James Rodríguez heads home after brief MLS stint, signing with Atlético Nacional

MEDELLÍN, Colombia (AP) — After a brief stint with MLS side Minnesota United in the United States, Colombia soccer international James Rodríguez decided to return home on Thursday.

Rodríguez, a former Real Madrid midfielder who was a free agent, will play for Atlético Nacional, the most decorated club that is based in Medellín, in his home nation.

Atlético Nacional did not disclose the financial details of the deal or the duration of it.

Rodríguez, 35, has bounced around since 2022, with stints with Olympiacos in Greece, Sao Paulo in Brazil, Rayo Vallecano in Spain, Club León in Mexico and Minnesota United in the MLS, where he played just six matches in the first semester of the year.

The midfielder helped lead Colombia to the Copa America final in 2024, the country’s first such appearance in 23 years. He has 31 goals in 131 career international matches with Colombia.

Won Golden Boot at 2014 World Cup

Rodríguez became a worldwide star at the 2014 World Cup, when he won the Golden Boot award as the tournament’s leading scorer with six goals in five matches. He joined Real Madrid in Spain after that, spending six seasons with the La Liga powerhouse where he collected two La Liga titles over four seasons.

He also had stays with Bayern Munich in Germany’s Bundesliga and Everton in the English Premier League.

Rodríguez also played in the 2018 and 2026 World Cups, matching Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón for the most by a Colombia player.

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