James Rodríguez: List of all 6 goals in FIFA World Cup history

James is Colombia’s all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history

James Rodríguez is arguably the biggest name to come out of Colombian football since the turn of the 21st Century. He was a talented attacking midfielder. He has been incredible for the national team ever since his debut in 2011. However, it was during the 2014 FIFA World Cup that James Rodríguez announced himself to the world. He was the top goalscorer of the entire tournament and even secured a move to Real Madrid after the tournament.

He had a strong outing during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as well. James missed the major chunk of qualifying games for the 2022 edition of the tournament due to injury concerns and falling out of favour under former manager Reinaldo Rueda. This resulted in Colombia missing out on qualifying for the competition for the first time in 12 years.

James Rodríguez made his return to the squad after this disappointment and was massively impressive during the 2024 Copa America, where he led his country all the way to the final. Colombia are one of the dark horses to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup with James Rodríguez leading the line as their captain.

In this article, we will take a look at all the goals James Rodríguez has scored in the FIFA World Cup.

2014 FIFA World Cup – Brazil

Goal 1: Colombia 3-0 Greece

James Rodríguez had a dream start to his FIFA World Cup career. His first game was against Greece, in which he registered an assist, scored the third goal during extra time, and even won the man of the match award. He led Colombia to their biggest ever win in the World Cup finals up until that point.

Goal 2: Colombia 2-1 Ivory Coast

James Rodríguez’s second goal of the 2014 FIFA World Cup was against the Ivory Coast. The game was in a deadlock even after the hour mark. Colombia got a corner in the 64th minute, which was played in by Juan Cuadrado and was guided to the back of the net by James Rodríguez through a nicely executed header.

Goal 3: Japan 1-4 Colombia

Colombia’s third group stage was against Japan and was one of their most complete performance. James came on as a second-half substitute and scored one of the best goals of the tournament. James was played in by Adrián Ramos in the 90th minute, and he showcased his flair by turning the defender inside out and scoring a beautiful chip over the goalkeeper.

Goal 4: Colombia 2-0 Uruguay

Colombia was facing fellow South American giants Uruguay in the Round of 16. James Rodríguez opened the scoring by controlling the ball on his chest and scoring a thunderous volley on the turn. This was crowned as the  best goal of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and was even given the 2014 FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year.

Goal 5: Colombia 2-0 Uruguay

James Rodríguez netted Colombia’s second just five minutes into the second half as well when he tapped in the ball from five yards after a cushioned header from Juan Cuadrado. This was his fifth FIFA 2014 World Cup goal in four appearances and secured Colombia’s place in the Quarter-finals against the hosts, Brazil.

Goal 6: Brazil 2-1 Colombia

The game that is infamous for Neymar’s back Injury was also the game that ended Colombia’s and James Rodríguez’s dream run in the 2014 World Cup. After goals from Thiago Silva and David Luiz, Brazil were in a comfortable 2-0 lead. James Rodríguez pulled a goal back in the 80th minute by converting a penalty against Júlio César, but it wasn’t enough as Colombia were knocked out of the tournament.

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