What makes this wave of returns particularly striking is the context. James and Cuadrado could both have continued their careers abroad without difficulty, while Martínez is even coming out of retirement for one final attempt after almost six years away from professional football. Colombia’s biggest clubs are increasingly succeeding in combining sporting ambition, emotional pull and status into a package capable of convincing some of the country’s most recognisable players to return home.
James returns to Colombia after 18 years
For James Rodríguez, a circle that began in 2008 is now complete. Back then, he left Envigado as a teenager to join Banfield, one of Argentina’s leading development clubs. From there, his career took him via Porto and Monaco to Real Madrid, after the 2014 World Cup had turned him into a global star.
The tournament’s top scorer cost Real around €75 million. James went on to make 125 competitive appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 37 goals and collecting nine trophies, including two Champions League titles. Later came spells with Bayern Munich and Everton, among others.
The past few years have been far less settled. After stints in Qatar, Greece, Brazil, Spain, Mexico and most recently with Minnesota United, another return to Europe appeared possible. Italian second-tier side Avellino, for example, had shown concrete interest in the playmaker. James instead opted for Atlético Nacional and signed until June 2027. At his unveiling, he explained that the conversations with the club had affected him emotionally more than many of the offers he had received in recent years.
It is not a return to his boyhood club, but it is a move to one of the few Colombian teams capable of providing a player of James’ stature with the sporting stage and public attention to match his profile.
Cuadrado brings 17 years of European experience to Bogotá
Almost simultaneously, Millonarios pulled off another major coup. Juan Cuadrado had left Colombia in 2009 after beginning his professional career with Independiente Medellín and then spent 17 years in European football.
Udinese, Lecce and Fiorentina eventually took him to Chelsea, but his defining spell came at Juventus. In Turin, Cuadrado became far more than simply an explosive winger. Over time, he developed into one of the squad’s most tactically versatile players, capable of operating anywhere from the attacking flank to right-back.
Juventus said goodbye to him in 2023 after 314 competitive appearances, 26 goals, 59 assists and eleven trophies.
Spells with Inter, Atalanta and, most recently, Pisa followed. Now, at the age of 38, he returns to Colombia as a free agent – not to Medellín, but to Millonarios. Cuadrado still had other options available before his representatives pushed forward with talks with the Bogotá club. The fact that two of the best-known Colombian players of their generation signed for domestic heavyweights within a single day created huge attention around the transfer market back home.
Jackson Martínez attempts the most extraordinary comeback
The story of Jackson Martínez is even more surprising. Now 39, the striker is returning to Independiente Medellín, the club with which he became Colombian champion and top scorer in 2009.
His European peak came at FC Porto. In three seasons, Martínez scored 92 goals in 136 competitive matches and finished as the Portuguese league’s top scorer three years in succession. Atlético Madrid paid around €35 million for him in 2015.
He was unable to reproduce those exceptional numbers in Spain, however, and persistent problems with his left ankle later had a major impact on his career.
Martínez has not played a professional match since leaving Portimonense in 2020. He already attempted a comeback in 2022, but physical problems prevented him from earning a contract. Medellín have now given him another opportunity. His initial deal runs until December, with any extension dependent on specific conditions. There, he will also be reunited with Juan Fernando Quintero, with whom he previously played at Porto.
An entire generation is gathering back home
James, Cuadrado and Martínez are now part of a broader trend. Quintero returned to Independiente Medellín in August. At Junior, Luis Muriel and Teófilo Gutiérrez are playing together, while Carlos Bacca moved to Deportivo Cali during the summer. Hugo Rodallega remains with Independiente Santa Fe, Adrián Ramos is under contract at América de Cali and 40-year-old Dayro Moreno is still scoring for Once Caldas.
Not every one of those names is still operating at the level they once reached in Europe. Even so, their return brings genuine added quality, packed stadiums, increased media attention and a powerful sense of identification for the domestic league.
The fact that Atlético Nacional, Millonarios and Medellín have managed to bring James, Cuadrado and even Martínez home almost at the same time also points to a notable change. For decades, Colombian football was primarily the starting point for its biggest stars. In the autumn of 2026, it is increasingly becoming the place where some of the country’s most famous players are choosing to complete their careers – and create one final wave of excitement in the process.
