Madrid, Dec 22: Colombia's football star James Rodriguez was the most searched athlete on Google during 2014.

Rodriguez, who had an outstanding Brazil 2014 World Cup and was then signed by Spanish giants Real Madrid in a big money move, was the most searched athlete on Google, said Colombia's local press cited by Cubadebate, reports Xinhua.

Rodriguez, who was named as the Man of the Year in Colombia, was above other world football stars such as Argentine Lionel Messi, Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian Neymar, as well as Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and Uruguayan Luis Suarez.

Cubadebate said Rodriguez, winner of Brazil's World Cup Golden Boot Award, climbed to the first place after he became player of Spain's Real Madrid.

The list of the most searched athletes also includes former Formula One driver Michael Schumacher and Welsh footballer Gareth Bale.

IANS