The paradox surrounding James Rodriguez

The fact that James Rodriguez is without a team in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup is a classic paradox of modern football.

At 34 years old, he hasn't played an official match since leaving Club Leon in November 2025. Meanwhile, the World Cup is just months away. More importantly, according to available information, James hasn't received any truly compelling offers.

The 2026 World Cup is approaching, and James Rodriguez could make one last appearance. Photo: Reuters.

A fallen star

Looking at what James has achieved in the national team's colors, the story becomes even more perplexing. At the 2024 Copa America, James was the player with the most goals and assists in the tournament.

In the South American World Cup qualifiers, he ranked second in total G/A (10), leading in assists (7) and number of chances (57) created. These are statistics of a top-class playmaker, not a player on the decline of form.

But club football operates on a different logic. In recent years, James has constantly changed playing environments. He has played in many leagues and footballing cultures, but has never stayed long enough to become a stable part of the system.

At 34, James is no longer suited to the demanding system of constant, high-intensity pressing and dense off-ball movement. For many clubs, he has become a complex tactical problem, rather than simply a matter of talent.

That explains why the door to Europe is almost closed, despite James being a key player for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The talent is still there, but modern football prioritizes systems, consistency, and integration, rather than an individual who needs to be built around.

In that context, James had no choice but to train alone, maintaining his fitness and ball control. For him, joining a club soon was not just about getting playing time, but also about securing his position in the Colombian national team. A 2026 World Cup with interrupted play poses a significant risk for both the player and the team.

James Rodriguez remains a quality player for Chile on the world stage. Photo: Reuters.

MLS – A realistic way out ahead of the World Cup

Therefore, the prospect of James Rodriguez moving to MLS, with Columbus Crew emerging as a potential destination, according to Fox News, carries more significance than a typical transfer.

MLS doesn't place as much emphasis on pressing or intensity as top European leagues. It's an environment that allows technically gifted players with a strong footballing mindset and creativity to maximize their remaining value.

Professionally, James is perfectly suited to MLS. He can play the role of playmaker, controlling the tempo, creating breakthroughs with his passes and set pieces.

For Columbus Crew, it would be a contract that offers both professional and image-enhancing benefits. For James, it's the most practical way to maintain his form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Of course, MLS isn't the only option. Orlando City has also been mentioned, while some South American rumors have been dismissed. But the common thread among all potential destinations is the same: James needs an environment that accepts him as a creative force, rather than one that demands he meet grueling physical standards.

From a national team perspective, Colombia still places great faith in James. He participated in all qualifying matches, scoring goals, providing assists, and playing a key role in orchestrating the team's play. His legacy from the 2014 World Cup, with his historic volley goal and Golden Boot award, remains a symbol of his influence on the big stage. The 2026 World Cup is likely to be James's last time at that pinnacle.

James Rodriguez's story, therefore, is not just about an individual. It clearly reflects the shift in priorities of modern football: from celebrating stars to serving the system. A player may still excel at the national team level, but struggle at the club level if they don't fit into the existing structure.

The path ahead for James is clear. If MLS becomes his destination, it's not a step backward, but a pragmatic choice to prolong his professional value. And the biggest question now isn't "Is James still good?", but how much space modern football is willing to give a James Rodriguez.