He is kept away from his profession as a footballer, due to a rupture of the ligaments in his right knee, new Ballon d'or 2024, Rodri makes a return to the forefront, but in the service not of Manchester City, but from a major sports sponsor: Gatorade. The energy drinks brand, which strengthens its presence in football by becoming an official partner of the UEFA Champions League and the EA Sports FC 25 game, highlights the importance of non-verbal communication on the pitch.
Rodri teams up with partners Gündogan and Ruben Dias
Alongside his teammates Ilkay Gündogan and Ruben Dias, the Spanish international midfielder is taking part in a study revealing the decisive impact of silent gestures, particularly nodding, on team performance. The analysis of Manchester City's matches in the 2023/2024 Champions League shows in particular that the team wins 100% of its matches when the players exchange more than 100 non-verbal signals.
A spot focused on non-verbal communication in football
“Non-verbal communication is crucial in our sport,” confirms Rodri. “Gestures between teammates help build collective effort and team mentality. » A conviction shared by David Young, sports psychologist from Manchester City, who underlines the importance of these tacit codes in group cohesion, particularly during high-intensity matches.
This campaign is part of Gatorade's strategy to strengthen its visibility in football, including the installation of refreshment equipment and bottles on both real and virtual fields. A presence which illustrates the essential role of hydration in the performance, both physical and mental, of high-level athletes.
