James Rodríguez
James Rodríguez is a world-renowned playmaker and the captain of the Colombia National Team. A winner of the Golden Boot at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and a multi-time Champions League winner, Rodríguez joined Minnesota United in February 2026, bringing elite vision, technical precision, and global experience to the Loons’ midfield.
The vitals
- Full Name: James David Rodríguez Rubio
- Pronunciation: HA-mcz rod-REE-gez
- Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
- Height: 5’11” (1.80 m)
- Date of Birth: July 12, 1991 (34 years old)
- Hometown: Cúcuta, Colombia
- Citizenship: Colombia, Spain
- Acquired: Reportedly signed as a free agent using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) on Feb. 5, 2026.
Early career and rise to stardom
Born in Cúcuta, James began his professional career as a teenager with Envigado in Colombia before moving to Argentine club Banfield, where he became the youngest foreign player to score in the Primera División and helped the club win their first-ever championship in 2009. His talent drew the attention of Europe, leading to a move to FC Porto in 2010. In Portugal, he won three league titles and the Europa League, forming a deadly partnership with fellow countryman Radamel Falcao.
The golden boot and the galáctico era
James became a global superstar during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He led Colombia to the quarterfinals and won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer (6 goals), including a legendary volley against Uruguay that won the FIFA Puskás Award.
Following the World Cup, he secured a dream move to Real Madrid. In Spain, he was instrumental in winning two UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns. He later spent two seasons on loan at Bayern Munich, adding two Bundesliga titles to his trophy cabinet.
Recent years
After stints with Everton (Premier League), Al-Rayyan (Qatar), Olympiacos (Greece), and São Paulo (Brazil), James enjoyed a career renaissance in 2024. He captained Colombia to the Copa América final and was named the Player of the Tournament. He spent the 2025 season with Club León in Liga MX, recording 14 goal contributions in 34 matches before moving to Minnesota.
Honors and achievements
- FIFA World Cup Golden Boot: 2014
- FIFA Puskás Award: 2014
- Copa América Best Player: 2024
- UEFA Champions League Winner: 2015–16, 2016–17 (Real Madrid)
- UEFA Europa League Winner: 2010–11 (FC Porto)
- La Liga Champion: 2016–17, 2019–20
- Bundesliga Champion: 2017–18, 2018–19
- Primeira Liga Champion: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13
- FIFA Club World Cup Winner: 2014, 2016
Scouting report
- The visionary: James is a classic “Number 10” who thrives when operating between the lines. His ability to scan the field and execute passes that others can’t see is his defining trait. He excels at unlocking low-block defenses with through balls and switch-of-play passes.
- The left foot: Possessing one of the most cultured left feet in football history, James is a threat from anywhere outside the box. He is lethal on set pieces—both free kicks and corners—and his long-range shooting forces defenders to step up, creating space for teammates.
- The experience: With over 100 caps for Colombia and experience in the world’s top leagues, James brings unmatched composure to the squad. He acts as an on-field conductor, dictating the tempo of the match and organizing the attack.
SEA
Vancouver Whitecaps (Zendejas and Jackson)
FC Cincinnati
PUE
CLU
UNA
ATL
SAN
TOL
FC Juarez
Mazatlán
UAN
QUE
PAC
CRU
GUA
ASL
COL
New York City FC (Greg Ranjitsingh)
MON
CRU
MON
CRU
PUE
QUE
UNA
NEC
SAN
CLU
UAN
CLU
ASL
TOL
PAC
Mazatlán
GUA
FC Juarez
ATL
VAL
BIL
SEV
PAL
ALA
MAL
VAL
LEG
GIR
MAD
OSA
San Diego
San Diego
Vancouver Whitecaps (Zendejas and Jackson)
