James Rodríguez, the talented Colombian midfielder, has just signed with Club León in Mexico, marking a new chapter in his career. After a complicated departure from Rayo Vallecano, where he didn’t get much playing time and his relationship with coach Íñigo Pérez became tense, the Colombian found a new home in Liga MX.
The End of the Wait: James Rodríguez at León
The wait ended on January 10, when Club León officially announced James Rodríguez as their new player. This signing surprised many, as Junior de Barranquilla was also interested in the player but couldn’t match the financial offer from the Mexican team. Thus, James arrives at León to start a new chapter, hoping to be a key player and get more playing time, something he has been seeking after a series of tough experiences at his previous clubs.
The midfielder signed a contract with the Mexican team and hopes to shine both in Liga MX and the FIFA Club World Cup, where León will participate. This tournament was crucial in convincing Rodríguez, as it will give him an international stage to showcase his talent before the 2025 World Cup qualifiers with the Colombian national team.
The Presentation: James Rodríguez as a Gladiator
On January 13, León fans finally got to see their new idol. The presentation was epic: James Rodríguez was shown in a video where he appears as a gladiator in the arena, with the word “Decimus” (his number 10 jersey) standing out. The arrival of the Colombian generates high expectations, and fans are hoping he will be a key player for the team in the 2025 season.
A One-Year Contract
James’ contract with León is for one year, and while all the details about his salary and conditions haven’t been confirmed, it is known that he will play in Liga MX and also compete in the FIFA Club World Cup, which seems to be one of the most attractive aspects of the offer. His debut in Mexico could be on January 18, when León faces Atlas, the team of his compatriot Camilo Vargas. However, first, his physical condition will need to be confirmed, as coach Eduardo Berizzo will decide if he is ready to play.
His Situation at Rayo Vallecano
James Rodríguez arrives at León after a stint at Rayo Vallecano, where he didn’t have many opportunities. In total, he played only seven games with the Madrid-based team, three of them as a starter, and only managed one assist in his last match in December 2024. His relationship with coach Íñigo Pérez did not improve, and the reasons for his lack of minutes were revealed, including physical issues that led to him being excluded from the matchday squads several times.
Goodbye to Rayo Vallecano
On January 13, Rayo Vallecano officially announced the departure of James Rodríguez, stating that an agreement had been reached with Club León for his transfer. The Colombian, who had a contract with Rayo until June 2025, finally left the team after a season marked by a lack of minutes. The Spanish club did not provide many details about the agreement, but it was mentioned that the departure was a mutual decision between both clubs.
James’ Fourth Experience in Latin America
This will be James Rodríguez’s first Mexican team, but not his first in Latin America. Before joining León, he had already played in Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil, with his last experience being at São Paulo between 2023 and 2024, where he also struggled with a lack of playing time.
With this new opportunity at León, James hopes to regain his top form and prove that he is still a world-class player. Mexican fans, as well as Colombian fans, are eager to see his debut and how he adapts to Liga MX football.
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