James Rodríguez is a Colombian professional footballer who plays for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Colombia national team and is often ranked among the best young players in the world. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger and is known for his technique and playmaking skills—he plays on both wings and also in the centre. Born as the son of Wilson James Rodríguez who himself was a football player, young James developed an early passion for the sport. From the very beginning, his father coached him and encouraged him to pursue a career as a professional sportsman which he himself had not been able to do. Having started his training in football early, he blossomed into a talented player by the time he was in his early teens and turned professional at the age of 15 with the Colombian second division club Envigado. After a successful stint in his home country, he was signed by Argentine team Banfield, where he made his team debut in 2009. He dazzled his team mates, coaches and rivals with his scintillating performances and evolved to become one of the best young contemporary players in the world. He gave a brilliant performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and claimed the Golden Boot despite Colombia's elimination in the quarter finals