Rodrigues, San Jose Earthquakes, Defender, #26: Career & Impact
If you’re watching the San Jose Earthquakes’ back line, it’s hard not to notice Rodrigues, the Brazilian center back in the number 26 jersey. At 27, he’s turned into a reliable anchor since arriving from Grêmio.
You get a sense right away—he’s a defender who stays calm under pressure and shuts down attacks. That’s a big reason why San Jose counts on him so much.
But Rodrigues doesn’t just block shots and clear the ball. He’s actually helped the team let in fewer goals, and he’s picked up honors like MLS Team of the Matchday. You can see how he’s steadied a defense that used to look shaky, and now he’s a regular starter.
He started out in Brazil and didn’t take the college route in the US. Instead, his time at Grêmio toughened him up for the challenges of Major League Soccer. That journey, along with his work in San Jose, really shapes how he influences every match.
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Rodrigues: Key Defender for San Jose Earthquakes
Rodrigues isn’t just a big guy in the back. His positioning, steady play, and control in the box make him a cornerstone for the Quakes in MLS.
Role as Centre-Back
Rodrigues lines up as a centre-back, and his size and smarts make him tough to beat one-on-one. At 6’2″, he wins headers and clears danger before it gets serious.
He times his tackles well and avoids silly fouls. That’s not something every defender manages.
He’s not just about defense, either. He’ll start plays from the back, using short passes to keep things moving or launching longer balls to switch the field. That mix helps San Jose flip from defense to attack in a hurry.
Rodrigues, who kicked off his career in Brazil before coming to MLS, has grown into a dependable starter. He reads the play, blocks passing lanes, and forces attackers into tough shots.
For a team that’s had its ups and downs, his steady presence really matters.
Jersey Number 26
Rodrigues wears No. 26 for San Jose. That number’s now tied to his reputation as a steady defender since he joined in 2023.
Fans spot him easily—not just because he’s tall, but for his calm approach even when things get tense.
Jersey numbers might seem small, but they help shape identity. For Rodrigues, 26 is part of how he connects with fans.
You’ll see kids at PayPal Park in his shirt, which says a lot about his growing role with the Quakes’ supporters.
In MLS, players often pick numbers for personal reasons. Rodrigues hasn’t said why he chose 26, but now it marks his place in San Jose’s lineup.
Impact on Team Defense
Rodrigues gives the Quakes structure and leadership at the back. His decisions cut down on mistakes, and that’s led to better results in close games.
You can tell he keeps things organized by communicating with goalkeeper Daniel and the rest of the defense.
San Jose’s defensive stats tell the story. When Rodrigues is on the field, they allow fewer goals per game. His knack for shutting down strikers has landed him several MLS Team of the Matchday nods.
Selected Defensive Stats (MLS Regular Season):
| Season | Matches Played | Tackles Won | Clearances | Blocks | Aerial Duels Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 27 | 45 | 110 | 18 | 72 |
| 2024 | 30 | 52 | 124 | 21 | 80 |
Rodrigues picked up plenty of composure playing in Brazil before going pro. That background helped him adjust quickly to MLS, where the speed and physical play can be tough on defenders.
He’s become a key part of San Jose’s back line.
Professional Career Path
Born Antônio Josenildo Rodrigues de Oliveira, Rodrigues developed into a reliable central defender in Brazil before heading overseas. At Grêmio, he faced tough competition, and the move to MLS brought new chances.
Early Years in Brazil
Rodrigues’ game goes back to his roots in Brazil. Born October 10, 1997, in Carnaúba dos Dantas, he grew up surrounded by soccer—a place where technical skills and strength really matter.
He started out in local youth teams and then caught the eye of pro clubs. Like a lot of Brazilian defenders, he built his style on anticipation, winning headers, and staying disciplined.
His early career included stints in lower divisions, where consistency was more important than flashy play. Those performances led to a move to Grêmio, one of Brazil’s top clubs.
That step put him on a bigger stage and let him compete in continental tournaments.
Tenure at Grêmio
At Grêmio, Rodrigues got valuable experience against some of the best teams in South America. You could see him adjust quickly to a club used to playing in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.
Grêmio’s style meant defenders had to be comfortable with the ball. Rodrigues improved his passing and distribution during this time.
He faced intense matches against rivals, where every mistake counted. Training with seasoned internationals helped sharpen his decision-making.
He didn’t always start, but his minutes in league and cup games helped him mature.
Here’s a quick look at his Grêmio stats:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campeonato Brasileiro | 25+ | 0 | Strong defensive presence |
| Copa Libertadores | 6 | 0 | Gained continental experience |
| Copa Sudamericana | 4 | 0 | Key rotational defender |
Transition to Major League Soccer
Rodrigues landed with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2023. He brought his Brazilian style to MLS and quickly stepped into a starting spot, using his 6-foot-2 frame to anchor the defense.
His move to MLS was about opportunity and lifestyle. He’s mentioned the league’s mix of competition and quality of life as reasons for making the switch.
The pressure’s different here—he’s had room to settle in without feeling under the microscope.
Since coming to San Jose, his defensive stats have gone up, and he’s picked up things like MLS Team of the Matchday honors.
His steady presence and leadership have helped stabilize a defense that needed some confidence.
Rodrigues, who never played college soccer in the US, keeps building his MLS career while staying connected to his Brazilian roots. His path is all about steady growth, shaped by South American grit and North American opportunity.
MLS Achievements and Recognition
Rodrigues has built a solid rep in MLS with the San Jose Earthquakes. He’s known for consistent defensive play and has picked up individual honors that reflect his impact.
MLS Team of the Matchday Honors
You’ve probably seen Rodrigues pop up in the MLS Team of the Matchday lists since joining San Jose in 2022. These picks highlight moments when his defensive work really made a difference.
In 2023, he made the team after helping San Jose earn a 1-1 draw with New York Red Bulls, keeping their unbeaten streak alive. That was his second selection since coming to MLS, showing he can handle pressure.
The weekly honors aren’t just about one good game—they reward consistency. Rodrigues has shown he can shut down attackers, win headers, and keep the back line organized.
His name appears alongside teammates like Cristian Espinoza and Jeremy Ebobisse, showing how his role fits into the club’s bigger picture. You can check his honors and appearances on the San Jose Earthquakes official roster.
Defensive Statistics and Records
Rodrigues, originally from Carnaúba dos Dantas, Brazil, and a product of Cruzeiro’s youth academy, has become a trusted center back for San Jose.
You can see his impact in stats like clearances, tackles, and interceptions. He’s usually near the top of the team in those areas, which says a lot about his positioning and timing.
His ability to read the play lets him break up attacks before they get dangerous.
A quick look at his recent MLS numbers:
| Season | Matches Played | Minutes | Clearances | Tackles Won | Interceptions | Fouls Committed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 28 | 2,430 | 120 | 35 | 42 | 28 |
| 2024 | 30 | 2,600 | 133 | 39 | 47 | 31 |
Those stats show why coaches trust him—he’s reliable and tough enough to handle a full MLS season. His presence has helped steady San Jose’s defense in a tough Western Conference.
If you want to dig deeper, check out his profiles on ESPN or MLSsoccer.com.
Playing Style and Strengths
Rodrigues brings solid instincts and steady passing from deep. As a centre-back, he’s all about cutting out attacks early and moving the ball to open teammates.
Defensive Skills and Interceptions
When he’s in the box, Rodrigues uses his size and positioning to win duels. You’ll notice he times his tackles well, often stepping in before a forward can react.
He rarely goes to ground unless he’s sure, so he doesn’t give away many free kicks.
He reads the play, cuts off through balls, and anticipates runs. That makes him valuable, especially against teams that press high.
His aerial strength stands out, too. He’s the guy you want clearing crosses and defending set pieces.
Key Defensive Stats (MLS 2024)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Tackles Won | 42 |
| Interceptions | 55 |
| Clearances | 118 |
| Aerial Duels Won % | 67% |
These numbers back up his spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday. His knack for breaking up plays and keeping his cool is why he stays in the starting lineup.
Passing and Ball Distribution
Rodrigues does a lot more than just defend. He gives you a steady first pass out of the back, which is honestly crucial for starting attacks.
Watch him closely and you’ll notice he stays calm under pressure. He usually picks out the right outlet, never really panicking.
Short passes into midfield help keep possession ticking, while those longer diagonals open up the field. That mix lets the team switch quickly from defense to attack.
He nails those passes over 20 yards, so he can break the press and get the ball forward fast.
Passing Breakdown (MLS 2024)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Pass Completion % | 87% |
| Long Ball Accuracy % | 63% |
| Progressive Passes | 212 |
| Passes into Final Third | 74 |
Rodrigues often finds Cristian Espinoza and other forwards in stride, which takes some heat off the midfield. That kind of range really sets him apart from defenders who just play it safe every time.
He developed his game at Cruzeiro in Brazil before heading to San Jose. You can see how he’s more than just a stopper—he links up play and keeps things moving.
Notable Performances with San Jose Earthquakes
Rodrigues has made his presence felt in San Jose with steady defending and some clutch moments in big games. He reads the game well and forms solid partnerships at the back, shaping the way the Quakes defend.
Key Matches and Highlights
Coming up through Cruzeiro’s youth system, Rodrigues joined the San Jose Earthquakes in 2023 and quickly locked down a starting spot. His impact stands out most when the team needs defensive stability.
He started every league match in 2024, which says a lot about his durability and the trust he earned from coaches.
One of his best moments came in Matchday 32 of the 2024 season. Rodrigues scored his first MLS goal—a huge header in a 1-0 win.
That performance got him a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday.
He also finished third in the league for interceptions, showing off his knack for reading the game.
Key 2024 Stats
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Started | 29 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Interceptions | 54 |
| Team of Matchday Selections | 5 |
These aren’t flashy numbers, but they show you a defender who always gets the basics right.
Partnerships in the Back Line
You can’t really judge Rodrigues without looking at how he works with the other defenders. He often teamed up with Tanner Beason in central defense, and together they brought a good balance of physicality and ball movement.
Their partnership helped the Quakes give up fewer goals than last year.
He communicates well with goalkeeper Daniel, too. Both are Brazilian, which probably makes it easier to organize things during set pieces and when the team has to reset quickly.
That shared background has definitely helped San Jose stay organized when things get tense.
Rodrigues looks even better with Cristian Espinoza’s energy on the wing. While Espinoza pushes the attack, Rodrigues holds things down at the back, giving the team a solid backbone.
You really notice it in games where San Jose keeps clean sheets against playoff-level teams.
Personal Background and Off-Field Information
You get a clearer picture of a player when you look beyond the pitch. Stuff like family roots, early training, and the journey through youth teams all shape how a defender like Rodrigues makes it to Major League Soccer.
Full Name and Heritage
Rodrigues was born Antônio Josenildo Rodrigues de Oliveira on October 10, 1997, in Arês, Brazil. His full name follows the Portuguese tradition: Rodrigues comes from his mom’s side, de Oliveira from his dad’s.
He first played under the nickname Tonhão. Later, he switched to Rodrigues to honor his adoptive mother—shows you how personal identity can guide a career.
Standing at 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in), Rodrigues fits the mold of a modern central defender. Growing up in Brazil, where defenders need both skill and tactical smarts, gave him a well-rounded set of tools.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Antônio Josenildo Rodrigues de Oliveira |
| Birthplace | Arês, Brazil |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Current Club | San Jose Earthquakes (#26) |
His Brazilian background connects him to a long tradition of defenders who mix discipline with a calm presence. You can still see that influence in the way he plays today.
Early Life and Youth Career
If you look back, Rodrigues really got his start in Brazil as a teenager. He joined ABC Futebol Clube’s academy in 2013 and spent two years there, trying to figure out the basics of professional football.
In 2015, he switched over to Cruzeiro’s youth system—and honestly, that club’s academy has a big reputation in Brazil. That move threw him into tougher competition and some pretty strict development routines.
Rodrigues came back to ABC in 2017. This time, he managed to break into the senior squad.
He made his professional debut in Brazil’s Série B against Vila Nova on August 26, 2017. That game kicked off his senior career.
He didn’t play college soccer in the U.S. at all. Instead, he developed entirely through Brazil’s club system, which is pretty standard for South American players.
Most young players in that region use academies as their main path to professional football.
Those early years really shaped his discipline, positioning, and aerial strength. He took those skills to Grêmio later on, and eventually to the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer.
