James Rodriguez was back in the World Cup this summer, twelve years after his phenomenal World Cup goal and breakthrough in Europe. Real Madrid flipped up 80 million for the Monaco player in 2014, the rest has been a more or less continuous sporting downturn for the Colombian international. In July, it was reported that the 35-year-old was once again on the move, this time his stay abroad is over.
Most people had written off James Rodríguez after he had managed to play in the Premier League, Qatar league, in Greece, plus the Brazilian league over the past four years. Then the Colombian made his mark as the most valuable player in the Copa America in 2024. This meant a return to Europe and La Liga, but six months later, Rodriguez was again on the move, and the lack of playing time at Rayo Vallecano sent Rodriguez to Leòn and Mexico in 2025. Just over a month into 2026, it was reported that Rodriguez had agreed with a new club, this time in Donald Trump’s playground.
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There was a signing with Minnesota United, reasonably special choice of city for a tattooed Colombian at the beginning of 2026 where Trump’s ICE ravaged. James Rodriguez was not thrown out, but the 35-year-old’s contract expired in the summer and was not renewed. Rodriguez had a total of six MLS games in the Minnesota jersey and two assists.
So what will be the next football continent for Rodriguez on his 18-year continuous trip abroad?
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Recently, the former World Cup profile was linked to Serie B club Avellino, but this was not a deal. On Wednesday, Atletico Nacional confirmed on their website that James Rodriguez has signed with the club. In other words, returns back to Colombia.
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