James Rodríguez Hospitalized with Dehydration After Colombia Game Colombia's star midfielder James Rodríguez was hospitalized in Minnesota following severe dehydration after a friendly match against France on Sunday, according to the Colombian Football Federation. The federation confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that Rodríguez, who joined Minnesota United FC on a short-term deal earlier this year, had been under professional medical observation due to a non-sports-related condition. The player, 34, was admitted to a hospital in the state after returning to Minneapolis on Monday, accompanied by Minnesota United’s medical team. Rodríguez played 63 minutes of Colombia’s 3-1 loss to France in a World Cup tuneup match held in Landover, Maryland. The federation noted that symptoms of dehydration emerged after the game, leading to hospitalization for the past 72 hours. The medical team conducted preventative and recovery monitoring to address the condition. Colombia clarified that the situation is unrelated to any prior injuries, emphasizing that the issue is not connected to musculoskeletal problems or football activities. The federation’s statement highlighted that the player’s current medical report indicates a favorable evolution and steady improvement. Rodríguez, a former Real Madrid attacker, has made two substitute appearances for Minnesota United this season. The club’s next match is scheduled against the LA Galaxy on Saturday. The incident has drawn attention to the importance of hydration and health management for athletes, particularly during international competitions. While the exact cause of the dehydration remains under investigation, the federation’s emphasis on non-sports-related factors suggests a focus on general health rather than athletic performance.#minnesota #minnesota_united_fc #james_rodriguez #landover #colombian_football_federation
James Rodriguez Struggles to Find His Groove with Minnesota United James Rodriguez’s tenure with Minnesota United has been marked by a series of setbacks, with the Colombian midfielder sidelined for multiple games since joining the team in early February. The 34-year-old, once a star at Real Madrid, has faced challenges adapting to his new environment, including visa delays, fitness concerns, and a recent hospitalization due to severe dehydration. As the Loons prepare for their match against L.A. Galaxy on Saturday, Rodriguez’s latest absence raises questions about his ability to integrate into the team’s lineup. Rodriguez’s initial struggles began almost immediately after his February 2026 arrival. The midfielder, who had not played in a competitive match since November 2025, was excluded from the season opener against Austin FC due to a pending work visa. Despite securing his visa just days before the game, he remained on the bench for the home opener against FC Cincinnati, where he was not even warmed up for the second half due to freezing temperatures in St. Paul. Head coach Cameron Knowles acknowledged the difficulty of integrating Rodriguez into the team’s rhythm under such conditions, noting that the player had only completed one week of training before the match. The midfielder’s first meaningful action came on March 15, when he made his MLS debut in a 27-minute appearance against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Though he created a scoring chance, his limited playing time highlighted the team’s cautious approach. Rodriguez then played 14 minutes in a scoreless draw against the Seattle Sounders on March 22, where he again contributed with two chances created.#james_rodriguez #minnesota_united #st_paul #cameron_knowles #colombian_football_federation
