Copa América Centenario: 11 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn't Know About James Rodriguez

Although being all the rage back home, James Rodriguez became a household name after flaunting his impeccable skills at the 2014 FIFA World Cup with the Colombian national team.

The soccer star even won the Golden Boot Award after tallying six goals in a tournament. He was then signed to Spanish club Real Madrid in 2014 after formerly playing for AS Monaco, Porto and Banfield. Often praised for his technique, vision and playmaking skills in the fields, Rodriguez is ranked as one of the best young players in the world.

With the Copa América Centenario kicking off Friday with Colombia and United States match, we highlight this 24-year-old soccer star's career with surprising facts you probably didn't know.

1) HIS NAME
It seems as if his parents Wilson James Rodriguez Bedolla and Maria Del Pilar Rubio are huge movie fans because they named James after "James Bond." However, his name is pronounced Ha-mess.

2) HE IS SHY
Rodriguez might not say much in interviews or press conferences and that is because as a child he suffered from a heavy stutter. He even had professional help with a speech therapist.

3) ROLE MODELS
His roles models growing up are fictional character Tsubasa Ozora, who aspired to win the World Cup for Japan in the Japanese cartoon "Captain Tsubasa" and Cristiano Ronaldo.

4) BUILDING HIS EMPIRE
Though he is always played soccer, James kicked off his professional career at the age of 16 with Enviago.

5) A PROMISING ATHLETE
At 17, he became the youngest foreign player to compete and score in the Argentinian league.

6) MAKING CHANGES
His move from Monaco to Real Madrid is considered one of the most expensive transfers. In fact, for a reported £63 million, he is the 4th most expensive transfer.

7) HE IS MARRIED
The young Colombian married volleyball player Daniela Ospina in 2011. The couple met through Ospina's brother and Rodriguez's teammate David Ospina.

8) HIS INSPIRATION
Together they are parents of an adorable girl named Salome. James often kissed a tattoo of her name after scoring.

9) HE IS STUDIOUS
Besides scoring goals in the field, it's reported that Rodriguez studied engineering at the Universidad Nacional Abierta.

10) BASKETBALL JUNKIE
Rodriguez is a huge basketball fan. In fact, his favorite player is LeBron James. The love is mutual, as James praised Rodriguez's mean soccer skills on Twitter during the 2014 World Cup.

11) HE IS A BUSINESSMAN
Did you know that James launched his very-own energy drink in Colombia? The drink, called "10 Gold," is in support of his charity foundation that he started for underprivileged kids in his native country.

The 100-year Copa America anniversary game between host nation United States and Colombia airs at 6:30 p.m. PST on Friday, June 3 live from the Levi's Stadium. The opening ceremonies and match will be televised live on FS1 and Univision. It can also be seen online with live stream information here.