Jesús Rodríguez Shines as Betis Eyes European Glory

SEVILLA, Spain — At just 19 years old, Jesús Rodríguez has quickly emerged as a vital player for Real Betis under the guidance of coach Manuel Pellegrini. Following a strong performance in a recent match against Jagiellonia Bialystok on April 18, Rodríguez expressed his happiness at being part of the team, reassuring fans of his commitment. “I’m happy at Betis, I have a contract until 2029, and I hope there will be many more years,” he told Cadena SER.

Rodríguez, who is already a starting player, is regarded as one of Spain’s most promising football talents. His technical skills and confidence on the pitch have caught the attention of several major European clubs. Despite interest from top teams, he remains focused on his current commitments. “I’m not thinking about that right now; I just want to enjoy playing here,” he said.

Pellegrini has played a crucial role in Rodríguez’s development, encouraging him to take risks and build his confidence. “He asks me to play my game, to take on defenders, and to believe in myself,” Rodríguez explained. “It’s been a privilege to learn from a coach who has managed some of the top clubs and players.”

Rodríguez’s friends and family are supportive, but he maintains a humble approach to his rising fame. “I ask my friends not to hype me up too much. I want to stay grounded and continue working hard,” he said. Living his dream with Betis is an honor for him. “If someone had told me I would be experiencing this at the start of the season, I wouldn’t have believed it,” he said, expressing gratitude to those who have supported him.

Currently, the focus for Rodríguez and Betis is the UEFA Conference League, where they have reached the semifinals for the first time in club history. They are set to face ACF Fiorentina on May 28. Rodríguez remains optimistic, telling fans, “Trust us, we have a good feeling in the dressing room, and we appreciate the incredible support we get from you all.”