With 39 days until the 2026 World Cup, we revisit James Rodriguez’s jaw-dropping volley for Colombia against Uruguay at the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
Colombia were already leading 1-0 when a headed clearance looped towards James, standing approximately 25 yards from goal. Without letting the ball bounce, the playmaker struck a stunning volley that arrowed into the net, leaving goalkeeper Fernando Muslera rooted to the spot. The goal was the pinnacle of James’ extraordinary tournament, where he claimed the Golden Boot with six goals.
James later described the strike as instinctive, saying he simply hit it as hard as he could. The goal was voted the best of the tournament and cemented James’ status as one of the breakout stars of the 2014 World Cup.