James Rodríguez

At 32 years old, James Rodríguez has this physical status:

James David Rubio (born 12 July 1991) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or a winger for Super League Greece's Olympiacos and the Colombian national team. He has been lauded in the past for his technique, vision, and playmaking abilities, and he was often considered the successor to compatriot Carlos Valderrama.

James started his career at Envigado and then moved to Argentina's Banfield, making him well-known in Europe during his three years with the club, winning numerous trophies and individual awards. James moved from AS Monaco to Real Madrid for £63 million, more than the one set by Radamel Falcao, making him the most expensive Colombian football player and one of the most expensive Colombian football players at the time. In his debut season, he was selected in the La Liga Team of the Season and was named La Liga Best Midfielder. He joined Bayern Munich, Germany, on a two-year loan contract in 2017. On a free transfer, he signed for Everton in the summer of 2020.

James started his international career with the Colombia under-20 team, for whom he won the 2011 Toulon Tournament. He captained the U-20 team in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He was inevitably called into the senior squad by the age of 20 due to his participation in the tournament. He appeared in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup, winning the Golden Boot in 2014 and being included in the Cup's All Star Team. He also represented his country at the 2015 Copa América Centenario, in 2016, and the 2019 Copa América, winning a third-place medal in 2016.

Personal life

Forbes estimated that James' annual income was $29 million in 2015.

Daniela Ospina, the niece of Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, married James in 2011. They met while James was playing at Banfield. Salome, the two children's daughter, was born on May 29, 2013. The couple was reported to be divorcing on July 27, 2017 according to a publication on July 27. Samuel, James' first son and second child, was born in Medelln on October 28th.

James is a devout Catholic.

In 2019, he obtained Spanish citizenship.

Adidas head scout Claus Peter Meyer approached James during his time playing in South America. He appeared in numerous advertisements for Adidas, as well as the Colombian beverage "Pony Malta," Nestlé drink "Milo," and the shampoo "Clear." Adidas used James' increased fame and sold him his own custom gold boots to celebrate his success and boost the brand's on-pitch brand with their new celebrity asset, who won the Golden Boot for the tournament's top goal scorer with six goals.

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Club career

Born in Ccuta, Norte de Santander, James spent his childhood in the city of Ibagué, Tolima. Wilson James Rodrigue Wilson Rodrhya Bedoya and Maria Del Pilar Rubio were both born in 1981.

James started his professional football career in 2006 with Envigado, Colombia's second division team, with whom he won the Colombian first division first division title in 2006. He became Colombia's second youngest professional player to begin a match, playing his first match on May 21, 2006 at the age of 14.

He was signed by Argentine team Banfield in 2008 and was released. In a 3–1 victory over Rosario Central on February 7, 2009, he made his first team debut on February 7th and scored his first goal for the team on February 27. In 11 appearances, he scored his first goal in his first season.

He became a regular first-team player in 2009 and was active in every game of the Apertura 2009. He was the youngest foreigner to score a goal in Argentina at the age of 17. Banfield's second goal came on September 26th, when he scored in a crucial 2–1 victory over Newell's Old Boys, a victory that helped Banfield win the Argentine championship for the first time in the club's history.

After the 2010 Copa Libertadores, Italian club Udinese intended to make a bid for James for a reported €5 million. Banfield, on the other hand, turned down the bid, describing it as "insufficient."

James scored a golazo against Lanza's archrivals in the final minutes, making the game 2–0. Diario Olé, a daily sports website, compared his playing and personal style to Cristiano Ronaldo's and dubbed him the "James Bond of Banfield" after the game.

In a 2–1 home win over Mexican club Monarcas Morelia on Tuesday, James scored his first Copa Libertadores goal. With a goal in a dramatic victory over Deportivo Cuenca away from home, James continued his good name a week later, scoring the fourth goal of the 4–1 win with a nice left-footed finish in the box. In the Copa Libertadores group match against Uruguayan club Nacional on March 10, his spectacular scoring season continued with a brace. In a 2–2 draw, James scored first with a diving header and then from the penalty spot. In the first leg of the 2010 Copa Libertadores round 16, the 18-year-old scored another goal against Brazilian club Internacional on April 29, 2010, defeating Banfield 3–1. In seven games, he led his goal to five goals. However, James' international career came to an end as his team lost by 0–2 in Porto Alegre in the second leg, in which James was suspended for two fouls.

On July 6, 2010, Porto paid James to $5.1 million, with 30 percent of other rights reserved. He has been working with a €30 million release clause in his four-year deal. Porto has since re-sold 10% economic rights to third parties. In a friendly against Ajax on July 18, he played his first game and scored his first goal. Porto sold 35% economic rights (half of 70%) to Gol Football Luxembourg, S.A.R.L. in November. For €2.5 million, it was worth €2.5 million.

During a 3–1 Europa League home win over Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia on December 15, 2010, James scored his first competitive goal. Porto purchased Convergence Capital Partners B.V.'s remaining 30% economic rights on May 17 for €2.25 million, allowing the company to retain more than half of the economic rights by 55%. In the 2011 Taça de Portugal Final, where Porto defeated 5–2, James scored a hat-trick and assisted once against Vitória de Guimares. James signed a new five-year contract on June 13th, with the release clause increasing to €45 million. In 31 appearances, he had six goals and eight assists in the 2010–11 season. As Porto had a historic season, he took home four trophies: the Super Cup championship, the Europa League crown, and the Cup championship.

James scored 14 goals for Porto and 11 assists in the 2011–12 season. James received the LPFP Award for Breakthrough Player of 2011–12 Primeira Liga season, becoming the first Colombian player to do so. He is a two-time winner of the SJPF Player of the Month award. In 2012, James received the Portuguese Golden Ball award, making him the second Colombian to win the competition after Radamel Falcao as well as the youngest player to receive the award. He punched Rabiola and was dismissed shortly after, missing the match against Benfica on September 20.

In the 2012–2013 season, James was given the number 10 shirt and was regarded as a regular starter. Since fellow Colombians Radamel Falcao, Fredy Guarn, and Brazilian Hulk all left the team during the last two seasons, James was able to start more regularly than before. James scored a chip from a close angle in a match against Olhanense on September 1st. He helped compatriot Jackson Martnez win by a bye-pass in the final 3–2 victory. In a 4–0 victory on September 22, James scored his team's third goal against Beira-Mar shortly after assisting the first two goals.

He scored against French club Saint-Germain in a 1–0 win, allowing Porto to top their new team in the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League group stage. James scored a penalty against rivals Sporting CP just a few days later. James was named SJPF Player of the Month for August/September, owing to his strong start to the 2012–13 season. He helped Jackson Martnez win by a slim 3–2 home victory in the Champions League against Dinamo Kyiv on October 24th. In a 5–0 victory over Martimo on November 2nd, James scored Porto's last two goals. James scored a goal in an eventual 2–0 away win in the 90th minute against Braga.

James suffered with a hamstring injury, causing him to be unable to recover fitness in the second half of the season. He strained his hamstring once more in a match against Nacional on January 5th and was later replaced after the first half. He was hospitalized for a month due to his injuries. Porto sold Gol Football Luxembourg's 35% economic rights for €8.75 million (by selling 47.5% economic rights of Diego Reyes for €3.6 million), which Porto sold in November 2010 for €2.5 million.

In the 2–0 win over Beira-Mar on February 23, James made his return to action in his first match since being out of action for more than a month. James scored a goal against Rio Ave with a spectacular cross in his second league match since returning to action. In a 2–0 win, he assisted a goal against Estoril from a corner on 8 March. It was James' first appearance in two months. In the second leg of the Champions League match against Málaga, James did not start until the second half, when Porto was down to ten men after the dismissal of a defender. Porto lost the match and coach V.tor Pereira was deeply criticized and asked why James did not start sooner considering that he was a key player and Porto may have had a more solid squad. James expressed his dissatisfaction with his appearance, saying he was "100 percent" in good health (as well as giving a result without showing any struggles). However, he also expressed his admiration and sympathy to the coach's pity. Despite being dropped from the Champions League, James went on to be the second-most fouled player in the tournament this year.

Manchester United reportedly made a bid for €30 million to buy James, but Porto turned down the bid due to the price being too low. In the 2012-13 Taça da Liga semi-finals against Rio Ave. Porto, James scored his first Taça da Liga goal, a penalty, on the score 4–0. Porto lost 1–0 to Braga in the final on April 13th, with James playing 75 minutes. In a 3–1 win, James put on a man of the match against Braga, scoring the first goal and assisting two others.

In James' last match of the season against Paços de Ferreira on 19 May, he was tripped inside the box and won a point that was later claimed by Lucho Gonzalez, which culminated in Porto's third straight league victory. In 32 appearances, he scored 13 goals and 15 assists. James, 21, captured his eighth trophy since joining the club three years ago, and won the league championship.

James joined AS Monaco for a transfer fee of €45 million, the second most expensive transfer in Portuguese football behind former teammate Hulk, who was named on May 25. James later signed a five-year deal, effectively keeping him at the club until 2018. This transfer made him not only one of the club's most expensive moves, but he also made Ligue 1 history, ranking him as one of the best in world football. James made his Monaco debut against Bordeaux, a game in which Monaco defeated Bordeaux 2–0. He then skipped Monaco's second league match to prevent a potential injury. In a 2–1 victory over Saint-Étienne on October 5th, James gave a man of the match appearance by supporting both goals.

In a 2–0 victory over Rennes, he scored his first goal for the club with a free-kick. In the fourth minute against Nice, James scored another goal, a game Monaco won 3–0. In a match against Vannes where James assisted and scored a goal in a 3–2 win, starting his 2014 calendar year. In the match against Bastia, James' first double at Monaco came as a result of a 2–0 win.

James was referred to as "perhaps" the best footballer in Ligue 1 after his debut season with Monaco, but he also said that he didn't need more time in the league to fully adapt. In a 2–1 victory over Monaco after the international break, James scored his first penalty against Sochaux. James finished his debut season without a trophy, but Monaco did manage to guarantee a spot in the forthcoming UEFA Champions League. On an individual basis, he earned a spot in the star Ligue 1 XI and led Ligue 1 in assists for the season.

In a post-match interview during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, James expressed his "admiration" and "passion" for Real Madrid, adding that playing for them would be a "life's dream" after his debating him to the Spanish club.

James signed a six-year deal with the Spanish club for an undisclosed fee, which was estimated to be approximately £63 million. At the time, this was the fourth-most costly transfer in the world, the third-most costly in Madrid's history, and the most expensive Colombian after beating Radamel Falcao's €60 million transfer in 2013. Since being given the number 10 shirt worn by Madrid legends such as Luis Figo and Ferenc Puskás, many people began referring James as a Galáctico.

During his address, James was welcomed by a 45,000 audience. At the conference, the Colombian ambassador to Madrid delivered a note from Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos that James is changing Colombian football history and that the entire world is behind him. Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez would make his own address address, announcing that he welcomed James, a "lover" and "long supporter" of the team who will never forget the day he made his dream a reality.

James made his UEFA Super Cup debut against Sevilla, where Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 2–0. He played 72 minutes before being replaced by Isco. After starting as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo at halftime, James scored his first goal for Real Madrid against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 19th. In the group stage opener against Basel, where he scored his fourth goal in a 5–1 win, James made his Champions League debut for Real. James scored his first league goal against Deportivo La Corua, where he also contributed to the 8-2- win. In a 4–0 victory over Granada on November 1st, James scored a brace; his first goal was a dipping volley from a poor angle.

After being fouled, James sustained a fracture in his fifth metatarsal in his right foot in the match against Sevilla, where he scored the first goal. The injury necessitated surgery, and he was out of action for two months. James returned to Granada on Friday, where he scored two goals in a 9–1 victory before being subbed in the 60th minute. In a 2–0 victory, James scored his first goal since being injured against Rayo Vallecano.

James made his first appearance of the season by being left on the bench for his team's season opener, a scoreless draw against Sporting Gijón. Gareth Bale's assist was scored on both a spectacular free-kick and bicycle kick as well as a Gareth Bale assist. James collided with Peruvian player Juan Manuel Vargas on September 8, 2015, and although he initially appeared to continue, James was banned from the game as a precautionary measure. He was diagnosed with a thigh muscle tear and didn't return to training until October 27th. On Sunday, James played his first match since his injury, scoring in a 3–2 loss to Sevilla. In a 6–0 thrashing of Espanyol, James scored and assisted Karim Benzema's goal on January 31, 2016. In a 2–0 victory over Roma on March 8, he scored his first and only goal of the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League, helping his team advance to the quarter-finals. James' side then won the Champions League, with him making 5 appearances.

When Madrid defeated the 2016-17 La Liga, James made 22 appearances, six when Madrid defeated Madrid in the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League, and six when Madrid defeated Madrid in the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League. Despite scoring 11 goals (including braces against Granada, Deportivo, and Sevilla), as well as providing 13 assists, he struggled to gain more playing time under Zidane, causing him to request a loan transfer for more playing time.

On July 11, 2017, it was revealed that James had been loaned to Bayern Munich on a two-year contract. Bayern owes Real Madrid €13 million as a loan fee for the two season-long loan. With James' loan signing to Bayern, he reunited with his old Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. At the end of the loan term, Bayern had the opportunity to buy James for €42 million. In a 3–0 away victory over Schalke 04, he scored his first goal of his loan term. After a slow start to his Bayern career, mainly due to a back injury in preseason, James regained his form after Jupp Heynckes was hired as Bayern's manager in October after the club fired Ancelotti.

Bayern's CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, thanked Ancelotti for moving James to Bayern on Tuesday. "It was a really good transfer, and I'll have to thank Carlo Ancelotti once more," Rummenigge said. James scored the equalizing goal in a 2–2 draw against his parent club at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, but Bayern failed to qualify in the final after losing 3–4 on aggregate. However, James will win the 2017–18 Bundesliga championship with Bayern, being credited as a key player in the team's emergence of 7 goals and 11 assists in 23 Bundesliga appearances.

In a 3–1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on September 15, James scored his first goal of the season. He scored three goals in a 6–0 league win over Mainz on March 17, his first hat-trick since 2011, with Porto. As Bayern finished two points above Dortmund with 78 points on 18 May, James won his second Bundesliga title in his second title. Bayern defeated RB Leipzig 3–0 in the 2019 DFB-Pokal Final a week later. James won his first DFB-Pokal. As he was out injured, James did not participate in the game. In all tournaments, James played in 28 games and scored seven goals. Bayern Munich did not select the buy option on June 5, but it would return to Real Madrid.

As Real Madrid defeated Real Madrid in the 2019–20 La Liga, James made eight appearances during the league season as he returned to Madrid.

James joined Everton on a free transfer and a two-year contract, with a club option for a third season. Carlo Ancelotti, the man was reunited with boss Carlo Ancelotti once more. In their first game of the 2020–21 Premier League season, he made his debut in a 1–0 away victory over Tottenham Hotspur in their first game of the season. Everton beat West Bromwich Albion 5–2 on their home debut this week, with their first goal on his first visit. In a 4–2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on October 3, 2019, James scored two goals and provided an assist for his international teammate Yerry Mina. In a 3–3 draw at Old Trafford on February 6, 2021, James added to his goal tally against Manchester United in a 3–3 draw.

James joined Al-Rayyan for an undisclosed fee on September 22, 2021. In a 3–0 loss against Al-Duhail on October 17, 2021, Rodriguez made his Al-Rayyan debut on his debut against Al-Rayyan. On October 26, 2021, he scored his first goal for the team against Al-Sailiya. Al-Rayyan ended James Rodriguez's deal by mutual consent on September 15, 2022.

On September 15, 2022, James Rodrez joined Greek Super League multisport team Olympiacos on a free transfer.

International career

In the 2007 South American Under-17 Championships, James was a member of the Colombia U-17 team, where he scored three goals. During the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup, he also helped Colombia advance to the knockout stages, where the team eventually lost to the tournament's champions.

He was also a member of the Colombia under-20 team in three youth tournaments during 2011: the Toulon Tournament, the South American U-20 Championship, and the U-20 World Cup, which were held in his homeland Colombia.

During the 2011 Toulon Tournament, James scored two goals and three assists. This performance earned him to be named as the MVP of the tournament, where Colombia defeated France in a penalty shootout in the final. In the shootout, James made one of the penalty kicks.

He had three assists in the 2011 South American U-20 Championship. He was voted captain of the U20 squad in 2011 by his outstanding leadership and talent. He gained international recognition as a promising star and three assists in the tournament, and many see him as a potential key figure in Colombia's senior squad.

James received his first call-up to the Colombian senior team for a match against Bolivia on September 29, 2011. He was named man of match after a dramatic result, including the introduction of the goal scored in the last minute by his former Porto teammate Radamel Falcao, who gave Colombia a 2–1 victory in La Paz. He was instrumental in achieving both objectives under new boss José Pékerman's reign as the winner of a 2–0 win over Mexico. He scored his first goal for Colombia against Peru. Colombia won the tournament and boosted its position in the World Cup qualifying table from sixth to fifth, with Colombia advancing from sixth to fifth.

In a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay that ultimately concluded 4–0, James scored two goals in a row from 1–0 to 3–0. James took a spectacular volley against Chile, boosting Colombia to second place in the qualifying stages after a stunning volley from a 30-yard free kick. In a 2–0 victory over Paraguay, James set up the plays that would lead to both goals. In Colombia's last international friendly of the year, James served as the sole purpose, allowing Colombia to tie with 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil 1-1.

In the second half of the CONMEBOL qualifiers against Bolivia, James played his first match of the year in 2013, where he gave him a man of the match appearance. He scored his second goal thanks to a free kick he took. The game came to a close 5–0.

In the 30th minute, James sustained an injury that required him to be substituted as he was playing against South American President Hugo. Although the injury was not serious, James was mainly ill and missed the game against Peru a few days later. In a 1–0 win over Ecuador in the final stages of the world cup qualifiers, James had a good comeback. James drew both penalties that equalized Colombia, from 1–3 to a 3–3. Colombia returned to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years. In a 2–1 away victory over Paraguay, James assisted with the first goal with a free-kick before setting up the second goal.

In a 2–0 victory, James maintained his playmaking form by assisting the first goal and setting up the second. He was later named Man of the match. In a 0–0 draw against the Netherlands, James was named once more as the man of the match. James played in Colombia's first match of 2014 and scored a penalty against Tunisia in a 1–1 draw at Estadio Cornellá-El Prat on March 5, 2014. In a 3–0 victory, James scored yet another penalty against Jordan in the last friendly before the World Cup.

James was selected in Colombia's 23-man team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 2nd and given the number 10 shirt. James scored a last-minute goal for a 3–0 win over Greece in the team's first match of the tournament and was named man of the match by FIFA. In the second match, James maintained his form by scoring with a header and setting up his second goal for Juan Fernando Quintero, who was eventually named man of the match. James came on as a second-half replacement and assisted two Jackson Martnez goals before scoring the final goal in a 4–1 victory. James was ranked as the best performing player at the tournament by FIFA at the end of the group stage.

On June 28, James scored both goals and defeated Uruguay 2–0 at the Maracan in the round of 16, giving Colombia its first ever World Cup quarter-finals appearance. With these goals, he became the first player to score in all of his team's opening matches since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002. James' volleyed opening goal was dubbed "one of the best goals the World Cup has ever seen" by opposing boss scar Tabárez, who also named him "the best player in the World Cup." For the third time in four matches, James was rated man of the match by FIFA for his performance against the Uruguayans. The volley was later voted the highest goal in the tournament by more than four million viewers on FIFA's website and was named for the year's best goal. He scored his sixth goal of the tournament in the quarter-final against Brazil, a penalty in Colombia's 2–1 loss.

"He (David) told me I was a good player," a tearful James was consoled by Brazil's David Luiz. The truth is that hugging me by so many celebrities made me happy. We have to raise our heads now and thank Colombia for their help. We're sad because we want to keep going and set new records. We gave everything to make it to the semi-finals, but we have to be proud because we were on a great team. We gave everything to our children, and I'm sobbing because we're leaving everything. We're sad, but we also have to be proud because our skin is missing." Both Luiz and Rodr exchanged jerseys. James received a standing ovation from the home crowd, capping his first World Cup debut with six goals and two assists in five games. He was nominated for the tournament's best player on the 10-man shortlist on July 11th for the tournament's best player. Despite being disqualified in the quarterfinals, he later won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top goalscorer. He was named in the World Cup All Star XI and was also listed in the Cup's Star XI by Castrol's index rating system in FIFA's website, thanks to his performances. Diego Maradona, an Argentina legend, argued that James, rather than Lionel Messi, should have dominated the tournament's Golden Ball award.

Following a 0–0 draw, James was sent to represent Colombia in Chile, where his team was defeated 5–4 on penalties by eventual finalists Argentina on June 27th.

James continued to play for Colombia's squad for the Copa América Centenario in the summer and was named team captain. He got off to a 2-0 win over Colombia's opening 2–0 victory over the United States on June 3rd, scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot, but was forced to leave early due to an injury. It was initially thought that he would be unable to participate in his country's second group match against Paraguay, but he bounced back in time to start the game, scoring one goal and then winning by himself in a 2–1 victory that guaranteed his team a spot in the tournament's quarterfinals.

Colombia will then fail in the semi-finals against Chile, the potential and defending champions, before winning a third-place victory against the host country for Colombia's best showing since 2001.

James made his first direct contribution to qualifying by scoring a goal in a tense duel against Copa America champions Chile, which resulted in a 1-1 draw. In early 2016, he played both a goal and assist in a tense away match against Bolivia that culminated in a 2–3 win. In a 3–1 home win over Ecuador, he assisted another goal. In Colombia's 2–0 victory over Venezuela in early August, he both a goal and an assist.

After missing a penalty earlier, James scored a late game against a defensive Bolivia. Colombia earned a first-place finish in the qualification category thanks to a 1–0 home win. In an impressive 0–2 victory in Ecuador, James will score and score a goal days later. James was assisting Radamel Falcao's goal against European giants Spain in his first friendly of the year. The game will end 2–2. In a dramatic 4–0 victory over Cameroon, James would both provide and score a goal. James will score a vital away goal against South American rival Peru, resulting in a 1–1 draw and granting Colombia the last automatic qualification spot in fourth place. James' last contribution to Colombia in 2017 would be an assist against South Korea, which will come as a result of 2–1.

Colombia's World Cup preparations started against World Cup winners France, where James gave two assists toward a 2–0 victory and a 2–3 win. This was Colombia's first victory over France in Colombia's history over France.

James was chosen in Colombia's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on June 4th. After a calf injury during preparation, James did not get off to the field against Japan in the first game against Japan. In the 59th minute for Juan Quintero, he came as a substitute. He had two assists in a 3–0 victory over Poland on June 24, 2018, and he was named Man of the Match on July 24. In the final match of the group stage against Senegal due to the injury, James had to be substituted in the 30th minute. During the group stage, James played in all three games but was forced to miss Colombia's last 16 matches against England. Colombia lost 4–3 on penalties against England and was barred from the World Cup. In those three games, James was unable to score.

In the 2019 Copa América squad, James was named in the 23-man final Colombia squad on May 30. Following a 0–0 draw after regulation time, James scored in the resulting penalty shoot-out, but Colombia was eliminated from the tournament after 5–4 loss.

James was ruled out of the team for the 2021 Copa América due to his lack of fitness, i.e. As he had just recovered from injury, he was punished for not being at his best physical condition.

James admitted that he was uncertain about his future with the team after Colombia's inability to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. "I'm not sure what's coming up in the next phases, and I'm not sure if Im going to be there or not," he told Diario Sport. "I do know that losing my heart causes me to fail, and it will not happen again."

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