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Minnesota United has confirmed the release of James RodrĂguez ahead of the World Cup. The Colombian international's contract, signed in February, was set to expire in June with an option to extend through December.
Minnesota United has released James RodrĂguez ahead of the World Cup -Credit:Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images
(Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
It always looked as though James RodrĂguezâs whistlestop tour of the MLS would prove to be just that, and now it appears to have been made official with Minnesota United confirming that the Colombian international has released the former Real Madrid star.
Signed in February as a free agent after his brief stint in Liga MX with Club LeĂłn came to an end, the 34-year-old joined on a contract through June, with a club option to extend this deal through December. Whether or not this option will be triggered remains unclear.
At the time, RodrĂguez, who is preparing to play a pivotal role in Colombiaâs FIFA World Cup campaign in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada this summer, said, âIâm very happy for this new chapter in my life.
Minnesota United confirmed the release of James RodrĂguez as his contract, initially signed for a short term, is set to expire.
James RodrĂguez signed a contract with Minnesota United in February, which was set to run through June with a potential extension option until December.
Before joining Minnesota United, James RodrĂguez played for Real Madrid and had a brief stint with Club LeĂłn in Liga MX.
It remains unclear whether Minnesota United will trigger the option to extend James RodrĂguez's contract beyond June.

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RodrĂguez has previously played for the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich -Credit:Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
âI hope to be at my best so I can bring joy to this city and to all of the people who are putting their faith in me. Iâm looking forward to meeting all of the passionate Minnesota fans because Iâm also a passionate player who wants to give everything on the field and always wants to win.â
However, after a mere eight appearances for Minnesota, just three of which he started, during which he failed to score and totaled just two assists, RodrĂguez has been released to link up with his national team.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the club said, âMinnesota United today announced that the club will release midfielder James RodrĂguez following tonightâs Colorado Rapids game to join the Colombian National Team camp in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
âThe club is proud to support James as he represents his country on the worldâs biggest stage and wishes him success during camp and throughout the tournament.â
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As for RodrĂguezâs future, he recently denied that he plans to retire after the World Cup, telling Apple TV+, âI don't know who said that. I think it was in Colombia, for winning views, for winning likes.
âBut well, I think they should be informed a little more about all these things. The only one who will know how far he wants to play, I think is meâŠ
âI think I have a couple more years left. And all these things that are said, I think they are false. And I think all these things do harm to the whole country, to all the people. Because they believe things that are not. And to me too, of course. Because I have never said that.â
RodrĂguezâs time in the MLS may end up proving to have been brief, but he seems to have left a positive impact on those around him, with teammate Anthony Markanich telling Apple TV+, âHe talks to everybody, which is amazing. Heâs a great locker room guy too, and he helps the younger guys. I mean, heâs amazing. I think weâre all gonna miss himâŠHeâs a different class.â
He leaves Minnesota with the club sixth in the Western Conference, having started but been unable to be the difference maker in his final game on Wednesday - a 1-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids.