James Rodriguez Reflects on Challenging Adjustment in Qatar

In a candid revelation, James Rodriguez, now playing for São Paulo, opens up about his challenging experience with Al-Rayyan SC in Qatar during the 2021-2022 season. The former Real Madrid and AS Monaco midfielder reflects on the difficulties he faced, shedding light on cultural differences that made his time in the Middle East uneasy.

Renowned for his outstanding performances in the 2014 World Cup with Colombia, Rodriguez found himself in a different situation in Qatar. Despite his successful tenure at Everton, he played only 16 matches for Al-Rayyan SC in the Qatari league. The 32-year-old spoke frankly with Globo Esporte, stating, "Life and culture in Qatar are very difficult; it was a country where it was hard to adapt." Consequently, Rodriguez made the decision to terminate his contract after just five months.

Rodriguez delves into his experiences, sharing, "We know that in football, everyone is naked in the shower, but my teammates told me, 'You can't do it like that. I was afraid.'" Clearly, the football star grappled with adapting to the cultural norms and practices prevalent in Qatar.

"The way of eating was difficult for me," he adds, shedding light on the nuances of dining customs in Qatar. "There, everyone eats with their hands, which was difficult for me. They wanted to share a meal with me, and I said, 'No, thank you.' I asked for cutlery, and they told me, 'No, with your hand,' and I replied, 'You're crazy; I won't eat with my hand.'"

Following his short but impactful experience in Qatar, Rodriguez sought new horizons and moved on to Olympiakos in Greece. However, he terminated his contract prematurely in April 2023. Since the summer of that year, he has found a new home at São Paulo, where he shares the pitch with Lucas Moura, a former PSG player, and Lucas Beraldo, a promising recruit for the club.

Rodriguez's open reflections provide valuable insights into the challenges that athletes may face when venturing into different cultural landscapes for their professional careers. While football serves as a global unifier, his experiences highlight the importance of acknowledging and adapting to cultural nuances that can significantly impact a player's well-being and overall performance, both on and off the field.