Loons ink deal with Colombian National Team Captain James Rodríguez

After much speculation and rumours over the past week, it was made officially official this morning as Minnesota United signed attacking midfielder James Rodríguez. The 34 year old Colombian National Team captain joins the Loons on a short term deal through June with a club option through December of this year.

“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. 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,” said Rodríguez.

The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich standout comes to Minnesota on a free transfer from Mexican side Club León where he spent one calendar year and made 34 appearances for Los Panzas Verdes, including playing for them in the 2025 Leagues Cup. Considered by many to be one of the greatest Colombian players of all time he has netted 127 goals and 161 assists during his professional club career. Rodríguez has also made 122 appearances for Los Cafeteros and is once again set to captain them during the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

With the Loons wrapping up their preseason this week in California it seems unlikely he will join the team for the Coachella Valley Invitational and the question now comes to how soon he will join the team.

“The plan is that when certain things [P-1 Visa and ITC] are put in place he will join the team and start training.” said Sporting Director Khaled El-Ahmad during the press conference announcing the signing. “We hope his visa goes as quickly . . . compared to some other players who we are still waiting on.”

Minnesota plays their first preseason friendly on 7 February against Sporting Kansas City as part of the Coachella Valley Invitational with kickoff set for 3:30pm. All three of Minnesota’s matches from Coachella will be shown live on FOX 9+, North Star Sports & Entertainment Network, and MNUFC’s website.