Goodbye La Liga, Hello Liga MX: James Rodríguez Leaves Rayo Vallecano Mid-Season
After signing for Rayo Vallecano in August last year, things turned up for James Rodríguez. Finally returning to La Liga for the first time since his departure from Real Madrid in 2020, Rayo Vallecano gave the Colombian captain a chance to prove himself again. However, that was far from the case. Since joining the Spanish team, Rodríguez only made six appearances, scoring no goals and one assist. With his lack of playing time, James Rodríguez left Rayo Vallecano in the middle of the La Liga season on mutual terms and immediately signed for the Liga MX club Club León.
Since leaving Real Madrid in 2020, James Rodríguez has struggled to find his footing, jumping from club to club. Rodríguez faced a similar situation when he left the Brazilian club Sãi Paulo on a mutual agreement and signed for Rayo Vallecano. Over the years, the Colombian star jumped around from six different clubs over the last five years, including Everton, Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, and now Club León. However, the transfer to Club León came as a shock since many predicted he would sign for MLS, specifically Inter Miami, to play alongside Lionel Messi.
However, amidst all this, Rodríguez has been playing at his peak, especially with his nation, Colombia. As captain of his country, Rodríguez helped lead an incredible run in the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America, where they made it to the finals but sadly lost against Argentina. During that competition, James Rodríguez scored one goal and contributed six assists, earning himself the Best Player award, proving he’s still got it. The Colombian star shocked the world in the 2014 World Cup, taking the world by storm at 23. Rodriguez scored six goals in the competition, earning the Golden Boot.
Although Rodríguez’s track record with clubs hasn’t been the best lately, Club León gave him a hero’s welcome as he transferred. Since Liga MX’s season began in January, unlike most other leagues, James Rodríguez’s transfer came at a perfect time, allowing the team to adapt to playing alongside such a household name. Club León signing Rodríguez this year seems perfectly timed with the FIFA Club World Cup, proving how seriously teams are taking the competition. With a Club World Cup title on the line, James Rodríguez’s restart at Club León is the perfect opportunity for him to prove himself on the club level as he does on the international level.
