James Rodriguez returns to Colombia with Atletico Nacional
FILE PHOTO: James Rodríguez first departed from Colombia at 16 to join Argentina’s Banfield in 2008, before moving on to Porto and AS Monaco. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
FILE PHOTO: James Rodríguez first departed from Colombia at 16 to join Argentina’s Banfield in 2008, before moving on to Porto and AS Monaco. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
James Rodriguez has returned to play in Colombia for the first time since leaving as a teenager, signing with Atlético Nacional on a free transfer that runs until June 30, 2027, the club announced.
The 35-year-old midfielder, who was most recently with Minnesota United in MLS, joins his 14th club after a career that has taken him to 12 different countries.
Rodriguez first departed from Colombia at 16 to join Argentina’s Banfield in 2008, before moving on to Porto and AS Monaco. He then burst onto the global stage at the 2014 World Cup, winning the Golden Boot with six goals—including a memorable volley against Uruguay—which led to a 75 million euro (USD 87.02 million) move to Real Madrid.
— Atlético Nacional (@nacionaloficial) September 11, 2026James ya está en casa.
Que el Atanasio se lo diga sin palabras: que esta es la hinchada que gana títulos, la que le dio dos Libertadores al país, la que convierte cada partido en una fiesta. La que no se cuenta: se vive.
Hasta el domingo puedes asegurar tu silla y alentar al… pic.twitter.com/wtl3r228fN
Although he never quite replicated that World Cup form at club level, Rodríguez remains one of Colombia’s most decorated players, with 25 club trophies and 131 international caps to his name.
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