Racing de Montevideo: A new star in the south
If you want to compete at the top level and manage your finances sensibly, you need to discover top talent as early as …
Anderson Rodríguez & Mauro Marichal – Two young Uruguayans on their way to Europe
Anderson Rodríguez and Mauro Marichal, two talented young players from Uruguay, have made their way to Europe. Through R&G partner club Racing de Montevideo, the talents made the leap to FC Wacker Innsbruck, where they now have the opportunity to develop their skills and establish themselves in European football.
Anderson Rodríguez – The physically strong pressing striker
Anderson Rodríguez is a tall striker (1.88 m) who impresses with his physical robustness and high running ability. His playing style as a high-intensity pressing striker is rare in Europe and therefore in high demand. Last season, he was Racing's top scorer in the U19 with 13 goals in just 17 games. He also gained professional experience with seven appearances and one assist in the second half of the season at Racing.
Anderson has been part of the Racing squad since 2025, having previously played for the youth teams of Defensor Sporting, one of Uruguay's best youth academies. In January 2026, he moved to Swiss record champions GC Zurich and was immediately loaned to FC Wacker Innsbruck for a year, both of which are partner clubs of LAFC.
My goal is to quickly adapt to the local conditions and help the team on the pitch. I was warmly welcomed by all the staff and the team – you can feel a special atmosphere in the dressing room.
Mauro Marichal – The dominant center back with leadership qualities
Mauro Marichal is a 1.94m center back who impresses with his presence, aggressiveness in tackles, and strong one-on-one defending. As a left-footed player, he also brings a sought-after quality to the team. He is considered a tenacious, quick-thinking defender from South America who is extremely difficult for attackers to play against and is currently a member of Uruguay's U18 national team.
Marichal comes from Racing's own youth academy. Trained at "La Escuelita," he signed his first professional contract there in early 2026 and was then loaned to FC Wacker Innsbruck for a year – with an option to buy.
When I visited Innsbruck for the first time in October last year, I immediately liked the atmosphere in the stadium with its many passionate fans. I am very happy to be here. Now it's up to me to show my qualities on the pitch.
The road to Europe: development and prospects
In Innsbruck, Anderson and Mauro will start the second half of the 3rd division season with the clear goal of achieving promotion to the 2nd division in Austria. FC Wacker Innsbruck is top of the table and is counting on the new signings to secure promotion. The move to Europe is an important milestone for both players as they get used to the style of play and the environment here and take the next step in their careers.
Anderson and Mauro already made a strong impression at the R&G Global Trophy at the FC Bayern Campus in October 2025. They won the international U19 tournament, which was attended by over 50 scouts, with Racing de Montevideo. The scouts and coaching teams of GC Zurich and FC Wacker Innsbruck were particularly impressed by the two Uruguayans. After a trial training session and test match in November, the clubs decided to sign the two talents. Click here for the recap video of the R&G Global Trophy.
Anderson and Mauro's journey is a prime example of the "R&G Pathway": scouting and development on site in Uruguay, the move to Europe to LAFC partner clubs such as GC Zurich or FC Wacker Innsbruck, followed by further athletic development and acclimatization in Europe. The goal is to establish themselves in professional football, perhaps one day even at FC Bayern München or Los Angeles FC in the MLS.
Racing de Montevideo – Uruguay's talent factory
Uruguay, with a population of only 3.5 million, is a soccer-fanatic country with impressive achievements: U20 World Cup winners in 2023, record winners of the Copa América after Argentina and ahead of Brazil. In 1930, Uruguay also won the first ever World Cup as hosts. The country produces the most professional soccer players per capita worldwide and is known for players who are aggressive, physically robust, and mentally strong – qualities that Anderson and Mauro embody.
Racing de Montevideo is a traditional first division club and regular participant in the Copa Sudamericana, South America's "Europa League". Racing has been a partner of R&G since December 2023. Known as "La Escuelita" – "the little school" – Racing enjoys an excellent reputation for its outstanding talent development.
