The “exceptional” Liga MX star with “the best left foot” Dimitar Berbatov ever saw

James Rodríguez continues to earn admiration from soccer legends around the world, even as he navigates a difficult stretch late in his career. The Colombian playmaker is facing an uncertain future, with his contract at Club León set to expire and no renewal expected.

León’s struggles have only added to the tension, as the team from Guanajuato failed to reach the Liga MX playoffs after finishing next to last in the Apertura 2025 standings with just 13 points.

Rodríguez ranked alongside Manchester United legends

Despite those challenges, the 33-year-old midfielder remains a player whose quality is recognized by his peers. The latest to sing his praises is Dimitar Berbatov, the former Bulgarian striker who played for Manchester United, Tottenham, Bayer Leverkusen and AS Monaco. Berbatov looked back fondly on his time sharing a locker room with Rodríguez in Monaco and even named him in his all-time five-a-side dream team.

“Probably the best left foot I ever played with”

“The only player I included who didn’t play for Manchester United was James Rodríguez, who I played with at Monaco,” Berbatov said. “His left foot... probably the best I ever played with. The two years we shared together were fantastic.”

Berbatov also praised Rodríguez’s skill in tight spaces. “The passes he gave me and the way he saw the game were incredible. I included him because his technique in small spaces was exceptional,” he added.

James Rodríguez’s León years

Rodríguez enjoyed an impressive season with AS Monaco in 2014, playing 38 matches (32 starts) and contributing 10 goals and 11 assists in just under 2,800 minutes on the field, while picking up only one yellow card.

At Club León, between 2025 and 2026, he appeared in 33 games, starting 27, with five goals and eight assists. In both stints, he showcased his trademark creativity and playmaking ability - qualities that continue to earn him respect across the football world.

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