Share
1 of 9
"James Rodriguez has the keys to open any door," former Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri said of the Colombian when he managed him last season. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Rodriguez was one of the stars of the 2014 World Cup, leading Colombia to the quarterfinals. He didn't just score goals, he also had some nifty dancefloor moves. Adam Pretty/Getty Images
His six goals earned Rodriguez, who turned 23 on July 12, the Golden Boot award -- not bad going for a player at his first World Cup. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Rodriguez's spectacular volley in the last -16 win against Uruguay was named the 2014 World Cup's best goal. James Squire/Getty Images
Rodriguez was on the receiving end of some tough tackling as Colombia was beaten 2-1 by host Brazil in the quarterfinals. Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Rodriguez joins Real from French club Monaco, where he spent just one season after signing in a $60 million deal from Porto in May 2013. Here Joao Moutinho, who Monaco signed at the same time as the Colombian, and Rodriguez are pictured holding the Portuguese league trophy after Porto's 2013 triumph. Miguel Riopa/AFP/Getty
Moutinho and Rodriguez helped Monaco qualify for this season's European Champions League, finishing second in France behind Paris Saint-Germain. Damien Meyer/AFP/Getty Images
His reported $121 million move to Spain makes Rodriguez the most expensive Colombian player in history. Ian Walton/Getty Images
Rodriguez's first competitive appearance for Real could be in the UEFA Super Cup final against Spanish rival Sevilla in Cardiff on August 12. Eitan Abramovich/AFP/Getty Images
