James Rodríguez

James Rodríguez is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Mexican club León and Captains the Colombia National Team.

Often regarded as the successor to Carlos Valderrama and one of the greatest Colombian players of all time, he is celebrated for his exceptional vision, technique, and playmaking abilities.

Player Profile and Personal Life

James David Rodríguez Rubio was born on July 12, 1991, in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia. The Colombian midfielder stands 181 cm (5 ft 11 in) tall.

A devout Catholic, he acquired Spanish citizenship in 2019. He was previously married to volleyball player Daniela Ospina, with whom he has a daughter, and he welcomed a son via surrogacy in 2019. His marketable appeal was highlighted when a new species of coral, Paragorgia jamesi, was named after him.

Career

Rodríguez began his professional career in South America with Envigado and Banfield before moving to Europe, where he rose to prominence at Porto.

His performances earned him a move to Monaco and subsequently a blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid in 2014. In Spain, he won multiple Champions League titles and was named La Liga Best Midfielder in his debut season.

After spells with Bayern Munich, Everton FC, and clubs in Qatar and Greece, he returned to South America with São Paulo in 2023. Following a brief return to La Liga with Rayo Vallecano, he joined Mexican side León in 2025.

Internationally, James became a global superstar during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot. He has remained the talisman for his country, captaining Colombia to the final of the 2024 Copa América, where he was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

Team Honors

• 2010–2011 - UEFA Europa League, Porto
• 2014 - FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid
• 2015–2016 - UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid
• 2016–2017 - La Liga, Real Madrid
• 2016–2017 - UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid
• 2017–2018 - Bundesliga, Bayern Munich
• 2018–2019 - Bundesliga, Bayern Munich
• 2018–2019 - DFB-Pokal, Bayern Munich
• 2023 - Copa do Brasil, São Paulo
• 2024 - Copa América runner-up, Colombia

Individual Honors

• 2014 - FIFA World Cup Golden Boot
• 2014 - FIFA Puskás Award
• 2014–2015 - La Liga Best Midfielder
• 2014–2015 - La Liga Team of the Season
• 2015 - UEFA Team of the Year
• 2024 - Copa América Golden Ball
• 2024 - Copa América Team of the Tournament