James Rodriguez has enjoyed something of a renaissance at the 2024 Copa America.
The playmaker has struggled during his club career but has always been able to connect with his national team, and he was back to his best at times during this summer’s tournament in the United States.
Colombia were in fine form and were unbeaten in 28 games heading into their last clash against Argentina, which ended in victory for Lionel Messi’s men. However, the Colombian captain’s performance earned him the player of the tournament award.
James is now back in La Liga, where he previously spent six years at Real Madrid.
THE Jugo Mobile takes a look at James’ career to date and his story so far.
What team does James Rodriguez play for?
James Rodriguez signed for Rayo Vallecano on a one-year contract on August 26, 2024.
Prior to that, he played for Sao Paulo in Brazil’s top division, Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.
He joined the club in July 2023 after a difficult seven-month spell in Greece, where he played for Olympiacos. The Brazilian team was the 10th club he represented during his career, and the fourth in as many seasons.
He is now back in the Spanish top division and playing in the city he moved to ten years ago.
James Rodriguez Career Review
James first came to international prominence at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where he won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.
His most memorable performance was when he struck a superb volley to help Uruguay beat and reach the quarter-finals, where Los Cafeteros were eventually eliminated by tournament hosts Brazil.
James began his professional career with Envigado in Colombia before joining Banfield in Argentina. He broke through in Europe with FC Porto.
His neat footwork and excellent dribbling ability were highlighted by top clubs before his move to AS Monaco in 2013. Following his World Cup success, Real Madrid signed him for a substantial fee of around €75 million (£63m/$101m).
In Spain, Rodriguez has had his ups and downs, including injuries and difficulty playing regularly. He has nevertheless managed to win two Champions League titles and was part of the La Liga-winning teams in 2016/17 and 2019/20.
During this period he was loaned to Bayern Munich, where he was again affected by injuries and he eventually left Madrid on a free transfer to Everton in the Premier League, where he rejoined his former boss at Los Blancos, Carlo Ancelotti.
| Years | Team | Apparitions | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2008 | Envigado | 30 | 9 |
| 2008–2010 | Banfield | 42 | 5 |
| 2010–2013 | Port | 63 | 25 |
| 2013–2014 | Monaco | 34 | 9 |
| 2014–2020 | real Madrid | 85 | 29 |
| 2017–2019 | Bayern Munich (loan) | 43 | 14 |
| 2020–2021 | Everton | 23 | 6 |
| 2021–2022 | Al-Rayyan | 13 | 4 |
| 2022–2023 | Olympiakos | 20 | 5 |
| 2023–2024 | Sao Paulo | 18 | 2 |
His time at the Toffees started well, but upon Ancelotti’s return to the Spanish capital his career on Merseyside collapsed.
James then joined Al-Rayyan in Qatar, but even there he failed to rediscover his top form.
It is in international football where he has remained relevant, as he has been key to Colombia’s outstanding recent form.
James Rodriguez Statistics for Colombia
Rodriguez’s form at the 2024 Copa America has been sensational, as he leads the way in assists.
He has scored six goals in five games so far, as well as getting on the scoresheet in the 5-0 win over Panama in the round of 16.
Statistics correct as of July 14, 2024 before the final
| Competition | Apparitions | Goals | Aids |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifications | 44 | 12 | 9 |
| International friendly matches | 34 | 7 | 11 |
| Copa America | 19 | 3 | 9 |
| World Cup 2014 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
