James Rodríguez has made a strong impression at Minnesota United with his professionalism and passion for the game, according to Khaled El-Ahmad, the club’s sporting director. Despite arriving at the age of 34, Rodríguez is described as someone who ‘loves this game as much as I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone love it.’

Commitment and Influence

El-Ahmad highlighted Rodríguez’s initiative to train with Minnesota United’s Under-18 team to maintain his sharpness ahead of the World Cup; this gesture, while the first team was on a weekend away match, demonstrated Rodríguez’s dedication to staying in top condition. The sporting director noted that the midfielder’s influence on the locker room culture has been significant, and his commitment to winning has been a strong message for the club’s younger players.

Possible Retirement and Contract Situation

Despite his strong attitude and commitment, Rodríguez has faced limited playing time in the MLS, with only six appearances since joining Minnesota United. According to reports from redamazonica.org and Vietnam.vn, Minnesota United had the option to extend Rodríguez’s contract until the end of the season, but the decision had to be made by June 1. The club’s decision will likely depend on Rodríguez’s own wishes, with the possibility of his final appearance being against the Colorado Rapids — Meanwhile, sources suggest that Rodríguez is planning to retire after the 2026 World Cup, as reported by AS and Vietnam.vn.

Rodríguez’s most notable performance in Minnesota was on April 25 against LAFC, where he played for 63 minutes; However, his overall impact in the MLS has been limited, with no goals or assists recorded. His recent health concerns. Including dehydration that led to hospitalization, have also raised questions about his readiness for the World Cup, according to Goal.com — ESPN reported that Rodríguez was hospitalized for 72 hours after showing signs of dehydration during a training camp in March.

Legacy and Future

Throughout his career. Rodríguez has left a lasting impression at clubs including Porto, Monaco, and Real Madrid, and with the Colombian national team; his standout performance at the 2014 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot, remains one of the highlights of his career. While his retirement has not been officially announced, the signs point to a possible end to his professional career after the 2026 World Cup; Minnesota United coach Cameron Norville confirmed that Rodríguez is still in the recovery phase, noting that ‘every day matters’ in his progress.

The Colombian national team, which has a 2–1 head-to-head record against Mexico in recent matches, will be counting on Rodríguez for leadership and experience as they prepare for the World Cup. Mexico and Colombia are set to face off on October 12, 2025, in a friendly match at AT&T Stadium, as reported by FotMob. This match will be an important test for both teams as they build toward the global stage.