Every soccer player dreams of reaching the highest level of the professional game. At the Cantera Rojiblanca, the development process aims to provide players with the tools they need to achieve that goal. Emiliano Rodríguez is a clear example of this work: thanks to his performances in the AP26 tournament, he has earned his first call-up to Guadalajara’s First Team.
Here’s the journey of the young player who continues to take important steps toward reaching the top flight.
Where Is Emiliano Rodríguez From?
Emiliano Rodríguez Valadez was born on January 26, 2008, in León, Guanajuato. From a very young age, he discovered his passion for soccer and began working to turn it into a career.
What Position Does He Play?
The Rojiblanco academy product can play as either a center back or a defensive midfielder. His main strengths include leadership, reading the game, and individual technique.
His Arrival at the Cantera Rojiblanca
Emiliano joined Guadalajara at the age of 13 after the club’s scouting department spotted his talent during a tournament in his hometown of León and invited him to join the club. His first tournament as a Rojiblanco was AP22, with the U-14 team. He remained at that level through CL23, playing 30 matches, logging 2,271 minutes, and scoring five goals across the regular season and Liguilla. He also played a decisive role in winning the title, scoring the championship-winning goal in the second leg of the final against Pumas.
He subsequently moved up to the U-16 team, where he recorded 18 appearances, 1,235 minutes, and one goal between AP23 and CL24. During that period, he also featured for Guadalajara’s Third Division team and took part in the Torneo del Sol, playing two matches and logging 165 minutes.
At the U-17 level, he recorded 24 appearances and 1,626 minutes across the AP24 and CL25 tournaments. Later, with the U-19 team, he competed in AP24, CL25, and AP25, recording 17 appearances, 1,126 minutes, and two goals. He also played in the U-19 Copa Promesas during the 2025–26 season, logging 315 minutes across four matches.
His journey also took him to the U-21 team, where he made his debut in AP25 and continued playing through CL26. Across those tournaments, he made 19 appearances and logged 1,458 minutes while earning a place in Luis Arce’s system. He was also part of the team that won the category’s most recent championship.
Emiliano Rodríguez’s Apertura 2026
During the current tournament, Emiliano has played 11 matches with the U-21 team, starting 10 of them and totaling 868 minutes. He also appeared in one match with the U-19 side, starting from the opening whistle. His standout performances caught the attention of the Rojiblanco coaching staff and opened the door for his first experience with the First Team.
His First Call-Up to Chivas Under Gabriel Milito
Emiliano received his first call-up to the team managed by Gabriel Milito for the El Clásico de México friendly in Oakland. The opportunity allowed him to record his first minutes with the First Team of the club he has always loved.
Mexico National Team
Emiliano Rodríguez has also been part of several Mexico National Team youth programs, representing his country at the U-15 and U-17 levels. His participation with these teams reflects his growth as a player and the potential he has demonstrated throughout his development.
Emiliano’s journey reflects both the scouting and development work carried out by the Cantera Rojiblanca and his daily commitment to making the most of the tools provided by Club Deportivo Guadalajara as he continues to grow into a professional soccer player.
A Rojiblanco Note…
-
His soccer role models are José Juan “Gallo” Vázquez, Javier Hernández, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
-
In his free time, he most enjoys spending time with friends and family and taking his pet for walks.
-
His favorite food is tacos.
