Colombian Star James Rodríguez Begins Training with Minnesota United Ahead of MLS Debut

Minnesota United officially announced the signing of Colombian midfielder James Rodríguez on Friday, February 6, bringing one of world football's most decorated players to Major League Soccer on a short-term contract. The 34-year-old star has already commenced an individual training program in St. Paul as he works to reach the physical fitness level required for MLS competition, with his official debut pending the completion of work visa documentation and medical examinations.

The deal sees Rodríguez sign a guaranteed contract through June 2026, with a club option to extend through December 2026. The timeline is no coincidence—Rodríguez is using the Minnesota United platform to prepare for captaining Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer. The midfielder has been a free agent since December 2025, when his contract with Liga MX side León expired after a disappointing stint in Mexico.

Rodríguez rose to international stardom at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he won the Golden Boot with six goals while leading Colombia to the quarterfinals. His stunning volley against Uruguay remains one of the tournament's most iconic goals. That performance earned him a move to Real Madrid, where he won two UEFA Champions League titles. He is Colombia's second all-time leading scorer with 31 goals and 41 assists in 122 international appearances, trailing only Radamel Falcao in the national team's scoring records.

Minnesota United fans will have their first opportunity to welcome Rodríguez at the Loons' home opener on Saturday, February 28, at Allianz Field, though his debut could potentially come earlier depending on how quickly he completes the fitness protocols and visa requirements. The club has assigned him the number 10 jersey, a symbolic choice that also marks the franchise's 10th anniversary season in MLS. Team officials expressed confidence that Rodríguez's creativity and vision will elevate the entire squad's performance.

The signing represents a major coup for Minnesota United and MLS as a whole, demonstrating the league's growing appeal to established international stars. Rodríguez joins a growing list of high-profile players who have chosen MLS as a platform for World Cup preparation, following in the footsteps of players like Thierry Henry and David Villa. With the World Cup being hosted on home soil, Rodríguez will have the unique opportunity to familiarize himself with conditions in the United States while maintaining match fitness with a competitive MLS club that is building toward a playoff push.