James Rodriguez announces retirement from Colombia national team
FILE PHOTO: James Rodriguez has called time on his international career after featuring for Colombia in four World Cups. | Photo Credit: AP
FILE PHOTO: James Rodriguez has called time on his international career after featuring for Colombia in four World Cups. | Photo Credit: AP
James Rodriguez announced his international retirement after a 15-year career for the Colombian national team on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old who won the Golden Boot after a stunning FIFA World Cup 2014 performance hangs up his boots after the latest edition of the global event in North America.
“After many years, matches, moments of joy, and tough times, I feel the moment has come to close a chapter of my life: my journey with the Colombian national team,” Rodríguez said in a video posted to his social media channels. “Wearing the jersey was a dream, but also an enormous responsibility.”
Rodriguez made his Colombia debut in 2011 in a victory over Bolivia in La Paz. A breakthrough in the 2014 World Cup helped him join powerhouse Real Madrid where he won two La Liga titles. He also spent a brief time at Bayern Munich and Everton.
“I was fortunate enough to experience moments I never imagined — World Cups, goals, and unforgettable nights; victories that made us believe and defeats that made us stronger,” Rodríguez said. “From the moment I joined the national team, I wanted to leave the jersey in a stronger position when I eventually moved on, and looking back at the journey, I feel I achieved that.”
“I had the honour of wearing the number 10 jersey and the captain’s armband; I tried to do so with respect, responsibility, and an awareness of what Colombia represents,” he added. “I had good days and difficult ones, but I never stopped feeling proud of these colors.”
— James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez) September 15, 2026Llegó el momento. 🇨🇴
Gracias por cada partido, cada alegría, cada lágrima y cada sueño compartido.
Defender los colores de la selección Colombia fue uno de los mayores honores de mi vida.
Gracias, Colombia. Para siempre. 💛💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/AlRxMgtFeI
After bouncing around the world over the last few years, having stints at Olympiakos, Sao Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, Club León and Minnesota United, the midfielder joined Colombia side Atlético Nacional ahead of the current season.
“I leave with peace of mind because I know I gave absolutely everything; thank you for every memory, every hug, and every moment,” added Rodríguez.
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