James Rodríguez and São Paulo FC have mutually agreed to part ways, a decision that will save the club roughly R$20 million. São Paulo will pay Rodríguez his owed salary up to June 30, although he has agreed to forgo a portion of his bonuses.
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Throughout his time with São Paulo, Rodríguez played only 22 matches, contributing two goals and four assists. These figures fell short of expectations, given his high-profile performances on the international stage. His dissatisfaction with limited playing time became evident, straining relationships within the club.
A particularly telling incident occurred during the Supercopa Rei, when Rodríguez, excluded from the matchday squad, chose not to join his team at Mineirão despite an invitation.
However, Rodríguez’s prowess remained undisputed at the Copa América, where he delivered an impressive one goal and six assists in six games, propelling Colombia to a runner-up finish and crowning him the Best Betano Player of Copa América 2024.
James Rodríguez es el Mejor Jugador Betano de la CONMEBOL Copa América USA 2024™️ pic.twitter.com/YGWvumksgP
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) July 15, 2024
With his departure from São Paulo now official, Rodríguez looks to Europe for his next chapter, while São Paulo must assess and recalibrate after a partnership that failed to live up to its potential.
