James Rodríguez

For the English footballer, see Jay Rodriguez.

James Rodríguez

Rodríguez playing for Colombia against Brazil at the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Personal information
Full name	James David Rodríguez Rubio
Date of birth	(1991-07-12) 12 July 1991
Place of birth	Cúcuta, Colombia
Height	1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s)	Attacking midfielder, winger
Team information
Current team	Real Madrid
Number	10
Youth career
1995–2007	Envigado
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2007–2008	Envigado	30	(9)
2008–2010	Banfield	42	(5)
2010–2013	Porto	63	(25)
2013–2014	Monaco	34	(9)
2014–	Real Madrid	0	(0)
International career‡
2007	Colombia U17	11	(3)
2011	Colombia U20	5	(3)
2011–	Colombia	27	(11)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10 May 2014 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 4 July 2014

James David Rodríguez Rubio (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈxames roˈðɾiɣes]; born 12 July 1991), usually known as James Rodríguez or simply James (HAHM-ez), is a Colombian footballer who plays for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Colombian national team.

Playing either on the wing or in an attacking midfield role, Rodríguez is commonly ranked as one of the best young players in the world. He has received praise for his technique, vision and playmaking skills, and has been referred to as the successor to his compatriot Carlos Valderrama.

Rodríguez became well-known in Europe during his time at Porto, winning several trophies and individual awards during his 3-years at the club. In 2013, Rodríguez moved from Porto to Monaco for a transfer fee of €45 million, making him the second most expensive Colombian in history after Radamel Falcao, and one of the most expensive players in world football history.

His emergence in the Colombia national football team started with the U-20 national team, where he was captain of the 2011 Toulon Tournament-winning side. He eventually captained the U-20 team during the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which eventually led him to become a regular on the senior squad by age 20. He was selected to play in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot as top goalscorer and was part of the Cup's All Star XI.

Career

Envigado FC

Born in Cucutá, James is native of the city of Ibagué, where he spent his childhood. He was born to Wilson James Rodriguez Bedolla and Maria Del Pilar Rubio. Rodríguez started his professional football career in 2006 at the time of his Colombian second division club Envigado FC, with whom he made the 2007 ascent.

Club Atlético Banfield

2008

In 2008, he was signed by Argentine team Club Atlético Banfield, where he made his first team debut on 7 February 2009, he scored his first goal for the club on 27 February with a long range strike in a 3–1 victory over Rosario Central.

2009

In 2009, he became a regular first team player featuring in every game of the Apertura 2009. At only 17, this made him the youngest foreigner to score a goal in Argentina. His second goal for Banfield came on 26 September when he scored with a strike into the top corner from outside of the area in an important 2–1 against Newell's Old Boys, a win which helped Banfield to win the Argentine championship for the first time in the history of the club.

In December 2009, Italian club Udinese planned to make a bid for Rodríguez for a reported €5 million following the end of the 2010 Copa Libertadores. However, Banfield rejected the bid as the price was 'insufficient'.

For the Clausura 2010, 13 February 2010, Rodríguez scored a golazo in the match against arch rivals Lanús with a left-footed lob to make the game 2–0 in the final minutes. After the game daily sports website Diario Olé likened his playing and personal style to Cristiano Ronaldo and also nicknamed him the 'James Bond of Banfield'.

2010

Rodríguez added to his glowing reputation with a goal in the Copa Libertadores group game on 17 February 2010, in a demolition of Deportivo Cuenca away from home, he scored the fourth goal of the game with a nice cool finish in the area on his left foot. Banfield thrashed them 4–1. His wonderful scoring season continued with a brace in the Copa Libertadores group game on 10 March 2010, in an away match with Uruguayan giants Club Nacional de Football, Rodríguez scored once with a diving header and again from the penalty spot on his right foot in the game which ended 2–2. The 18-year-old netted another goal on 29 April 2010, in the second round match of Copa Libertadores 2010 in the first match versus Brazilian giants Internacional which Banfield won 3–1. bringing his tally to 5 goals in 7 games but the international season ended in defeat as his team went down on away goals losing 2–0 in Porto Alegre in a game which Rodríguez was also red carded for two fouls.

Porto

2010–11 season

On 6 July 2010, Rodríguez was signed by FC Porto for €5.1 million, with 30% economic rights retained by other parties. He signed a 4-year contract with a €30M release clause. Porto later re-sold 10% economic rights to third parties. On 18 July, he played his first game and scored his first goal in a friendly against Ajax. In November Porto sold 35% economic rights (half of 70%) to Gol Football Luxembourg, S.A.R.L. for €2.5 million.

On 15 December 2010, Rodríguez scored his first goal in European football in a 3–1 home victory for Porto against CSKA Sofia Rodríguez also scored a hat-trick in 2011 Taça de Portugal Final against Vitória de Guimarães in a 6–2 win of Porto, while also assisting a goal in the same game. On 17 May Porto bought the remaining 30% economic rights from Convergence Capital Partners B.V. for €2,250,000, made Porto once again held more than half of the economic rights of 55%. On 13 June, he signed a new 5-year contract and the release clause had increased to €45 million. In just 24 appearances, he scored six goals and eight assists also playing a part in the Europa League victory.

2011–12 season

In the 2011–12 season, Rodríguez scored 14 goals for Porto and delivered 11 assists. In 2011, Rodríguez won the LPFP Award for Breakthrough Player of 2011–12 Primeira Liga season at age 20, becoming the first Colombian player to do so. He is a two-time winner of the SJPF Player of the Month. Rodríguez won the Portuguese Golden Ball award in 2012, becoming the second Colombian after Radamel Falcao to win the award, as well as being the youngest player ever to hold the honour.

2012–13 season

In the 2012–13 season, Rodríguez's was given the number 10 shirt and became a regular starter. As fellow Colombians Radamel Falcao, Fredy Guarín and Brazilian Hulk left the club within the last two seasons, Rodríguez was able to start more matches than previously. In a match against Olhanense, Rodríguez chipped a goal outside the box at a tight angle. In the same game, he assisted compatriot Jackson Martínez with a through ball to an eventual 3–2 win. Rodríguez scored another goal against Beira-Mar, not before assisting the first two goals, ending in a 4–0 victory. Rodríguez assisted a goal with a free kick rebound in an away game against Rio Ave, that eventually ended at 2–2.

In the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League group stage, he scored against French club Paris Saint-Germain in a 1–0 victory allowing Porto to top their current group. A few days later, Rodríguez scored a penalty against rivals Sporting CP. In just the first month of the 2012–13 season, Rodríguez had won the SJPF Player of the Month award. In the third round of the group stage during the 2012–13 Champions League, he assisted a goal to an eventual 3–2 victory. James assisted another goal against Estoril in a 2–1 victory.

In a 5–0 win over Marítimo, Rodríguez scored twice. Rodríguez scored another goal, this time, against Academica Coimbra. In the Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb. In the 90th minute against Sporting Braga, Rodriguez scored a game-winning goal that ended 2–0. Against Moreirense, he assisted a goal from the corner to fellow country man Jackson Martínez.

Prior to the opening of the second half of the season, Rodríguez suffered a hamstring injury causing him to struggle in maintaining fitness. This led him to being subbed after the first half in a match against CD Nacional where he injured his hamstring once more, resulting in him being out for 1 month. On 1 February 2013, Porto also bought back 30% economic rights of Rodríguez from Gol Football Luxembourg for €8.57 million, (by selling 47.5% economic rights of Diego Antonio Reyes for €3.5 million) which Porto sold 35% of Rodríguez in November 2010 to Gol Football for €2.5 million.

Rodríguez made his return after being subbed in at the 70th minute of a 2–0 victory over Beira-Mar. His first match after being injured for more than a month. In the first leg of the Champions League round of 32 against Málaga, Rodríguez was subbed on in the 60th minute. Despite not changing the 1–0 victory score, Rodríguez became a big game changing factor in Porto's attack despite his current fitness. On his second league match since his return, Rodríguez assisted a goal with a wonderful cross against Rio Ave. Soon afterwards in his next league match, he assisted a goal against Estoril from a corner in a 2–0 victory. It was Rodríguez's first start in 2 months. Rodríguez did not get to start in the second leg of the Champions League match against Málaga until the second half where Porto where then down to ten men after a red card by a defender. Porto lost the match later and Vítor Pereira was greatly criticized and questioned on why he didn't start sooner considering that he was an important key member where Porto could have a more solid team. Rodríguez expressed his disappointment, claming to be '100%' in fitness (as well as giving a performance with no struggles shown). However he also expressed his respect and understanding for the coach's concern. Despite an exit in the Champions League, Rodríguez went on to become the second most fouled player in the tournament of the 2012–13 season.

Rodríguez scored a goal in a 1–1 tie against Marítimo. Manchester United reportedly made a bid for 30 million euros to purchase Rodriguez, but it was rejected by Porto for the offer was considered too low. Rodríguez made his 2012–13 edition debut for the 2012–13 Taça da Liga where he scored a penalty in the semi-finals. Porto won the match 4–0 and advanced to the finals. Rodríguez gave a man of the match performance against Sporting Braga, scoring the first goal, and assisting two, one from the field and one from the corner in a 3–1 victory. Rodriguez assisted one of the goals in a 2–0 victory over Vitória de Setúbal. Rodríguez scored the opening goal in a 3–1 victory over C.D. Nacional.

In the final match of the season against Paços de Ferreira, Rodríguez helped assure that Porto would win its third consecutive league title after being tripped inside the box and securing a penalty that was later scored thus providing the assist. He finished the season scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists in 24 league appearances. In general, he scored 13 goals and provided 15 assists within 32 appearances in all competitions for Porto of the 2012–13 season. Winning the league title meant that Rodríguez won his eighth trophy since joining Porto in 2009, just after three seasons spent in Europe and at only 21 years of age.

Monaco

On 24 May 2013, it was announced that Rodríguez had joined French side AS Monaco for a transfer fee of €45 million thus making it the second most expensive transfer in Portuguese football, behind former teammate Hulk. He signed a five-year contract keeping him at the club until 2018. This made him not only one of the most expensive transfers in the club's history, but in Ligue 1 history as well, along as the one of the highest in world football.

Rodríguez made his Ligue 1 debut against Bordeaux, a game Monaco went on to win 2–0. He then missed Monaco's second league match to avoid a possible injury. Rodríguez finally made his first direct contribution for Monaco as he assisted the first goal in a 3–0 victory against Bastia, while setting up plays for the other two goals. Against Saint-Étienne in the following week, Rodríguez continued on with his playmaking form, giving a man of the match performance where he assisted both goals in a 2–1 victory. Following the international break, Rodríguez assisted the first goal in a 2–2 draw against Sochaux.

Rodríguez assisted the only goal for Monaco in a 1–1 draw against Évian. Rodríguez finally scored his first goal for the club with a free-kick in a 2–0 win over Rennes. Rodríguez scored another goal in the next match within the fourth minute against Nice, where Monaco won 3–0. Against Guingamp, Rodríguez assisted both goals in a 0-2 victory. Rodríguez scored a goal against Valenciennes to put Monaco on the score sheet, but Monaco lost 1–2.

Rodríguez started 2014 by making his Coupe de France debut in a match against Vannes, where he both assisted and scored a goal in a 2–3 victory. For his first league match of 2014, James assisted a goal against Montpellier. Against Toulouse, Rodríguez provided an assist for the second goal in a 0–2 away victory with a cross. James' first double at Monaco came in the match against Bastia, where his goals won the game 2–0. Within the final seconds against Reims, James hit a shot that hit the post and allowed Layvin Kurzawa to score the rebound, allowing Monaco to win the game 3–2.

In French media, Rodríguez was referred to as 'perhaps' the best footballer in Ligue 1 due to his impressive debut with Monaco, although he stated that he still requires more time in the league. Following the international break, Rodríguez scored his first penalty for Monaco against Sochaux in a 2–1 win.

Rodríguez ended his debut season without a trophy, but managed to help Monaco secure a spot in the following season's UEFA Champions League, and earn a place in the star Ligue 1 XI, as well as becoming the assist leader in Ligue 1.

Real Madrid

On 22 July 2014, Rodríguez signed a 6-year contract with Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around €80 million.

International career

Youth

In 2007, Rodríguez was part of the Colombia U-17 team that finished runners-up in the 2007 South American Under-17 Championships, where he scored three goals. He also played a part helping Colombia advance to the knockout stages during the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where they eventually lost to the winners of the tournament Nigeria.

He was also part of the Colombia under-20 squad in three youth tournaments during 2011: the Toulon Tournament, the South American U-20 Championship and the U-20 World Cup that was held in his homeland Colombia.

Rodríguez scored two goals and provided three assists during the 2011 Toulon Tournament. This led him to being voted as the MVP of the tournament where Colombia won in the finals against France in a penalty shootout. Rodríguez scored one of the penalties that allowed Colombia to win the tournament.

During the 2011 South American U-20 Championship, he provided three assists throughout the tournament. During the 2011 U-20 World Cup, he was named captain of the U20 squad due to his impressive leadership role and talented experience during his time in his club FC Porto. During the cup, he scored three goals and provided three assists and gained international attention as a promising aspect that eventually led many to consider him to be a crucial key member of the Colombian senior squad. Despite Colombia losing in the quarter-finals against Mexico, Rodríguez gained attention from many big clubs in Europe, and received praise from Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson.

Senior

2014 World Cup qualification and friendlies

Rodríguez lining up for Colombia in 2013

On 29 September 2011, Rodríguez received his first call-up to the Colombian senior side, for a match scheduled to be played against Bolivia on 11 October 2011. He was selected as the man of match, having made an impressive performance including the initiation of the goal scored in the last minute by his former Porto teammate Radamel Falcao, which allowed a 1–2 win for Colombia. Under the new management of José Pékerman, he played a crucial part in setting up both goals in a 2–0 victory over Mexico. He scored his first goal for Colombia against Peru. Colombia went on to win the match boosting its place in the World Cup qualifying table from sixth to fifth.

In the World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay, Rodríguez assisted two goals in a row from a 1–0 winning start, to a 3–0 winning game that eventually ended 4–0. Rodríguez scored a stunning goal from a 30-yard free kick against Chile leveling the game to an eventual 3–1 away victory boosting Colombia to a second place position in the qualifying stages. In the match against Paraguay, Rodriguez set up the plays leading towards both goals in a 2-0 victory. In Colombia's last international friendly of the year, Rodríguez assisted the sole goal allowing Colombia to tie with 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil 1–1.

Rodríguez played his first match of 2013 in the opening second half of the CONMEBOL qualifiers against Bolivia where he gave a man of the match performance. He helped set up the second goal thanks to a free kick that he took. The game ended to an eventual 5–0 victory.

Playing against South American leaders Argentina, Rodríguez suffered an injury in the 30th minute, forcing him to be substituted. While the injury was not serious, Rodríguez was rested where he missed the game against Peru days later. James made a good comeback where he scored the winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Ecuador during the final stages of the world cup qualifiers. In a tough match against Chile, Rodríguez drew both penalties that equalized Colombia from a 1–3 and into a 3–3. This allowed Colombia to return to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years. Days later, Rodríguez provided the assist for the first goal with a free-kick while setting up the second in a 1–2 away victory over Paraguay.

Rodríguez continued on his play-making form by assisting the first goal and setting up the second against Belgium in a 2–0 victory. He was later voted man of the match. A few days later, Rodríguez was praised once more as a man of the match in a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands. Rodríguez started in Colombia's opening 2014 by scoring his first penalty against Tunisia in a 1–1 draw. In the last friendly before the World Cup, Rodríguez scored yet another penalty against Jordan in a 3–0 victory.

2014 World Cup

"For me, special talents are those who do things that are completely out of the ordinary. Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, James Rodriguez - they do things because they have certain gifts that make them special. I believe he's the best player at the World Cup and I don't think I'm exaggerating; he's a young player. We tried to limit his influence, but he kept going and made his presence felt. Hopefully he'll continue to progress, because he's very young. Football needs players with these characteristics."

Óscar Tabárez praising James after scoring both goals in his side's loss.

On 2 June 2014, Rodríguez was named in Colombia's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and assigned the number 10 shirt. In the team's opening match of the tournament, Rodríguez had set up the first two goals and scored a last-minute goal with a low shot to seal a 3–0 victory over Greece and was named man of the match by FIFA. In the second match, Rodríguez continued on his form by scoring with a header and setting up a second goal for Juan Fernando Quintero in a 2–1 victory over Ivory Coast; he was once again elected as man of the match. In the final group stage match against Japan, Rodríguez came on as a second half substitute and assisted two Jackson Martínez goals before scoring the final goal in a 4–1 victory. At the end of the group stage, Rodríguez was ranked as the best performing player at the tournament by FIFA.

James playing against Ivory Coast.

On 28 June, Rodríguez scored both goals to defeat Uruguay 2–0 at the Estádio do Maracanã in the round of 16, taking Colombia to its first ever World Cup quarter-final. These goals made him the first player to score in all of his team's opening matches since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002, and also made him the highest scorer at the 2014 tournament with five goals. His volleyed opening goal was described as "one of the greatest goals the World Cup has ever seen" by opposition manager Óscar Tabárez, who also called Rodríguez "the best player in the World Cup". For his performance against the Uruguayans, Rodríguez was named by FIFA as man of the match for the third time in four matches. The goal would later be voted as the best goal in the tournament by more than 4 million people on FIFA's website. In the quarter-final against Brazil, he scored his sixth goal of the tournament, a penalty in Colombia's 2–1 defeat. A tearful Rodríguez was consoled by David Luiz and stated, "He (David) told me I was a good player. The truth is that having so many superstars hugging me did make me happy. We have to raise our heads now and thank Colombia for their support. We are sad because we wanted to keep going and set new records. We gave everything to reach the semi-final, but we have to be proud because we played a great side. We fulfilled all the dreams we had ... It's a shame we have to go. I'm crying because we gave everything. Unfortunately, the referee didn't help much. Brazil is a good team but we gave everything so we are calm. We wanted to carry on, but we hold our heads high. Thank you Colombia, because you always had faith. Unfortunately we stop here, but we wanted to carry on. We're sad but we also have to feel proud because we left our skin out there."

Rodríguez received a standing ovation from the home crowd, ending his first World Cup campaign with six goals and two assists in five matches. On 11 July, he was named on the 10-man shortlist for FIFA's Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player. He then won the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals despite being eliminated in the quarter finals. Due to his performances, he was rated into the World Cup's star XI by Castrol's index rating system in FIFA's website.

Style of play

"Colombia doesn't need a new "El Pibe" anymore because James is that "kid" that the national team has been missing in recent years. He's often consistent, incredibly talented, and he's got more passion than any other player I've seen in all my years of playing and coaching professional football. James has the potential to be the greatest Colombian player to have ever lived, and perhaps as one of the greatest to have ever played the game."

'El Pibe' Valderrama praising James for his potential as well as becoming his successor.

Widely considered to be among the best prospects in the world bearing a number '10' shirt, Rodríguez can play in several positions: either side or center as a midfielder, and as a winger. He has also shown to play a false 9 role at times. Rodríguez adapts a strong playmaker role in both club and national teams. During his uprising as a young prospect in Colombia to Argentina, James was consistently acknowledged as the new 'Valderrama' due to his influential style of play, even by the Colombian icon himself who declared him as his 'successor'. Most of this comparison focused on the playmaking ability that Rodríguez carried, as he is very recognizable for his passing accuracy which was noted by many figures such as Arsène Wenger. His praise rose high enough to be even compared to Argentina's legendary player Diego Maradona, baring a strong role as a number '10' just to that of a 'complete' player.

James showcases a sharp disciplined mind-set; his quick reactions, versatility and overall creativity, is often highlighted throughout his performances by various football figures. While brought up as a selfless playmaker, Rodriguez has shown that he is capable of scoring goals as well; oddly carrying impressive speed, James has shown to take on an attacking midfielder role by getting more involved in box to box plays, and his free-kicks have also shown to play a part in leading his team to score goals. His goal scoring abilities were most noticeably established during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he managed to take the Golden Boot despite being eliminated in the quarter finals.

Argentine legend Diego Maradona has shown admiration for James; he openly stated in his opinion that James should have won the Golden Ball (best player) instead of fellow country man Lionel Messi at the 2014 World Cup, having watched and compared performances to other players and grew more fond of the young Colombian and criticized the overall treatment he received. During his time at Porto, James was sometimes described as a "South American counterpart" to Cristiano Ronaldo; mostly due to a few similarities in appearance, attacking nature, as well as holding an apparent friendship with the said Portuguese star.

Sponsorship

Since his early days playing in South America, Rodríguez was approached by Adidas's head scout Claus Peter Meyer. He is featured occasionally in various adverts.

Personal life

Rodríguez has been married to Daniela Ospina, sister of David Ospina, since 2011, and has a daughter named Salome, born on May 29, 2013. Rodríguez is a Christian.

Career statistics

Club

As of 7 May 2014

Club	Season	League			Cup			International			Other			Total
		Apps	Goals	Assists	Apps	Goals	Assists.	Apps	Goals	Assists.	Apps	Goals	Assists.	Apps	Goals	Assists
Envigado	Primera B 2007	8	0	0	—									8	0	0
	Primera A 2008	22	9	0	—									22	9	0
	Total	30	9	0	—									30	9	0
Banfield	Clausura 2009	12	1	0	—									12	1	0
	Apertura 2009	18	3	2	—									18	3	2
	Clausura 2010	12	1	1	—			8	5	1	—			20	6	2
	Total	42	5	3	—			8	5	1	—			50	10	4
Porto	2010–11	15	2	1	7	3	2	9	1	4	—			31	6	7
	2011–12	26	13	5	4	0	0	8	1	1	—			38	14	6
	2012–13	22	10	6	5	1	0	8	1	2	1	0	0	36	12	8
	Total	63	25	12	16	4	2	25	3	7	1	0	0	105	32	21
Monaco	2013–14	34	9	11	4	1	1	—			—			38	10	12
	Total	34	9	11	4	1	1	—			—			38	10	12
Total		169	48	26	20	5	3	33	8	8	1	0	0	223	61	37

International goals

Scores and results list Colombia's goal tally first.

#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Final	Competition
1.	3 June 2012	Estadio Nacional, Lima, Peru	Peru	1–0	1–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
2.	11 September 2012	Estadio Monumental David Arellano, Santiago, Chile	Chile	1–1	3–1	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
3.	6 September 2013	Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, Colombia	Ecuador	1–0	1–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
4.	5 March 2014	Estadi Cornellà-El Prat, Barcelona, Spain	Tunisia	1–0	1–1	Friendly
5.	6 June 2014	Estadio Nuevo Gasómetro, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Jordan	1–0	3–0	Friendly
6.	14 June 2014	Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte, Brazil	Greece	3–0	3–0	2014 FIFA World Cup
7.	19 June 2014	Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasília, Brazil	Ivory Coast	1–0	2–1
8.	24 June 2014	Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá, Brazil	Japan	4–1	4–1
9.	28 June 2014	Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	Uruguay	1–0	2–0
10.				2–0
11.	4 July 2014	Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza, Brazil	Brazil	1–2	1–2

Honours

Club

Envigado

• Primera B Colombia (1): 2007

Banfield

• Primera División Argentina (1): Apertura 2009

Porto

• Primeira Liga (3): 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13
• Taça de Portugal (1): 2010–11
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (3): 2010, 2011, 2012
• UEFA Europa League (1): 2010–11

International

Colombia U-20

• Toulon Tournament: 2011

Individual

• Taça de Portugal Final Man of the Match (1): 2011
• LPFP Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year (1): 2011–12
• SJPF Player of the Month (2): August 2012, September 2012
• Record Team of the Year (2): 2012, 2013
• O Jogo Team of the Year (2): 2012, 2013
• Portuguese Golden Ball: 2012
• Ligue 1 Assist Leader (1): 2013–14
• UNFP Ligue 1 XI (1): 2013–14
• AS Monaco Player of the Year (1): 2013–14
• FIFA World Cup Golden Boot (1): 2014
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1): 2014
• FIFA World Cup 2014 Goal of the Tournament: 1–0 (2–0) vs. Uruguay

External links

• Template:Es icon BDFA profile
• Template:Es icon Argentine Primera statistics