13th club from the 12th country

©IMAGO

James Rodríguez has found a new club and joined Major League Soccer for Minnesota United FC. In North America, the former FC Bayern professional has signed until June, after which the club has the option to extend the contract until the end of the year.

“I’m really excited about this new phase of my life,” James said at the launch. « I hope to give my best to bring joy to this city and all the people who trust me. I look forward to meeting all the passionate Minnesota fans because I am also a passionate player who wants to give everything on the field and always wants to win. »

James has been without a club since the start of the year. In December, his tenure with Mexico’s top team Club León came to an end, where he scored 14 goals in 34 matches. The United States is the 12th country James has signed in, following Colombia, Argentina, Portugal, France, Spain, Germany, England, Qatar, Greece, Brazil and Mexico. After playing for major European clubs such as FC Bayern and Real Madrid, Minnesota is his 13th club.

James will probably focus on the 2026 World Cup. After David Ospina, who wore the Colombian jersey 130 times, the former Munich player is the second player with the most matches played in his country with 122 matches. If things go well for the team, he could get past the goalkeeper at the World Cup. At the 2024 Copa América, James proved his importance by leading Colombia to the final as the tournament’s top scorer, where they were beaten by Lionel Messi and Argentina. He also wants to show this influence in the 2026 World Cup. Colombia will face Uzbekistan, Portugal and a FIFA playoff winner in the group.