PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | José Luis Rodríguez Francis |
| Date of Birth | 19/06/1998 (Age: 28) |
| Place of Birth | Panama City, Panama |
| Nationality | Panamanian |
| Height | 1.80 m / 5 ft 11 in |
| Weight | 77 kg |
| Position | Winger / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #11 (Juárez) |
| Current Club | FC Juárez |
| Previous Clubs | Chorrillo, Gent II, Istra 1961, Alavés B, Alavés, Lugo (loan), Sporting Gijón (loan), Famalicão, Red Star Belgrade |
| International Caps | 73 |
| International Goals | 8 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2018, 2026 |
| Contract Until | — |
| Market Value | €2.6M |
The Frozen Moment
- Russia. Panama had just made history, qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. Among the squad was a 19-year-old winger named José Luis Rodríguez, a boy from the rough streets of El Chorrillo who had dared to dream. He started the opening match against Belgium on June 18, 2018, stepping onto the biggest stage in football just weeks after making his senior debut.
Eight years later, Rodríguez returned for a second World Cup in 2026. Now 28, he was no longer a raw teenager but an experienced campaigner and a key leader in the squad. He was one of only two Panamanian players to have been part of both World Cup squads, cementing his status as a figure of enduring importance for the national team.
Origins
Born on June 19, 1998, in Panama City, José Luis Rodríguez grew up in the gritty district of El Chorrillo. It was in the tough streets of the capital that he developed the aggressive, tenacious style of play that would later earn him the nickname “El Puma.” His footballing journey began at hometown club Chorrillo FC, where he made his senior debut on July 17, 2015. He scored his first professional goal on April 2, 2016, a 90th-minute winner against Alianza. He made 16 league appearances for Chorrillo in the 2015-16 season.
His childhood in El Chorrillo instilled a fighting spirit in the left-footed winger. Known for his explosive pace, power, and ability to cut inside from the left flank, he quickly attracted attention. He cites Arjen Robben as a footballing influence for his style and admires Cristiano Ronaldo for his elite mentality.
The European Forge
Belgian Step & Croatian Start (2016-2019):
In 2016, Rodríguez made the move to Europe, first joining Gent II on loan in Belgium before signing permanently that December. He made 44 appearances and scored seven goals for Gent II. In September 2018, he joined Croatian club Istra 1961 on loan, making eight league appearances and scoring one goal.
Spain (2019-2022):
In February 2019, Rodríguez joined Deportivo Alavés, playing for their B-team in the Spanish lower divisions. He made his La Liga debut on July 10, 2020, in a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid. The following season, he was loaned to CD Lugo in Spain’s Segunda División, making 26 appearances and scoring five goals. In the 2021-22 season, he was loaned to Sporting Gijón, where he made 35 appearances.
Portugal & Serbia (2022-2024):
On August 15, 2022, Rodríguez signed a four-year contract with Portuguese side Famalicão. Over two seasons, he made 30 league appearances and scored two goals. On June 21, 2024, he transferred to Red Star Belgrade for a fee of €2 million. His time in Serbia was brief, as he was loaned to FC Juárez in Mexico after making only five league appearances for the Serbian giants.
FC Juárez (2024-Present):
Rodríguez initially joined FC Juárez on loan for the 2024-25 season, making nine appearances. The move was made permanent, and in the 2025-26 Liga MX season, he was a regular starter for the club, playing 37 league matches and scoring four goals. His performances for the Bravos earned him a spot in Panama’s final World Cup squad, the club proudly confirming that their player had been selected for the Mundial.
The Anatomy of His Game
José Luis Rodríguez is a dynamic left winger known for his speed, dribbling ability, and attacking output. His nickname, “El Puma,” was inspired by his explosive and aggressive style of play in the final third.
In Possession:
Rodríguez is a direct dribbler who creates chances from wide areas. He is also effective at cutting inside from the left flank to shoot with his right foot. He has contributed eight goals and eleven assists across all competitions in the 2025-26 season.
Out of Possession:
Rodríguez is a hard-working player who contributes to defensive phases. His work rate and willingness to track back have been noted throughout his career.
Psychological Edge:
Rodríguez’s journey from the streets of El Chorrillo to the World Cup stage is a testament to his resilience and self-belief. He is considered a leader in the Panamanian dressing room, and his commitment to the national team is a source of pride for the country.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liga MX (Clausura) | 16 | 2 | 4 | — |
| Liga MX (Apertura) | 37 | 4 | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 55 | 6 | 4 | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season/Period | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | Chorrillo | Liga Panameña | 16 | 1 |
| 2016-18 | Gent II | Belgian Reserve | 50 | 8 |
| 2018-19 | Istra 1961 | Prva HNL | 8 | 1 |
| 2019-20 | Alavés B | Segunda B | 37 | 5 |
| 2020-21 | Lugo (loan) | Segunda División | 26 | 5 |
| 2021-22 | Sporting Gijón (loan) | Segunda División | 35 | 0 |
| 2022-24 | Famalicão | Primeira Liga | 30 | 2 |
| 2024 | Red Star Belgrade | Serbian SuperLiga | 5 | 1 |
| 2024-26 | FC Juárez | Liga MX | 55 | 5 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 262 | 28 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | Group Stage |
| FIFA World Cup 2018 | 1 | 0 | Group Stage |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | — | — | — |
| Panama Senior Career | 73 | 8 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Senior Debut | Chorrillo FC |
| 2016 | European Move | Joined Gent II |
| 2018 | World Cup Debut | Russia 2018 |
| 2020 | La Liga Debut | vs Real Madrid |
| 2022 | Portugal Move | Signed with Famalicão |
| 2024 | Red Star Belgrade Transfer | €2M move |
| 2024 | FC Juárez Transfer | Liga MX move |
| 2026 | World Cup Campaign | Second World Cup appearance |
What these figures reveal is a player of significant experience across Europe and the Americas. Rodríguez has accumulated over 260 professional appearances and 28 goals. His 73 caps for Panama and his participation in two World Cups underline his importance to the national team. He is one of only two Panamanian players to have featured in both World Cup squads.
The Present Tense
José Luis Rodríguez is 28 years old and at the peak of his career. He is a key player for FC Juárez in Liga MX and a veteran leader for the Panama national team following a historic World Cup campaign.
The FC Juárez Story:
Rodríguez has been with FC Juárez since 2024, initially on loan before the move was made permanent. He was a regular starter in the 2025-26 Liga MX season, making 37 league appearances and scoring four goals. In the Clausura 2026 tournament, he played 16 matches, all as a starter, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
The World Cup Campaign:
Rodríguez was named in Thomas Christiansen’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, his second appearance at the tournament. Panama were drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana, and they made their World Cup debut on June 17 against Ghana in Toronto. Rodríguez made two appearances at the tournament, playing 90 minutes total.
International Record:
Rodríguez has earned 73 caps for Panama and scored eight international goals. He made his debut on May 29, 2018, just weeks before the 2018 World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, José Luis Rodríguez is a symbol of perseverance and pride for Panamanian football. He grew up in El Chorrillo, a tough neighbourhood of Panama City. His story resonates with young players across Panama, proving that hard work can take you to the world stage.
He is known for his close family ties, and his brother is Marcos Villarreal, a former captain of Chorrillo. His nickname “Cocobolo” stems from his short hair as a youngster, though “El Puma” more accurately reflects his playing style—explosive, powerful, and aggressive.
The Verdict from the Camp
FC Juárez Official Statement:
“FC Juárez informa que nuestro futbolista José Luis ‘Puma’ Rodríguez forma parte de la lista definitiva de la Selección Nacional de Panamá para disputar la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026… ‘El Puma’ Rodríguez terminó el Clausura 2026 de la Liga MX con los Bravos en un buen momento luego de 16 partidos disputados, todos como titular, además de 2 goles y 4 asistencias en 1,332 minutos disputados.”
Telemundo Deportes:
On July 10, 2020, Rodríguez became the fifth Panamanian player to play in La Liga with his debut for Alavés against Real Madrid.
Statistic:
Rodríguez has 73 caps for Panama and has scored 8 international goals.
Statistic:
Rodríguez was one of two Panamanian players to feature in both the 2018 and 2026 World Cup squads.
Statistic:
Rodríguez has a market value of €2.6M and plays in Liga MX for FC Juárez.
Where Next?
José Luis Rodríguez is 28 years old and firmly established as a key player for FC Juárez in Liga MX. His performances for the Bravos and his experience at two World Cups have made him one of the most respected Panamanian players of his generation.
For Panama, Rodríguez remains a vital figure. With 73 caps and a record of performing in major tournaments, he brings leadership, experience, and attacking quality to the national team. His journey from the streets of El Chorrillo to two World Cups is an inspiration, and as “El Puma” continues to roar, his legacy as one of Panama’s greatest players is already secure.
