Minnesota Utd forced to deny claims that James Rodriguez is suffering from rare muscle-wasting condition

Martin Macdonald

• 7 Apr 2026 09:01 CDT
• 2 min read

News

Minnesota United have denied reports that James Rodriguez is suffering from a rare muscle-wasting disease.

On 29 March, Rodriguez fell ill during Colombia's 3-1 friendly defeat versus France and subsequently spent three days in hospital to be treated for dehydration.

He returned to Minnesota for training on Easter Monday but rumours circulated in the United States media that he had been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can cause muscles to disintegrate, which can potentially lead to fatal kidney damage.

The club denied this with a statement which read:

"On Sunday, March 29, James participated in Colombia's international friendly against France, during which and upon its conclusion, he began experiencing symptoms of dehydration that worsened in the hours that followed. The following day, Monday, March 30, and after an additional medical evaluation, he was examined and diagnosed with severe dehydration. Given the severity of the clinical presentation, he was admitted to a hospital facility on the morning of Tuesday, March 31, for continued monitoring and IV fluid therapy. James was discharged and has since been recovering at home under continued medical supervision.

"James reported to the club's training facility today, Monday, April 6, and participated in a supervised return-to-activity session. His reintegration into full team training will follow the protocols established by the club's medical department and will be guided entirely by his clinical progress.

"Minnesota United FC takes the health and privacy of its players seriously. The club and our medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis.

"We respectfully ask members of the media and the public to refrain from further speculation regarding James's health. Any additional updates will be communicated directly by the club through official channels."

The Colombian is a new arrival at Minnesota United as he signed with the Major League Soccer side in February of 2026 on a deal until June, with the option to extend until December of 2026.

He's made two appearances for the club so far.

What is rhabdomyolysis?

An official description of the condition from the Cleveland Clinic reads:

"Rhabdomyolysis (pronounced “rab-doe-my-ah-luh-suhs”) is a condition that causes your muscles to break down (disintegrate), which leads to muscle death. When this happens, toxic components of your muscle fibers enter your circulation system and kidneys. This can cause kidney damage.

"This dangerous muscle condition can result from overexertion, trauma, medications or an underlying health condition. Common signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are weak muscles, muscle stiffness, muscle pain and a change in your pee color.

"You may hear rhabdomyolysis referred to as “rhabdo.”

"Rhabdomyolysis can be life-threatening, so if you notice any of these signs or symptoms, visit a healthcare provider immediately."

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