Minnesota United Signs James Rodríguez Ahead of World Cup

Minnesota United has officially announced the signing of Colombian international star forward James Rodríguez, who will join the team for the duration of this summer’s World Cup.

Rodríguez, 34, will not be categorized as a Designated Player, and the agreement is of a short-term nature, set to last until the conclusion of the World Cup, with an option for the club to extend the deal through December 2026.

Having been a free agent since December, when his contract with Liga MX side León ended, Rodríguez was in search of a club to maintain his sharpness ahead of the prestigious tournament.

“James is a player whose quality, vision, and experience at the highest levels of the game are unquestioned. We’re excited to add his creativity and football intelligence to our group. At the same time, this move is about collective strength—not about putting everything on one individual,” stated Minnesota’s sporting director, Khaled El-Ahmad.

El-Ahmad further emphasized the belief that Rodríguez can contribute significantly within the club’s structure and culture, aiming to integrate him effectively to enhance the team’s overall performance. “Our focus is on ensuring he contributes in a way that elevates the group. We’re confident that, together, we can create something impactful for our community, club, and fans,” he added.

Under the guidance of new manager Cameron Knowles, Minnesota aims to adopt a more expansive style of play, and Rodríguez’s creative prowess is expected to play a vital role in achieving this goal. His expertise in set pieces is also anticipated to bolster the team, which had previously excelled in this area.

Rodríguez’s departure from León marks another chapter in his dynamic career, which has seen him journey through various clubs. “I’m very happy for this new chapter in my life,” he expressed. “I hope to be at my best so I can bring joy to this city and to all of the people who are putting their faith in me. I’m looking forward to meeting all of the passionate Minnesota fans because I’m also a passionate player who wants to give everything on the field and always wants to win.”

Since his loan stint at Bayern Munich from 2017 to 2019, Rodríguez has played for several clubs including Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, and León, where he recorded three goals and two assists in 14 appearances last season.

On the international stage, Rodríguez continues to excel, having won the Golden Ball at the 2024 Copa América, contributing one goal and six assists to lead Colombia to the final, where they were narrowly defeated by Argentina.

Overall, Rodríguez boasts 122 appearances for Colombia, with 31 goals to his name, and he is poised to remain a crucial attacking force for the national team in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. His illustrious career began with Envigado in Colombia before progressing to notable clubs such as Banfield, Porto, AS Monaco, and Real Madrid.