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When James Rodríguez takes the field at the 2026 World Cup with Colombia this summer, it will likely mark his final appearance at a tournament that has shaped his entire career. Ahead of James's farewell chapter, Netflix is set to spotlight the story behind his rise to fame.
Set to drop on May 21, "James" is the newest sports documentary series to enter the streaming landscape, exploring the life and football journey of the Colombian icon who burst onto the global stage at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Helmed by director Simón Brand, the series spans three episodes and includes candid interviews with James himself alongside numerous figures who played a role in his story, from his 2014 breakthrough to his stints at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and eventually Major League Soccer's Minnesota United. He joins a growing list of football legends featured in Netflix documentaries, including Ronaldinho, David Beckham, Neymar, Pelé, and Angel Di Maria, among others.
"In 2014, James Rodríguez took the world by storm—scoring the only goal in World Cup history to win the FIFA Puskás Award and becoming the face of a generation of Colombian football," Netflix stated when it released the series' trailer. "The rise that followed would take him to Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich—but behind the glory was a story few had ever heard.
"This is the intimate journey of the man behind Colombia's iconic No. 10—shaped by pressure, sacrifice, triumph, and heartbreak, both on and off the pitch—told in his own voice."
Although he has never lifted a World Cup or Copa América trophy with Colombia, James's career has nonetheless reached extraordinary heights, with the now 34-year-old having claimed UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, and La Liga titles, along with his 2014 FIFA Puskás Award and 2014 World Cup Golden Boot.
Will James Play a Big Role This Summer?
James is anticipated to hold a prominent starting position for Colombia at the 2026 tournament. However, he will need to rediscover his best form following a sluggish start to his MLS career since joining Minnesota United back in February.
Since completing his move to the Loons, James has featured for just 103 minutes across four of the club's opening 11 MLS regular-season fixtures, having missed time due to visa complications, injury, pre-arranged medical appointments, and a hospitalization for severe dehydration.
Though he has yet to register a goal or an assist, he has shown encouraging glimpses when on the ball and has reassured supporters that he will "arrive in good shape" and "excellent form" when the time comes to represent Los Cafeteros at the World Cup.
Whether he returns to Minnesota following the tournament remains the pressing question. His current deal runs only through June 30, with a club option to extend through the close of the 2026 MLS season — a decision that may not appeal to the Loons given James's limited contributions so far.
Colombia kicks off their tournament campaign on June 17 against Uzbekistan in Mexico City, before taking on DR Congo in Monterrey on June 23. They wrap up Group K play against a highly anticipated Portugal side on June 27 in Miami.