Spain’s triumph at the 2026 World Cup saw Rodri Hernández as its masterful orchestrator. With a memorable performance at the World Cup, the FC Barcelona midfielder once again demonstrated why he is one of the best in his position.

This display not only reaffirmed his status as a world-class player, but also placed him once again amongst the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or award, a honour he had already won in 2024.

However, what truly sets Rodri apart is the mental fortitude that underpins his performance.

In an era dominated by digital exposure, the Madrid-born player has reached the very top of the world with a lifestyle that is not common amongst the professional elite.

In this article, we’ll look at the habits that allow Rodri to remain impervious to media pressure and stay grounded.

University as a grounding force

Unlike most elite footballers, Rodri combined the demands of professional football with his studies.

Between 2013 and 2021 – whilst playing for Villarreal CF and later Manchester City – he studied for and graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Management (ADE) at Jaume I University in Castellón.

During his first years at university, he chose to live in halls of residence to maintain a down-to-earth routine. “People were surprised to see me in the halls, but I wanted to study and have a normal life. For me, going to lectures was a way of switching off from football and keeping my feet on the ground,” he recalled of that period.

Although it took him six years rather than four to graduate due to the demands of his sporting career, the effort paid off and his studies proved to be the perfect complement to keep his mind balanced off the pitch.

Guardiola’s support and a rejection of digital life

However, university was only half the story. The second pillar of his emotional armour — and the most unusual in modern football — is his total isolation from the digital world.

During his time in England, Rodri found in Pep Guardiola a manager who immediately backed this philosophy of life…

The Catalan manager has always emphasised that the ability to understand the outside world makes a player a better decision-maker on the pitch.

“Rodri isn’t on social media; he doesn’t need anyone’s approval outside his immediate circle. That makes him mentally stronger. He graduated whilst playing at the highest level. That tells you everything about his intelligence and his capacity for sacrifice,” said Guardiola.

For Rodri, staying away from digital platforms is a direct strategy for mental wellbeing.

The footballer himself explained that this disconnection gives him the peace of mind he needs to perform at the highest level: “Sometimes the brain isn’t designed for that constant pressure.”

“Social media has managed to take over our lives, and we’re not aware of how much time it takes away from us living our real lives. Keeping my private life to myself is what gives me the peace of mind to perform,” he concluded.

A model of success outside the norm

His commitment to education and looking after his mental health has forged an athlete who is impervious to pressure.

His recent achievements bear witness to this unconventional path to glory:

  • 2026 World Cup: World champion and a key figure in the Spanish national team.

  • Ballon d'Or 2024: Winner of football’s most prestigious individual award and nominated again in 2026.

  • Euro 2024: European champion and named the tournament’s MVP.

  • Success with Manchester City: Winner of a historic treble (UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup) and multiple English league champion.

The case of Rodri Hernández shows that to dominate world football, you don’t need to amass millions of followers online, but rather to remain true to your personal values and look after your mind with the same discipline with which you train your body.

Without a doubt, the habits of a legend.