Exclusion from the FIFA Club World Cup. Elimination from the Liga MX playoffs. Veteran retirements and looming departures. Amidst this whirlwind, Club Leon have made a firm decision regarding one of their most prominent stars—but the reveal was anything but immediate.
For Club Leon, the Clausura 2025 began with promise and ambition. The team surged to the top of the Liga MX table, eyes firmly set on domestic glory and the international prestige of the FIFA Club World Cup. But what followed was a stunning unraveling of their campaign.
Their expulsion from the Club World Cup, the result of a breach of FIFA’s multi-club ownership regulations, dealt a blow that went far beyond paperwork. The shadow cast by this decision hung over Leon’s final stretch of the season, leading to five defeats in their last seven regular-season matches. A 5-3 aggregate loss to Cruz Azul in the Clausura quarterfinals capped a dramatic fall from grace.
James Rodriguez’s future becomes clear
In the midst of this crisis, all eyes turned to a familiar figure from the European stage: James Rodriguez. The 33-year-old Colombian, a former star for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, joined Leon in January after a stint with Rayo Vallecano. Though his stay in Mexico has been relatively short, his presence has brought international attention to the club.
Rumors had swirled in recent weeks that the veteran could cut short his stay. The loss of the Club World Cup participation—a key platform for international exposure—sparked speculation that he might pursue new opportunities elsewhere, perhaps in Europe or even back in South America. But in the wake of Leon’s elimination from the playoffs, head coach Eduardo Berizzo brought clarity to the situation.
“What I can say right now is that James has a contract and will continue with Leon,” he confirmed on Sunday. Rodriguez, whose deal runs through December 2025, is set to remain in green and white—at least for now.
So far, James has registered two goals and six assists in 17 appearances for Leon. Not the most prolific of returns, but Berizzo has maintained faith in the playmaker’s creative influence, especially in tight games.
