James Rodríguez facts for kids
James training with Bayern Munich in 2018
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | James David Rodríguez Rubio | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 12 July 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Cúcuta, Colombia | ||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Attacking midfielder, winger | ||||||||||||||||||
| Team information | |||||||||||||||||||
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Current team
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León | ||||||||||||||||||
| Number | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2001–2005 | Academia Tolimense de Fútbol | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2005–2006 | Envigado | ||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | |||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2006–2008 | Envigado | 30 | (9) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2008–2010 | Banfield | 42 | (5) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2010–2013 | Porto | 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 | Olympiacos | 20 | (5) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023–2024 | São Paulo | 18 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2024–2025 | Rayo Vallecano | 6 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2025– | León | 1 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||
| International career‡ | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 | Colombia U17 | 11 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2011 | Colombia U20 | 5 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2011– | Colombia | 112 | (29) | ||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19 January 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 19 November 2024 |
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James David Rodríguez Rubio (born 12 July 1991) is a famous Colombian footballer. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Liga MX club León. He is also the captain of the Colombia national team. Many people think he is one of the best Colombian players ever. He is known for his amazing technique, great vision, and fantastic playmaking skills. Some even see him as the next Carlos Valderrama, another legendary Colombian player.
James started his career in Colombia with Envigado. Then he moved to Argentina to play for Banfield. He became very well known in Europe when he played for Porto in Portugal. There, he won many trophies and awards. In 2014, James made a big move from AS Monaco to Real Madrid. This transfer cost about £63 million, making him one of the most expensive football players at the time. In his first season with Real Madrid, he was chosen for the La Liga Team of the Season. He also won the La Liga Best Midfielder award.
Later, in 2017, he joined German club Bayern Munich on a two-year loan. In 2020, he moved to English club Everton. After one season, he played for Al-Rayyan in Qatar and Olympiacos in Greece. In 2023, he returned to South America to play for Brazilian club São Paulo. He then had a short spell at Rayo Vallecano before joining León in 2025.
James also had a great international career. He played for the Colombia under-20 team. With them, he won the 2011 Toulon Tournament. He also captained the U-20 team in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Because of his strong performances, he was called up to the senior national team at just 20 years old. He played in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup. In 2014, he won the Golden Boot as the top scorer. He was also part of the Cup's All-Star Team. He has played in the Copa América in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2024. He won a third-place medal in 2016 and reached the final in 2024. In the 2024 tournament, he received the Golden Ball as the best player.
Contents
Club Career Highlights
James started his professional football journey in 2006. He played for Envigado in Colombia's second division. He helped them get promoted to the top league in 2007. He was one of the youngest Colombian players to start a professional match, playing at just 14 years old.
Playing in Argentina: Banfield
In 2008, James moved to Argentina to play for Banfield. He played his first game in February 2009. He scored his first goal for the club later that month with a powerful shot. In his first season, he scored one goal in 11 games.
In 2009, James became a regular player for Banfield. At only 17, he was the youngest foreign player to score in Argentina. His second goal helped Banfield win the Argentine championship for the first time ever. This was a huge moment for the club.
In 2010, James scored his first Copa Libertadores goal. This is a big tournament for South American clubs. He scored five goals in seven games during this competition.
Moving to Europe: Porto
On 6 July 2010, James joined Porto in Portugal. He signed a four-year contract. He quickly scored his first goal in a friendly game. In December 2010, he scored his first goal in a European competition, the Europa League.
In the 2010–11 season, James scored three goals and made one assist in the 2011 Taça de Portugal Final. Porto won this cup final 6–2. He finished the season with six goals and eight assists. Porto had an amazing season, winning four trophies: the Super Cup, the league title, the Europa League, and the Cup title.
In the 2011–12 season, James scored 14 goals and made 11 assists for Porto. He won the LPFP Award for Breakthrough Player of the Year. He also won the Portuguese Golden Ball award in 2012. This made him the youngest player ever to win this honor.
For the 2012–13 season, James was given the number 10 shirt. This showed how important he was to the team. He continued to score and assist goals, helping Porto win their third league title in a row. By the age of 21, James had already won eight trophies with Porto.
Playing in France: Monaco
On 25 May 2013, James joined AS Monaco in France. This was a very expensive transfer. He signed a five-year contract. He made his debut for Monaco in a 2–0 win against Bordeaux.
He scored his first goal for Monaco with a free-kick. He also scored two goals in one game against Bastia. In his first season, he didn't win a trophy with Monaco. However, he helped them get a spot in the UEFA Champions League for the next season. He also led Ligue 1 in assists that season.
Joining the Giants: Real Madrid
After his amazing performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, James said he dreamed of playing for Real Madrid. On 22 July 2014, his dream came true. He signed a six-year contract with the Spanish club. This was a very expensive transfer, making him one of the most expensive players in the world. He was given the number 10 shirt, worn by many Real Madrid legends.
James made his debut for Real Madrid in the 2014 UEFA Super Cup. Real Madrid won this match 2–0. He scored his first goal for the club against Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup. He also scored in his first Champions League game for Real. In his first season, he scored 17 goals and made 17 assists in all competitions. He was named the La Liga Best Midfielder.
In the 2015–16 season, James helped Real Madrid win the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League. He made 5 appearances in this competition. In the 2016–17 season, he played 22 games as Real Madrid won 2016–17 La Liga. He also played 6 games when Madrid won the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League again. Even though he scored 11 goals and made 13 assists, he wanted more playing time.
Loan to Bayern Munich
On 11 July 2017, James was loaned to Bayern Munich for two years. He rejoined his former Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti. He scored his first goal for Bayern against Schalke 04.
In April 2018, Bayern's CEO thanked Ancelotti for bringing James to the club. James scored against his parent club, Real Madrid, in the Champions League semi-finals. Bayern lost the match, but James helped them win the 2017–18 Bundesliga title. He scored 7 goals and made 11 assists in 23 league games.
In the 2018–19 season, James scored his first hat-trick since 2011 in a 6–0 win over Mainz. He won his second Bundesliga title with Bayern. A week later, he also won his first DFB-Pokal (German Cup). He played 28 matches and scored seven goals that season. In June 2019, Bayern decided not to buy him permanently, so he returned to Real Madrid. He made eight appearances as Real Madrid won the 2019–20 La Liga.
Recent Club Moves
On 7 September 2020, James joined Everton in England. He signed a two-year deal and reunited with Carlo Ancelotti again. He made his debut in a 1–0 win against Tottenham. The next week, he scored his first goal for Everton. He scored two goals and assisted another in a 4–2 win against Brighton.
In September 2021, James moved to Al-Rayyan in Qatar. He made his debut in October and scored his first goal later that month. In September 2022, he left Al-Rayyan.
He then joined Olympiacos in Greece on 15 September 2022. He was given the number 10 jersey. His contract with Olympiacos ended in April 2023.
On 29 July 2023, James returned to South America, joining São Paulo in Brazil. He signed a two-year contract. He played 14 games in 2023. However, in 2024, he struggled for playing time. His contract with São Paulo ended in July 2024.
James then joined La Liga club Rayo Vallecano in August 2024. He made seven appearances and provided one assist. His contract with Rayo ended in January 2025.
Following his departure from Rayo, James signed with Liga MX club León on 13 January 2025.
International Career Highlights
James has played for Colombia at different age levels.
Youth Teams
He was part of the Colombia U-17 team. They finished second in the 2007 South American Under-17 Championships. He scored three goals in that tournament. He also helped Colombia reach the knockout stages of the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
He also played for the Colombia under-20 squad in 2011. He scored two goals and made three assists in the 2011 Toulon Tournament. He was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) as Colombia won the final. He also captained the U20 team in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He scored three goals and made three assists, gaining international attention.
Senior National Team
James got his first call-up to the Colombia senior team in September 2011. He was named man of the match in his first game. He scored his first goal for Colombia against Peru. He played a key role in helping Colombia qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This was the first time Colombia reached the World Cup in 16 years.
2014 FIFA World Cup
On 2 June 2014, James was chosen for Colombia's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He wore the number 10 shirt. In Colombia's first game, he set up two goals and scored one himself in a 3–0 win over Greece. He was named man of the match. He continued his great form, scoring and assisting in the next games. At the end of the group stage, FIFA ranked him as the best player in the tournament.
On 28 June, James scored both goals in a 2–0 win against Uruguay. This sent Colombia to their first-ever World Cup quarter-finals. His first goal was a spectacular volley, described as "one of the greatest goals the World Cup has ever seen." He was named man of the match for the third time. This volley later won the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year. In the quarter-final against Brazil, he scored his sixth goal of the tournament. Colombia lost 2–1, but James ended his first World Cup with six goals and two assists in five matches. He won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer. He was also named in the World Cup All-Star Team.
Copa América Tournaments
James played for Colombia in the 2015 Copa América. His team was knocked out by Argentina in a penalty shootout.
The next year, he captained Colombia in the Copa América Centenario. He scored a penalty in the opening 2–0 win against the United States. He also scored and assisted in a 2–1 win against Paraguay. Colombia reached the semi-finals and finished in third place. This was Colombia's best result since 2001.
In the 2019 Copa América, Colombia was eliminated by Chile in a penalty shootout. James scored his penalty, but Colombia lost.
James was not in the squad for the 2021 Copa América due to an injury.
2024 Copa América
On 15 June 2024, James played his 100th international game for Colombia. On 21 June, he was selected for the 2024 Copa América squad. In the quarter-final against Panama, he scored a penalty and made two assists in a 5–0 win. In the semi-final against Uruguay, he assisted the winning goal from a corner kick. This assist was his sixth in the tournament, breaking Lionel Messi's record for most assists in a single Copa América. Colombia reached the final but finished as runner-up. James received the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
How James Plays
James is a very flexible footballer. He can play in many positions in the midfield or front-line. He has played as a playmaker, winger, and central midfielder. He has said his favorite role is an attacking midfielder, playing behind the main strikers.
People praise James for his speed, amazing technical skills, and great vision. He is excellent at creating chances for his teammates. His style of play, especially as a classic number 10, has led to comparisons with the famous Colombian player Carlos Valderrama. Valderrama himself called James his "successor."
James is naturally left-footed, but he can use both feet very well when dribbling and shooting. His goal-scoring ability was a highlight of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He won the Golden Boot even though Colombia was knocked out in the quarter-finals. He is also very good at taking free kicks. He can score from almost anywhere on the field. This makes him very unpredictable, as he can score with a shot from his head or either foot.
Personal Life
In 2015, Forbes magazine estimated James' yearly income was $29 million.
James married volleyball player Daniela Ospina in 2011. She is the sister of Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina. They have a daughter named Salome, born in 2013. In 2017, their marriage ended. In 2019, James had his first son, Samuel, through a surrogate.
James is a very religious person and a devout Catholic. He became a Spanish citizen in 2019.
Sponsorships
Early in his career, James was noticed by Adidas. He has appeared in many adverts for Adidas. He also promoted Colombian drinks like "Pony Malta" and "Milo," and shampoo like "Clear." After the 2014 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot, Adidas gave him custom gold boots. This helped show off their new star player.
Honours
Envigado
- Categoría Primera B: 2007
Banfield
- Primera División Argentina: Apertura 2009
Porto
- Primeira Liga: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13
- Taça de Portugal: 2010–11
- Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2012
- UEFA Europa League: 2010–11
Real Madrid
- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20
- Supercopa de España: 2020
- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17
- UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2016
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016
Bayern Munich
- Bundesliga: 2017–18, 2018–19
- DFB-Pokal: 2018–19
São Paulo
- Copa do Brasil: 2023
Colombia U20
- Toulon Tournament: 2011
Colombia
- Copa América runner-up: 2024; third place: 2016
Individual Awards
- FIFA U-20 World Cup top assist provider: 2011
- Toulon Tournament Best Player: 2011
- LPFP Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year: 2011–12
- SJPF Player of the Month: August 2012, September 2012
- Record Team of the Year: 2012
- O Jogo Team of the Year: 2012, 2013
- Portuguese Golden Ball: 2012
- Ligue 1 top assist provider: 2013–14
- UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2013–14
- AS Monaco Player of the Year: 2013–14
- Globe Revelation Player: 2014
- FIFA World Cup Golden Boot: 2014
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2014
- FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2014
- FIFA World Cup Goal of the Tournament: 2014
- FIFA Puskás Award: 2014
- La Liga Team of the Season: 2014–15
- La Liga Best Midfielder: 2014–15
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2015
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2017–18
- Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2017–18
- Facebook FA La Liga Best Goal: 2016
- Copa del Rey top assist provider: 2016–17
- New species of coral named after him, Paragorgia jamesi
- Copa América Team of the Tournament: 2019, 2024
- Copa América Golden Ball: 2024
Images for kids
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Rodríguez playing for Colombia in 2022
See also
In Spanish: James Rodríguez para niños
- List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
