James Rodríguez picks next team after MLS exit: Contract length and salary details

On Sep 11, 2026

Colombian soccer legend James Rodríguez will return to his homeland to sign for Atlético Nacional, the 14th team of his long and illustrious career.

Rodríguez spent the first half of 2026 on a short-term deal with Minnesota United, preparing to represent Colombia at the 2026 World Cup. His spell in MLS was brief and he returns to Colombian soccer for the first time since leaving Envigado in 2008.

James ya está en casa.

Que el Atanasio se lo diga sin palabras: que esta es la hinchada que gana títulos, la que le dio dos Libertadores al país, la que convierte cada partido en una fiesta. La que no se cuenta: se vive.

Hasta el domingo puedes asegurar tu silla y alentar al… pic.twitter.com/wtl3r228fN

— Atlético Nacional (@nacionaloficial) September 11, 2026

Now 35 years old, Rodríguez has represented the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Porto during more than a decade in Europe. While playing for Colombia this summer he surpassed goalkeeper David Ospina as the most-capped played in the history of the Colombian national team.

How much will James Rodríguez earn with Nacional?

Even at his advanced age, Rodríguez remains one of the most well-known Colombian players on the planet and his homecoming will be a major storyline. After a career at some of the world’s biggest clubs Rodríguez will command a hefty annual salary.

El Futbolero Colombia reports that Rodríguez will receive an annual salary of between $2.5 million and $3 million from Nacional. This is a major fall on his previous earnings at Real Madrid, where he is thought to have earned an annual salary of €7.76 million ($9 million, as of 2026).

His new deal with Atlético Nacional is a one-year contract, running for the duration of the Liga DIMAYOR season through to June 2027. There is also the option to extend for a further year is both parties are in agreement. Finally, the biggest name in Colombian soccer will represent the biggest Colombian club.