 Born in Málaga, Andalusia, and grown through the ranks of Málaga CF, Rodríguez first played with the first team early into 2003–04, coming on as a 57th-minute substitute in a 2–1 away win against RCD Espanyol on 28 September 2003, ultimately appearing twice in that season and been mainly registered with the reserves.He established himself in the former the next year, becoming an undisputed starter subsequently and scoring five league goals in his first full campaign.With Málaga relegated from La Liga in 2006, Rodríguez joined Deportivo de La Coruña after having been linked with the Galicians in the previous months, signing on 13 July 2006 in a deal which earned the player approximately €600.000 per season, a relatively lower amount compared to players previously operating in the same position at the club