Signed in February 2026 as a high-profile playmaker ahead of the World Cup, James Rodriguez’s time with Minnesota United never fully blossomed. But just before his expected departure, the Colombian finally reminded everyone of the quality he still has.
Rodriguez is expected to leave Minnesota United this week to join Colombia’s national team camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing what looks set to be a short MLS chapter to an end after only five appearances.
That short-lived stint naturally triggered debates over whether the transfer benefited either party, given that persistent injuries and fitness struggles severely restricted his playing time. However, former USMNT forward Hérculez Gómez argues that labeling the signing a failure overlooks the true intentions behind the deal.
Speaking on ESPN’s Fútbol Americas, Gómez defended both the player and Minnesota United’s decision to bring him in.
“It’s not a failed stint. Now, bear with me,” the former striker said.
James Rodriguez reacts during the MLS match between Minnesota United FC and Los Angeles Football Club at Allianz Field.Stephen Maturen/MLS via Getty Images
Gómez explained that Rodriguez was never signed under the kind of expectations usually attached to a marquee MLS superstar: "A failed stint would have been if they paid James Rodríguez millions and millions and millions of dollars to be their star DP player, to be here for the long run. That’s not what happened here. We don’t know the amount, but he wasn’t a DP.”
He also suggested Minnesota likely knew from the start that the move was closely linked to Rodriguez preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Colombia.
Gómez: Minnesota United Benefited From the Move Despite Injuries
Gómez argued that MLS still benefits from attracting players with Rodriguez’s profile, even if those stays are short-term.
“MLS needs players like James Rodríguez. This is like any other club around the world where a player goes in for six months. “We just saw Sergio Ramos in Monterrey. We’ve seen these type of actions before.”
He also pointed to the value Minnesota gained from the attention and creativity Rodriguez brought when healthy.
“He’s trying to get himself ready in Minnesota, a club that desperately needs any type of fanfare is using James Rodríguez to their advantage, and this is a player that, when healthy, can provide something for you. That’s a reality.”
At the same time, Gómez admitted injuries prevented the move from fully taking off.
“Here’s another reality. He wasn’t healthy. Yeah, you know, and things like this happen.”
Still, he made it clear he does not see the signing as a failure.
“But if you’re asking me if it was a success, maybe not a success, but it also wasn’t a failure. I don’t see anything wrong, especially for what they paid out of him. He’s not a DP.”
The former striker also defended Minnesota’s broader strategy, noting that clubs across MLS operate differently financially and competitively. "What I’m trying to get at here is every club has free will to do what they want to try to win a championship, right?
“So what Minnesota does with their finances and with their fanfare is very much different than what Inter Miami would do, or LA Galaxy, or LAFC, or Seattle Sounders. And that’s a reality.”
He finished by backing Minnesota’s gamble on Rodriguez. “But Minnesota trying to change something, trying to sell tickets, trying to say, maybe a creative player can spark us in a new direction. I’m okay with that.”
Ironically, Rodriguez may now be leaving on his highest note yet. The Colombian midfielder came off the bench against Austin FC last weekend and delivered two assists in a lively cameo that completely changed the match for Minnesota. He's expected to make one final appearance before departing for Colombia’s World Cup camp.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
