Bogotá, this morning – The Colombian football community is filled with worry and heavy emotions as James Rodríguez, the brightest star of the national team, received heartbreaking news from home: his mother, Maria del Pilar Rubio, has undergone emergency treatment after her chronic illness took a serious turn.
According to reports from Colombian outlets El Tiempo and Semana, Maria del Pilar has been battling a rare illness for many years. Despite receiving the best medical care, her condition suddenly deteriorated, forcing her to be rushed to a hospital in Medellín. Doctors have confirmed that the recent treatment has stabilized her condition for now, but she remains in the intensive care unit under 24-hour observation.
When James received the news from his family, he was in Miami, USA, training with his club. He immediately requested permission from the coaching staff to step away from all activities, left the training session, and arranged plans to return to Colombia the following day. Images of James leaving the training ground with a solemn expression, avoiding cameras, quickly spread across the media and social networks.
James’s club released an official statement:
“James Rodríguez will temporarily leave the team to return to Colombia to attend to a family matter. We send our full support and best wishes to James and his family during this difficult time. The club respectfully asks the media and fans to allow the Rodríguez family their privacy.”
Within the team, many teammates have reached out directly to support James. On social media, numerous Colombian players and close friends from the international football community – including Radamel Falcao, Cuadrado, and former teammates at Real Madrid – sent messages of encouragement. The hashtags #FuerzaJames and #FuerzaMaria quickly began trending in Colombia, spreading to Spain, England, and Portugal – countries where James has played.
In Medellín, hundreds of supporters gathered near the hospital, carrying banners, flowers, and Colombia national team jerseys to send their best wishes for James’s mother’s recovery. Some national television channels broadcast the scenes live, showing the deep affection that fans have for the country’s biggest football star.
At present, there is no confirmed date for James Rodríguez’s return to training and competition. The club has stated he will be granted indefinite leave to focus entirely on his family.
In this difficult moment, the whole of Colombia and the global football community share one unified message:
“Be with your family, James. The entire nation will always stand behind you. The pitch will be waiting for your return.”
