Memo Rodriguez is more than just a talented midfielder for Sporting KC. While he’s known for his talent on the pitch and his physical style of play, he also embodies the spirit of the 200%er community.
This term, which celebrates those who are both 100% American and 100% Hispanic, resonates deeply with Memo's life and career. As a proud Mexican American, Memo reflects a growing narrative in America: one where individuals can embrace and celebrate both their American and Hispanic identities fully.
“My mom was born in Zacatecas,” Memo shared. “But they grew up in Tamaulipas and in a small town across the border called Camargo. And then my dad is from Guanajuato.”
Memo’s childhood was a perfect blend of Spanish and English. His mother, having moved to the U.S. at a young age and graduating from a high school in Texas, was fully fluent in English, but Memo’s grandmother kept the Spanish language alive in his home.
“In my household, everybody just speaks Spanish,” Memo shared. “They are in more Mexican culture than American,” he explains, highlighting the importance of his heritage in shaping his identity.
Growing up in a bilingual household, Memo experienced the beautiful blend of cultures that defines many Hispanic-American families. While he admits that his younger brothers have struggled with fluency in Spanish, he fondly recalls how Spanish was the dominant language in their home.
“My grandma would get mad at them in Spanish,” Memo shared while laughing. “My mom was mad at them in Spanish, and they understood, but they just never really, like, spoke back in Spanish.
Memo's story is a testament to the American Dream, a story that resonates with countless immigrant families seeking better opportunities. While Memo’s success has come from his talent and hard work, he recognizes the decisions his family made have provided him with the opportunities to pursue his dreams.
“Obviously, my family grew up on it as well [American lifestyle] because they moved at such a young age, and it just really opened the doors for my family and me especially.” This gratitude for his family's journey is deeply rooted in his identity, as he seeks to pass on these values to his son.
In a career that takes you to many different parts of the country or world, there are times when you seek familiarity and comfort. Sometimes, comfort comes in the form of tradition and food. Memo and his wife often look for the best food spots in the city that they move, including childhood favorites like tacos.
“Ever since we got together ten years ago, it is like when we move to a new place. Where’s the taco stand?” Memo shared. “What's the Mexican spot that we can go eat and find? So, it's more her than me, but I just follow, obviously, because it’s the comfort level of knowing that the people around you, have similarities. And obviously, the food makes it ten times better.”
As a professional athlete, Memo has also embraced the cultural aspects of soccer. He has cherished the opportunities to connect with fans who share similar backgrounds, emphasizing that “it brings the passion out of everybody.” His experiences playing against teams from Liga MX have further solidified his commitment to representing both cultures on the field.
Memo's bilingualism is an asset that he values immensely. He believes that being bilingual opens doors to opportunities and fosters connections with others. “I think that's an important thing that everybody should have at least two languages, just to help them progress in their life,” he asserts. This belief is echoed in his parenting as he navigates raising his son in a bilingual environment. He shares how his son has started picking up Spanish, creating a bridge between generations of cultural heritage.
As a member of the 200%er community, Memo showcases the beauty of being fully American and fully Hispanic. His journey reflects a narrative that many in America can relate to—a celebration of identity, culture, and the pursuit of dreams. Through his story, he inspires others to recognize that being 100% true to both sides of their cultures is not just possible; it is a celebration of who they are.
