Rise to Success: Career Highlights of James Rodríguez

2001: Colombia's Best Result Since 2001

Colombia would then lose in the semi-finals against eventual and defending champions Chile, before securing a third-place victory against the host nation for Colombia's best result since 2001.

2002: Scored Both Goals Against Uruguay

On 28 June, James scored both goals to defeat Uruguay 2–0 at the Maracanã in the round of 16, taking Colombia to its first ever World Cup quarter-finals. These goals made him the first player to score in all of his team's opening matches since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002.

May 2006: First Professional Match

On 21 May 2006, James played his first professional match for Envigado at the age of 14, becoming the second youngest Colombian player to start a professional match.

2007: Promotion to Colombian First Division

In 2007, James helped Envigado reach the Colombian first division through the 2007 promotion.

2007: U-17 South American Championship

In 2007, James was part of the Colombia U-17 team that finished as runners-up in the South American Under-17 Championships, scoring three goals.

2008: Signed by Banfield

In 2008, James was signed by Argentine team Banfield to continue his professional career.

February 2009: First Team Debut

On 7 February 2009, James made his first team debut for Banfield.

December 2009: Udinese Bid Rejected

In December 2009, Italian club Udinese planned to make a bid for James, but Banfield rejected it as "insufficient."

2009: Became Regular First-Team Player

In 2009, James became a regular first-team player for Banfield, featuring in every game of the Apertura 2009, and became the youngest foreigner to score a goal in Argentina.

February 2010: First Copa Libertadores Goal

On 10 February 2010, James scored his first Copa Libertadores goal in a victory over Monarcas Morelia.

February 2010: Scored Golazo Against Lanús

On 13 February 2010, James scored a golazo against archrivals Lanús, and was nicknamed the "James Bond of Banfield" by Diario Olé.

April 2010: Goal Against Internacional

On 29 April 2010, James scored against Brazilian club Internacional in the Copa Libertadores.

July 2010: Signed by Porto

On 6 July 2010, James was signed by Porto for €5.1 million, signing a four-year contract.

December 2010: First Competitive Goal for Porto

On 15 December 2010, James scored his first competitive goal for Porto during a Europa League match.

September 2011: First Call-Up to Colombia Senior Side

In September 2011, James received his first call-up to the Colombia senior side.

September 2011: Dismissed against Benfica

On 20 September 2011 in a league match against Feirense, he punched Rabiola and was subsequently dismissed, missing the match against Benfica.

October 2011: Man of the Match vs. Bolivia

On 11 October 2011, James was selected as the man of the match for his performance against Bolivia, where he initiated the winning goal.

2011: MVP at Toulon Tournament

During the 2011 Toulon Tournament, James scored two goals, provided three assists, and was voted MVP after Colombia won the final against France in a penalty shootout.

2011: Captain of Colombia U-20 at World Cup

During the 2011 U-20 World Cup, James was named captain of the U20 squad, scoring three goals and providing three assists, gaining international attention.

2011: Youth Tournaments with Colombia U-20

In 2011, James 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 held in Colombia.

2011: Won Toulon Tournament

In 2011, James started his international career with the Colombia under-20 team, winning the 2011 Toulon Tournament.

2011: Won Multiple Trophies with Porto

In 2011, James won multiple trophies with Porto, including the Super Cup, league title, Europa League title, and Cup title. He also signed a new five-year contract.

2011: First Hat-Trick since 2011

On 17 March 2019, James scored his first hat-trick since 2011, with Porto, in a 6-0 victory over Mainz.

2012: Champions League and League Goals

During the 2012 Champions League group stage, James scored against Paris Saint-Germain. Due to his good start to the season, he won the SJPF Player of the Month award for August/September.

2012: Won Portuguese Golden Ball

In 2012, James won the Portuguese Golden Ball award, becoming the second Colombian to win the award and the youngest player ever to hold the honour.

2012: Manchester United Bid Rejected

In 2012, Manchester United reportedly made a bid for €30 million to purchase James, though Porto rejected the offer as being too low.

2012: Became Regular Starter for Porto

In the 2012 season, James was given the number 10 shirt and became a regular starter for Porto after other players left the club.

May 2013: Joined AS Monaco

On 25 May 2013, James joined AS Monaco for a transfer fee of €45 million, signing a five-year contract.

2013: Man of the Match Performance Against Bolivia

In 2013, James gave a man of the match performance in the second half of the CONMEBOL qualifiers against Bolivia, where he gave a man of the match performance in a 5-0 victory.

2013: Surpassed Falcao's Transfer Fee

In July 2014, James signed with Real Madrid for approximately £63 million, surpassing Radamel Falcao's €60 million transfer in 2013, becoming the most expensive Colombian.

March 2014: Scored Penalty Against Tunisia

On 5 March 2014, James started in Colombia's opening match of 2014 and scored a penalty against Tunisia in a 1–1 draw at Estadio Cornellá-El Prat.

June 2014: Key Performances in 2014 FIFA World Cup

In June 2014, James was included in Colombia's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He was named Man of the Match in the opening game against Greece, setting up two goals and scoring one himself. He maintained his form in the second match against Ivory Coast, scoring once and assisting another, earning another Man of the Match award. At the end of the group stage, FIFA ranked James as the tournament's best-performing player.

July 2014: Signed with Real Madrid

On 22 July 2014, James signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid for approximately £63 million, becoming one of the most expensive transfers at the time.

2014: Adidas Custom Gold Boots

After the 2014 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot, Adidas issued James his own custom gold boots to celebrate his achievement and increase brand association.

2014: Expressed Desire to Play for Real Madrid

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, James expressed his desire to play for Real Madrid, calling it a "life's dream".

2014: World Cup Qualifying Match

During the World Cup qualifying match of 2014 against Uruguay, James assisted two goals from 1–0 to 3–0, the match ended 4-0

2014: Golden Boot at 2014 FIFA World Cup

In 2014, James Rodríguez was known for his goal-scoring abilities. He claimed the Golden Boot at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, despite Colombia's elimination in the quarter-finals. He also showcased his accuracy in free kicks.

2014: Move to Real Madrid

In 2014, James moved from AS Monaco to Real Madrid for a transfer fee of £63 million, becoming the most expensive Colombian football player at the time.

2014: Continued Playing for Monaco

James continued playing for Monaco in 2014, scoring goals in Coupe de France and Ligue 1 matches, demonstrating his value to the team.

2014: Played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup

James played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, winning the Golden Boot and being included in the Cup's All Star Team.

2015: Represented Colombia at the Copa América

In 2015, James represented his nation at the Copa América.

2015: 2015 Copa América

James was called up to represent Colombia at the 2015 Copa América in Chile, where his team was eliminated 5–4 on penalties by eventual finalists Argentina on 27 June, following a 0–0 draw.

January 2016: Scored and Assisted Against Espanyol

On 31 January 2016, James scored and assisted Karim Benzema's goal in a 6-0 thrashing of Espanyol.

2016: Won Third Place at the Copa América

In 2016, James represented Colombia at the Copa América, winning a third-place medal.

2016: Goal in World Cup Qualifier Against Chile

In 2016, James scored a goal in a World Cup qualifying match against Copa America champions Chile, securing a 1–1 draw.

2016: Won the 2016-17 La Liga

James made 22 appearances when Madrid won the 2016–17 La Liga.

July 2017: Loan to Bayern Munich Announced

In July 2017, James was loaned to Bayern Munich on a two-year deal for €13 million. This move reunited him with Carlo Ancelotti, his former manager at Real Madrid. Bayern had the option to buy him for €42 million at the end of the loan period.

2017: Goal Against Bolivia

In 2017, James scored a late goal against Bolivia, leading to a 1–0 victory. He also scored and provided an assist in a 2–0 victory against Ecuador.

2017: Signed for Bayern Munich on Loan

In 2017, James signed for German club Bayern Munich on a two-year loan deal to gain more playing time.

2017: Winning the 2017-18 Bundesliga Title with Bayern

James won the 2017–18 Bundesliga title with Bayern, credited as a key member behind their title defense for his contribution of 7 goals and 11 assists in 23 Bundesliga appearances.

April 2018: Bayern CEO Thanks Ancelotti for James Transfer

In April 2018, Bayern Munich's CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, publicly thanked Carlo Ancelotti for bringing James Rodríguez to Bayern, acknowledging it as a successful transfer.

June 2018: 2018 FIFA World Cup

In June 2018, James Rodríguez was selected for Colombia's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Due to a calf injury, he was a substitute in the opening game against Japan. On June 24, 2018, he provided two assists in a victory over Poland and earned the Man of the Match award. He played in three group stage matches but missed the last 16 match against England due to injury.

September 2018: Opening Goal of the Season

On 15 September 2018, James scored his opening goal of the season in a 3–1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

2018: World Cup Qualification

For the last qualification match of the 2018 World Cup, James scored a crucial away goal against South American rival Peru, resulting in a 1–1 draw and granting Colombia the last automatic qualification spot at fourth place.

2018: Assists in Victory Against France

In 2018, James provided two assists in Colombia's 3–2 victory over France.

2018: Played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup

James played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, representing his nation.

March 2019: First Hat-Trick Since 2011

On 17 March 2019, James scored three goals in a 6–0 league win over Mainz, his first hat-trick since 2011, with Porto.

May 2019: Included in Colombia's 2019 Copa América squad

In May 2019, James was included in the 23-man final Colombia squad for the 2019 Copa América.

2019: La Liga Title with Real Madrid

After returning to Madrid, James made eight appearances during the 2019–20 league season, as Real Madrid won the 2019–20 La Liga.

2019: Represented Colombia at the Copa América

In 2019, James represented his nation at the Copa América.

September 2020: Joins Everton

In September 2020, James joined Everton on a free transfer, signing a two-year deal and reuniting with manager Carlo Ancelotti. He made his debut in a 1–0 win against Tottenham Hotspur.

October 2020: First Goal for Everton

In October 2020, James scored his first goal for Everton on his home debut, contributing to a 5–2 league win against West Bromwich Albion.

2020: Signed for Everton

In the summer of 2020, James signed for Premier League club Everton on a free transfer.

February 2021: Goal Against Manchester United

In February 2021, James added to his goal tally against Manchester United in a 3–3 draw at Old Trafford.

May 2021: Ruled out of 2021 Copa América

On May 28, 2021, James was ruled out of the squad for the 2021 Copa América due to his lack of conditioning from recovering from an injury.

September 2021: Joins Al-Rayyan

In September 2021, James joined Al-Rayyan for an undisclosed fee.

October 2021: Debut for Al-Rayyan

On 17 October 2021, Rodriguez made his debut for Al-Rayyan, in a 3–0 loss against Al-Duhail.

2021: Joined Al-Rayyan

In 2021, James joined Qatar's Al-Rayyan after his time with Everton.

September 2022: Joins Olympiacos

In September 2022, James Rodríguez joined Greek Super League champions Olympiacos on a free transfer and was handed the number 10 jersey.

September 2022: Parted Ways with Al-Rayyan

On 15 September 2022, Al-Rayyan and James Rodríguez parted ways.

2022: Joined Olympiacos

In 2022, James joined Greece's Olympiacos, continuing his professional football career.

2022: Uncertain Future with National Team

In 2022, after Colombia's failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, James expressed uncertainty about his future with the team, stating it was heartbreaking and unacceptable.

April 2023: Contract Termination with Olympiacos

In April 2023, James' contract with Olympiacos was terminated by mutual consent.

July 2023: Signs with São Paulo

In July 2023, James joined São Paulo, signing a two-year contract.

2023: Returned to South America to join São Paulo

In 2023, James returned to South America by joining Brazilian club São Paulo, 13 years after leaving the continent.

June 2024: 100th international cap and Copa América Selection

In June 2024, James Rodríguez earned his 100th international cap in a friendly win over Bolivia. On June 21, 2024, he was selected for the 2024 Copa América squad, where he later surpassed Messi's assist record in a single edition.

July 2024: Contract Termination with São Paulo

In July 2024, James' contract with São Paulo was terminated by mutual consent.

August 2024: Joins Rayo Vallecano

In August 2024, James joined La Liga club Rayo Vallecano as a free agent.

2024: Reached the Copa America Final

In 2024, James represented his nation at the Copa America, reaching the final and receiving the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

January 2025: Contract Termination with Rayo Vallecano

In January 2025, James' contract with Rayo Vallecano was terminated by mutual consent after only four months with the club.

January 2025: Signs with León

On 13 January 2025, Liga MX club León announced James' signing following his departure from Rayo Vallecano.