James Rodríguez Returns to León Amidst Mixed Expectations
James Rodríguez has shifted focus from the recent qualifying matches where Colombia struggled to achieve victories in 2025, returning to León to prepare for the upcoming season. His goals are clear: to lead León to success in the Apertura Tournament and make a significant impact in the Leagues Cup , marking his first international competition with the club.
However, news has emerged that James will not feature in the first two pre-season matches, leaving many fans puzzled. Expectations were high for the midfielder to take charge of the squad as León embarks on this new journey in the second half of the season.
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León’s first match will take place on July 13 against Atlético San Luis , the inaugural event of Liga MX. This match is crucial as it also offers the possibility of qualifying for the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup , with opportunities to secure a spot in the 2026 edition through the Leagues Cup .
Head coach Eduardo Berizzo confirmed that James Rodríguez will join pre-season activities on June 24 , following an extended 17-day break post his participation in the double header of qualifiers with the Colombian national team.
Several other players, including Venezuelan Jhonder Cádiz, Chilean Rodrigo Echeverría, and Uruguayan Nicolás Fonseca, will also enjoy extended rest periods , having recently played for their national sides. Consequently, these players will join the pre-season training later and miss the initial two friendly matches.
In his first semester at León, James played 17 matches , captained the squad, netted two goals , and provided six assists . The club managed to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament, where they were eliminated by Cruz Azul, led by goalkeeper Kevin Mier.
As part of its season preparations, León has scheduled four friendly matches before the Apertura Tournament kicks off. James will miss encounters against Cruz Azul on June 20 and either Atlante or Chivas on June 22 , as he is set to join after these dates. However, he will likely be available for the match against Xolos de Tijuana on June 28 at the León stadium and against Tepatitlán on July 5 .
León’s official debut in the Apertura tournament is set for July 13 , against Atlético San Luis . The anticipation surrounding James Rodríguez’s return remains high, given his previous season performance, which established him as a pivotal figure within the team.
James’s absence from the Club World Cup represents a shift in the club’s initial plans, which had considered loaning him to Pachuca to bolster the squad for the international tournament. However, FIFA and TAS interventions altered this perspective, compelling León to retain their star player within the roster for the second half of the year.
The team’s planning indicates that, following the friendlies and the reintegration of resting players, the squad will be complete for the championship start. The Apertura Tournament Mexican league will kick off on July 13 , against Atlético San Luis, with hopes that James Rodríguez will be in peak condition for his second half of the season with the club.