Ricardo Rodriguez is a name synonymous with Swiss football success. His contributions were crucial in securing Switzerland’s place in the 2018 World Cup. Despite their strong qualifying run, Switzerland found themselves facing a tense play-off against Northern Ireland. Rodriguez’s impact was undeniable. He scored the sole goal in the first leg and, in the return match, he heroically cleared a dangerous header off the line in the 91st minute, sealing a 1-0 aggregate victory. It’s safe to say that without the Milan defender, Switzerland wouldn’t have made it to Russia.
A Fight for Life Before Football Glory
Rodriguez’s journey to football stardom is truly extraordinary. It’s hard to believe that this skilled athlete, who now graces the field with effortless grace, was once given a 50% chance of survival.
When Rodriguez’s mother, Marcela, was eight months pregnant, doctors discovered that her unborn child had a diaphragmatic hernia. This serious condition occurs when there’s a hole in the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to migrate into the chest cavity. In Ricardo’s case, his stomach, spleen, liver, and intestines had all shifted into his chest. Immediately after birth, he underwent emergency surgery. The situation was so critical that doctors even called in a priest to prepare for the worst.
However, Ricardo’s grandfather, Nelson, refused to accept the grim prognosis. He told the priest to leave, declaring that his grandson was strong and would pull through. He was right. After Ricardo’s uncle placed a small picture of the Madonna on his bed, the little boy miraculously recovered. His mother, with immense relief, later said: “Our Lady did a good job.”
A Mother’s Love and a Never-Ending Bond
Ricardo’s recovery was a slow and delicate process. He had to endure frequent hospital checkups for the first three years of his life. Any illness, even a simple cold, could have posed a serious threat to his health. Despite these challenges, his mother’s love and unwavering support were his greatest strength.
The bond between mother and son was unbreakable, and it remained so even after Marcela passed away from cancer in 2015. In her memory, Rodriguez tattooed the number 68, her birth year, on his back. He also bears the initials “J” and “M” on his neck, representing his father, José, and his mother, Marcela.
The number 68 holds a special significance for the entire Rodriguez family. His two brothers, Roberto and Francisco, also wear the number 68 on their jerseys. “I can still hear my mother,” Ricardo says. “She’s in my head. She’s in my heart. I’m fine, thank God.”
As a teenager, Ricardo added another powerful symbol to his body. He had a portrait of the Madonna tattooed on his right upper arm. This image represents his belief in his protector, and it serves as a constant reminder of the challenges he has overcome.
From the Bronx of Zurich to the Italian Elite
Ricardo’s childhood was spent in Schwamendingen, a neighbourhood described as the “Bronx of Zurich” due to its proximity to industrial areas and its rough reputation. Despite his difficult surroundings, he found solace in football.
He began his career at FC Schwamendingen at the young age of six. While his older brother Roberto trained with their rivals, Grasshopper Club Zürich, Ricardo opted to join FC Zürich. It was a decision that would shape his future.
His talent quickly became apparent. At 17 years and eight months, he made his first-team debut for FC Zürich, and two years later he was called up to the Swiss national team. In 2009, he even became a world under-17 champion with Switzerland.
His club career continued to ascend. In 2012, he signed with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, where he established himself as a key player. He impressed with his versatility, scoring 22 goals in 184 league games, a respectable feat for a full-back.
Last summer, Ricardo joined AC Milan. He now resides in City Life, an exclusive and luxurious apartment complex in Milan, where his neighbour is the famous Italian singer Tiziano Ferro.
Remembering His Roots
Schwamendingen might seem a world away from Ricardo’s current life, but his heart remains deeply connected to his roots. He never forgets where he came from, and his journey serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work, resilience, and a little bit of faith, anything is possible.
Ricardo Rodriguez is a true inspiration. His story, one of unwavering determination and a powerful tribute to the strength of the human spirit, serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity. He is a shining example of how even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome, paving the way for extraordinary achievements.
