Rodríguez is expected to join Atlético Nacional as a free agent after making only six appearances for Minnesota United during the first half of the year. The report says the Medellín club has not disclosed the transfer terms or the length of the contract, so the agreement should be treated as unconfirmed until Atlético Nacional makes an official announcement.
At 35, Rodríguez has experienced frequent changes since 2022. His recent clubs include Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano and Club León. A return to Colombia would give him a more familiar football environment and place his experience at the centre of the country’s most successful club.
Rodríguez’s recent club output has been limited by short spells, but his international profile is substantial. He has scored 31 goals in 131 appearances for Colombia and helped the national team reach the 2024 Copa América final, its first appearance in the tournament’s decisive match in 23 years.
His defining achievement came at the 2014 World Cup. Rodríguez scored six goals in five matches, won the Golden Boot and earned a move to Real Madrid after the tournament. He later played for Bayern Munich and Everton, adding Champions League and Premier League experience to his résumé.
That contrast explains the significance of Atlético Nacional’s interest: the club would be recruiting a player with elite tournament pedigree, but one whose recent club career has produced only limited continuity.
The immediate priorities are official confirmation, contract details and Rodríguez’s expected role in the squad. Atlético Nacional will need to determine whether he is a starting playmaker or a rotation option managed around his workload.
For Rodríguez, regular minutes would be more important than another high-profile destination. His six-game MLS stint shows the central issue clearly: his influence now depends on sustained availability as much as reputation.