If you've been following Colombian football lately, you know the focus isn't just on the pitch. It's on the stands. Specifically, on a young woman who has been spotted more and more frequently next to the "10" of the Selección Colombia. Her name is Luisa Duque, and honestly, she’s basically become the most talked-about person in the Colombian entertainment circle over the last year.
People love a good mystery. For a long time, James Rodríguez kept things very quiet after his high-profile relationship with Shannon de Lima ended. But since he moved to Club León in Mexico and started gearing up for the 2026 World Cup cycle, the cameras caught something—or rather, someone—new.
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Who is Luisa Duque?
So, who is she? Luisa is a 23-year-old model and influencer hailing from Pereira, Colombia. If you look at her Instagram, you’ll see she’s built a solid career in the fashion world, collaborating with various national and international brands. She’s got that classic "Pereirana" beauty that has caught the eye of thousands, but it was her presence at the Nou Camp stadium in Mexico that really set the internet on fire.
The rumors actually started way back during the 2024 Copa América. Fans with eagle eyes noticed she was hanging out quite close to James' inner circle. Then came the "confirming" moment: a video went viral showing James giving her a kiss after a match. Since then, the "Luisa Duque novia de James" searches have skyrocketed.
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Age Gap and Comparisons
Social media can be a weird place, right? One of the biggest talking points—aside from the 11-year age difference—is how some fans think she looks a bit like James’ daughter, Salomé. Kinda weird, but that’s the internet for you. Despite the chatter, the couple seems to be going strong. Luisa is 23, while James is 34. In the world of global football stars, that’s actually a pretty standard gap, though it hasn't stopped the "trolls" from weighing in.
A Low-Profile Romance (Mostly)
What’s interesting is how they handle the spotlight. They don’t post a ton of "lovey-dovey" photos on their main grids. You won't find a permanent "official" couple post on James' Instagram right now. Instead, it’s all about the stories—fleeting glimpses of them at dinner or her supporting him from the VIP boxes.
- Discretion is key: They seem to prefer keeping the core of their relationship private.
- Family involvement: Luisa has been seen interacting with James’ kids, which is usually the ultimate sign that a relationship is "serious" in his world.
- The Mexico Connection: Since James signed with León, Luisa has been a constant presence in Guanajuato.
Honestly, it feels like a breath of fresh air compared to some of the high-drama relationships we've seen in the past. Remember the Helga Lovekaty rumors or the constant media circus around Daniela Ospina? This feels... calmer.
The Career Factor
Luisa isn't just "the girlfriend." She’s a professional model. She has worked on major campaigns for makeup and clothing lines in Colombia. Her following on Instagram and TikTok has grown significantly—reaching over 300,000 followers—since the relationship went public.
Some critics argue that she’s just using the fame, but if you look at her trajectory, she was already working in the industry long before the James rumors started. She’s savvy. She knows how to navigate the attention without letting it overshadow her own brand.
Why This Relationship Matters for James
James is at a turning point. He’s nearing the end of his career, looking toward the 2026 World Cup as a final hurrah. Having stability at home is huge for athletes at this stage. We’ve seen him struggle when his personal life is in turmoil. If Luisa provides that "tranquilidad" he’s always talking about in interviews, it’s a win for the Colombian National Team too.
What’s Next for the Couple?
There are already rumors of them moving together to the United States if James makes a jump to the MLS, which has been teased for late 2026. For now, they seem content split between Mexico and Colombia.
If you want to keep up with them, your best bet isn't the news sites—it's watching the background of the "stories" of James' friends and family. That’s where the real glimpses of their life together happen.
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Actionable Insights:
If you're following this story for the fashion or the gossip, keep an eye on Luisa’s TikTok (@luisaduquee_). She often posts "Get Ready With Me" videos that give more insight into her personality than any paparazzi shot ever could. For those interested in the football side, her presence at games usually correlates with James' peak performance—call it the "lucky charm" effect if you want, but the stats don't lie.