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‪James Rodríguez‬
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - 05/2015


Personal information
Full name
James David Rodríguez Rubio
Date of birth
12 July 1991
Place of birth
Cúcuta, Colombia
Height
1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Playing position
Attacking midfielder / Winger

Club information
Current team
Real Madrid
Number
10

 

Youth career

Envigado:
1995-2007

 

Senior career*

Envigado
2007-2008
30x apps / 9x goals

Banfield
2008-2010
42x apps / 5x goals

Porto
2010-2013
63x apps / 25x goals

Monaco
2013-2014
34x apps / 9x goals

Real Madrid
2014-
29x apps / 13x goals


National team

Colombia U17:
2007
11x apps / 3x goals

Colombia U20:
2011
5x apps / 3x goals

Colombia:
2011-
25x apps / 8x goals


* (appearances national team caps and goals correct as of 24 June 2014

 

James David Rodríguez Rubio (born 12 July 1991), or simply James, is a Colombian footballer who plays for French club AS Monaco.

Played either on the wing or as an attacking midfielder operating in the classic 10 position.

Rodríguez's playing style and talent have received praise, with many ranking him as one of the world's best young players.

His emergence in the Colombia national football team started with the U-20 national team, where he was captain of the 2011 Toulon Tournament-winning side. 

He eventually captained the U-20 team during the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup. 

Rodríguez scored his first senior national goal against Peru in a 1:0 victory in less than six months after his debut.

In 2011, Rodríguez won the LPFP Award for Breakthrough Player of 2011-12 Primeira Liga season at age 20, becoming the first Colombian player to do so. 

He is a two-time winner of the SJPF Player of the Month.

Rodríguez won the Portuguese Golden Ball award in 2012, becoming the second Colombian after Radamel Falcao to win the award, as well as being the youngest player ever to hold the honour.

The following season, he won the league title for a third consecutive time where he won his eighth overall title in Europe after just three seasons for Porto and at just 21 years of age. 

He moved to Monaco for a transfer fee of €45 million ($61 million), making him the second most expensive Colombian player in history, after Falcao, and one of the most expensive players in world football.

 


CLUB CAREER 

 

ENVIGADO FC

Born in Cúcuta, James is native of the colombian city of Ibagué, where he lives his childhood. 

After, Rodríguez started his professional football career in 2006 at the time of his Colombian second division club Envigado FC, with whom he made the 2007 ascent.


CLUB ATLÉTICO BANFIELD

In 2008, he was signed by Argentine team Club Atlético Banfield, where he made his first team debut on 7 February 2009, he scored his first goal for the club on 27 February with a long range strike in a 3:1 victory over Rosario Central.

In 2009, he became a regular first team player featuring in every game of the Apertura 2009. 

His second goal for Banfield came on 26 September when he scored with a strike into the top corner from outside of the area in an important 2:1 against Newell's Old Boys, a win which helped Banfield to win the Argentine championship for the first time in the history of the club.

In December 2009, Italian club Udinese planned to make a bid for Rodríguez for a reported €5 million following the end of the 2010 Copa Libertadores. However, Banfield rejected the bid as the price was 'insufficient'.

For the Clausura 2010, 13 February 2010, Rodríguez scored a golazo in the match against arch rivals Lanús with a left-footed lob to make the game 2:0 in the final minutes. 

After the game daily sports website Diario Olé likened his playing and personal style to Cristiano Ronaldo and also nicknamed him the 'James Bond of Banfield'.


2010
Rodríguez added to his glowing reputation with a goal in the Copa Libertadores group game on 17 February 2010, in a demolition of Deportivo Cuenca away from home, he scored the fourth goal of the game with a nice cool finish in the area on his left foot. Banfield thrashed them 4:1.

His wonderful scoring season continued with a brace in the Copa Libertadores group game on 10 March 2010, in an away match with Uruguayan giants Club Nacional de Football, Rodríguez scored once with a diving header and again from the penalty spot on his right-foot in the game which ended 2:2.

The 18-year-old netted another goal on 29 April 2010, in the second round match of Copa Libertadores 2010 in the first match versus Brazilian giants Internacional which Banfield won 3:1 bringing his tally to 5 goals in 7 games but the international season ended in defeat as his team went down on away goals losing 2:0 in Porto Alegre in a game which Rodríguez was also red carded for two fouls.


PORTO

2010-11 SEASON

On 6 July 2010 Rodríguez was signed by FC Porto for €5.1 million, with 30% economic rights retained by other parties. He signed a 4-year contract with a €30M release clause.

Porto later re-sold 10% economic rights to third parties.

On 18 July, he played his first game and scored his first goal in a friendly against Ajax.

In November Porto sold 35% economic rights (half of 70%) to Gol Football Luxembourg, S.A.R.L. for €2.5 million.

On 15 December 2010, Rodríguez scored his first goal in European football in a 3:1 home victory for Porto against CSKA Sofia

Rodríguez also scored a hat-trick in 2011 Taça de Portugal Final against Vitória de Guimarães in a 6:2 win of Porto, while also assisting a goal in the same game. 

On 17 May Porto bought the remaining 30% economic rights from Convergence Capital Partners B.V. for €2,250,000, made Porto once again held more than half of the economic rights of 55%. 

On 13 June, he signed a new 5-year contract and the release clause had increased to €45 million.

 In just 24 appearances, he scored six goals and eight assists also playing a part in the Europa League victory.


2011-12 SEASON

In the 2011-12 season, Rodríguez scored 14 goals for Porto and delivered 11 assists. Rodrigeuz along with others from the team were given racing horses as part of a team building exercise, Rodriguez's horse Barker never left the gates in three races.


2012-13 SEASON

In the 2012–13 season, Rodríguez's talents stood out more as he became a regular starter. Given the number 10 shirt, he became more crucial in roles leading to Porto's victories. 

Particularly, with fellow Colombians Radamel Falcao, Fredy Guarín and Brazilian Hulk leaving the club within the last two seasons, Rodríguez was able to start more matches than any other season he had previously with Porto. 

In a match against Olhanense, Rodríguez chipped an amazing goal outside the box at a tight angle. 

In the same game, he assisted compatriot Jackson Martínez with an impressive through ball to an eventual 3:2 win. 

Rodríguez scored another goal against Beira-Mar, not before assisting the first two goals all ending in a crushing 4:0 victory. 

Rodríguez assisted a goal with a free kick rebound in an away game against Rio Ave, that eventually ended at 2:2. 

During the match, he struck a thunderous shot that hit the crossbar nearly going in.

In the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League group stage, he scored against French club Paris Saint-Germain in a 1:0 victory allowing Porto to top their current group.

A few days later, Rodríguez scored a penalty against rivals Sporting CP. In just the first month of the 2012-13 season, Rodríguez had won the SJPF Player of the Month award for his impressive feat.

In the third round of the group stage during the 2012-13 Champions League, he assisted a goal to an eventual 3:2 victory. 

James assisted another goal against Estoril in a 2:1 victory.

In a 5:0 crushing of Marítimo, Rodríguez scored a brace of two goals. Rodríguez scored another goal, this time, against Academica Coimbra. 

In the Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb, Rodríguez had set up all plays leading to all three goals in a 3:0 win despite not directly assisting the goals themselves. 

In the 90th minute against Sporting Braga, Rodriguez scored a game-winning goal that ended 2:0. Against Moreirense, he assisted a goal from the corner to fellow country man Jackson Martínez.

Prior to the opening of the second half of the season, Rodríguez suffered a hamstring injury causing him to struggle in maintaining fitness. 

This led him to being subbed after the first half in a match against CD Nacional where he injured his hamstring once more. It was later reported that he could possibly be out for at least 1 month.

On 1 February 2013, Porto also bought back 30% economic rights of Rodríguez from Gol Football Luxembourg for €8.57 million, (by selling 47.5% economic rights of Diego Antonio Reyes for €3.5 million) which Porto sold 35% of Rodríguez in November 2010 to Gol Football for €2.5 million.

Rodríguez made his return after being subbed in at the 70th minute of a 2:0 victory over Beira-Mar. 

His first match after being injured for more than a month. 

In the first leg of the Champions League round of 32 against Málaga, Rodríguez was subbed on in the 60th minute. 

Despite not changing the 1:0 victory score, Rodríguez noticeably became a big game changing factor in Porto's attack despite his current fitness.

On his second league match since his return, Rodríguez assisted a goal with a wonderful cross against Rio Ave. 

Soon afterwards in his next league match, he assisted a goal against Estoril from a corner in a 2:0 victory.

It was also noted that it was Rodríguez's first start in 2 months.

Rodríguez did not get to start in the second leg of the Champions League match against Málaga until the second half where

Porto where then down to ten men after a red card by a defender. 

Porto lost the match later and Vítor Pereira was greatly criticized and questioned on why he didn't start sooner considering that he was an important key member where Porto could have a more solid team. 

Rodríguez expressed his disappointment, claming to be '100%' in fitness (as well as giving a wonderful standout performance with no struggles shown). 

However he also expressed his respect and understanding for the coach's concern.

Despite an exit in the Champions League, interestingly Rodríguez went on to become the second most fouled player in the tournament of the 2012-13 season.

Rodríguez scored a goal in a 1:1 tie against Marítimo. Manchester United reportedly made a bid for 30 million euros to purchase Rodriguez, but it was rejected by Porto for the offer was considered to be 'too low'. 

Rodríguez made his 2012-13 edition debut for the 2012-13 Taça da Liga where he scored a penalty in the semi-finals. Porto won the match 4:0 and advance to the finals. 

Rodríguez gave a man of the match performance against Sporting Braga, scoring the first goal in an impressive 'wonder goal distance', and assisting two, one from the field and one from the corner in a 3-1 victory.

Rodriguez assisted one of the goals in a 2:0 victory over Vitória de Setúbal. Rodríguez scored the opening goal in a 3:1 victory over C.D. Nacional.

In the final match of the season against Paços de Ferreira, Rodríguez helped assure that Porto would win its third consecutive league title after being tripped inside the box and securing a penalty that was later scored thus providing the assist.

He finished the season scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists in just 24 appearances, his highest ratio in providing goals (scoring and assisting them) in a single season to date. 

In general, he scored 13 goals and provided 15 assists within 32 appearances in all competitions for Porto of the 2012-13 season. 

Winning the league title meant that Rodríguez won his eighth trophy since joining Porto in 2009, just after three seasons spent in Europe and at only 21 years of age. 

Rodríguez went on to say that he was content with what he had achieved with Porto and would like to move into another 'big club' to seek a new challenge for himself.


AS MONACO

On 24 May 2013, it was announced that Rodríguez had joined French side AS Monaco for a transfer fee of €45 million thus making it the second most expensive transfer in Portuguese football, behind former teammate Hulk. 

He signed a five-year contract keeping him at the club until 2018.

This made him not only one of the most expensive transfers in the club's history, but in Ligue 1 history as well, along as the one of the highest in world football.


2013-14 SEASON

Rodríguez made his Ligue 1 debut against Bordeaux, a game Monaco went on to win 2:0. He then missed Monaco's second league match in order to avoid a possible injury.

Rodríguez finally made his first direct contribution for Monaco as he assisted the first goal in a 3:0 victory against Bastia, while setting up plays for the other two goals.

Against Saint-Étienne in the following week, Rodríguez continued on with his excellent playmaking form, giving a man of the match performance where he assisted both goals in a 2.1 victory.

Following the international break, Rodríguez assisted the first goal in a 2:2 draw against Sochaux.

Rodríguez assisted the only goal for Monaco in a 1:1 draw against Évian. Rodríguez finally scored his first goal for the club with an impressive free-kick in a 2:0 win over Rennes.

Rodríguez scored yet another goal in the very next match within the fourth minute against Nice, where Monaco won 3:0.

Against Guingamp, Rodríguez assisted both goals in a 0:2 victory.

Rodríguez scored a goal against Valenciennes to put Monaco on the score sheet. He scored another goal but it was ruled offside, thus Monaco lost 1:2.

Rodríguez started 2014 by making his Coupe de France debut in a match against Vannes, where he both assisted and scored a goal in a 2:3 victory.

For his first league match of 2014, James assisted a goal against Montpellier.

Against Toulouse, Rodríguez provided an assist for the second goal in a 0–2 away victory with a wonderful cross.[61] James' first double at Monaco came in the match against Bastia, where his goals won the game 2:0.

Within the final seconds against Reims, James hit a powerful shot that hit the post and allowed Layvin Kurzawa to score the rebound, allowing Monaco to win the game 3:2.

In French media, James was referred to as 'perhaps' the best footballer in Ligue 1 due to his impressive debut with Monaco, although he stated that he still requires more time in the league despite his impressive season.

Following the international break, Rodríguez scored his first penalty for Monaco against Sochaux in a 2:1 win.
Rodríguez ended his debut season without a trophy, but managed to help Monaco secure a spot in the following season's UEFA Champions League, and earn a place in the star Ligue 1 XI, as well as becoming the assist leader in Ligue 1.

 

REAL MADRID

In a post-match interview during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, James stated his 'love', 'admiration', and 'passion' for Real Madrid, and that it would be a 'life's dream' to play for them in response with his performances arousing rumors linking him to the Spanish giants.

"The numbers mean nothing to me. 

I just want to help make history and bring joy to the Madrid fans. 

This is a club which is used to winning and I'm prepared mentally and physically to do so. 

It is a pleasure to be among so many stars and I'm sure I'll learn a lot from everyone. 

I've always followed Real Madrid and always dreamed of playing here. 

I've suffered a lot to get here and when you do that then it tastes so much better. 

I will never forget this day. 

I hope to work hard, to train well, and to experience a lot of joy here. 

I know I am under a lot of pressure, but I am happy to face it."

(James on his move to Real Madrid)

On 22 July 2014, James confirmed the rumors by signing a 6-year contract with the Spanish giants for an undisclosed fee, which was reported to be around €80 million.

This move would make him the 4th most expensive player in history, the 3rd most expensive in Real Madrid's history, and the most expensive Colombian to date surpassing Radamel Falcao's €60 million in 2013.

The amount spent on his transfer fee led many to refer James as a Galáctico, also credited by the fact that he was given the number 10 shirt, carrying the legacy of Real Madrid legends such as Luís Figo, Ferenc Puskás, and the player he admired the most while growing up and supporting the club, Zinedine Zidane.

James was greeted by a 45,000 attendance during his presentation.

The Colombian Ambassador in Madrid made a speech, carrying a message from the Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, stating that James was changing the history of Colombian football and that the entire nation is behind him. 

Florentino Pérez would follow with a speech of his own, stating that he welcomed James, a 'lover' and 'long supporter' of the club who will never forget the day he made his dream a reality.

48 hours following his unveiling, it was reported that 345,000 of his shirt replicas were sold, breaking a record following the signing of any other player who joined the club in their respective time.

This was later confirmed to be totally unfounded and the number "nowhere near reality" by Adidas, the Real Madrid shirt and apparel supplier.


2014-15 SEASON

James made his debut in the UEFA Super Cup at Cardiff City Stadium against Sevilla, in which Real Madrid won 2:0. He played 72 minutes before being replaced by Isco.

On 19 August, James scored his first goal for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup after coming on as a substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo at half time.

James made his Champions League debut for Real in the group stage opening match against FC Basel, where he scored the 4th goal in a 5:1 victory. 

James would then score his first league goal days later against Deportivo, where he also supplied an assist in an 8:2 victory.

James scored a brace in a 4:0 win at Granada on 1 November, including a dipping volley from a difficult angle.

In the match against Sevilla FC where he scored the opening goal, James had experienced a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot after being fouled. 

It was then reported that he would have surgery immediately and be out for 2 months.

James returned on April 5 in the match against Granada CF, where he assisted two goals in a 9:1 victory before being subbed out in the 60th minute.

Days later, James would score his first goal since his injury against Rayo Vallecano in a 0:2 victory.

 

INTERNATIONAL CAREER 

YOUTH

In 2007, Rodríguez was part of the Colombia U-17 team that finished runners-up in the 2007 South American Under-17 Championships, where he scored three goals. 

He also played a part helping Colombia advance to the knockout stages during the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where they eventually lost to the winners of the tournament Nigeria.

He was also part of the Colombia under-20 squad in three youth tournaments during 2011: the Toulon Tournament, the South American U-20 Championship and the U-20 World Cup that was held in his homeland Colombia.

Rodríguez scored two goals and provided three assists during the 2011 Toulon Tournament. 

This led him to being voted as the MVP of the tournament where Colombia won in the finals against France in a penalty shootout. 

Rodríguez scored one of the penalties that allowed Colombia to win the tournament.

During the 2011 South American U-20 Championship, he provided three assists throughout the tournament. 

During the 2011 U-20 World Cup, he was named captain of the U20 squad due to his impressive leadership role and talented experience during his time in his club FC Porto. 

During the cup, he scored three goals and provided three assists and gained international attention as a promising aspect that eventually led many to consider him to be a crucial key member of the Colombian senior squad. 

Despite Colombia losing in the quarter-finals against Mexico, Rodríguez noticeably gained attention from many big clubs in Europe. 

He also received praised from Sir Alex Ferguson, who was scouting him at the time since mid-2010.


2014 WORLD CUP

On 2 June 2014, Rodríguez was named in Colombia's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and assigned the number 10 shirt. 

In the team's opening match of the tournament, Rodríguez had set up the first two goals and scored a last-minute goal with a low shot to seal a 3:0 victory over Greece and was named man of the match by FIFA.

In the second match, Rodríguez continued on his form by scoring with a header and setting up a second goal for Juan Fernando Quintero in a 2:1 victory over Ivory Coast; he was once again elected as man of the match. 

In the final group stage match against Japan, Rodríguez came on as a second half substitute and assisted two Jackson Martínez goals before scoring the final goal in a 1:4 victory, giving him a goal in each of the team's group matches.

Following the group stages, James was named by FIFA as the best player at the moment.

 

STYLE OF PLAY

"Colombia doesn't need a new 'El Pibe' anymore because James is that 'kid' that the national team has been missing in recent years.

He's often consistent, incredibly talented, and he's got more passion than any other player I've seen in all my years of playing and coaching professional football.

James has the potential to be the greatest Colombian player to have ever lived, and perhaps as one of the greatest to have ever played the game."

'El Pibe' Valderrama praising James for his potential as well as becoming his successor.

Widely considered to be one of the craftiest young talents around, Rodríguez can play anywhere from a midfield position to a winger position.

He's able to switch from either a left to a right side position as well as a center, making him a very versatile player. 

Most of his key attributes surround his technical abilities as an extremely balanced player, relying on precise mental sharpness over strength and speed, despite having high stats with said attributes.

Rodriguez invests his training towards becoming as 'balanced' as possible.

Rodríguez adapts a strong playmaker role in both club and national teams. Like his predecessor Carlos Valderrama, Rodríguez plays a selfless style of passes and assists contributing to most goals at each club he's played for as well as the Colombian national side.

While he plays selflessly most of the time, he can be selfish when needed, taking chances to score goals.

"It's a honor to be considered the heir to 'El Pibe' at my age.

Since I was little, I admired Valderrama and I always wanted to be like him. He was my hero and I am proud to wear the number 10 for Colombia while helping the national team return to the world cup for the first time since 1998.

I've only met Valderrama once and he's a good person, someone who has done a lot for Colombia. And to be praised by him is an even greater honor."

James expressing his honor to be praised by his hero, 'El Pibe' Valderrama.

Rodríguez is mentally sharp, possessing quick reactions when closed down which allows him to keep control of the ball and making him more likely to be fouled. While left footed, he's able to control the ball just as well with his right foot. 

Like Valderrama, he rarely needs to move regardless of distance and/or direction when shooting passes. 

His accuracy is known to be very sharp as he's been shown to have successful long passes on equals with his short passes.

Rodríguez's creativity has been his most noticeable trait; throughout most of the matches that he plays both club and nation, if not all, Rodríguez stands out often due to his impressive plays as well as his accurate passing. 

His overall talent has at times led him to be considered a player who can be a match changer. Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson often pointed out his admiration for this trait (which led him to compare to Cristiano Ronaldo).

At one point, Rodríguez was considered to be worth around 45 million euros due to his potential at age 20, a fee which was matched by AS Monaco in 2013.