Born in Béziers, France, Rodriguez started his career at AS Monaco, making 135 appearances for the club and helping them win the Coupe de la Ligue in 2002–03 and reach the 2004 Champions League final. He joined Scottish Premier League club Rangers in August 2005 for £1 million. He scored his first goal for Rangers on 11 March 2006 in Rangers' 4–0 victory over Kilmarnock at Ibrox Stadium and made a total of 30 appearances in his debut season with the club. Having been expected to be an important member of the Rangers team under the management of fellow Frenchman Paul Le Guen in season 2006–07, Le Guen's reign as manager was short and unsuccessful.