Wisła Kraków striker Angel Rodado declares openness to Polish national team call-up

National team declaration

Wisła Kraków forward Angel Rodado addressed discussions regarding his potential naturalization and future with the Poland national team in an interview with Dawid Góra from WP SportoweFakty. The 29-year-old Spanish striker stated that he has not held formal conversations with the Polish Football Association (PZPN) but remains receptive if a call-up is required. In the Wisła dressing room, Rodado mentioned joking with Polish youth international teammates about playing together at senior level and noted seeing edited internet photos of himself in Polish kit. He acknowledged that naturalization is not a simple or quick administrative procedure. Rodado emphasized that any consideration would depend on sustained form on the pitch and a prolonged stay in Poland.

If I were ever to consider it, it would only be because the offer came from my good play. If I stayed in Poland longer, such a chance could probably appear. It is not something I think about intensely. But if the Polish national team ever needs me, I will be open. Playing in the Polish jersey would be an honor and a great source of pride for me.

Record in Kraków

Rodado joined Wisła Kraków in the summer of 2022 from Spanish side UD Ibiza after previous spells with RCD Mallorca youth teams and Barcelona B. His arrival coincided with Wisła competing in the Polish second division following their relegation from the Ekstraklasa. Over four seasons in the second tier, Rodado recorded 73 goals across 115 appearances, finishing as the league top scorer in three consecutive campaigns. He also helped Wisła secure the Polish Cup during his tenure in the lower division. In total, the forward has accumulated 92 goals and 20 assists in 147 competitive appearances for the club.

Personal ties and management stance

The striker has established personal roots in Kraków since moving to Poland four years ago. Rodado is learning the Polish language, resides in the city with his family, and named his son Jan. His younger brother, Adrian Rodado, also plays in Poland for Wisła Kraków third-tier reserve team, and the pair recently featured together in a friendly match against Piast Gliwice. Wisła secured Rodado to a long-term contract running through 2030 despite competing financial offers from other clubs. Wisła owner Jarosław Królewski acknowledged the forward's affinity for Poland in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski, though Królewski stated he personally does not favor player naturalization for the national team.

Return to top-flight action

Wisła Kraków currently occupies fourth place in the Ekstraklasa standings following nine rounds of competition as a newly promoted side. Rodado missed parts of the pre-season preparation while completing rehabilitation from a shoulder injury. Despite the disrupted preparation, the forward has registered four goals and two assists in nine league matches this season, taking over primary offensive duties following the departure of Jordi Sanchez. Rodado noted that the team's strong league standing stems from home form, as Wisła has not yet won away from home this season. The squad next travels to face Legia Warszawa on Sunday, 11 October, with kickoff scheduled for 20:15.