Minnesota United announced on their official website on Monday that former Real Madrid Colombian international attacking midfielder James Rodríguez has joined the club on a free transfer.

According to Minnesota United's official statement, James has signed on a short-term of ten-and-a-half-month contract with the club which will only run until the end of the year. He will also wear the number 10 jersey.

After completing his transfer procedures, James, who was interviewed by the Major League Soccer (MLS) club's official website for the first time, said: "I'm very happy to start a new chapter in my life. I hope to perform at my best and bring joy to this city and all those who trust me."

"I look forward to meeting all the passionate Minnesota fans because I am also a passionate player, eager to give my all on the pitch and always yearning for victory."

About James Rodríguez 

The 34-year-old James was born on July 12, 1991, in Cúcuta, Colombia. He is 1.8 meters tall and primarily plays as an attacking midfielder, but can also play as a left or right winger. He holds dual Colombian and Spanish citizenship.

James joined Envigado's youth academy at the age of four and completed  his first-team Envigado first-team debut by coming on as a substitute in January 2006, at the age of 14.

During his two-year spell with Envigado, James won one Colombian Second Division title with the club.

In January 2008, James joined Banfield.

During his-two-and-a-half-year spell at Banfield, James won one Argentine Primera División title.

In July 2010, James joined Porto for €5.1 million.

During his three-year spell at Porto, James won three Portuguese Primeira Liga titles, one Portuguese Cup, one Portuguese Super Cup, and one UEFA Europa League title. His outstanding performances even once attracted the attention of Manchester United.

In July 2013, James moved to Monaco for €45 million, becoming one of the club's most expensive players in history.

Although he didn't win any titles, James's excellent individual performances at Monaco and at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil attracted intense interest from Real Madrid.

In July 2014, James joined Real Madrid for £63 million, becoming the most expensive player in Colombian football history.

During his six-year spell with Los Blancos, James Rodriguez won two La Liga titles, two Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups, and one Supercopa de España.

In July 2017, he was loaned-out to Bayern Munich for two years, during which he won two Bundesliga titles and one DFB-Pokal.

After his contract expired in September 2020, James joined Everton as a free agent.

Initially, under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, James performed exceptionally well, but after Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid the following year, he was completely sidelined.

After leaving Everton in September 2021, James played for Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, and São Paulo. Although he won the Copa do Brasil with the latter, each of his stints always ended in termination.

After leaving São Paulo, James joined Rayo Vallecano as a free agent in August 2024.

However, after only six months with the La Liga club, James was released again.

In January 2025, James joined Club León as a free agent.

During his time with Club León, James made 34 appearances for the Liga MX club in all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 9 assists.

Image source: Internet / Minnesota United official website