So Long To Santi: NYCFC Sends Rodriguez To Brazil

  

Santi Rodriguez in action against Cincinnati during last season’s playoffs. @NYCFC.

New York City Football Club announced some rather stunning news ahead of opening night in Miami, as midfielder Santiago Rodríguez was sold to to Brazilian side Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas in exchange for the club’s second highest transfer fee, also one of the highest in Major League Soccer (MLS) history. NYCFC will receive a sell-on percentage if he is sold in the future. 

The midfielder joined NYCFC in the summer of 2021 on loan from fellow City Football Group (CFG) club Montevideo City Torque. He then became the club’s ninth Designated Player, donning the number 10 jersey, in 2023. 

In four seasons with NYCFC, the Uruguayan made 144 appearances, scoring 34 goals and providing 28 assists across all competitions. He played a crucial role helping the franchise lift its first-ever MLS Cup in 2021, and when they followed that up with the 2022 Campeones Cup.

Last season, Rodriguez scored 16 goals and had 10 assists across 40 appearances. One of the highlights of his season was when he scored the fastest MLS goal in NYCFC history, just 17 seconds into a match against Nashville. 

Rodríguez became a member of The Century Club when he made his 100th MLS appearance, the 13th NYCFC player to join this exclusive club. Rodriguez ranks second in assists, fourth in goals and sixth in all-time appearances for NYCFC.

NYCFC Sporting Director David Lee said in a statement, "Santi has established himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in MLS. His development across the last four years with the club and his recent performances resulted in interest from teams around the world. We have a proud track record of supporting our players’ journeys to help them maximize their career ambitions. While we will miss Santi’s infectious personality in the locker room and his impact on the field, we wanted to support Santi’s wishes while also making sure the club received appropriate compensation for a player of his caliber.

“We’re incredibly proud of the impact that Santi had throughout his time here. From joining us on loan in 2021 to becoming our No. 10 and Designated Player, Santi has played a pivotal role in our success, helping us lift both the MLS Cup and Campeones Cup. Joining The Century Club and becoming a key figure in our team speaks to his quality and consistency.

“The fee we received will be one of the highest ever for an outgoing transfer in MLS history and is a reflection of Santi’s hard work and growth, as well as the strength of our player development pathway through City Football Group,” said Lee. “The move provides us with the opportunity to reinvest in our roster, giving us additional flexibility, including an open Designated Player spot, as we continue to build around an already strong core of players under Head Coach Pascal Jansen’s vision. We thank Santi for his contributions to New York City FC both on the field and in the wider community. We will all be following his time in Brazil closely and wishing him all the best in this next chapter of his career.” 

Santiago Rodríguez said in a statement, “Looking back, so many moments and incredible memories have shaped my time here. From the start, New York City FC has felt like home, and I’ve been fortunate to share this journey with amazing teammates, staff, and, most importantly, the fans. Their support and love have meant everything to me, and I’m truly grateful.  
 
“After five years with this club, saying goodbye is not easy. New York City FC has been a defining part of my career and life, and I will always carry these memories with me. While this chapter is ending, the love and connection I’ve felt here will never fade. Thank you for everything—this city and this club will always have a special place in my heart.”