Rodrigo Fáez: A Journey Through Journalism and Football

Rodrigo Fáez’s journey in journalism began at the age of 15 when he forged his ID to enroll in an audiovisual communication course in Asturias, setting the stage for his dream of becoming a sports journalist. His career, which has taken him from Gijón to Connecticut as a notable figure at ESPN, includes pioneering work in radio, television, and content creation on YouTube, as well as a stint in the social media department of FC Barcelona. Fáez has compiled a wealth of anecdotes in his book, featuring interactions with football icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Iker Casillas, and many others, including agents, press officers, and fellow journalists. Inspired by Josep Pedrerol, he aptly titled his book “The Backpack is Everything.”

Initially, a young Fáez feared a confrontation with his boss, Pedrerol, but instead received a life lesson. “The backpack represents adventure and the essence of being a journalist,” Fáez reflects, recalling how Pedrerol emphasized its significance during a one-on-one meeting.

Despite the limited reach of Punto Radio, where he began his career, Fáez managed to break significant stories, one being the positive drug test of cyclist Michael Rasmussen during the 2007 Tour de France, which went largely unnoticed due to the station’s small audience. Another memorable moment was an emotional interview with Kun Agüero, who broke down while discussing his longing for family.

Fáez also recounted the lengths he went to secure an interview with Argentine football star Juan Román Riquelme by fabricating a rumor regarding his interest from Atlético Madrid. This eventually led to Riquelme meeting with the club, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of journalism.

One of his most significant moments came after the 2018 Champions League final when Cristiano Ronaldo announced his departure from Real Madrid during an interview with Fáez. This moment shocked many, as Fáez had anticipated a different declaration. He vividly remembers the disbelief of Ronaldo’s teammates upon hearing the news.

Not all exclusives came without tension; Fáez faced a particularly nerve-wracking moment when he reported on Iker Casillas’s controversial comments following a heated match. His fears were alleviated when Casillas candidly admitted to his remarks during a mixed zone appearance.

Fáez has also encountered uncomfortable situations, such as at the 2014 World Cup, where he faced dismissive attitudes from German players following their victory over Brazil. His complaints to their press officer highlighted the importance of professional respect in journalism.

Another memorable experience involved a heated exchange with the representative of footballer Miguel de las Cuevas, who mistakenly believed Fáez was an agent. This interaction underscored the sometimes chaotic nature of sports journalism.

Recognized as a pioneer in YouTube content creation, Fáez reflects on how he identified a gap in coverage appealing to youth audiences, leading him to launch his own channel. He has found success in creating a more personable brand of journalism, emphasizing storytelling and anecdotes over mere headlines.

As he adjusts to the cold of Connecticut, Fáez proudly reviews his extensive interview portfolio, noting that he has only two football legends remaining to interview: Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. His approach to interviewing players is built on treating them with respect and honesty, which has fostered genuine friendships within the sport. Fáez asserts that, despite the glitz of their lifestyles, footballers are relatable individuals with their struggles and joys, a sentiment he captures in his widely acclaimed book this holiday season.