Former Everton and Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez was hospitalised after a World Cup warm-up game against France leading to serious concerns
Stephen Killen Senior Sports Content Creator
09:58, 07 Apr 2026Updated 10:18, 07 Apr 2026
An update has been provided on James Rodriguez.
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An update has been provided on James Rodriguez.(Image: Getty Images)
Minnesota United have denied rumours that James Rodriguez has a potentially fatal muscle-wasting condition after being hospitalised during the recent international break.
The former Everton and Real Madrid star had to be rushed to the hospital after Colombia's World Cup warm-up in the United States. The 34-year-old was hospitalised for three days, and a statement from the Colombian football federation revealed that he showed symptoms of severe dehydration during their 3-1 defeat to France.
It was James' second game during the break, following a run out against Croatia, but he was forced off shortly after the hour mark in temperatures rising to 26 degrees. Social media speculation was whipped up and it was claimed that he was suffering from rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition which causes muscles to disintegrate and can potentially lead to fatal kidney damage.
James Rodriguez during his time at Everton
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James Rodriguez during his time at Everton(Image: Getty Images)
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But the Major League Soccer (MLS) club dismissed the rumours. In a statement, they wrote: "The club and our medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis.
"We respectfully ask members of the media and the public to refrain from further speculation regarding James’ health. Any additional updates will be communicated directly by the club through official channels.
"His reintegration into full team training will follow the protocols established by the club’s medical department and will be guided entirely by his clinical progress."
James Rodriguez in MLS action.
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James Rodriguez signed for MLS club Minnesota United earlier this year from Leon.(Image: MLS via Getty Images)
The Colombian international has made just appearances in the domestic American season and missed their 2-1 win over LA Galaxy on Sunday.
The Colombian federation said in a statement after the break: "It has been confirmed, after establishing communication with a medical center in the State of Minnesota, that the midfielder has been under professional observation due to a non-sports-related medical condition.
"The day after the match against France, the player presented with severe dehydration that required hospitalization for the past 72 hours for preventative and recovery monitoring."
James Rodriguez celebrates World Cup goal vs Uruguay.
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James Rodriguez's outstanding volley for Colombia against Uruguay at the 2014 World Cup won him the Puskas Award.(Image: PA)
Rodriguez fired his way onto the global scene during a memorable World Cup for Colombia at Brazil in 2014. His volley against Uruguay earned him international praise, interest from European giants - joining Real Madrid shortly after - and even the Puskas Award.
But the worrying incident in the US sparks concern over this summer's tournament, which will be held across North America at peak times for sweltering heat.
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Minnesota manager Cameron Knowles said: "He's day-to-day under our medical team, he's home now and resting. We've been away for a couple of days, our medical team are in constant contact with him, evaluating him, we'll start to integrate him as he sees fit."
James will be looking to return to the fold quickly with Minnesota in the midst of a fight for Championship playoffs in the MLS Western Division.
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