The imminent departure of James Rodríguez from Club León at the end of the Apertura 2025 season is on the horizon. His contract is set to expire in December, and both parties have no plans for renewal. As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins with just six months left, the former Real Madrid player will need to seek a new destination. He may choose to remain in Liga MX or venture into Major League Soccer.

According to Mediotiempo, Rodríguez’s tenure with Club León will conclude after the Apertura 2025 tournament. The Colombian initially joined La Fiera on a one-year deal, enticed by the opportunity to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. However, FIFA’s disqualification of León for ownership violations resulted in the cancellation of their international showcase, leaving James without that platform.

Subsequent events did not unfold as anticipated. León’s early exit in the Clausura 2025 quarterfinals, coupled with their current second-to-last position in the Apertura standings, has led to Rodríguez’s diminishing role within the team. He has scored only three goals in 12 matches this season and a total of five goals in 32 appearances for the club.

Despite initial optimism surrounding the appointment of head coach Ignacio Ambriz, results failed to improve. Defeats to Toluca, Santos, and Atlas, along with a lone draw against Pumas in recent weeks, have reinforced the notion that a separation between the club and the player is the most viable path forward.

Reports suggest that several Liga MX teams are monitoring the 33-year-old’s situation, while MLS clubs have also shown interest in acquiring the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner once his contract expires in December.

As the 2026 World Cup looms closer, Rodríguez faces a crucial decision regarding the next phase of his career, one that could define his final chapter in elite football.

Looking ahead, Club León will conclude the Apertura 2025 regular season with challenging fixtures against America and Puebla, aiming to end the campaign on a positive note.

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