James Rodríguez is officially a member of Minnesota United.
The Loons signed the Colombian attacking midfielder to a contract through June, with a club option that can extend the deal into December, they announced Friday, Feb. 6.
Despite the short-term nature of the deal, Rodríguez is arguably the most significant signing in club history. The 34-year-old has been a star for his national team, winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup and earning most valuable player honors at the 2024 Copa America.
Rodríguez, who was previously a free agent, is expected to play a key role for Colombia at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Joining the Loons will allow him to get game time on the continent ahead of the event.
“I’m very happy for this new chapter in my life,” Rodríguez said in a statement. “I hope to be at my best so I can bring joy to this city and to all 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.”
Rodríguez last played for Club León of Mexico’s Liga MX, recording five goals and nine assists in 34 appearances across all competitions with the club. His contract with Club León expired in December.
He has played for some of the top clubs in the world, like Spain’s Real Madrid and Germany’s Bayern Munich, but lately his career has become transient. Minnesota United is Rodríguez’s seventh team in six years.
Despite that, he remains a central figure for Colombia. He scored a tournament-leading six goals at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and represented his country again at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He will return to the event in 2026 after Colombia failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
