James Rodriguez was once one of the most promising attacking midfielders of the 21st century. The Cúcuta-born Colombian began his footballing journey at the age of 14, moving to Portugal with Porto four years later and then a brief spell in France with Monaco.
Following a set of stunning displays at the 2014 World Cup, Rodriguez moved to La Liga club Real Madrid for a fee of £63 million and went on to play a total of 125 times for the Spanish giants.
James also enjoyed spells in German football with Bayern Munich and the Premier League side Everton, as well as brief stints in Qatar, Greece, and Italy. Yet there's much to explore about the Colombian's life and career.
Here Are 9 Interesting Facts About Footballer James Rodriguez - The Colombian Gem
1. Football In The Family
Football has always been an incredibly important part of the Rodriguez household. Wilson James Rodriguez is James' biological father and was himself a professional footballer, playing within the region of Cucuta in Northern Colombia. "It's the genes," claimed his father when questioned about where his son’s talents had originated from.
"From my childhood, the thing I remember best is that I always wanted a ball, I was always thinking about playing football," said James himself. "It always was football."
2. Stuttering Start
From an early age, James Rodriguez is said to have suffered from a heavy stutter. In fact, the Colombian superstar required speech therapy as a child to help him overcome his communication disorder.
Even today when speaking publicly, James still displays a noticeable shyness that likely stems from his ailment and he is often seen struggling in certain interview situations.
3. Valderrama The Idol
Despite growing up watching a wealth of talented Colombian footballers, James Rodriguez's idol was actually one Carlos Valderrama. Famed for his tightly curled blonde locks and a certain stunning ‘scorpion kick,’ the attacking midfielder featured over 100 times for the national team.
"At the time, he was a top player and I had a lot of admiration for him,” James explained in an interview with FIFA.com. "He was a very intelligent footballer who could create something out of nothing as well as score goals. Valderrama was the No 10 we all wanted to play with."
4. Youthful Record Breaker
James Rodriguez was the successful product of Envigado F.C.’s youth system. In May 2006, he became the second youngest Colombian player to make his professional debut at the age of just 14 years and five months.
Three years later in February 2009, he switched to Argentine side Atletico Banfield Club and quickly made his first-team debut. Aged only 17, Rodriguez became the youngest foreign player ever to score in the Argentine Primera Division.
5. Goal Contribution King
In July 2010, James signed a four-year contract with Porto for a fee of just over £4 million and with a release clause of nearly £30 million! The Colombian enjoyed a solid first campaign in Portugal but it was during his second season that Rodriguez shone most brightly.
Across the 2011-12 campaign, James scored a total of 14 goals whilst providing 11 assists as he won ‘Breakthrough Player of the Primeira Liga Season’ and in the process became the first Colombian player to win the award.
6. Branding Brilliance
James Rodriguez’s popularity rose exponentially following his incredible displays at the 2014 World Cup. The Colombian scored six times during the tournament with his country reaching the quarter finals whilst he also claimed the Golden Boot as top-scorer.
Adidas utilised his increasing popularity and exposure that summer, issuing the young superstar with pairs of customised gold boots in acknowledgment of his unbelievable achievement, which only went on to strengthen his already substantial brand value.
7. Amazing Assist Maker
Rodríguez’s abilities as a proven provider of assists did not go unnoticed. In the mid-2010’s in particular, the Colombian’s confidence in delivering crucial key passes in his playmaking hit a new high point.
Immediately following his move to Real Madrid, James became the top assist provider in La Liga during the 2014-2015 season. Of the 15 assists he provided across that campaign, 13 of them came during league games with Los Blancos.
8. Tattooed With His Name
It’s no secret that James is covered in numerous tattoos across all different parts of his body, from artistic designs to symbols and personal motifs, the Colombian is adorned with a wealth of inked imagery.
Yet, it is the tattoo of his name on his left forearm that holds great meaning. The design is rumored to serve as a personal reminder of the dedication he has put into his career and the pride he takes in accurately representing himself.
9. Footballer Turned TV Star
Despite forging a career for himself as a global star within the realms of football, Rodriguez has never been frightened to explore new opportunities beyond the sport and has proven it by bravely stepping into the world of acting.
Back in 2019, the midfielder made his acting debut in the Colombian TV series “The Goddesses of the Ring.” Set in the back streets of El Alto and following the story of amateur wrestling, James was once invited to play a minor role in the show.
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