Former Premier League star spends three days in hospital after World Cup warm-up match

Jack Otway
Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:10:54 +0000

Colombia's national team captain James Rodriguez has been discharged from hospital in Minnesota after spending 72 hours under medical supervision due to severe dehydration.

The 34-year-old midfielder fell ill the day after his country's 3-1 friendly defeat against France in Maryland last Sunday.

The Colombian Football Federation confirmed on Thursday that the former Real Madrid playmaker required hospitalisation for preventive monitoring and recovery following the onset of symptoms.

Rodriguez, who currently plays for MLS outfit Minnesota United, is now recuperating at home ahead of this summer's World Cup, where he will lead his nation.

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The friendly encounter took place in Landover, Maryland, with temperatures reaching approximately 26 degrees Celsius during the match.

Rodriguez featured for just over 60 minutes before being substituted as Colombia succumbed to Les Bleus.

It was the following day when the veteran midfielder began displaying symptoms of severe dehydration, prompting medical staff to admit him to a Minnesota hospital for observation.

The match against France came shortly after Colombia had also faced Croatia in their World Cup preparations, with Rodriguez participating in both fixtures as part of his country's build-up to the tournament.

The Colombian Football Federation was keen to stress that Rodriguez's condition had no connection to his footballing activities.

Their official statement confirmed he "has been under professional observation due to a medical condition of non-sports-related origin."

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The federation further clarified: "It is important to clarify that this situation is unrelated to any musculoskeletal injuries, nor is it linked to the performance of his footballing activities."

This distinction appears aimed at reassuring supporters that the captain's fitness for the upcoming World Cup has not been compromised by any underlying physical problems sustained during competitive action.

Medical reports indicate that Rodriguez is making steady progress, with the federation stating the prognosis "indicates a favorable prognosis and steady improvement."

The midfielder, who moved to Minnesota United earlier this year, has now returned home to continue his recovery from the health scare.

Rodriguez boasts more than a century of international appearances for Colombia and remains central to their World Cup ambitions.

The South American side have been drawn in Group K alongside Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan for this summer's tournament.

"We wish James a speedy and full recovery," the federation's statement concluded.

Rodriguez has represented teams such as Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid and Everton throughout his career.