CORNERFLICK
James Rodríguez still has his eyes on a World Cup title with Colombia, and his latest performances suggest the ambition has not faded.
Twelve years after his breakout at Brazil 2014, where he made the tournament team and won the Puskás Award for his goal against Uruguay, Rodríguez remains the most capped Colombia player in World Cup history with 11 appearances. His rise that summer led to a €75m move from Monaco to Real Madrid.
His career has since been marked by constant movement. After leaving Real Madrid in 2020, he had spells with Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano and León before signing for Minnesota United in February. The plan was to build towards this World Cup, but he made only nine appearances and his exit from the MLS club had already been decided before he joined Néstor Lorenzo’s squad.
Rodríguez has also dismissed talk that he would retire after the tournament. He said only he will decide when to stop and insisted he still has “a few years” left.
His form for Colombia has kept the story going. He was named best player at the recent Copa América after Colombia lost the final to Argentina, and he says every time he wears the shirt, he feels enormous pride.