James Rodriguez. It would be sort of preposterous to suggest that James broke out in 2014 (There’s a reason he was purchased by Monaco the year before for €45 million and he’s a Jorge Mendes client) but the baby faced Colombian made the transition from minor league football (Ligue 1) to major league football seamlessly (The World Stage and La Liga).
Just as Iggy Azalea’s ‘Fancy’ ran radio in the summer, James pronounced HAHM ess ensured the flashlights were firmly on him. In a Falcao less Colombian side, his goals and charm ensured that the boys from the land of Sofia Vergara were one of the most adored teams in Brazil. His volley against Uruguay was his Carpe Diem moment. When Brazil knocked them out, the tears he shed endeared him even more. His rewards; The World Cup Golden Boot and an €80 million move to Real Madrid.
He made the jump.