James Rodríguez is a Colombian professional soccer player known for his exceptional skills as an attacking midfielder or winger. He captains the Colombian national team and currently plays for São Paulo. His technical abilities, vision, and playmaking prowess have earned him comparisons to Colombian soccer legend Carlos Valderrama.
James David Rodríguez Rubio was born in July 1991.
Colombia finished third in the Copa América, their best result since 2001.
James Rodríguez scored both goals in Colombia's 2-0 win over Uruguay in the round of 16 of the 2014 World Cup. He also scored a penalty in the quarter-final loss to Brazil.
At the age of 14, James Rodríguez made his professional football debut with Colombian second division club Envigado in May 2006, becoming the second youngest Colombian player to achieve this.
James Rodríguez helped Envigado reach the Colombian first division in 2007.
James Rodríguez was part of the Colombia U-17 team that finished as runners-up in the 2007 South American Under-17 Championships, scoring three goals during the tournament.
James Rodríguez was signed by the Argentine team Banfield in 2008.
James Rodríguez debuted with Argentine team Banfield on February 7, 2009, and scored his first goal for the club on February 27, 2009, in a match against Rosario Central.
Italian club Udinese attempted to sign James Rodríguez for €5 million in December 2009 after his performance in the Copa Libertadores, but Banfield rejected the offer.
At 17, James Rodríguez became the youngest foreigner to score a goal in Argentina. In 2009, his goal in a 2-1 victory over Newell's Old Boys helped Banfield secure their first-ever Argentine championship title.
James Rodríguez scored his first Copa Libertadores goal in a match against Monarcas Morelia in February 2010.
James Rodríguez scored a remarkable goal against Lanús in February 2010, earning him the nickname "James Bond of Banfield" from Diario Olé, who compared his style to Cristiano Ronaldo.
James Rodríguez scored a brace against Nacional in the Copa Libertadores in April 2010 and another goal against Internacional. However, his season ended with a red card in the second leg against Internacional.
James Rodríguez joined Porto for €5.1 million in July 2010, signing a four-year contract. He scored his first goal for the team in a friendly match against Ajax.
In November 2010, Porto sold a portion of James Rodríguez's economic rights to Gol Football Luxembourg. This was a strategic financial move by the club.
James Rodríguez scored his first competitive goal for Porto in a Europa League victory against CSKA Sofia in December 2010.
James Rodríguez played for Banfield in the 2010 Copa Libertadores.
James Rodríguez received his first call-up to the Colombia senior side in September 2011 for a match against Bolivia.
James Rodríguez received a red card in a match against Feirense in September 2011, causing him to miss the game against Benfica.
In October 2011, James Rodríguez was named man of the match for his performance in Colombia's 2-1 win over Bolivia.
James married volleyball player Daniela Ospina, the sister of his Colombian teammate David Ospina, in 2011. The couple first met during James's time playing for Banfield.
James Rodríguez achieved a hat-trick and provided an assist in the 2011 Taça de Portugal Final, leading Porto to a 6-2 victory. He subsequently signed a five-year contract extension with an increased release clause.
James Rodríguez's hat-trick in 2019 was his first since achieving the feat with his former club, Porto, in 2011.
James Rodríguez was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2011 Toulon Tournament after scoring two goals and providing three assists, helping Colombia win the tournament.
James Rodríguez captained the Colombia under-20 team to victory in the 2011 Toulon Tournament and also led the team during the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, his performance earning him a spot on the senior squad.
As captain of the Colombia U20 squad, James Rodríguez gained international attention for his performance in the 2011 U-20 World Cup, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
In 2011, James Rodríguez participated in three youth tournaments with the Colombia under-20 squad: the Toulon Tournament, the South American U-20 Championship, and the U-20 World Cup.
In 2012, James Rodríguez had a strong start to the season with Porto, scoring crucial goals in the UEFA Champions League and Portuguese league. He scored the winning goal against Paris Saint-Germain and a penalty against Sporting CP. His performance earned him the SJPF Player of the Month award for August/September.
In 2012, James Rodríguez won the Portuguese Golden Ball award, becoming the second Colombian player to do so after Radamel Falcao. He also became the youngest recipient of the award.
In 2012, Manchester United made a bid for James Rodríguez, but Porto rejected it as too low. James helped Porto reach the Taça da Liga final with a goal and two assists against Braga in the semi-final, but they lost to Braga in the final.
With the departure of key players, James Rodríguez became a regular starter for Porto in the 2012-2013 season. He made significant contributions, including scoring a remarkable chip goal against Olhanense and providing assists in crucial victories.
In February 2013, Porto bought back 35% of James Rodríguez's economic rights from Gol Football Luxembourg for €8.75 million. This move highlighted his increasing market value and importance to the team.
In May 2013, James Rodríguez joined AS Monaco for €45 million, making it the second most expensive transfer in Portuguese football history at the time. This move marked a significant step in his career.
James and his wife Daniela welcomed their first child, a daughter named Salome, in May 2013.
James Rodríguez was named man of the match for his performance in Colombia's 5-0 win over Bolivia in a 2014 World Cup qualifying match.
The transfer fee paid by Real Madrid in 2014 made James Rodríguez the most expensive Colombian player at the time, surpassing Radamel Falcao's previous record.
In March 2014, James Rodríguez continued his good form, delivering impressive performances and scoring goals in friendly matches against Tunisia and Jordan.
James Rodríguez was named in Colombia's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and was assigned the number 10 shirt. He scored goals and provided assists in the group stage matches against Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan.
In July 2014, James Rodríguez signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid for a reported £63 million, making it one of the most expensive transfers in football history at the time.
James Rodríguez continued to impress at AS Monaco in 2014, scoring his first goal for the club, achieving his first double, and making his Coupe de France debut with a goal and an assist.
James Rodríguez played a key role in Colombia's 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, contributing with assists and goals in several matches.
James Rodríguez won the Golden Boot at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and was named to the Cup's All Star Team.
James's exceptional goal-scoring abilities were on full display during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He showcased his ambidexterity, accurate free kicks, and ability to score from various positions on the field, ultimately earning him the Golden Boot award as the tournament's top scorer with six goals, despite Colombia's quarter-final elimination. His unpredictable playing style, characterized by his ability to threaten both inside and outside the penalty area, has garnered him recognition.
James's talent attracted attention early in his career, leading to endorsements from Adidas, Pony Malta, Nestlé, and Clear. After his Golden Boot-winning performance at the 2014 World Cup, Adidas capitalized on his increased global profile by releasing custom gold boots in his honor.
In 2014, James Rodríguez transferred from AS Monaco to Real Madrid for a record-breaking fee of £63 million, making him one of the most expensive players at the time.
During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, James Rodríguez publicly expressed his admiration for Real Madrid, hinting at his desire to play for the Spanish club.
In September 2015, James Rodríguez suffered a thigh muscle tear during an international friendly match between Colombia and Peru, sidelining him for several weeks.
James Rodríguez represented Colombia in the 2015 Copa América, where his team was eliminated by Argentina in the quarter-finals.
James Rodríguez played for Colombia in the 2015 Copa América.
In 2015, business magazine Forbes estimated James's annual income to be $29 million.
Upon returning from injury, James Rodríguez delivered a strong performance for Real Madrid in January 2016, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a resounding victory against Espanyol.
James Rodríguez and the Colombian national team secured a third-place finish in the 2016 Copa América.
James Rodríguez won both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in the 2016-2017 season. Despite his contributions, he sought a loan move for more playing time.
Throughout 2016, James played a crucial role in Colombia's efforts to qualify for the World Cup. He scored a vital goal against Chile, securing a draw, and contributed both goals and assists in victories against Bolivia and Ecuador. He continued his strong form by scoring and assisting in a win against Venezuela, demonstrating his importance to the team's qualification hopes.
In July 2017, James Rodríguez joined Bayern Munich on a two-year loan deal, reuniting with his former Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti.
In July 2017, it was publicly announced that James and his wife Daniela were in the process of divorcing.
In 2017, James continued to be instrumental in Colombia's World Cup Qualifying campaign. He scored a crucial late goal against Bolivia and followed up with a goal and an assist in a victory against Ecuador. In friendlies, he assisted a goal against Spain and both scored and assisted against Cameroon. His significant contribution came with an away goal against Peru, securing a draw and Colombia's World Cup qualification. He ended the year with an assist in a win against South Korea.
James Rodríguez joined German club Bayern Munich on a two-year loan deal in 2017.
James Rodríguez scored a crucial goal against his parent club, Real Madrid, during the 2017-2018 UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
In April 2018, Bayern Munich's CEO publicly thanked Carlo Ancelotti for bringing James Rodríguez to the club, highlighting his positive impact.
James was selected to represent Colombia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. After coming on as a substitute in the opening game against Japan due to a calf injury, he provided two assists in a victory against Poland, earning him the Man of the Match award. Unfortunately, his injury resurfaced during the match against Senegal, sidelining him for the rest of the tournament. Colombia was ultimately eliminated in the Round of 16 after losing to England on penalties.
James Rodríguez began the 2018-2019 season with a goal for Bayern Munich, signaling his intent to contribute to the team's success.
James Rodríguez represented Colombia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Upon joining AS Monaco in 2013, James Rodríguez signed a five-year contract that was set to keep him at the club until 2018.
In a significant pre-World Cup friendly match in 2018, James played a pivotal role in Colombia's historic victory over France. He provided two assists, helping his team to come back from a 2-0 deficit and secure a 2-3 win, marking Colombia's first-ever victory against France.
James played a crucial role in securing Colombia's qualification for the 2018 World Cup. His away goal against Peru in 2017 proved decisive, earning a draw and securing the necessary points for Colombia to finish fourth in the qualification group and secure an automatic spot in the tournament.
In March 2019, James Rodríguez scored his first hat-trick since 2011, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess.
In May 2019, James was named to the 23-man Colombian squad for the Copa América tournament.
James became a father for the second time in October 2019 when his son, Samuel, was born via surrogacy in Medellín.
After his loan spell at Bayern Munich, James Rodríguez returned to Real Madrid and contributed to their La Liga title victory in the 2019-2020 season.
James Rodríguez represented Colombia in the 2019 Copa América.
James obtained Spanish citizenship in 2019.
In September 2020, James Rodríguez signed a two-year deal with Everton, reuniting with manager Carlo Ancelotti.
On his home debut for Everton in October 2020, James scored his first goal for the club in a 5-2 win against West Bromwich Albion.
In 2020, James Rodríguez signed with Premier League club Everton on a free transfer.
In May 2021, James was left out of Colombia's squad for the Copa América due to concerns about his fitness level as he had been recovering from an injury and was not considered to be in optimal physical condition.
James Rodríguez joined Al-Rayyan for an undisclosed fee in September 2021.
James made his debut for Al-Rayyan in October 2021, and he scored his first goal for the team later that month.
James Rodríguez joined Qatar's Al-Rayyan in 2021.
In September 2022, James Rodríguez's contract with Al-Rayyan was terminated by mutual consent.
James Rodríguez joined Greek Super League champions Olympiacos on a free transfer in September 2022.
Following Colombia's failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, James expressed uncertainty about his future with the national team. He shared his disappointment over the missed qualification and acknowledged the possibility that he might not be part of the team's future plans.
James Rodríguez signed with Greece's Olympiacos in 2022.
James Rodríguez's contract with Olympiacos was terminated by mutual consent in April 2023.
James Rodríguez joined Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club São Paulo in July 2023, signing a two-year contract.
Thirteen years after leaving, James Rodríguez returned to South America to play for Brazilian club São Paulo in 2023.
In June 2024, James achieved a significant milestone by earning his 100th international cap for Colombia during a friendly match against Bolivia, which Colombia won 3-0. He was subsequently selected for the 26-man squad for the 2024 Copa América. His impact was immediate, as he scored a penalty and provided two assists in a dominant 5-0 quarter-final victory over Panama.
James Rodríguez played for Colombia in the 2024 Copa América.