James Rodríguez says goodbye to León after an inconsistent season and injuries

The relationship between James Rodríguez and Club León has come to an end after the conclusion of the 2025 Apertura tournament, according to national and local media. The Colombian midfielder, who arrived at the team with high expectations and a media-driven signing, failed to establish himself as a key figure within the Emeralds' system, and his departure is already part of the restructuring the club is planning for the 2026 Clausura tournament.

Several reports indicate that the Colombian's high salary represented a significant financial burden for León, especially in a season where the team failed to maintain a top position in the standings. Furthermore, his performance was inconsistent; despite showing glimpses of his international talent, injuries and a lack of match fitness limited his participation in key games, affecting the team's dynamics and his impact on the field.

According to Diario del Yaqui, James expressed his displeasure after being substituted in a recent match, highlighting internal tensions and confirming that his relationship with the club was nearing its end. The board, led by Jesús Martínez Murguía, is seeking a profound transformation of the squad, and the departure of the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich player symbolizes the end of an era that failed to meet the expectations generated at the time of his signing.

For now, there's no official announcement regarding James Rodríguez's next destination. However, his name has already been linked to MLS teams and some clubs in the Middle East, where he could continue his professional career thanks to his international experience and high market value. At 34, the Colombian could be facing one of his last sporting challenges as he prepares to pursue new opportunities outside of Mexico.

León, the Guardianes 2020 champion, aims to recapture the form that distinguished them in previous years. The restructuring includes the departure of high-earning players with inconsistent performance, seeking to balance the squad and create a competitive team capable of reaching the top spots in the upcoming Clausura 2026 tournament. The departure of James Rodríguez represents a strategic shift for the club, leaving behind a high-profile signing that failed to live up to expectations.