Colombian midfielder James Rodríguez has completed a free transfer to domestic club Atlético Nacional after leaving Major League Soccer side Minnesota United.
The 35-year-old playmaker signed a contract with the Medellín-based team that runs until June 30, 2027, the Colombian club announced.
The move marks a major homecoming for Rodríguez, who returns to play professional football in his native country for the first time since leaving Colombia as a 16-year-old in 2008. Atlético Nacional will become the 14th club of his professional career, which has seen him play in 12 different countries across South America, Europe, and North America.
Atlético Nacional, based in Medellín, is one of Colombia's most historic and successful football clubs, competing in the top division of Colombian domestic football. Rodríguez previously departed Colombian football nearly two decades ago when he signed for Argentine club Banfield in 2008.
European moves and 2014 World Cup stardom
After establishing himself in Argentine football with Banfield, Rodríguez moved across the Atlantic to Europe. He spent successful spells with Portuguese side Porto, one of the dominant teams in the Primeira Liga, and French club Monaco, which competes in France's top division, Ligue 1. His career reached global prominence during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
During that World Cup, Rodríguez finished as the top scorer of the tournament with six goals for Colombia. He also produced one of the most memorable moments of the competition when he scored a spectacular chest-and-volley goal against South American rivals Uruguay in the round of 16.
His extraordinary performances at the World Cup attracted intense interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid. Shortly after the tournament in Brazil, the La Liga club purchased Rodríguez from Monaco for a reported transfer fee of 75 million euros, which equated to approximately 443 million Brazilian reais.
Real Madrid, based in the Spanish capital, is one of the most valuable and decorated football clubs in world sport. Although Rodríguez struggled to consistently match his 2014 World Cup peaks during his subsequent club career in European football, he has maintained his status as one of the most celebrated players in the history of Colombian football.
Career achievements and homecoming
Throughout his professional career, Rodríguez has accumulated an impressive list of honors, winning 25 club trophies across his various domestic spells. On the international stage, he has earned 131 caps for the Colombia national team, representing his country in major tournaments around the world.
Prior to joining Atlético Nacional, Rodríguez played in the United States for Minnesota United. The club, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, competes in Major League Soccer, the highest tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. His move to Minnesota was his 13th club stop before deciding to return to Colombia.
Now back in his homeland after nearly two decades abroad, Rodríguez begins his contract with Atlético Nacional, where he will represent his 14th professional team through June 2027.
