When James Rodríguez thought he was stronger than Zidane…

In an interview with Los Amigos de Edu, James Rodríguez compared his peak form to that of legends like Zinedine Zidane, Luka Modrić or Xavi. “Zidane was very good, he won the World Cup … But in my bonus, it was me”, he launched, without nuance. Surprisingly comments for a player whose charts (0 Ballon d'Or, 2 Liga, 2 C1) pale against the 3 Golden Balls in Modrić, the 14 major trophies in Kroos, or to the triple world championship-Euro-C1 in Zidane.

The shock declaration: “Zidane?” In my bonus, it was me ”

At 33, James Rodríguez is now evolving in Mexico with León, after semi -inted passages in Everton, Al-Rayyan or Olympiakos. A decline that questions, as the Colombian was announced as a future Ballon d'Or after his explosion in 2014 (6 goals in the World Cup, record transfer to Real). But his lack of humility has often harmed.

In 2017, Zidane, then Coach of Real, relegates him to the bench, preferring Modrić, Kroos or Casemiro. A decision that James has never digested, publicly criticizing the Frenchman. “” I did not have the minutes that I deserved ”he repeated. However, its irregular performances and its lack of tactical adaptation partly explain this sidelining.

James Rodriguez, the gap between words and trophies

If James insists on his ” Love for Real “ and its status as “Favorite by Florentino Pérez”, It is clear that his career did not hold his promises. Far from the leaders of Modrić or the longevity of Kroos, he chained the loans and conflicts of Ego. Zidane was able to transform his technical genius into a historic legacy: iconic player, then triple European champion coach. A career built on efficiency, not on shattering statements.

A lesson in humility not learned

Compared to monuments of the game, James Rodríguez especially reveals his inability to adapt. Modrić's humility (“I'm just a link”) or Kroos' reservoir forged their greatness. The former Colombian Numéro 10 seems prisoner of his own myth.

A myth which, by dint of believing itself greater than the collective, ended up crumbling. And if his talent is undeniable, his inheritance will remain that of an unfinished prodigy, failing to have managed to listen … and be silent.