Colombian midfielder James Rodríguez has officially parted ways with Rayo Vallecano after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract, which was originally set to run until June 30, 2025. The decision comes alongside his transfer to Club León in Mexico, marking a new chapter in the career of the talented playmaker.

Brief Stint at Rayo Vallecano

James joined Rayo on August 26, 2024, but his time at the Madrid-based club was short and underwhelming. Over four and a half months, he played just 203 minutes across seven matches (six in La Liga and one in the Copa del Rey) with only two starts.

Despite arriving with high hopes after being named Best Player of Copa América 2024, James struggled to make an impact. From the outset, he found himself sidelined by head coach Iñigo Pérez, who favored players like Jorge de Frutos, Unai López, Isi Palazón, and Óscar Trejo in midfield and attacking roles.

Lack of Minutes Drives His Decision to A New Challenge in Mexico

The lack of playing time was the key factor in James’ decision to terminate his contract. Since his last call-up on December 7, 2024, for the match against Valencia, James didn’t play a single minute, watching from the bench in games against Girona, Alavés, Athletic Club, Sevilla, and Valencia again. Among Rayo’s squad, only Raúl de Tomás clocked fewer minutes than James, with 90. His departure frees up space for the team to bolster their offensive options during the winter transfer window.

James now joins Club León, a team with big ambitions in Liga MX, seeking more consistent playing time and an opportunity to showcase his talent. His brief stint at Rayo Vallecano adds to a storied career that has included stops at Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Everton, Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, and São Paulo, spanning several continents. Fans of León are eager to see if the former 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner and Colombian national team star can reignite his career in Mexico and lead the Esmeraldas to new heights.