GABRIEL ROMERO / CONTRIBUTOR

One of the biggest transfers in Major League Soccer history occurred when global soccer superstar James Rodriguez joined Minnesota United on a free transfer. After not having to pay another team a transfer fee in order to acquire Rodriguez, the contract itself is technically a non-designated player deal through the 2026 World Cup, with a club option to extend it for another MLS season. 

James Rodriguez joins Minnesota United FC. Photo courtesy of @mnufc/Instagram

  In recent years, many star players have arrived in the States from big European leagues, yet the cultural impact that comes with the 34 year-old Colombian to arrive in Minnesota amidst recent events, makes the transfer more than just a star player arriving to help out Minnesota United, knocked out in last season’s conference semifinals.

   For  the state of Minnesota, it’s more than just an international star. In the midst of a tense political and social moment — marked by months of protests in response to federal immigration enforcement — Minnesota has become a focal point for debate about immigration, community safety and civil rights over the last few weeks. 

  With  the recent  announcement that  the large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota is coming to an end, many residents are looking for ways to shift their focus toward healing and unity. With the MLS and MLB seasons on the horizon, supporters of both Minnesota United and the Minnesota Twins have reasons to  reconnect through local pride and community gatherings. Rodriguez’s  signing isn’t just a roster upgrade. It has become a representation of community — especially for all of the South Americans that immigrate to the East Coast of the United States. Students from USD expressed what the move means to them. During Rodriguez’s introductory press conference, Rodriguez responded to a Colombian supporter who told him his arrival represented hope and the dreams of many immigrants. Smiling, he said Colombians are “born with many dreams, always wanting to battle.”    

  Rodriguez’s comments about opportunity and ambition resonated with USD alumni and current immigration paralegal Gabby Gonzalez, who is also Colombian. For Gonzalez, the presence of Latino and international stars in American leagues carries meaning beyond the field. “It  is so true,  because Colombia is  great but unfortunately there aren’t many opportunities for people back at home,” Gonzalez said. “Especially with what is going on right now, with issues with Colombians and the pause of visas, holding immigration benefits from Colombia particularly, is what makes it exciting to see latinos and international players like Chucky  Lozano playing for SDFC or Son Heung-min for LAFC.”

 Gonzalez explained that in moments when immigration policies and visa restrictions dominate headlines, seeing players from Latin America and abroad thrive in American leagues carries symbolic weight.    

   “I think SDFC will be hosting Minnesota at some point in the season, and I am going with my dad and inviting uncles and cousins to watch him.”

Among those energized by the announcement was fellow Colombian  and USD sophomore Joaquin Montoya, who grew up idolizing Rodriguez.

 “He’s probably my only true idol that I’ve had growing up despite being in the Messi and Ronaldo era, I just loved how he played and he’s the one who made me fall in love with soccer,” Montoya said.     

   “He’s the last true 10 I would say in the soccer world, he’s not fast or super technical or good at dribbling, but he can put the ball wherever and he loves the national team, that’s why he traveled  to  Qatar  before the last World Cup, that’s why I think he’s  here in the  USA now.” 

  Montoya, who is also from Atlanta said  Rodriguez’s arrival  carries meaning beyond the field. While the Colombian star is often acknowledged for his talent, Montoya believes his presence in the United States represents something deeper. 

 “Definitely helps show solidarity with what a lot of people are going through in this country,” Montoya said.     

  Montoya recalled growing up attending Colombia national team games and how passionate fans became to see their national team play.   

  “Games were packed with Colombians with lines outside the doors where you cannot move an inch around inside and how Colombian people bring that energy for how they just love life and come to this country for hopes and dreams the same way my family came here in search of that.”

   Rodriguez is no stranger to playing in foreign countries and making the adjustment to living abroad. Born in Cúcuta, Colombia, Rodriguez started his career playing with South American teams before his first move to Europe to Portuguese side Porto. 

   After  winning several trophies and individual awards, his true rise to stardom came from his stellar performance in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Here, Rodriguez won the golden boot which is awarded to who scores the most goals in the tournament, where he scored six goals in five games. 

 Rodriguez also earned goal of the year with one of soccer’s most iconic goals, a volley — striking the ball cleanly out of the air before hitting the ground — against Uruguay to send Colombia to its first ever quarterfinal.

   From then on, Rodriguez  made a name  for himself   in the soccer world with his performance on the field.. Rodriguez arrived at Real Madrid at 23 years of age, even donning the No. 10 shirt, the jersey   number  typically  given to the  best  playmakers of a team. 

Although  his  tenure with one  of  the most  famous  soccer clubs in the world withered after new coaching phased him out, Rodriguez went on to play for German giants Bayern Munich. 

   After two seasons in Germany, what followed were stints in England for Everton and Qatar for Al-Rayyan. Rodriguez continued to bounce around teams the following years, with shorter seasons with Olympiacos, São Paulo and back to Spain with Rayo Vallecano before landing in Mexico with Club León. 

  Despite bouncing around teams in his club career, Rodriguez  has been the star for Colombia in international play, representing “Los Cafeteros” in two World Cups and four Copa Américas, where he helped carry his country to the final in the 2024 competition and was honored as the tournament’s best player.

   Rodriguez has played across the world, starring for many countries biggest clubs, and now finds himself in the MLS with a franchise that is barely entering its 10th year of existence. 

   From a business standpoint, signing a player of Rodriguez’s stature on a free transfer is a rare opportunity for Minnesota United, one that immediately strengthens the team’s attacking play. Yet Rodriguez’s impact may extend beyond the field, particularly among supporters who see his presence as a point of pride and representation.

James Rodriguez is seen signing fans’ merch after practice. Photo courtesy of @mnufc/Instagram