James Rodriguez ends Colombia career after 15 years and three World Cups

James Rodriguez powered himself and his country to stardom at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when Los Cafeteros made the quarter-finals for the first time. — AFP pic

First Published: Wednesday, 16 Sep 2026 9:25 AM MYT

BOGOTRA, Sept 16 — Colombian football star James Rodriguez, one of the best players in the country’s history, yesterday announced his retirement from the national team after 15 years and three World Cups.

“I’m leaving with serenity because I know I gave absolutely everything,” the 35-year-old captain said in a social media video, his eyes welling with tears.

Rodriguez powered himself and his country to stardom at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when Los Cafeteros made the quarter-finals for the first time.

He won the tournament’s Golden Boot as the top scorer and became a global superstar.

Despite a nomadic and largely ineffective club career in recent years, he remained an integral part of the Colombia side which reached the Copa America final two years ago.

But at this year’s World Cup he failed to score any goals and was outshone by team-mate Luis Diaz of Bayern Munich.

Last week, the former Real Madrid midfielder joined Colombian side Atletico Nacional. — AFP