James Rodriguez has officially joined Minnesota United.
The star midfielder arrived in St. Paul on Thursday and has signed a contract with the Loons through June, which will get the Colombian talisman to the FIFA World Cup. Then Minnesota United said it has a club option through the end of the MLS season in December 2026.
The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will be introduced by the Loons at a news conference Friday morning at Allianz Field.
“I’m very happy for this new chapter in my life,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “I hope to be at my best so I can bring joy to this city and to all of the people who are putting their faith in me. I’m looking forward to meeting all of the passionate Minnesota fans.”
Rodriguez, who is primarily known as James, will be the highest profile player ever to play for Minnesota United, surpassing the likes of Argentine Emanuel Reynoso, fellow countryman Darwin Quintero and others.
“James is a player whose quality, vision, and experience at the highest levels of the game are unquestioned,” Loons chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad said in a statement. “We’re excited to add his creativity and football intelligence to our group. At the same time, this move is about collective strength — not about putting everything on one individual.”
Rodriguez, 34, has been without a team since leaving Mexico’s Club Leon in November and wants to be sharp for the international tournament hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada. His future in Minnesota after the World Cup appears yet to be determined.
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