Copa America player of the tournament: James Rodriguez wins award

James Rodriguez won the Copa America player of the tournament award despite Colombia’s defeat in the final.

The former Real Madrid, Monaco and Everton midfielder, 33, rolled back the years in the United States and starred to guide Colombia all the way to the final.

His six assists topped the chart for the competition while he also added a goal.

Colombia finished runners-up after falling 1-0 to Argentina in the tournament’s final in Miami on Sunday.

The Golden Ball award was first handed out to the tournament’s best player in 1987.

Rodriguez is the second Colombian to win the award following Carlos Valderrama, who did so in 1987.

Lionel Messi and Neymar were joint-winners in 2021 in Brazil, the second time Messi claimed the award having also done so in 2015.

Colombia were bidding for only the second Copa in their history having previously lifted the trophy in 2001.

But it was instead Argentina who made history, winning a 16th title to take the all-time record outright that they previously shared with Uruguay.

(Photo: Miguel J Rodriguez Carrillo/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Ben Burrows is News Editor for The Athletic based in London. Prior to joining in 2023 he was Sports Editor at The Independent. Follow Ben on Twitter @benburrows_