Colombian star James Rodríguez ends his association with Rayo Vallecano just six months after arriving as the club’s star performer during the centenary celebrations, having made minimal contribution on the pitch.
Given its recent history, this move comes as no surprise. Rodríguez joined Vallecano with high expectations after being named the best player at the Copa América last summer. However, this transfer was a personal gamble for owner Raúl Martín Presa, complicated by the challenges posed by coach Iñigo Pérez, who had not shown prior interest in him. This media uproar around Rodríguez has become a headache for management off the field.
Since arriving at Vallecas 135 days ago, Rodríguez has made just one start and five substitute appearances, without recording a single goal or assist. Presa originally compared this transfer to Diego Armando Maradona’s move to Napoli when presented, but Rodríguez never found his place in Pérez’s plans, leading to a frustrated coach who often had to justify the Colombian’s lack of playing time.
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“I understand that players like James and others who don’t get the playing time they want might protest or complain… and talk bad about the coach in restricted circles,” the coach recently mused. Navarrese coach. Despite the problems, he maintained his confidence in Rodríguez’s professionalism. “What I see in my players is that everyone trains well, competes Monday through Saturday, and everyone wants to play. They respect my decisions,” he concluded, visibly tired of the questions regarding Rodríguez’s limited playing time.
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As a result, Rodríguez leaves Vallecas under a cloud, marking another chapter in a tumultuous career where he consistently left clubs prematurely by terminating contracts. Since 2020, following his £32 million move from Real Madrid to Everton, the Colombian has severed ties with all six teams he has joined. His journey took him to different venues and clubs, but he never managed to establish himself, transforming from a promising talent into a restless nomad looking for the right environment to flourish.
His bad luck began soon after joining the Toffees, linking up with Carlo Ancelotti, who had revived his career with a prolific start in the Premier League. However, injuries to key players hampered the success of Everton, who finished the season in 10th place. After Ancelotti left for Madrid, Rafa Benitez took over and the downfall began for Rodríguez, eventually leading to his departure for Qatari football.
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-In September 2021, Al Rayyan acquired the attacking midfielder, but he failed to impress coach Laurent Blanc and left a year later, having made 16 appearances and scoring five goals.
He then returned to Europe, joining Olympiacos to revive his career alongside Marcelo. However, he only managed a brief stint, playing 22 matches and scoring five goals before another contract termination, amid rumors of problematic behavior in the dressing room and arguments with manager José Anigo.
After a period without a club, he returned to South America, signing with São Paulo where he encountered similar difficulties: only 14 appearances, nine as a starter, for one goal and three assists. Although he won a title, he did not contribute on the pitch, and at the end of the year he terminated his contract again, arriving at the Copa América as a free agent.
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At the tournament, he shined, leading Colombia to the final against Argentina and earning MVP honors, attracting the attention of Rayo Vallecano, who, like his previous teams, quickly lost interest in him.
As he waits for his next club, Rodríguez seems detached; he has recently made public appearances solely to send words of encouragement to the Colombian national team competing in the Kings Nations Cup in Italy, where he serves as co-president and might even take a penalty if he goes there.
Before Colombia’s match against Turkey, Rodríguez sent a message to the team, which reached the quarterfinals of this new competition, expressing his desire to join and participate in this Streamers World Cup organized by Gerard Piqued.
“I’m sending you a big hug. Representing our country is a huge honor in everything we do, so give it your all for this beautiful flag. Give everything for this incredible country we have. I will support you from afar and I hope to join you for the next match,” Rodríguez said, ironically looking for a new team where, at 33, he can finally find stability.
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