Following Club León's exclusion from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup due to violations related to multi-ownership rules, questions have arisen about the fate of one of their biggest stars: James Rodríguez. While players are occasionally able to join another qualified team for the tournament, FIFA regulations make that impossible in this case.

James has already played for two clubs this season

📌 In the 2024-25 season, James has been officially registered with two teams:

• Rayo Vallecano , where he began the campaign in Spain and made 7 appearances before parting ways in January.
• Club León , which he joined during the winter transfer window specifically with the Club World Cup in mind.

📌 According to Article 5.3 of FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, a footballer cannot play official matches for more than two clubs in the same season.

FIFA's registration window doesn't apply to him

📌 FIFA will open a special registration period from June 1 to June 10, 2025, allowing qualified teams to strengthen their squads for the tournament.

📌 However, James Rodríguez is ineligible due to already reaching the maximum club limit for the season. This rule applies regardless of whether León is replaced by Pachuca, América, or another club.

No World Cup, no options

📌 No team participating in the 2025 Club World Cup will be able to register James, effectively ruling him out of the competition.

This is another setback for the Colombian playmaker, who saw Mexico as his platform to return to the spotlight on the international stage. With León out and the rules clear, James will miss the Club World Cup — no matter which club takes León’s place.