James Rodriguez Claims He Outperformed Midfield Legends

James Rodriguez, formerly a star at Real Madrid, claims that during his peak, he outperformed legendary midfielders like Zinedine Zidane, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Xavi, despite his limited starting opportunities at the club. His bold assertion was made during a Spanish TV show, where he consistently rated himself higher than these football giants, citing his outstanding performance during the 2014 FIFA World Cup as evidence. Rodriguez, who scored six goals at the World Cup and won the Golden Boot, was a sought-after player, choosing Real Madrid over offers from Manchester City and PSG. Florentino Perez, the club president, played a crucial role in bringing him to Madrid by emphasizing the pursuit of glory over monetary gains. Over his tenure at Real Madrid, Rodriguez made 125 appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing 42 assists, contributing to nine major trophies, including two Champions League titles. Despite leaving the club in 2020, Rodriguez still holds Real Madrid in high regard and has continued his career with Club Leon in Mexico.