James Rodriguez reflects on challenges faced in Qatar: Cultural differences and football norms

James Rodriguez, a former Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton star, shared his experiences in Qatar, highlighting the cultural differences and fear he faced during his time there. He faced challenges with local eating customs and the unique aspect of football culture, such as wearing naked during showers. Rodriguez decided to forego his £6 million per season salary and joined Greek club Olympiacos, now playing for Brazilian side Sao Paulo.

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December 28, 2023

Former Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton star James Rodriguez have shared insights into the difficulties he encountered during his brief stint playing football in Qatar. The Colombian midfielder spent one season with Qatar Stars League team Al-Rayyan in 2021 before terminating his contract and joining Greek club Olympiacos after just 16 games. Rodriguez, now 32, spoke to Brazilian TV outlet Globo, highlighting the significant cultural differences that made adaptation challenging.

Life in Qatar, according to Rodriguez, was vastly different from what he was accustomed to, leading to a sense of fear. He mentioned a unique aspect of football culture, stating, “You know that in football, everyone is naked when they shower, but my teammates told me: ‘You can’t do it like that.’ I was afraid.” Additionally, Rodriguez faced challenges related to local eating customs, where sharing meals with hands is customary. Expressing his discomfort, he revealed, “Everyone there eats with their hands, which was difficult for me. They shared it with me, and I said, ‘No thanks.'”

Eventually, Rodriguez decided to forego his reported £6 million per season salary in Qatar, opting for a move to Olympiacos. Currently, the Colombian international is back in South America, playing for Brazilian side Sao Paulo.

James Rodriguez has opened up on his time at Qatari club Al-Rayyan which left him bewildered 😬

🗣️ “In football everyone is naked when they shower, but my teammates told me you can’t do it like that. I was afraid.

“Everyone there eats with their hands, which was difficult.” pic.twitter.com/OUgmVhzu7B

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) December 27, 2023