Minnesota United has officially dismissed social media rumors claiming that Colombian international star James Rodríguez is suffering from a rare and potentially life-threatening muscle-wasting condition. The club’s medical department issued a firm denial following a period of speculation that emerged although the attacking midfielder was hospitalized for a separate health issue.
The 34-year-old midfielder, a cornerstone of the Colombian national team, returned to his MLS club on Monday, April 6, 2026, to begin a supervised ramp-up to game readiness. His absence from the pitch had sparked unfounded concerns online, leading the organization to step in and provide clinical clarity regarding his condition.
The controversy began after Rodríguez was hospitalized for three days following Colombia’s friendly match against France in Maryland, United States, on March 29. While the Colombian Football Federation and Minnesota United confirmed the hospitalization was due to “severe dehydration,” social media reports began suggesting the player was battling rhabdomyolysis—a serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins into the bloodstream, potentially causing kidney damage.
Minnesota United Deny Rodriguez Muscle Wasting Condition
In a direct response to the speculation, Minnesota United released a statement on Monday night to clear the air. The club emphasized that there was no medical basis for the claims circulating on social media, urging the public and the media to cease further conjecture about the player’s health.
“The club and our medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis,” the club stated, according to ESPN.
The club further clarified that Rodríguez was substituted in the 63rd minute of the defeat to France on March 29. The following day, he presented with severe dehydration and was admitted to a U.S. Hospital for 72 hours for “preventative and recovery monitoring.” The Colombian Football Federation noted that the issue was not related to musculoskeletal injuries nor linked to his professional football activities.
Before being discharged, Rodríguez received IV fluid therapy to treat the dehydration. He has since returned to the club’s training grounds for a “supervised return-to-activity session.” His reintegration into full team training will be guided entirely by his clinical progress and the protocols established by the club’s medical department.
A High-Profile Addition to Major League Soccer
The concern surrounding Rodríguez’s health underscores the significant impact he is expected to have on Minnesota United. The Colombian captain joined the Loons after a stint with Club León in Liga MX, bringing a resume that includes some of the most prestigious clubs in world football, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, AS Monaco, and Everton.
Minnesota United signed the attacking midfielder to a guaranteed contract that runs through June 2026, with an additional club option extending through December 2026, as detailed by the official club announcement. Rodríguez occupies an international roster spot, reflecting the club’s commitment to integrating his world-class creativity and vision into their tactical structure.
Khaled El-Ahmad, MNUFC Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, has previously highlighted that while Rodríguez’s individual quality is unquestioned, the move was designed to bolster the collective strength of the squad. The club’s focus remains on integrating him the right way to ensure he elevates the group’s overall performance.
The Road to Recovery and Game Readiness
For Rodríguez, the immediate priority is returning to a level of fitness that allows him to contribute to the Loons’ campaign. His return to the training ground on April 6 marks the first critical step in a phased recovery plan. The club has been careful to manage his workload, ensuring that the dehydration episode is fully resolved before he returns to high-intensity competition.
His presence on the field is highly anticipated by the Minnesota community and fans. Upon signing, Rodríguez expressed his desire to bring joy to the city and give everything on the field, citing his passion for winning and his excitement to meet the passionate supporters in Minnesota.
The timeline for his full return to match action remains fluid, as the medical staff continues to monitor his progress. However, the confirmation of his return to supervised activity suggests that the severe dehydration is now under control and the fears of a more chronic condition were entirely unfounded.
Key Health Timeline for James Rodríguez
| Date | Event | Status/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| March 29 | Colombia vs. France | Substituted in 63rd minute; match held in Maryland |
| March 30 | Hospital Admission | Admitted for severe dehydration; 72-hour monitoring period |
| April 2 | Federation Update | Confirmed hospitalization not related to musculoskeletal injuries |
| April 6 | Return to Club | Returned to training for supervised return-to-activity session |
| April 6 (Night) | Official Denial | Minnesota United unequivocally denies rhabdomyolysis rumors |
As the club continues to navigate the recovery of one of the league’s most recognizable stars, the focus shifts toward his clinical progress. The organization has requested that the public refrain from further speculation and rely exclusively on official channels for updates.
The next confirmed checkpoint for James Rodríguez will be his transition from supervised activity sessions to full team training, a move that will be dictated by the club’s medical department based on his ongoing recovery metrics. More updates are expected to be communicated directly by Minnesota United as he nears game readiness, as reported by AP News.
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