James Rodriguez Unveiled by Atletico Nacional: ‘This is a Winning Club, and So Am I’
James Rodriguez experienced one of the most eagerly awaited moments since his return to Colombian soccer this Sunday. The midfielder was officially presented to Atletico Nacional fans at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium in Medellin, ahead of the match against Aguilas Doradas on Matchday 10 of the Liga BetPlay.
The reception confirmed the enormous expectations surrounding his arrival at the Antioquia-based club. After nearly two decades away from Colombian professional soccer, the Colombia national team captain reunited with a fan base that welcomed him as one of the championship’s biggest stars.
James, who was not called up for Sunday’s match, stepped onto the field to greet the fans and deliver his first words as a Verdolaga —popular name by which Nacional is known — player.
James Rodriguez Unveiled by Atletico Nacional: ‘This is a Winning Club, and So Am I’
The day began with a tribute to David Ospina, one of the major figures in Atletico Nacional‘s recent history. The club opened the stadium doors at 2:00 p.m. and prepared a runway on the field to commemorate the titles won by the goalkeeper during his two spells with the team.
After the tribute to Ospina came the moment everyone had been waiting for. James appeared before the fans wearing Atletico Nacional’s jersey and walked around the stadium to greet the supporters. The atmosphere was marked by applause and chants from the fans, who welcomed the 35-year-old soccer player as the leading figure in the club’s new sporting project.
The Colombian also had the opportunity to enter Nacional’s locker room for the first time and personally greet his new teammates. The team managed by Lucas Gonzalez is facing the semester with expectations of competing for the titles it has at stake, while James’ arrival raises expectations around the squad even further.
Hay números que no solo hacen parte de una camiseta, hacen parte de la historia.
Esos que dejan de pertenecer a un deporte para pertenecer a la grandeza misma…. el 23 vistió a Jordan de eternidad, a LeBron de imperio, y hoy viste al más grande. @jamesdrodriguez ya tiene su… pic.twitter.com/sZjOlRKvzW
— Atlético Nacional (@nacionaloficial) September 13, 2026
“This is a winning club, and so am I,” Nacional’s new No. 23 said
In front of the fans, James was direct and made clear from the outset what his intention is with Atletico Nacional. The midfielder thanked the supporters for the reception and said he hopes to share great moments with them.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much. We hope we can have many joys together and win many titles because this is a winning club, and so am I. So, thank you very much,” the soccer player said during his presentation.
James also had words for David Ospina, with whom he has shared many years on the Colombia national team. The midfielder thanked the goalkeeper for the path they have traveled together and for what his presence means to him in this new chapter of his career.
The message was in line with the statements James had already made during his presentation to the media. The player had explained that Nacional’s offer awakened a special feeling in him and that the history and weight of the jersey were decisive in his decision to return to the country.
One of the details surrounding the presentation was the confirmation of the number James will wear. The Colombian will not be able to wear the traditional No. 10 in the domestic championship because that jersey currently belongs to Edwin Cardona, and Dimayor regulations do not allow the numbers of players who have already been registered to be changed.
For that reason, James will wear No. 23 this semester. Atletico Nacional presented the choice as a jersey number loaded with symbolism and recalled its connection to basketball legends such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
James himself had already downplayed the fact that he will not wear No. 10, saying that the number will ultimately take a back seat to what he can do on the field.
Hay días que se sienten diferentes. Hay días que se quedan para siempre.
Nuestra casa se llenó de ilusión, y de miles de corazones latiendo por estos colores para darle la bienvenida al gran James Rodríguez.
Bienvenido a tu nueva casa, @jamesdrodriguez 💚 pic.twitter.com/UNGGruViRI
— Atlético Nacional (@nacionaloficial) September 13, 2026
His debut will have to wait
Although James was left out of the squad for the match against Aguilas Doradas, his Atletico Nacional debut could come very soon. Coach Lucas Gonzalez explained that the player had only completed two training sessions with the group and that he preferred to give him a few more days to complete his preparation.
The coach acknowledged that James is eager to play and that his intention is to see him in a Nacional jersey in an official match as soon as possible. His potential debut is now expected to come on Wednesday, September 16, against Internacional de Bogota at El Campin Stadium.
The presentation at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium thus marked the first major chapter in James Rodriguez’s new stage in Colombia. The soccer player has already felt the support of the fans and made his ambitions clear. Now he will have to take that excitement onto the field and prove that his return to Colombian soccer can become a story of titles with Atletico Nacional.
By the way, the home team won this afternoon’s match 2-0, with goals from Edwin Cardona and Ian Poveda, leaving the Verdolagas in third place in a standings table led outright by America de Cali.