James David Rodrguez Rubio; born 12 July 1991), usually known as James Rodrguez ) or

simply James is

Colombian footballer who

plays

for

Spanish

club Real

Madrid and

the Colombian national team, as an attacking midfielder or winger.

Rodrguez is commonly ranked as one of the best young players in the world.

[2][3][4]

He has received

praise for his technique, vision and playmaking skills, and has been referred to as the successor to
[3][5][6]

his compatriot Carlos Valderrama.

Rodrguez became well known in Europe during his time at Porto, winning several trophies and
individual awards during his 3 years at the club. In 2014, Rodrguez moved from Monaco to Real
Madrid for a transfer fee of 80 million, making him the most expensive Colombian in history,
above Radamel Falcao, and one of the most expensive players in football.

[7]

His emergence in the Colombia national football team started with the U-20 national team, where
he was captain of the 2011Toulon Tournament-winning side. He eventually captained the U-20
team during the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which eventually led him to become a regular on the
senior squad by age 20. He was selected to play in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he won
the Golden Boot as top goalscorer and was part of the Cup's All Star XI.

Club career[edit]
Envigado FC[edit]
Born in Ccuta, James is native of the city of Ibagu, where he spent his childhood. He was born to
Wilson James Rodrguez Bedolla and Maria Del Pilar Rubio. Rodrguez started his professional
football career in 2006 at the time of his Colombian second division club Envigado FC, with whom
he made the 2007 ascent.
Club Atltico Banfield[edit]
2008[edit]
In 2008, he was signed by Argentine team Club Atltico Banfield, where he made his first team
debut on 7 February 2009, he scored his first goal for the club on 27 February with a long range
strike in a 31 victory over Rosario Central.
2009[edit]
In 2009, he became a regular first team player featuring in every game of the Apertura 2009. At
only 17, this made him the youngest foreigner to score a goal in Argentina.

[10]

His second goal for

Banfield came on 26 September when he scored with a strike into the top corner from outside of the
area in an important 21 against Newell's Old Boys, a win which helped Banfield to win
the Argentine championship for the first time in the history of the club.

[11]

In December 2009, Italian club Udinese planned to make a bid for Rodrguez for a reported
5 million following the end of the 2010 Copa Libertadores. However, Banfield rejected the bid as
the price was 'insufficient'.

[12]

For the Clausura 2010, 13 February 2010, Rodrguez scored a golazo in the match against arch
rivals Lans with a left-footed lob to make the game 20 in the final minutes. After the game daily
sports website Diario Ol likened his playing and personal style to Cristiano Ronaldo and also
nicknamed him the 'James Bond of Banfield'.

[13]

2010[edit]
Rodrguez added to his glowing reputation with a goal in the Copa Libertadores group game on 17
February 2010, in a demolition of Deportivo Cuenca away from home, he scored the fourth goal of
[14]

the game with a nice cool finish in the area on his left foot. Banfield thrashed them 41.

His

wonderful scoring season continued with a brace in the Copa Libertadores group game on 10
March 2010, in an away match with Uruguayan giants Club Nacional de Football, Rodrguez scored
once with a diving header and again from the penalty spot on his right foot in the game which ended
[15]

22.

The 18-year-old netted another goal on 29 April 2010, in the second round match of Copa

Libertadores 2010 in the first match versus Brazilian giants Internacional which Banfield won 3
[16]

1.

bringing his tally to 5 goals in 7 games but the international season ended in defeat as his

team went down on away goals losing 20 in Porto Alegre in a game which Rodrguez was also red
carded for two fouls.

[17]

Porto[edit]
201011 season[edit]
On 6 July 2010, Rodrguez was signed by FC Porto for 5.1 million, with 30% economic rights
retained by other parties. He signed a 4-year contract with a 30M release clause.
sold 10% economic rights to third parties.
[20]

first goal in a friendly against Ajax.

[19]

[18]

Porto later re-

On 18 July, he played his first game and scored his

In November Porto sold 35% economic rights (half of 70%) to

Gol Football Luxembourg, S.A.R.L. for 2.5 million.

[21]

On 15 December 2010, Rodrguez scored his first goal in European football in a 31 home victory
for Porto against CSKA Sofia

[22]

Rodrguez also scored a hat-trick in 2011 Taa de Portugal

Final against Vitria de Guimares in a 62 win of Porto, while also assisting a goal in the same
game. On 17 May Porto bought the remaining 30% economic rights from Convergence Capital
Partners B.V. for 2,250,000, made Porto once again held more than half of the economic rights of
55%.

[23]

On 13 June, he signed a new 5-year contract and the release clause had increased to

45 million.

[24]

In just 24 appearances, he scored six goals and eight assists also playing a part in

the Europa League victory.

201112 season[edit]

[25]

In the 201112 season, Rodrguez scored 14 goals for Porto and delivered 11 assists. In 2011,
Rodrguez won the LPFP Award for Breakthrough Player of 201112 Primeira Liga season at age
20, becoming the first Colombian player to do so. He is a two-time winner of the SJPF Player of the
Month. Rodrguez won the Portuguese Golden Ball award in 2012, becoming the second
Colombian after Radamel Falcao to win the award, as well as being the youngest player ever to
hold the honour.

[26][27][28]

201213 season[edit]
In the 201213 season, Rodrguez's was given the number 10 shirt and became a regular starter.
As fellow Colombians Radamel Falcao, Fredy Guarn and Brazilian Hulk left the club within the last
two seasons, Rodrguez was able to start more matches than previously. In a match
against Olhanense, Rodrguez chipped a goal outside the box at a tight angle. In the same game,
he assisted compatriot Jackson Martnez with a through ball to an eventual 32 win. Rodrguez
scored another goal against Beira-Mar, not before assisting the first two goals, ending in a 40
victory. Rodrguez assisted a goal with a free kick rebound in an away game against Rio Ave, that
eventually ended at 22.

[29]

In the 201213 UEFA Champions League group stage, he scored against French club Paris SaintGermain in a 10 victory allowing Porto to top their current group.

[30]

A few days later, Rodrguez

scored a penalty against rivals Sporting CP. In just the first month of the 201213 season,
Rodrguez had won the SJPF Player of the Monthaward.

[31][32][33]

In the third round of the group

stage during the 201213 Champions League, he assisted a goal to an eventual 32 victory. James
assisted another goal againstEstoril in a 21 victory.
In a 50 win over Martimo, Rodrguez scored twice. Rodrguez scored another goal, this time,
against Academica Coimbra. In the Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb. In the 90th
minute against Sporting Braga, Rodriguez scored a game-winning goal that ended 20.
Against Moreirense, he assisted a goal from the corner to fellow country man Jackson Martnez.
Prior to the opening of the second half of the season, Rodrguez suffered a hamstring injury causing
him to struggle in maintaining fitness. This led him to being subbed after the first half in a match
against CD Nacional where he injured his hamstring once more, resulting in him being out for
[34][35]

1 month.

On 1 February 2013, Porto also bought back 30% economic rights of Rodrguez from

Gol Football Luxembourg for 8.57 million,

Reyes for 3.5 million

[37]

[36]

(by selling 47.5% economic rights of Diego Antonio

) which Porto sold 35% of Rodrguez in November 2010 to Gol Football for

2.5 million.
Rodrguez made his return after being subbed in at the 70th minute of a 20 victory over Beira-Mar.
His first match after being injured for more than a month. In the first leg of the Champions League
round of 32 against Mlaga, Rodrguez was subbed on in the 60th minute. Despite not changing the
10 victory score, Rodrguez became a big game changing factor in Porto's attack despite his

current fitness.

[38]

On his second league match since his return, Rodrguez assisted a goal with a

wonderful cross against Rio Ave. Soon afterwards in his next league match, he assisted a goal
against

Estoril

2 months.

[40]

from

corner

in

20

victory.

[39]

It

was

Rodrguez's

first

start

in

Rodrguez did not get to start in the second leg of the Champions League match

against Mlaga until the second half where Porto where then down to ten men after a red card by a
defender. Porto lost the match later and Vtor Pereira was greatly criticized and questioned on why
he didn't start sooner considering that he was an important key member where Porto could have a
more solid team. Rodrguez expressed his disappointment, claiming to be '100%' in fitness (as well
as giving a performance with no struggles shown). However he also expressed his respect and
understanding for the coach's concern.

[41][42][43][44]

Despite an exit in the Champions League,

Rodrguez went on to become the second most fouled player in the tournament of the 201213
season.

[45]

Rodrguez scored a goal in a 11 tie against Martimo. Manchester United reportedly made a bid for
30 million euros to purchase Rodriguez, but it was rejected by Porto for the offer was considered
too low.

[46][47][48]

Rodrguez made his 201213 edition debut for the 201213 Taa da Liga where he

scored a penalty in the semi-finals. Porto won the match 40 and advanced to the finals. Rodrguez
gave a man of the match performance against Sporting Braga, scoring the first goal, and assisting
two, one from the field and one from the corner in a 31 victory.

[49]

Rodriguez assisted one of the

goals in a 20 victory over Vitria de Setbal. Rodrguez scored the opening goal in a 31 victory
over C.D. Nacional.
In the final match of the season against Paos de Ferreira, Rodrguez helped assure that Porto
would win its third consecutive league title after being tripped inside the box and securing a penalty
that was later scored thus providing the assist.

[50][51]

He finished the season scoring 10 goals and

providing 13 assists in 24 league appearances. In general, he scored 13 goals and provided 15

assists within 32 appearances in all competitions for Porto of the 201213 season. Winning the
league title meant that Rodrguez won his eighth trophy since joining Porto in 2009, just after three
seasons spent in Europe and at only 21 years of age.
Monaco[edit]
On 24 May 2013, it was announced that Rodrguez had joined French side AS Monaco for a
transfer fee of 45 million thus making it the second most expensive transfer in Portuguese football,
behind former teammate Hulk. He signed a five-year contract keeping him at the club until
2018.

[52]

This made him not only one of the most expensive transfers in the club's history, but

in Ligue 1 history as well, along as the one of the highest in world football.

[53]

Rodrguez made his Ligue 1 debut against Bordeaux, a game Monaco went on to win 20. He then
missed Monaco's second league match to avoid a possible injury.

[54]

Rodrguez finally made his first

direct contribution for Monaco as he assisted the first goal in a 30 victory against Bastia, while
[55]

setting up plays for the other two goals.

AgainstSaint-tienne in the following week, Rodrguez

continued on with his playmaking form, giving a man of the match performance where he assisted
both goals in a 21 victory.

[56][57]

in a 22 draw against Sochaux.

Following the international break, Rodrguez assisted the first goal

[58]

[59]

Rodrguez assisted the only goal for Monaco in a 11 draw against vian.

[60]

scored his first goal for the club with a free-kick in a 20 win over Rennes.

Rodrguez finally

Rodrguez scored

another goal in the next match within the fourth minute against Nice, where Monaco won 3
[61]

0.

Against Guingamp, Rodrguez assisted both goals in a 02 victory.

[62]

Rodrguez scored a goal

[63]

against Valenciennes to put Monaco on the score sheet, but Monaco lost 12.

Rodrguez started 2014 by making his Coupe de France debut in a match against Vannes, where
he both assisted and scored a goal in a 23 victory.
[65]

assisted a goal against Montpellier.

[64]

For his first league match of 2014, James

Against Toulouse, Rodrguez provided an assist for the

second goal in a 02 away victory with a cross.

[66]

James' first double at Monaco came in the match

against Bastia, where his goals won the game 20.

[67]

Within the final seconds against Reims,

James hit a shot that hit the post and allowed Layvin Kurzawa to score the rebound, allowing
[68]

Monaco to win the game 32.

In the French media, Rodrguez was referred to as 'perhaps' the best footballer in Ligue 1 due to his
impressive debut with Monaco,
[70]

league.

[69]

although he stated that he still required more time in the

Following the international break, Rodrguez scored his first penalty for Monaco
[71]

against Sochaux in a 21 win.

Rodrguez ended his debut season without a trophy, but managed to help Monaco secure a spot in
[72]

the following season's UEFA Champions League, and earn a place in the starLigue 1 XI,
as becoming the assist leader in Ligue 1.

as well

[73]

Real Madrid[
In a post-match interview during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, James stated his 'love',
'admiration', and 'passion' for Real Madrid, and that it would be a 'life's dream' to play for them
in response with his performances arousing rumors linking him to the Spanish giants.[75]

On 22 July 2014, Rodrguez confirmed the rumors by signing a 6-year contract with the Spanish
giants for an undisclosed fee, which was reported to be around 80
million.[76][77][78][79][80][81] This move would make him the 4th most expensive player in
history, the 3rd most expensive in Real Madrid's history, and the most expensive Colombian to
date surpassing Radamel Falcao's 60 million in 2013.[82] The amount spent on his transfer fee
led many to refer James as a Galctico, also credited by the fact that he was given the number 10
shirt, carrying the legacy of Real Madrid legends such as Lus Figo, Ferenc Pusks, and the player
he admired the most while growing up and supporting the club, Zinedine Zidane

Honours[edit]
Club[edit]
Envigado
Categora Primera B: 2007[130]
Banfield

Primera Divisin Argentina: Apertura 2009[131]

Porto

Primeira Liga (3): 201011, 201112, 201213[132]

Taa de Portugal: 201011[132]
Supertaa Cndido de Oliveira (3): 2010, 2011, 2012[132]
UEFA Europa League: 201011[132]
Real Madrid
UEFA Super Cup: 2014
International[edit]
Colombia U-20
Toulon Tournament: 2011[133][134]
Individual[edit]
Youngest Player ever to score in the Argentine Primera Division (age 17) [87]
Argentine Primera Division Young Player of the Year: 2009 [135]
Meilleur joueur Toulon Tournament: 2011[134]
LPFP Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year (1): 201112[136][137]
SJPF Player of the Month (2): August 2012, September 2012[138]
Record Team of the Year (2): 2012,[139]
O Jogo Team of the Year (2): 2012,[140] 2013[141]
Portuguese Golden Ball: 2012[142]
Ligue 1 Assist Leader: 201314[143]
UNFP Ligue 1 XI: 201314 [72]
AS Monaco Player of the Year: 201314 [144]
FIFA World Cup Golden Boot: 2014[145]
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2014 [9]
FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2014[146]
FIFA World Cup 2014 Goal of the Tournament: 10 (20) vs. Uruguay[