Raúl Rodríguez Navarro (born 22 September 1987) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Chinese club Shanghai Shenxin F.C. as a central defender.
Football career
Espanyol
Born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Rodríguez made his professional debuts with UDA Gramenet, going on to play in three full Segunda División B seasons with the team. In the 2010 summer he signed for neighbouring RCD Espanyol, being initially assigned to the B-side.
After the club sold Víctor Ruiz in the 2011 January transfer window, and Juan Forlín suffered a serious injury, Rodríguez was propelled to the first team by manager Mauricio Pochettino. On 27 November 2010 he made his La Liga debut, coming on as a substitute for Dani Osvaldo in the last minute of a 3–2 away win against Atlético Madrid, and finished his first professional season with ten appearances, including eight starts.
Rodríguez was definitely promoted to the main squad on 1 August 2011. On 19 June 2012 he renewed his contract with the club, running until 2015.
On 8 January 2015, having been completely ostracized by new coach Sergio, Rodríguez cut ties with the Pericos as it was due to expire on 30 June.
Houston Dynamo
On 9 January 2015, Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer announced they had signed Rodríguez. He made his debut for his new club on 8 March, being replaced in injury time of a 1–0 home win over the Columbus Crew. His first goal came on 25 April, in a 4–4 draw against Sporting Kansas City.