Minnesota United FC have completed one of the biggest signings in MLS history, announcing the arrival of Colombian superstar James Rodríguez on Friday.
The 34-year-old midfielder and Colombia captain has signed a contract through June 2026, with an option to extend until December 2026. Rodríguez joins the club as a free agent and, notably, will not take up a Designated Player slot.
The move brings a global name to Minnesota just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Rodríguez is expected to captain Colombia.
Minnesota United: “This Is About the Team, Not One Player”
Minnesota United sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad stressed that Rodríguez’s signing is about strengthening the collective, not building the team around a single star.
“James is a player whose quality, vision, and experience at the highest levels of the game are unquestioned,” El-Ahmad said.
“This move is about collective strength – not about putting everything on one individual.”
The club believes Rodríguez’s creativity, football intelligence, and leadership will elevate the squad within Minnesota’s existing structure and culture.
James Rodríguez: A Global Superstar Arrives in MLS
James Rodríguez became a household name at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot with six goals, leading Colombia to the quarterfinals.
That tournament earned him a blockbuster move to Real Madrid, where he later featured alongside some of the game’s biggest stars. His career has also included spells at:
- Bayern Munich
- FC Porto
- Everton
- Club León (LIGA MX)
Across his club career, Rodríguez has recorded 127 goals and 161 assists in 516 appearances, an elite return for an attacking midfielder.
His most recent stint came with Club León, where he scored five goals in 34 matches across all competitions.
At international level, Rodríguez is Colombia’s second all-time leading scorer, with 31 goals in 122 caps, and is set to lead the nation at the 2026 World Cup.
“I Want to Bring Joy to This City” – Rodríguez
Rodríguez expressed excitement about starting a new chapter in Major League Soccer.
“I’m very happy for this new chapter in my life,” he said.
“I hope to be at my best so I can bring joy to this city and to all of the people who are putting their faith in me.”
He also highlighted the connection he hopes to build with Minnesota United supporters.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all of the passionate Minnesota fans. I’m a passionate player who wants to give everything on the field and always wants to win.”
