James Rodriguez Netflix Documentary Set for May Release as World Cup Fitness Questions Mount
"In 2014, James Rodríguez took the world by storm," Netflix declares in the trailer for its forthcoming three-part documentary series. That statement rings true. What followed that magical summer, however, tells a far more complex story.
The documentary, titled simply James, launches on May 21 — arriving just weeks ahead of Colombia's 2026 World Cup campaign, which begins June 17 against Uzbekistan in Mexico City. The release timing appears carefully calculated. Director Simón Brand has assembled an intimate look at the man wearing Colombia's legendary No. 10 jersey, chronicling his remarkable 2014 World Cup performance in Brazil, his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid, his spell with Bayern Munich, and his recent arrival at Minnesota United in Major League Soccer.
A trophy cabinet most footballers only dream about
At age 34, James boasts Champions League, La Liga, and Bundesliga titles on his résumé. He netted the only World Cup goal ever to capture the FIFA Puskás Award — that unforgettable curling volley against Uruguay that fans continue to watch repeatedly. He claimed the 2014 Golden Boot as tournament top scorer. His inclusion alongside Ronaldinho, Beckham, Neymar, Pelé, and Di Maria in Netflix's expanding football documentary catalogue speaks volumes about his global stature.
Despite his accomplishments, James has never hoisted a Copa América or World Cup trophy with Colombia. According to Netflix's description, the documentary will explore "pressure, sacrifice, triumph, and heartbreak, both on and off the pitch." There's certainly no shortage of storylines.
Fitness concerns Colombia cannot afford to overlook
Presently, James represents a legitimate worry. Since putting pen to paper with Minnesota United this past February, he's managed merely 103 minutes across four of the club's opening 11 MLS fixtures — sidelined by visa complications, injury setbacks, medical appointments, and a hospital stay for severe dehydration. Zero goals. Zero assists.
He's publicly assured supporters he'll reach the tournament in "excellent form." Players often make such promises. What counts is whether that becomes reality when Colombia meet Portugal on June 27 in Miami to conclude Group K play.
- June 17 — Colombia vs. Uzbekistan, Mexico City
- June 23 — Colombia vs. DR Congo, Monterrey
- June 27 — Colombia vs. Portugal, Miami
James's Minnesota contract expires June 30, though the club holds an option to extend through the 2026 MLS campaign's conclusion. Based on his contributions thus far, it's difficult to envision the Loons eagerly exercising that option. The 2026 World Cup could very well represent James's final performance on football's grandest platform — and presently, Minnesota's chances of retaining him appear considerably slimmer than Colombia's prospects of advancing from the group stage.