FP
Fakayejo Paul
Former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star James Rodríguez has officially sealed a landmark return to his homeland, signing with Colombian giants Atlético Nacional as a free agent.
The 35-year-old playmaker signed an initial one-year contract with an option to extend, officially announced by club president Sebastián Arango on Thursday evening right at the deadline for free-agent registrations.
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Key Details & Transfer Background
- Free Agent Arrival:James was unattached after parting ways with MLS side Minnesota United in July following Colombia’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Historical Return:This marks only the second Colombian top-flight club of his professional career, having originally departed boyhood team Envigado for Argentina’s Banfield back in 2008.
- Rejected Serie B Interest: Italian side Avellino, managed by Alessandro Nesta, made two direct attempts to sign James this week, but the midfielder turned down the offers to prioritize returning to Medellín.