Ireland – his 50th international match. He’s now one of the team’s key leaders on and off the pitch, with one special memory standing out: his debut game.

It was on March 23, 2018, in a friendly against Germany in Düsseldorf, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Rodri came on in the 82nd minute, replacing Thiago Alcántara.

“I fulfilled my biggest dream since I was a kid, playing for my country’s national team,” Rodri recalled. “Football and life go by so fast. Behind those 50 games, there are many sweet memories and some not so sweet. I’ve played in a World Cup, a Euro, and a Nations League, but if I had to pick one moment, it would be my debut,” confessed the Manchester City player.

He also mentioned the special feeling of winning the Nations League with Spain in 2023, ending an eleven-year trophy drought. “The day we won the Nations League was very special, especially because of the teammates I shared it with. So many have come through the team; we have one of the best football academies in Europe and the world.”

“It’s gone by very quickly. It’s a huge honor to play 50 matches in my country’s jersey. I have so many important moments. It’s not easy to reach this number, and I hope I have many more games to come. But it’s a big number, and I’m very proud.”

Rodri was surprised with a jersey bearing the number 50. Álvaro Morata played host, as shown in a video posted by the Federation on social media, speaking to everyone on the plane.

“We need to congratulate the legendary Rodri on his 50 matches with the national team. We wish him the best month of his life because that will mean it’ll be the best for us too,” Morata said to Rodri.

Rodri thanked everyone for the love and set a challenge for the team: “You’re my second family. Playing 50 matches for my country’s national team is a huge honor, especially with another Euro coming up. The peak looks very high, but we’ll climb it step by step, and I’m sure we’ll get there.”