Blab Sports
James Rodriguez Returns to Colombia, Signs with Atletico Nacional
After a brief detour in Major League Soccer, Colombia’s most celebrated playmaker has finally turned the page on his overseas chapter and set his sights on the familiar pitches of his homeland.
The 35‑year‑old captain of the Colombian national team has inked a one‑year contract with Atlético Nacional, complete with an option to extend. The deal follows his departure from Minnesota United, where he played just 274 minutes across eight matches and tallied two assists before both parties agreed to part ways once his contract expired at the end of the 2025‑26 MLS season.
Sources close to the club say the Colombian has reached a verbal agreement with Atlético Nacional, a fact that the club’s social‑media accounts have subtly hinted at through teasers referencing the coveted No. 10 jersey. The timing could not be more auspicious: the club sits atop the Colombian Primera A standings, 40 points clear of the nearest rivals after 19 matches, and a title would secure a berth in the Copa Libertadores.
Rodríguez’s arrival is expected to reinforce an already potent attack and inject seasoned leadership into a squad that has chased the championship since the opening whistle of the season.
His résumé reads like a tour of the world’s top leagues. He began in Envigado’s youth system in 2005, breaking into the first team a year later. In 2008, at just 16, he became the youngest foreign player to debut, score, and lift a championship with Argentine club Banfield. Since then he has donned the shirts of Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, Al‑Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, León, and most recently Minnesota United.
After the 2026 World Cup, where Colombia bowed out earlier than hoped, Rodríguez entered free agency. While he entertained offers across Europe, he reportedly turned down a bid from Serie B side Avellino in favor of returning to his roots.
According to a Goal.com article titled “James Rodríguez returns to Colombia as Atlético Nacional,” the contract includes an option for an additional year. This marks his second stint in Colombia’s top flight, following his formative years at Envigado.
On the international stage, the Colombian has amassed 131 caps and netted 11 goals. He has represented his country at the 2014, 2018, and 2026 FIFA World Cups, earning the Golden Boot in 2014 and earning spots on several FIFA All‑Star Teams.
While Atlético Nacional has yet to issue an official statement, internal sources suggest negotiations are in the final stages and that the paperwork will be signed imminently. The club’s leadership has expressed confidence that the deal will close quickly.
For Rodríguez, the move offers the chance to play before a home crowd and contribute to a club with a storied domestic and continental pedigree. For Atlético Nacional, the addition of a player of his calibre and experience could prove decisive in their pursuit of a league title and subsequent Copa Libertadores qualification.
The Colombian is poised to join the squad for the upcoming match against Independiente Medellín next week. If the transfer is finalized, he will be eligible to feature in the remainder of the Primera A campaign and the club’s continental run.
In sum, James Rodríguez has confirmed a return to Colombian football with Atlético Nacional after a short MLS stint and a period of free agency. The signing is set to bolster the club’s title challenge and give the Colombian a platform to continue his international career.
The 35‑year‑old captain of the Colombian national team has inked a one‑year contract with Atlético Nacional, complete with an option to extend. The deal follows his departure from Minnesota United, where he played just 274 minutes across eight matches and tallied two assists before both parties agreed to part ways once his contract expired at the end of the 2025‑26 MLS season.
Sources close to the club say the Colombian has reached a verbal agreement with Atlético Nacional, a fact that the club’s social‑media accounts have subtly hinted at through teasers referencing the coveted No. 10 jersey. The timing could not be more auspicious: the club sits atop the Colombian Primera A standings, 40 points clear of the nearest rivals after 19 matches, and a title would secure a berth in the Copa Libertadores.
Rodríguez’s arrival is expected to reinforce an already potent attack and inject seasoned leadership into a squad that has chased the championship since the opening whistle of the season.
His résumé reads like a tour of the world’s top leagues. He began in Envigado’s youth system in 2005, breaking into the first team a year later. In 2008, at just 16, he became the youngest foreign player to debut, score, and lift a championship with Argentine club Banfield. Since then he has donned the shirts of Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, Al‑Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, León, and most recently Minnesota United.
After the 2026 World Cup, where Colombia bowed out earlier than hoped, Rodríguez entered free agency. While he entertained offers across Europe, he reportedly turned down a bid from Serie B side Avellino in favor of returning to his roots.
According to a Goal.com article titled “James Rodríguez returns to Colombia as Atlético Nacional,” the contract includes an option for an additional year. This marks his second stint in Colombia’s top flight, following his formative years at Envigado.
On the international stage, the Colombian has amassed 131 caps and netted 11 goals. He has represented his country at the 2014, 2018, and 2026 FIFA World Cups, earning the Golden Boot in 2014 and earning spots on several FIFA All‑Star Teams.
While Atlético Nacional has yet to issue an official statement, internal sources suggest negotiations are in the final stages and that the paperwork will be signed imminently. The club’s leadership has expressed confidence that the deal will close quickly.
For Rodríguez, the move offers the chance to play before a home crowd and contribute to a club with a storied domestic and continental pedigree. For Atlético Nacional, the addition of a player of his calibre and experience could prove decisive in their pursuit of a league title and subsequent Copa Libertadores qualification.
The Colombian is poised to join the squad for the upcoming match against Independiente Medellín next week. If the transfer is finalized, he will be eligible to feature in the remainder of the Primera A campaign and the club’s continental run.
In sum, James Rodríguez has confirmed a return to Colombian football with Atlético Nacional after a short MLS stint and a period of free agency. The signing is set to bolster the club’s title challenge and give the Colombian a platform to continue his international career.
