World Cup superstar James Rodriguez narrowly avoids ICE drama in Minnesota after visa chaos threatened to derail fresh start in MLS

Colombian soccer star James Rodriguez has finally been granted a visa just three days before the start of the new Major League Soccer season.

Minnesota United signed the high-profile midfielder to a short-term contract earlier this month.

However, reports in Spain on Tuesday alleged that Rodriguez was still without a visa ahead of the team’s first game of the season against Austin on Saturday.

But it has been confirmed to Daily Mail that Rodriguez’s visa and relevant documents were received on Tuesday, meaning he is now clear to practice and play for his new team.

The news comes just weeks after widespread protesting and unrest in Minneapolis over the immigration crackdown in the city.

That was sparked by the fatal shootings of Renee Good, a mother of three, and Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, by immigration agents last month. 

Rodriguez, pictured with daughter Salome, has played for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich

Rodriguez is the club’s highest-profile player to date and the deal he signed earlier this month gives the Colombia veteran a chance to ramp up his preparation for the World Cup this summer.

The 34-year-old will occupy an international roster spot on a guaranteed contract through June when the league pauses for the World Cup. The deal includes a club option through the remainder of the MLS season until December.

The 5-foot-11 Rodríguez became a worldwide star at the 2014 World Cup, when he won the Golden Boot award as the tournament’s leading scorer with six goals in five matches. 

He joined Real Madrid after that, spending six seasons with the Spanish powerhouse and also had stays with Bayern Munich in Germany’s Bundesliga and Everton in the Premier League.

He has bounced around in recent years, with stints with Olympiacos in Greece, Sao Paulo in Brazil, Rayo Vallecano in Spain and Club León in Mexico since 2023. 

Rodríguez helped lead Colombia to the Copa America final in 2024, the country’s first such appearance in 23 years. He has 31 goals in 122 career international matches with Colombia.

‘I’m very happy for this new chapter in my life,’ Rodríguez said earlier this month. ‘I hope to be at my best so I can bring joy to this city and to all of the people who are putting their faith in me. 

‘I’m looking forward to meeting all of the passionate Minnesota fans because I’m also a passionate player who wants to give everything on the field and always wants to win.’