James Rodriguez has been released by Minnesota United only six months after joining the Major League Soccer (MLS) club, leaving the Colombian star searching for the 14th team of his turbulent career.
The former Real Madrid playmaker, now 35, had a contract that could have been extended by Minnesota until December, but the option was not activated. Since arriving in the United States, Rodriguez has made just eight appearances for the Western Conference side.
The decision ends a brief and subdued spell in MLS for a player once regarded as one of the game’s brightest attacking talents and raises fresh questions over his club future, despite his continued influence at international level.
Contract option not taken up
Minnesota United confirmed Rodriguez’s departure in an official announcement, stating that the Colombian midfielder would leave the club after half a season.
The club had inserted an option to prolong his deal until the end of the calendar year, but chose not to use it after the 35-year-old struggled to secure a regular starting role and make a sustained impact on the pitch.
Rodriguez, who rose to global prominence at the 2014 World Cup before securing a high-profile move to Real Madrid, now finds himself a free agent once more and available to negotiate with any club.
A career of constant movement
Rodriguez’s exit from Minnesota continues a long-running pattern of short stays and frequent transfers that has marked the second half of his career.
Since leaving Bayern Munich, where he played on loan between 2017 and 2019, the attacking midfielder has failed to remain at any club for more than a single season. Over the past seven years, he has represented eight different teams across several leagues and continents.
Minnesota now becomes another brief chapter in that journey, underlining how unstable his club situation has become compared with the height of his career in Europe’s elite competitions.
International impact contrasts with club instability
Despite his difficulties at club level, Rodriguez has retained a significant role with the Colombia national team.
The 35-year-old captained his country at the 2026 World Cup, guiding Colombia to the last 16 of the tournament. Their campaign ended in dramatic fashion, eliminated by Switzerland on penalties after a tightly contested knockout tie.
His performances for Colombia, particularly on major stages, have repeatedly shown his ability to influence games at the highest level, even as his standing in club football has declined.
Uncertain next step for a former star
Rodriguez must now decide on the next stage of a career that has taken him from South America to Europe, the Middle East and North America, with spells at clubs including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and others.
With his departure from Minnesota United confirmed and no extension on the table, the Colombian international will begin the search for a new club willing to invest in his experience, creativity and remaining years at the top level.
Whether he can find stability after years of constant movement – and match his international importance with a similarly prominent club role – remains an open question as he enters the twilight of his playing career.
