James Rodríguez is a prime example of how promising young footballers can take full advantage of the game’s biggest stage and propel themselves into the realms of superstardom. A humble South American boy who rose through the game with hard work, determination and a raw talent that went on to capture the world’s imagination.
Early Years
James Rodriguez was born in the Columbian Municipality of Cúcuta – Norte de Santander and yet spent his childhood growing up in the city of Ibagué, Tolima.
He is the son of ex-footballer Wilson James Rodríguez Bedoya, who himself played for the Colombian under 20’s team in the mid-80’s and several local teams with which his boy would also eventually feature.
Youth Football
In 2001, Rodriguez found his way into Academia Tolimense de Fútbol at the age of ten and honed his skills there for just shy of four years.
Four years later the Colombian joined Envigado’s youth side, impressing the academy and within twelve months was offered the chance of promotion to their senior team.
Senior Debut
James first appeared for Colombian second division side Envigado during the 2006/07 season and in his debut campaign helped them secure promotion to the Categoría Primera A top flight.
At the age of 14, he became the second youngest Colombian player ever to start a professional match, going on to appear thirty times and score nine goals for the club.
In 2008, he joined Argentine team Banfield and was soon a regular first-team player featuring in every single game of the 2009 Apertura campaign. Aged just 17, he became the youngest foreigner to score a goal in Argentine football. He played 49 times, scoring ten goals and won the Primera División Argentina.
Moving To Portugal
In the summer of 2010, James signed for Portuguese Primeira Liga club Porto for a fee of €5 million. It was a four-year deal that included a €30 million release clause!
After a fairly slow start to life in Portugal, Rodriguez soon became a constant in the starting line up following the departure of fellow Colombian Radamel Falcao and Brazilian powerhouse Hulk. At the beginning of the 2012/13 campaign James was handed the number 10 shirt.
During his three seasons at Porto, James appeared 107 times and scored 32 goals from an attacking midfield position. He won six major honours including three Primeira Liga titles, two Portuguese cups and most notably the Europa League in 2011.
Notably a few months later in September 2011, following a brief stint with the Columbian Under 20’s, James received a call-up for his country’s senior side.
Style Of Play
Rodriguez quickly became one of the most promising young players in the world. He was widely praised for his technical skill, vision and goal scoring prowess. James displayed immense talent in the classic number ten role which led to comparisons with the famous Colombian footballer Carlos Valderrama.
“One of the differences that James has with other players is that, apart from being very good outside the area, he is also good inside.” says Marca writer Justin Sherman. “He has the qualities of a No. 9 and is capable of finishing with a shot from the head or with either foot with great effectiveness.”
Although naturally a left-footed player, James is able to utilise both feet, is an accurate free kick taker and constant threat in front of goal.
Monaco Bound
In May 2013, AS Monaco secured Rodriguez’s services for a substantial fee of €45 million, the second most expensive transfer in Portuguese football history behind only former Brazilian teammate Hulk.
Despite spending a single season in France’s top flight, James made 38 appearances and scored ten goals in all competitions. His eye-catching performances grabbed the attention of Europe’s elite teams leading upto the start of 2014’s World Cup in Brazil.
International
During the 2014 FIFA World Cup James Rodriguez finally announced himself to the world.
Across the tournament he scored six goals and provided two assists in just five matches as Columbia reached the Quarter finals – the country’s best ever performance in a major competition. James won the Golden Boot as the event’s top scorer and was named in the World Cup All Star XI.
He finished 2014 having earned 12 caps for Columbia and scoring a career best nine goals during the calendar year! His greatest achievement at international level was his role in Columbia’s third place finish at the 2016 Copa America.
The Dream Move
Rumours began to circulate linking Rodriguez to Real Madrid as the 2014 World Cup reached its conclusion. James publicly stated his “love, admiration and passion” for the Spanish side – claiming it would be a “life’s dream” to play for Los Blancos.
Towards the end of July 2014, James signed a six-year deal with the La Liga club for a reported £63 million. Even a decade later, the transfer remains within the top 30 biggest transfers of all time. The Colombian was given the number 10 shirt worn by former Madrid legends including Ferenc Puskás and Luís Figo.
He had a standout debut season, playing 46 games and scoring a remarkable 17 goals from an attacking midfield role. James won five major honours during his time in Spain including two La Liga titles, a Supercopa de España in 2020 and two European cups. The Colombian international would score 37 goals in 125 appearances across all competitions.
However under newly appointed coach Zinedine Zidane, James found gaining playing time more difficult and with his influence on the team diminishing, he handed in a transfer request.
Loan To Germany
James was loaned to Bayern Munich in 2017 on a two-year deal with Bayern paying Real Madrid €13 million for his service. He would be reunited with Carlo Ancelotti who had previously managed Rodriguez at the Bernabeu.
He was successful during his time in Germany, claiming back-to-back Bundesliga titles and the DFB-Pokal in 2019. James was consistent, featuring 67 times across two campaigns and contributing 15 goals overall.
Life In The Premier League
After briefly returning to Real Madrid, Rodriguez made the bold and fairly unexpected move to mid-table Premier League side Everton in September 2020. He arrived on a free transfer, again reuniting with manager Carlo Ancelotti, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with the option for a third season.
James showed moments of genius at Goodison Park and delivered six goals across the season. A personal highlight would be the Colombian’s strike in a 3–3 draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
Later Career
In 2022, Rodriguez made a switch to the Qatar Super League with Al-Rayyan, spending just a single season at the club, managing only 16 games and finding the net five times.
Following Colombia’s failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, James stated he was uncertain about his international future saying “I don’t know what’s coming regarding the next phases, I don’t know if Im going to be there or not.”
“What I do know is that it breaks my heart to lose,” he told Diario Sport. “It bothers me not qualifying and this can’t happen again.”
To date, Rodriguez has earned 90 caps and scored 26 goals for his country.
James joined Olympiacos in the summer of 2023, scoring five times in 23 appearances for the Greek side and yet in April his contract was terminated by mutual consent.
