In a move that has sent ripples through Major League Soccer, James RodrĂguez is set to depart Minnesota United after just three months with the club. The Colombian superstar, who joined the Loons in February on a short-term contract through June 30, with a club option extending through December 2026, will now see his time in MLS cut short.
According to reports from The Athletic's Tom Bogert and Apple TV's Michele Giannone, Minnesota will not exercise that option. RodrĂguez is expected to leave the club following Wednesday's match against the Colorado Rapids, bringing a swift end to what was always seen as a high-risk, high-reward signing for the expansion side.
The 34-year-old playmaker's stint in MLS was brief but memorable. In four league appearances, he managed just one goalâa far cry from the form that once made him one of the world's most coveted attacking midfielders. Still, his presence brought a touch of global flair to the league and drew attention to Minnesota's growing ambitions.
RodrĂguez's next stop will be with Colombia's national team, where he'll join their training camp ahead of what will be his third World Cup appearance. The veteran midfielder has been a talisman for Los Cafeteros, and his experience will be invaluable on the world stage.
As for what comes after the World Cup, uncertainty looms. An earlier report from AS Colombia hinted that RodrĂguez may consider retirement following the tournament, but for now, his future remains an open book. For MLS fans, his brief chapter in the league serves as a reminder of the star power that can still be drawn to the American gameâeven if it's only for a fleeting moment.