Zidane and Benitez top List of coaches James Rodriguez's has issues with.

James Rodriguez is undoubtedly a talented footballer, but the Colombian has had trouble with most of his coaches in recent years.

Only under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton in 2020/21 has there been harmony between James and his coach, perhaps since the Italian was his coach for a season at Bayern and before that at Real Madrid. But, he had problems with Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, Niko Kovac at Bayern Munich and Reinaldo Rueda with the national team.

Zidane not a fan

Ancelotti had the opportunity to bring James to Bayern as Zidane had decided the attacking midfielder was not a key part of his plans.

After returning from Germany, absence had not made the heart grow fonder and Zidane often left James out of the squad altogether.

Lack of connection with Benitez

Rafa Benitez doesn't seem to rate James either and, after a difficult time together in Spain several years ago, it's deja vu for the Colombian.

Benitez didn't use James much at Real Madrid and it seems he has no intention of doing so at Everton either. Time will tell if there is an escape route for the 30-year-old or not.

National team no better

James has also had his problems with Reinaldo Rueda, the Colombia head coach, who doesn't see him as part of his plans.

The relationship there seems to have thawed lately, but if James isn't playing at club level then a return to the national team will be difficult.

As he enters the final years of his career, James is on a run of bad luck with coaches. His stock has certainly fallen a long way since he impressed so much with Porto and Monaco that Real Madrid came calling.

How he responds now and what his next move is could shape what he makes of the years he has left at the top.