James Rodríguez Netflix Documentary Set for May Release as World Cup Looms
"In 2014, James Rodríguez took the world by storm," Netflix proclaims in the teaser for its forthcoming three-part documentary series. That statement rings true. What followed, however, tells a far more complex story.
The series, titled simply James, arrives on May 21 — mere weeks ahead of Colombia's 2026 World Cup opener against Uzbekistan in Mexico City on June 17. The release timing is no coincidence. Director Simón Brand has assembled an intimate look at the footballer behind Colombia's legendary No. 10 jersey, chronicling his sensational 2014 emergence in Brazil, the subsequent transfer to Real Madrid, his time at Bayern Munich, and his current chapter with Minnesota United in Major League Soccer.
A decorated career with unforgettable moments
At 34 years old, James possesses Champions League, La Liga, and Bundesliga titles. He netted the sole goal in World Cup history to claim the FIFA Puskás Award — that stunning curling volley versus Uruguay that football fans continue to watch endlessly. He captured the 2014 Golden Boot. His inclusion alongside Ronaldinho, Beckham, Neymar, Pelé, and Di Maria in Netflix's expanding football documentary catalogue speaks volumes about his global stature.
Yet he's never lifted a Copa América trophy or World Cup with Colombia. The documentary, according to Netflix's own synopsis, will explore "pressure, sacrifice, triumph, and heartbreak, both on and off the pitch." There's certainly no shortage of narrative.
Current form raises serious questions for Colombia
Presently, James represents a worry. Since joining Minnesota United in February, he's accumulated merely 103 minutes across four of the club's opening 11 MLS fixtures — kept out by visa complications, injury setbacks, medical consultations, and a hospitalization due to severe dehydration. Zero goals. Zero assists.
He's publicly assured supporters he'll reach the tournament in "excellent form." That's standard player rhetoric. Whether it becomes reality is what truly counts when Colombia square off against Portugal on June 27 in Miami to conclude Group K action.
- June 17 — Colombia vs. Uzbekistan, Mexico City
- June 23 — Colombia vs. DR Congo, Monterrey
- June 27 — Colombia vs. Portugal, Miami
His Minnesota contract extends only through June 30, featuring a club option to continue through the remainder of the 2026 MLS campaign. Considering his contribution thus far, it's difficult to envision the Loons eagerly exercising that option. The 2026 World Cup could authentically represent James's final performance on football's grandest platform — and currently, Minnesota's prospects of retaining him afterward appear substantially slimmer than Colombia's chances of advancing from the group stage.