James leaves Sao Paulo: What's next for ex-Madrid star?

James Rodriguez, the renowned Colombian midfielder, has officially terminated his contract with Sao Paulo; marking the end of his brief one-year tenure with the Brazilian club. Rodriguez agreed to forego a substantial amount of his due salary to enable his release, Globoesporte revealed.

As part of an amicable separation, the veteran midfielder signed a contract termination and waived around 75% of his outstanding incentives; these amounted to about $164,000. This strategic move allows the Colombian to become a free agent, paving the way for potential signings with other clubs. While he gave up a substantial amount, he will still receive the severance payments stipulated by labor laws.

The 33-year-old’s stint at Sao Paulo, which began in late July last year, proved to be less impactful than anticipated. During his time with the club, he participated in 22 matches and scored two goals. Unfortunately, he failed to impress the three different coaches he played under—Dorival, Thiago Carpini, and Luis Zubeldía. Despite being signed without any transfer fees, his overall cost to the club is estimated at around $820,000.

The club stands to gain monetarily from his contract’s termination. His contract ends next May, and this relieves the club of the financial burden of paying the extra $1.1 million under that agreement. This financial reprieve is a significant relief for the club, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently moving forward.

Reliving glory days at Copa America

James Rodriguez’s career has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. His meteoric rise began at the 2014 World Cup, where he delivered standout performances; most notably scoring a spectacular goal against Uruguay, which won the Puskás Award. This led to a high-profile move to Real Madrid, making him one of the most expensive players at the time.

However, he was inconsistent and had disagreements with coaches like Zinedine Zidane and Rafael Benitez throughout his stay at Madrid.

After leaving, Rodriguez’s career saw him playing for various clubs, including Bayern Munich, Everton, Al-Rayyan, and Olympiakos, often struggling to find a stable footing.

Despite his turbulent club career, the midfielder remains a key figure for the Colombian national team. His recent performances in the Copa América have been reminiscent of his 2014 form, where he has been involved in more goals than any other player in the tournament. Playing a pivotal role, Rodriguez has shown his ability to influence games significantly, leading Colombia with his vision, passing accuracy, and goal-scoring prowess.

What’s next for James?

With his contract with Sao Paulo now terminated, Rodriguez is free to explore new opportunities. His impressive form in the Copa America has undoubtedly increased his appeal to potential suitors, and it remains to be seen which club will secure his services next.

For the player, this phase represents both a challenge and an opportunity. At 33 years old, he has the experience and talent to make a substantial impact wherever he goes. His journey from being a global superstar to facing career uncertainties and now making a strong comeback with his national team showcases his resilience and enduring skill.

Photo credits: IMAGO / Action Plus : IMAGO / IPA Sport