Sofia Quijada
James Rodriguez Joins Minnesota United Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Minnesota United has officially secured the signature of James Rodriguez. The 34-year-old Colombian national team captain joins the MLS side on a short-term deal following his recent stint with Mexican club Leon. The agreement includes a guaranteed contract through June 2026, featuring a club option to extend the stay through December 2026.
“I’m very happy for this new chapter in my life. 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,” Rodriguez stated. “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.”
Loons Strengthen Midfield with Elite Pedigree
Rodriguez arrives in the United States with a CV that includes dominant spells at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Minnesota United finished last season with a 16-8-10 record, securing fourth place in the Western Conference before a quarter-final exit in the playoffs. The addition of the Colombian playmaker is a clear signal of intent for a club looking to deep-run in the postseason.
Khaled El-Ahmad, United chief soccer officer and sporting director, emphasized that while Rodriguez brings elite individual talent, the focus remains on the team unit. “James is a player whose quality, vision, and experience at the highest levels of the game are unquestioned,” El-Ahmad said. The technical staff expects his creativity to integrate into a structure built on collective strength rather than individual reliance.
Fans can follow more MLS transfer updates and match analysis on TipsGG.