Starting his career atEnvigado, and then moving to Argentina sideBanfield, James became well known in Europe during his time atPorto, winning several trophies and individual awards during his three years at the club. In 2014, James moved fromAS Monaco to Real Madrid for a transfer fee of £63 million, beatingRadamel Falcao as the most expensive Colombian football player andone of the most expensive players at the time.[6] In his debut season, he was named in theLa Liga Team of the Season and wonLa Liga Best Midfielder. In 2017, he signed for German clubBayern Munich on a two-year loan deal. In the summer of 2020, he signed for Premier League club Everton on a free transfer,[7] staying there for one season before joining Qatar'sAl-Rayyan and Greece'sOlympiacos in 2021 and 2022, respectively. In 2023, 13 years after leaving South America, he returned to the continent by joining Brazilian clubSão Paulo. A month after his departure from São Paulo in July 2024, James returned briefly to Europe withRayo Vallecano before joining Mexican club León in 2025.
James started his international career with the Colombiaunder-20 team, with which he won the 2011Toulon Tournament. He then captained the U-20 team during the2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Due to his performance in the tournament, he was regularly called into the senior squad by the age of 20. He played in the2014 and2018 FIFA World Cup, winning theGolden Boot in 2014 and being included in theCup's All Star Team.[8][9] He also represented his nation at theCopa América in2015,2016,2019 and2024, winning a third-place medal in 2016 and reaching thefinal in 2024, the latter in which he received theGolden Ball as the tournament's best player.
Club career
Envigado
Born inCúcuta,Norte de Santander, James spent his childhood in the city ofIbagué,Tolima. He was born to ex-footballer Wilson James Rodríguez Bedoya and Maria Del Pilar Rubio.[10]
James started his professional career in 2006 with Colombian clubEnvigado. Although the club suffered relegation at the end of the year, he and Gio Moreno played key roles in helping the team secure promotion by winning the2007 Primera B title on penalties.[11] He became the second youngest Colombian player to start a professional match, playing his first match on 21 May 2006, at the age of 14.[12]
Banfield
2008
In February 2008, he was signed by Argentine teamBanfield, and played a year with the club's youth teams.[13][14][15][16] He made his first team debut on 7 February 2009 and became the youngest foreigner in Argentine football history in the process.[11][14] He scored his first goal for the club on 27 February with a long range strike in a 3–1 victory overRosario Central. He finished his first season with a goal in 11 appearances.[17]
2009
In 2009, he became a regular first-team player, featuring in every game of theApertura 2009. At just 17, he became the youngest foreigner to score a goal in Argentina.[18] His second goal for Banfield came on 26 September, when he scored with a strike into the top corner from outside of the area in an important 2–1 win againstNewell's Old Boys, a victory that helped Banfield win theArgentine championship for the first time in the club's history.[19]
In December 2009, Italian clubUdinese planned to make a bid for James for a reported €5 million after the2010 Copa Libertadores. However, Banfield rejected the bid, labelling it as "insufficient".[20]
For theClausura 2010, on 13 February 2010, James scored agolazo in the match against archrivalsLanús with a left-footed lob to make the game 2–0 in the final minutes. After the game, daily sports websiteDiario Olé compared his playing and personal style toCristiano Ronaldo and nicknamed him the "James Bond of Banfield".[21]
2010
On 10 February 2010, James scored his firstCopa Libertadores goal in a 2–1 home victory over Mexican clubMonarcas Morelia.[22] James added to his glowing reputation a week later with a goal in a daunting victory over Copa Libertadores group rivalsDeportivo Cuenca away from home, scoring the fourth goal of the 4–1 victory with a nice left-footed finish in the box. His wonderful scoring season continued with a brace in the Copa Libertadores group match away to Uruguayan clubNacional on 10 March. James scored first with a diving header and then from the penalty spot in a 2–2 draw.[23] The 18-year-old netted another goal against Brazilian clubInternacional on 29 April 2010 in the first leg of the2010 Copa Libertadores round 16, which Banfield won 3–1.[24] This goal brought his tally to five goals in seven games. However, James' international season ended in defeat as his team went down on away goals with a 0–2 defeat inPorto Alegre in the second leg, in which James was red carded for two fouls.[25]
On 6 July 2010, James was signed byPorto for €5.1 million, with 30% economic rights retained by other parties. He signed a four-year contract with a €30 million release clause.[26] Porto later re-sold 10% economic rights to third parties.[27] On 18 July, he played his first game and scored his first goal in a friendly againstAjax.[28] In November, Porto sold 35% economic rights (half of 70%) to Gol Football Luxembourg, S.A.R.L. for €2.5 million.[29]
On 15 December 2010, James scored his first competitive goal during a 3–1Europa League home victory against Bulgarian clubCSKA Sofia.[30] On 17 May, Porto bought the remaining 30% economic rights from Convergence Capital Partners B.V. for €2.25 million and once again hold more than half of the economic rights with 55%.[31] James scored a hat-trick and assisted once againstVitória de Guimarães in the2011 Taça de Portugal Final, which Porto won 6–2.[32][33] On 13 June, James signed a new five-year contract in which the release clause increased to €45 million.[34] He finished the2010–11 season with six goals and eight assists in 31 appearances. He also took home four trophies: theSuper Cup title, theleague title, theEuropa League title, and theCup title as Porto had a historic season.[35][33]
In the2012–13 season, James was given the number 10 shirt and became a regular starter. Since fellow ColombiansRadamel Falcao,Fredy Guarín and BrazilianHulk left the club during the last two seasons, James was able to start more regularly than before. In a match againstOlhanense on 1 September, James scored a chip from a tight angle. In the same game, he assisted compatriotJackson Martínez with a through ball for an eventual 3–2 win. James scored the team's third goal againstBeira-Mar soon after assisting the first two goals in a 4–0 victory on 22 September.
In the2012–13 UEFA Champions League group stage, he scored against French clubParis Saint-Germain in a 1–0 victory, allowing Porto to top their current group.[40] A few days later, James scored a penalty against rivalsSporting CP. Because of his great start to the 2012–13 season, James won theSJPF Player of the Month award for August/September.[41][42][43] In the Champions League againstDinamo Kyiv on 24 October, he assisted Jackson Martínez to an eventual 3–2 home victory.[44] James scored Porto's last two goals in a 5–0 win overMarítimo on 2 November.[45] In the 90th minute againstBraga, James scored a goal in an eventual 2–0 away victory.[46]
Prior to the second half of the season, James suffered a hamstring injury causing him to struggle to maintain fitness. In a match againstNacional on 5 January, he injured his hamstring once more and was subsequently substituted after the first half. The injury sidelined him for a month.[47][48] On 1 February 2013, Porto bought back 35% economic rights of James from Gol Football Luxembourg for €8.75 million[49] (by selling 47.5% economic rights ofDiego Reyes for €3.5 million[50]), which Porto sold in November 2010 for €2.5 million.
James made his return at the 70th minute in the 2–0 victory over Beira-Mar on 23 February, his first match since being injured for more than a month. In his second league match since his return, James assisted a goal against Rio Ave with a wonderful cross. On 8 March, he assisted a goal againstEstoril from a corner in a 2–0 victory.[51] It was James' first start in two months.[52] James did not start in the second leg of the Champions League match against Málaga until the second half when Porto was down to ten men after the dismiss of a defender. Porto lost the match and coachVítor Pereira was greatly criticized and questioned why James did not start sooner considering that the player was a key member and Porto could have had a more solid team. James expressed his disappointment, claiming to be "100%" in good health (as well as giving a performance with no struggles shown). However, he also expressed his respect and understanding to the coach's concern.[53][54][55] Despite an exit from the Champions League, James went on to become the second-most fouled player in the tournament that year.[56]
Manchester United reportedly made a bid for €30 million to purchase James, though Porto rejected the offer as being too low.[57][58] James scored his firstTaça da Liga goal, a penalty, in the2012–13 Taça da Liga semi-final against Rio Ave. Porto won the match 4–0 and advanced to the final. In the final on 13 April, Porto lost 1–0 to Braga, with James playing 75 minutes. Five days before the final, James gave a man of the match performance against Braga, scoring the first goal and assisting two in a 3–1 victory.[citation needed]
In the final match of the season againstPaços de Ferreira on 19 May, James was tripped inside the box and secured a penalty that was later scored by Lucho Gonzalez, which contributed to the 2–0 victory that led to Porto's third consecutive league title.[59][60] In all competitions that season, he scored 13 goals and provided 15 assists in 32 appearances. Winning the league title meant that James, at 21, won his eighth trophy since joining the club three years ago.
Monaco
On 25 May 2013, it was announced that James had joinedAS Monaco for a transfer fee of €45 million,the second most expensive transfer in Portuguese football behind former teammateHulk. James subsequently signed a five-year contract that was set to keep him at the club until 2018.[61] This transfer made him not only one of the most expensive transfers in the club's history, but inLigue 1 history as well, along as one of the highest in world football.[62] James made his Monaco debut againstBordeaux, a game Monaco went on to win 2–0. He then missed Monaco's second league match to avoid a possible injury.[63] On 5 October againstSaint-Étienne, James gave a man of the match performance by assisting both goals in a 2–1 victory.[64]
He finally scored his first goal for the club with a free-kick in a 2–0 win overRennes.[65] James scored another goal in the next match in the fourth minute againstNice, a game Monaco won 3–0.[66] James began the 2014 calendar year by making hisCoupe de France debut in a match againstVannes, where he both assisted and scored a goal in a 3–2 victory.[67] James' first double at Monaco came in the match againstBastia, a 2–0 Monaco victory.[68]
In the French media, James was referred to as "perhaps" the best footballer in Ligue 1 due to his impressive debut season with Monaco,[69] although he stated that he still required more time in the league to fully adapt.[70] Following the international break, James scored his first penalty for Monaco against Sochaux in a 2–1 win.[71] James ended his debut season without a trophy, though nonetheless helped Monaco secure a spot in the following season'sUEFA Champions League. On an individual level, he earned a spot in the starLigue 1 XI,[72] and led Ligue 1 in assists for the season.[73]
Real Madrid
"The numbers mean nothing to me. I just want to help make history and bring joy to the Madrid fans. This is a club which is used to winning and I'm prepared mentally and physically to do so. It is a pleasure to be among so many stars and I'm sure I'll learn a lot from everyone. I've always followed Real Madrid and always dreamed of playing here. I've suffered a lot to get here and when you do that then it tastes so much better. I will never forget this day. I hope to work hard, to train well, and to experience a lot of joy here. I know I am under a lot of pressure, but I am happy to face it."
In a post-match interview during the2014 FIFA World Cup, James stated his "love", "admiration" and "passion" forReal Madrid, saying that it would be a "life's dream" to play for them after his performances aroused rumors linking him to the Spanish club.[75]
On 22 July 2014, James signed a six-year contract with the Spanish club for an undisclosed fee, which was reported to be approximately £63 million.[76][77] At the time, this was thefourth-most expensive transfer in the world, the third-most expensive in Madrid's history, and the most expensive Colombian after surpassingRadamel Falcao's €60 million transfer in 2013.[78] The amount spent on his transfer fee led many to referring James as aGaláctico after he was given the number 10 shirt worn by Madrid legends such asLuís Figo andFerenc Puskás.[79][80][81]
James was greeted by a 45,000 attendance during his presentation. The Colombian ambassador inMadrid made a speech at the event and carried a message from Colombian PresidentJuan Manuel Santos that James was changing the history of Colombian football and that the entire nation is behind him.[82] Real Madrid PresidentFlorentino Pérez would follow with a speech of his own, stating that he welcomed James, a "lover" and "long supporter" of the club who will never forget the day he made his dream a reality.[83]
2014–15: Debut season and UEFA Super Cup title
James with Real Madrid in 2014
James made his debut in theUEFA Super Cup atCardiff City Stadium againstSevilla, in which Real Madrid won 2–0. He played 72 minutes before being replaced byIsco.[84] On 19 August, James scored his first goal for Real Madrid againstAtlético Madrid in the first leg of theSpanish Super Cup after coming on as a substitute forCristiano Ronaldo at half-time.[85] James made his Champions League debut for Real in the group stage opening match againstBasel, where he scored the fourth goal in a 5–1 victory.[86] James then scored his first league goal days later againstDeportivo La Coruña, where he also supplied an assist in an 8–2 victory.[87] James scored a brace in a 4–0 win atGranada on 1 November; his first goal was a dipping volley from a poor angle.[88]
In the match against Sevilla in which he scored the opening goal, James experienced afracture on thefifth metatarsal in his right foot after being fouled. The injury required surgery and he was out of action for two months.[89] James returned on 5 April in the match against Granada, where he assisted two goals in a 9–1 victory before being subbed at the 60th minute.[90][91] Days later, James scored his first goal since his injury againstRayo Vallecano in a 2–0 victory.[92]
2015–17: Top performances and European dominance
After being left on the bench for his team's season opener, a scoreless draw againstSporting Gijón, James made his first contribution of the season by giving a man of the match performance againstReal Betis. The player scored with both a spectacular free-kick andbicycle kick and provided an assist forGareth Bale.[93] On 8 September 2015, during an international friendly match against Peru, James collided with Peruvian playerJuan Manuel Vargas,[94] and though he initially appeared able to continue, James was removed from the game as a precautionary measure.[95] He was diagnosed with a thigh muscle tear,[96] and didn't return to training until 27 October.[97] James played his first match since the injury on 8 November, scoring in a 3–2 loss to Sevilla.[98] On 31 January 2016, James scored and assistedKarim Benzema's goal in a 6–0 thrashing ofEspanyol.[99] On 8 March, he scored his first and only goal of the2015–16 UEFA Champions League, in a 2–0 victory againstRoma to help his club get into the quarter-finals.[100] His team eventually won the Champions League, with James making 5 appearances.[101]
James made 22 appearances when Madrid won the2016–17 La Liga,[102][103] and six when Madrid won the2016–17 UEFA Champions League.[104] Despite scoring 11 goals, (including braces against Granada,[105] Deportivo,[106] and Sevilla[107]), as well as providing 13 assists, he failed to gain more playing time under Zidane even with his influence on the pitch, leading him to request a loan transfer for more playing time.[108][109]
2017–19: Loan to Bayern Munich
James playing for Bayern in 2019
On 11 July 2017, it was announced that James was loaned toBayern Munich on a two-year long deal.[110][111] Bayern paid Real Madrid €13 million as a loan fee for the two season-long loan. With James' loan deal to Bayern, he reunited with his old Madrid managerCarlo Ancelotti. Bayern had the option to buy James for €42 million at the end of the loan period.[112] He scored his first goal of his loan spell in a 3–0 away win overSchalke 04.[113] After a slow start to his Bayern career, mainly due to an injury in preseason, James rediscovered his form afterJupp Heynckes was hired as Bayern's manager in October as the club sacked Ancelotti.
On 2 April 2018, Bayern's CEO,Karl-Heinz Rummenigge thanked Ancelotti for bringing James to Bayern. "It was a very, very good transfer and I have to thank Carlo Ancelotti once again," Rummenigge said.[114] In the semi-finals of the2017–18 UEFA Champions League season, James scored the equalizing goal in a 2–2 draw against his parent club at theSantiago Bernabéu Stadium, but Bayern failed to reach the final as they lost 3–4 on aggregate.[115] However, James would go on to win the2017–18 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.[109][116]
On 15 September 2018, James scored his opening goal of theseason in a 3–1 victory overBayer Leverkusen.[117] On 17 March 2019, he scored three goals in a 6–0 league win overMainz, his first hat-trick since 2011, with Porto.[118] On 18 May, James won his second Bundesliga title as Bayern finished two points aboveDortmund with 78 points. A week later, James won his firstDFB-Pokal as Bayern defeatedRB Leipzig 3–0 in the2019 DFB-Pokal Final. James did not appear in the match as he was out injured.[119] James appeared in 28 matches and scored seven goals in all competitions. On 5 June, it was announced that Bayern Munich would not pick up the buy option and he would return to Real Madrid.[120]
2019–20: Final season and departure
After his return to Madrid, James made eight appearances during the league season, as Real Madrid won the2019–20 La Liga.[121]
Everton
On 7 September 2020, James joinedPremier League clubEverton on a free transfer and signed a two-year deal, with a club option for a third season.[7][122] The deal once again reunited him with manager Carlo Ancelotti.[123] He made his debut later that month in a 1–0 away win againstTottenham Hotspur in their first game of the2020–21 Premier League season.[124] The following week he scored his first goal for Everton on his home debut, a 5–2 league win againstWest Bromwich Albion.[125] James scored two goals and provided an assist for his international teammateYerry Mina in a 4–2 victory at Goodison Park againstBrighton & Hove Albion on 3 October 2020.[126] James added to his goal tally againstManchester United in a 3–3 draw atOld Trafford on 6 February 2021.[127]
Al-Rayyan
On 22 September 2021, James joinedAl-Rayyan for an undisclosed fee.[128][129] On 17 October 2021, Rodriguez made his debut for Al-Rayyan, in a 3–0 loss againstAl-Duhail.[130] He scored his first goal for the team againstAl-Sailiya on 26 October 2021.[131]On 15 September 2022, Al-Rayyan and the player parted ways.[132]
Olympiacos
On 15 September 2022, James Rodríguez joinedGreek Super League championsOlympiacos on a free transfer.[133] Upon arrival, Rodríguez was handed the number 10 jersey, previously worn byRony Lopes who had departed to play on loan for Ligue 1 sideTroyes.[134] He made his league debut on 18 September as a starter againstAris Thessaloniki, a match in which his team lost 2–1 despite being up a goal for the majority of the match.[135]
On 13 April 2023, James' contract with Olympiacos was terminated by mutual consent.[136]
São Paulo
On 29 July 2023, James joinedSão Paulo, signing a two-year contract.[137] James made his debut for the club in a 1-1 draw to Flamengo on 13 August. Despite making mostly substitute appearances as he was coming from four months off the pitch, he was getting regular playing time under managerDorival Júnior in the 2023 season, making 14 appearances out of a possible 25 until an injury suffered in training left him out for the final three matches of the season.[138][139]
However, with the arrival ofLuis Zubeldía, James began struggling for playing time, playing less than 200 minutes over 8 appearances in the first half of the 2024 season, with coach Zubeldia preferring other players in his position instead.[140] In July 2024 his contract with São Paulo was terminated by mutual consent, with James making 22 appearances and scoring two goals in his spell with the Brazilian club.[141]
Rayo Vallecano
James joinedLa Liga clubRayo Vallecano in August 2024 as a free agent.[142] He made a total of seven appearances in the 2024–25 season for a total of 205 minutes and provided anassist in Rayo's Copa del Rey victory overUnionistas. James' contract with Rayo was terminated by mutual consent in January 2025 after only four months and seven appearances with the club.[143]
León
Following his departure from Rayo, there was speculation about a transfer toJunior,[144] with club president Fuad Char saying that he would be paid one of the biggest salaries in Colombian football.[145] On 13 January 2025,Liga MX clubLeón announced James' signing following his departure from Rayo.[146][147]
On 11 November 2025, León chairman, Jesús Martínez Murguia, announced he wasn't renewing his contract with the club and would become a free agent at the end of the year.
James scored two goals and provided three assists during the2011 Toulon Tournament. This show led him to being voted as theMVP of the tournament where Colombia won the final by defeatingFrance in apenalty shootout. James scored one of the penalties in the shootout.[149]
During the2011 South American U-20 Championship, he provided three assists. During the2011 U-20 World Cup, he was namedcaptain of the U20 squad due to his impressive leadership and talent. By scoring three goals and providing three assists in the tournament, he gained international attention as a promising star, especially during his performance in the 4–1 victory against France where he scored a penalty and provided an assist.[150][148]
On 29 September 2011, James received his first call-up to theColombia senior side for a match againstBolivia on 11 October 2011.[151] He was selected as the man of match due to his incredible performance including the initiation of the goal scored in the last minute by his former Porto teammateRadamel Falcao which gave Colombia a 2–1 win inLa Paz.[152] Under new managerJosé Pékerman, he played a crucial part in setting up both goals in a 2–0 friendly victory overMexico. He scored his first goal for Colombia againstPeru, and Colombia went on to win 1–0 inLima in Pekerman's first competitive match.[153]
James assisted two goals in a row from 1–0 to 3–0 In theWorld Cup qualifying match againstUruguay that eventually ended 4–0. James scored a stunningvolley from a 30-yard free kick againstChile, leveling the game to an eventual 3–1 away victory boosting Colombia to the second place in the qualifying stages. In the match againstParaguay, James set up the plays leading towards both goals in a 2–0 victory. In Colombia's last international friendly of the year, James assisted the sole goal allowing Colombia to tie with2014 World Cup hostsBrazil 1–1.
James played his first match of 2013 in the second half of theCONMEBOL qualifiers againstBolivia, where he gave a man of the match performance in a 5-0 victory. He set up the second goal thanks to a free kick that he took.[154]
Playing against South American leadersArgentina, James suffered an injury in the 30th minute forcing him to be substituted. While the injury was not serious, James was rested and therefore missed the game against Peru days later. James made a good comeback when he scored the winning goal in a 1–0 victory overEcuador during the final stages of the world cup qualifiers. In a tough match against Chile, James drew both penalties that equalized Colombia from a 1–3 to a 3–3. This drew allowed Colombia to return to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years. Days later, James assisted the first goal with a free-kick while setting up the second in a 2–1 away victory over Paraguay.
James continued his play-making form by assisting the first goal and setting up the second againstBelgium in a 2–0 victory. He was later voted man of the match.[155] A few days later, James was praised once more as the man of the match in a 0–0 draw against theNetherlands.[156] James started in Colombia's opening match of 2014 and scored a penalty againstTunisia in a 1–1 draw atEstadio Cornellá-El Prat on 5 March 2014.[157] In the last friendly before the World Cup, James scored yet another penalty againstJordan in a 3–0 victory.
2014 World Cup
"For me, special talents are those who do things that are completely out of the ordinary.Diego Maradona,Lionel Messi,Luis Suárez, James Rodriguez – they do things because they have certain gifts that make them special. I believe he's the best player at the World Cup and I don't think I'm exaggerating; he's a young player. We tried to limit his influence, but he kept going and made his presence felt. Hopefully he'll continue to progress, because he's very young. Football needs players with these characteristics."
On 2 June 2014, James was named in Colombia's 23-man squad for the2014 FIFA World Cup and assigned the number 10 shirt.[159] In the team's opening match of the tournament, James set up the first two goals, scored a last-minute goal with a low shot to seal a 3–0 victory overGreece and was named man of the match byFIFA.[160] In the second match, James continued his form by scoring with a header and setting up a second goal forJuan Fernando Quintero in a 2–1 victory overIvory Coast and was once again elected as man of the match.[161] In the final group stage match againstJapan, James came on as a second-half substitute and assisted twoJackson Martínez goals before scoring the final goal in a 4–1 victory.[162][163] At the end of the group stage, James was ranked as the best performing player at the tournament byFIFA.[164]
James scoring his second goal againstUruguay in the Round of 16 match
On 28 June, James scored both goals to defeatUruguay 2–0 at theMaracanã in theround of 16, taking Colombia to its first ever World Cupquarter-finals. These goals made him the first player to score in all of his team's opening matches sinceRonaldo andRivaldo in2002.[165] His volleyed opening goal was described as "one of the greatest goals the World Cup has ever seen" by opposing managerÓscar Tabárez, who also called James "the best player in the World Cup".[166] Because of his performance against the Uruguayans, James was named by FIFA as man of the match for the third time in four matches.[167] The volley was later voted as the best goal in the tournament by more than four million people on FIFA's website[168] and won theFIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year.[169][170] In thequarter-final against Brazil, he scored his sixth goal of the tournament, a penalty in Colombia's 2–1 defeat.[171]
James celebrates after scoring a penalty against Brazil at the 2014 World Cup. He became the first player to score in every single game he played sinceJairzinho at the1970 edition.
A tearful James was consoled by Brazil'sDavid Luiz and stated, "He (David) told me I was a good player. The truth is that having so many superstars hug me did make me happy. We have to raise our heads now and thank Colombia for their support. We are sad because we wanted to keep going and set new records. We gave everything to reach the semi-final, but we have to be proud because we played a great side. I'm crying because we gave everything. We're sad but we also have to feel proud because we left our skin out there."[172][173] Luiz and Rodríguez also exchanged jerseys. James received a standing ovation from the home crowd, ending his first World Cup campaign with six goals and two assists in five matches.[174] On 11 July, he was named on the 10-man shortlist for FIFA'sGolden Ball award for the tournament's best player.[175] He then won theGolden Boot as the tournament's top goalscorer despite being eliminated in the quarter finals.[8] Due to his performances, he was named in theWorld Cup All Star XI and was also listed in the Cup's star XI byCastrol's index rating system in FIFA's website.[9] Argentina legendDiego Maradona argued that James, rather thanLionel Messi, should have won the tournament'sGolden Ball award.[176]
James was called up to represent Colombia at the2015 Copa América in Chile,[177] where his team was eliminated 5–4 on penalties by eventual finalists Argentina on 27 June, following a 0–0 draw.[178]
The following summer, James joined Colombia's squad for theCopa América Centenario and was named the team'scaptain.[179] On 3 June, he started in Colombia's opening 2–0 win against tournament hosts theUnited States, scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot although he was forced off early due to an injury.[180] It was initially feared that he would be unable to feature in his nation's second group match againstParaguay,[181] but he recovered in time to start the match, setting up Colombia's first goal, and later scoring one himself in a 2–1 win which sealed his team a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.[182]
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.[183]
2018 World Cup qualification and friendlies
James made his first direct contribution towards qualification, scoring a goal in a heated duel against Copa America champions Chile, securing a 1–1 away draw.[184] In early 2016, he provided both a goal and assist in a difficult away match against Bolivia resulting in a 2–3 victory.[185] Days later, he assisted another goal in a 3–1 home victory against Ecuador.[186] In early August, he contributed both a goal and an assist in Colombia's 2–0 victory against Venezuela.[187]
Starting off 2017, James scored a late dramatic goal against a defensive Bolivia after missing an earlier penalty. The 1–0 home victory allowed Colombia to move to 4th place within the qualification group.[citation needed] Days later, James would score and provide a goal in an impressive 0–2 victory in Ecuador.[188] For his first friendly of the year, James assistedRadamel Falcao's goal from the corner against European giantsSpain. The game would end 2–2.[189] Days later againstCameroon, James would both provide and score a goal in a dominating 4–0 victory.[190] For the last qualification match of the 2018 World Cup, James would score a crucial away goal against South American rivalPeru, resulting in a 1–1 draw and granting Colombia the last automatic qualification spot at fourth place.[citation needed] James' last contribution of 2017 for Colombia would be an assist againstSouth Korea, which would end 2–1.[191]
Colombia's World Cup preparations in 2018 began against World Cup favoritesFrance, where James provided two assists towards a comeback of a 2–0 score to a 2–3 victory. This marked the first victory in Colombia's history over France.[192]
2018 World Cup
On 4 June 2018, James was selected in Colombia's 23-man squad for the2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[193] James did not start in the opening game againstJapan after a calf injury during training. He came as a substitute in the 59th minute forJuan Quintero.[194] On 24 June 2018, he provided two assists in a 3–0 victory overPoland and was named as the Man of the Match.[195] James had to be substituted in the 30th minute in the final match of the group stage againstSenegal due to the injury.[196] James played in all three matches during the group phase, but was forced to sit out of Colombia's last 16 match againstEngland. Colombia lost 4–3 on penalties against England and were eliminated from the World Cup. James was unable to score in those three matches.[197]
2019 Copa América
On 30 May 2019, James was included in the 23-man final Colombia squad for the2019 Copa América.[198] In the quarter-finals of the tournament against defending champions Chile on 28 June, following a 0–0 draw after regulation time, James scored in the resulting penalty shoot-out; however, Colombia were defeated 5–4 and were eliminated from the competition.[199]
2021 Copa América
Rodríguez playing for Colombia in 2022
On 28 May 2021, James was ruled out of the squad for the2021 Copa América due to his lack of conditioning, i.e. for not having the optimal physical level, as he had recently been recovering from injury.[200][201][202]
2022 World Cup
After Colombia's failure to qualify for the2022 FIFA World Cup, James admitted that he was uncertain about his future with the team. "I don't know what's coming regarding the next phases, I don't know if I'm going to be there or not," he toldDiario Sport. "What I do know is that it breaks my heart to lose, it bothers me not qualifying and this can't happen again."[203]
2024 Copa América
On 15 June 2024, Rodríguez earned his 100th international cap in a 3–0 friendly win over Bolivia.[204] On 21 June, he was selected in the 26-man squad for the2024 Copa América.[205] In the quarter-final match againstPanama, he scored a penalty and provided two assists in the first half of a 5–0 victory.[206] In the semi-final clash against Uruguay, he provided the assist from a corner kick forJefferson Lerma's winner in a 1–0 victory to send his national team to thefinal.[207] This assist was his sixth at the tournament, which allowed James to surpass Messi's record for the most assists in a single edition of Copa América.[208]
Style of play
Once considered to be among the best young players in the world,[209] James is a versatile footballer who can play in several positions across themidfield orfront-line, having played as aplaymaker,winger, andcentral midfielder for both club and country,[210] although he has stated in interviews that his preferred role is as anattacking midfielder behind the strikers.[211] Praised for his pace, technical skills, vision, and his ability to create chances for teammates as an advanced playmaker,[4][5][212][213] James' performances as a classic number 10 have led to comparisons with the famous Colombian footballerCarlos Valderrama;[214] Valderrama himself declared James as his "successor".[215][216]
"He has the ability to see the hole where others cannot find it. This has already been shown in several games this season. His vision of the game is reminiscent of whatMichael Laudrup had and the great beneficiaries are his teammates."
Marca writer Justin Sherman regarding James' first season with Bayern.[217]
Although naturally left-footed,[212] James has shownambidexterity in hisdribbling and style of play.[218][219] His goal scoring abilities were a highlight of the2014 FIFA World Cup, where he managed to claim theGolden Boot despite Colombia's elimination in the quarter finals following a 2–1 loss toBrazil.[8] He is also an accuratefree kick taker, and a goal threat from anywhere on the pitch.[212] This has made James recognized for his unpredictability as noted byMarca writer Justin Sherman: "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. 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."[217]
Personal life
In 2015,Forbes estimated that James' annual income was $29 million.[220]
James married volleyball player Daniela Ospina, sister of Colombian goalkeeperDavid Ospina, in 2011. They met while James was playing at Banfield. The two have a daughter, born in May 2013.[221] On 27 July 2017, it was announced that the couple was in the process of divorcing.[222] In October 2019, James had second child, a son, to a surrogate inMedellín.[223][224]
He acquired Spanish citizenship in 2019.[226][227]
Sponsorships
During his early days playing in South America, James was approached byAdidas head scout Claus Peter Meyer.[209] He featured occasionally in various adverts for Adidas as well as the Colombian beverage "Pony Malta",Nestlé drink "Milo", and the shampoo"Clear".[228] After the 2014 World Cup, where he won theGolden Boot as the tournament's top goal scorer with six goals, Adidas took advantage of James' increased exposure and issued him his own custom gold boots to celebrate his achievement and increase the brand's on-pitch association with their new star asset.[229]
Career statistics
Club
As of match played 8 November 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
^"COMUNICADO" [Announcenment](PDF) (in Portuguese). FC Porto / CMVM. 17 May 2011. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 13 August 2011. Retrieved9 June 2011.
^"Comunicado" [Communication](PDF) (in Portuguese). FC Porto official site. 1 February 2013. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 23 September 2013. Retrieved24 May 2013.
^"Five madridistas pick up prizes at the Facebook Football Awards". Madrid, Spain: Real Madrid C.F. 12 May 2016. Retrieved13 July 2016.Ronaldo (best striker and best player), James (best goal), Modric (best midfielder), Marcelo (best defender) and Navas (best goalkeeper) were the winners at the ceremony which took place at Facebook's offices in Madrid. The Real Madrid fans were also chosen as the best supporters in La Liga.
