James Rodriguez's Mysterious Story; The only Cheerful Outcome of Colombian Drug Lord Pablo Escobar's Murderous Reign

For all the carnage that came about because of a cocaine kingdom, Colombians got at least one joyful reason to be chipper from Pablo Escobar's lethal rule. One of the best Colombian footballer and 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez rose to fame after Escobar's associate and drug kingpin Gustavo Upegui signed him.

Gustavo Upegui was one of the most trusted men of Pablo Escobar who helped him his run the Cocaine kingdom from the Medellin. He was the chief of the most important debt collection department Envigado Office of Escobar's coalition which would put down those who would try to let their drug empire down.

Showered with the money, Upengui made a good use of money buying the local football club Envigado who were playing the second division in Colombia.

With the purpose of buying youngsters to help the team promote, he went to watch Ponyfutbol Cup, the major youth tournament which saw the rise of Colombian star Radamel Falcao.

The drug leader saw 11-year-old James score 13 goals in just 9 matches in the tournament and was exceptionally the best. Upengui made the intention of signing him at cost when he saw James score two goals in the finals both from the direct corners.

James was then playing for Academia Tolimense. Despite not happy with Upengui's offer, the club had to let him go as Upengui was known for hiring contract killers and had spent 21 months in prison. 

James' mother and stepfather moved together with him after he joined Envigado. They were not convinced that football was safe because James' uncle who was a promising football was killed at the age of 19.

Upengui asked Envigado's manager to include James in the senior team and also told that he would wear no. 10 jersey. James made his debut at the age of 14 in January 2006.

Unfortunately, Upengui was killed after 35 days- the fouth board member of the club to be murdered. Despite being a drug lord, he is also remembered as a pioneer of the Colombian football for his contribution in developing players and football.

Upengui bought several young talents with his scouting networks who are currently on a trail with top-level clubs. Juan Quintero who is a key Colombian player lined up with James in the FIFA World Cup 2018 is also the graduate of Envigado. He is currently under contract with the Portuguese giants FC Porto.

During his childhood, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone disorder same as Lionel Messi. Upegui invested the money for his treatment which had a positive reaction on James and went on to grow up the height of 6 feet.

Also, read: Football is beautiful, It has no Race, No Religion: Panamanian Player joins Belgian Striker For Namaj