James Rodriguez Joins Club León in Historic Liga MX Signing

LEÓN, Mexico — Colombian football star James Rodriguez has signed with Liga MX side Club León, marking one of the most significant international acquisitions in the club’s 80-year history. The 33-year-old midfielder, a former Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup, joins León after terminating his contract with Spanish club Rayo Vallecano.

León unveiled Rodriguez’s signing with a dramatic, AI-generated video inspired by the movie *Gladiator*, where a younger version of the player is depicted as a hero. The club, an eight-time Liga MX champion and 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup winner, hopes Rodriguez’s arrival will elevate its profile ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.

“Honestly, it wasn’t difficult to convince him,” León president Jesus Martinez told TV Azteca. “We presented our project. Obviously, the Club World Cup was something he considered, but he also talked to some of his compatriots who have played for this club for many years.”

Rodriguez, who has struggled to find consistency at the club level since his standout performances for Colombia, signed a one-year deal reportedly worth $5 million. The move comes after he rejected offers to return to his native Colombia, including a potential deal with Atletico Junior, a club beloved in his hometown of Barranquilla.

“I’m very excited to play in my first game and help this club win,” Rodriguez said at his introductory press conference. “There’s going to be a lot of pressure on me, but I like that. I prepare for all of that. Physically, I feel good.”

Rodriguez’s signing is seen as a gamble for León, given his recent history of underperformance and clashes with coaches. Former Mexico manager Ricardo Ferretti expressed skepticism, saying, “I want James to play, not sell jerseys. He has been a genius at every tournament for his country, but his form has declined over the past five years. James is a ticking time bomb.”

Despite the risks, Rodriguez’s arrival has generated excitement among León fans and the broader Liga MX community. The midfielder, who led Colombia to the 2024 Copa America final, will aim to prove his critics wrong as he embarks on what could be his final chapter in a storied but turbulent career.