James Rodriguez: Luis Diaz could be World Footballer of the Year

James Rodríguez has said Luis Díaz deserves to be in the Ballon d'Or conversation after an impressive club season.

Speaking to DSports as Colombia arrived in Mexico to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, the national-team captain praised his team-mate’s form and said Díaz is already one of the five best players in the world.

"Why not?" James said of Díaz and the Ballon d'Or. "In my view, he is one of the five best players in the world right now. The season he just had was truly outstanding and different."

James also linked Díaz’s chances to Colombia’s World Cup run. He suggested that reaching the final — and winning the tournament — would greatly improve the winger’s case for football’s top individual prize.

"If he can reach the final with the national team and we become champions, why shouldn’t he win the Ballon d'Or?" James said. "In that case, he would have a very strong chance of taking the honour."