Choosing between glory and money—a dilemma many athletes face when deciding their next career move. For James Rodriguez, the answer came swiftly during a pivotal conversation with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in 2014. The Colombian maestro recently opened up about the moment that convinced him to join Los Blancos, shedding light on the personal and professional motivations behind one of football’s most high-profile transfers.
Rodriguez’s journey to the Santiago Bernabeu began amid the euphoria of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where he emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers. As Colombia reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, James captured global attention with his six goals—including a stunning volley against Uruguay that won the Puskas Award—and creative brilliance. It was no surprise that Europe’s elite clubs were eager to secure his signature, but it was Real Madrid who ultimately won the race.
Speaking candidly in an interview with FOOTBOOM , Rodriguez recounted the decisive interaction with Florentino Perez. The Real Madrid president posed a simple yet profound question: “What do you want? Glory or money?” For James, the choice was clear. “That’s why I signed for Real Madrid,” he revealed, emphasizing how Perez’s pitch resonated deeply with his ambitions at the time.
The Colombian playmaker has always been driven by a desire to compete at the highest level and leave a lasting legacy in football. At just 23 years old, the opportunity to join a club synonymous with success—boasting countless Champions League titles and a galaxy of superstars—was too enticing to pass up. While other clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, expressed interest, none could match the allure of wearing the iconic white jersey.
Rodriguez also shared insights into the timing of Madrid’s pursuit. He explained that his agent, Jorge Mendes, informed him of the club’s interest early in the World Cup campaign. Initially concerned that the news might distract him, James admitted it had the opposite effect. “In the second or third game of the World Cup, Mendes told me that they wanted me but was afraid I’d lose focus. I said, ‘What?’ Then I scored one goal against Japan and two against Uruguay; it was the opposite. I played better,” he recalled.
Rather than succumbing to pressure, James used the knowledge of Madrid’s interest as fuel, elevating his performances on the grandest stage. His confidence soared, culminating in the Golden Boot award as the tournament’s top scorer. By the time the World Cup concluded, his future was sealed—he would become a Galactico.
James Rodriguez arrived at Real Madrid as one of the most hyped signings of the summer transfer window. Backed by Carlo Ancelotti, then-manager of Los Blancos, he quickly established himself as a key figure in the squad. His debut season was nothing short of spectacular, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s triumph in the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.
During his tenure at the club, Rodriguez made 125 appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing 42 assists. Though injuries and managerial changes occasionally hindered his progress, his flair and technical prowess consistently dazzled fans. Whether threading pinpoint passes or curling shots into the top corner, James embodied the elegance and creativity associated with Real Madrid’s storied history.
Despite leaving the club in 2020 after stints at Bayern Munich and Everton, Rodriguez remains beloved by Madridistas. Reflecting on his legacy, he noted, “They still love me a lot in Madrid, they ask me why I left, that means I did things well, I performed at a very high level.” Such affection speaks volumes about the impact he made during his time in the Spanish capital.
Following his departure from Real Madrid, Rodriguez embarked on a nomadic chapter of his career. After impressing briefly at Everton under Carlo Ancelotti, he returned to La Liga in August 2024, signing with Rayo Vallecano as a free agent. However, this stint proved fleeting, as mutual consent led to the termination of his contract in January 2025. Shortly thereafter, he joined Liga MX side Leon, marking a new adventure in North American football.
Though now playing outside Europe’s elite leagues, James continues to carry the same elegance and vision that once lit up the Bernabeu. At 33, he may no longer be the explosive force of his youth, but his experience and artistry remain invaluable assets for any team fortunate enough to have him.
Rodriguez’s story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between ambition and practicality in modern football. When faced with Perez’s binary question—glory or money—he chose the former, prioritizing the chance to etch his name into footballing history over financial gain. This decision not only shaped his career trajectory but also endeared him to millions of fans worldwide.
Moreover, his reflections highlight the importance of timing and belief in achieving greatness. The World Cup served as a springboard for James, transforming him from a promising talent into a household name overnight. Without the platform provided by international tournaments, it is unlikely he would have secured such a prestigious move at such a young age.
As James embarks on the latest phase of his career with Leon, questions linger about his long-term aspirations. Will he seek to return to Europe in the twilight of his playing days, or will he embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by Liga MX? Regardless of what the future holds, his contributions to the sport—and particularly to Real Madrid—will not be forgotten.
For now, James Rodriguez stands as a testament to the enduring power of dreams. From humble beginnings in Cúcuta to the hallowed turf of the Santiago Bernabeu, his journey exemplifies the magic of football. And though his path has taken unexpected turns, his passion for the game remains undiminished.
Whether scoring breathtaking goals or weaving through defenses with effortless grace, James Rodriguez continues to remind us why he chose glory all those years ago. For a player defined by moments of brilliance, perhaps the greatest achievement is knowing he inspired millions along the way.
