James Rodriguez calls time on Colombia career after 15 years
James Rodriguez has announced his retirement from international football after 15 years with Colombia, closing the chapter on a career that saw him become one of the country's most celebrated players. The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star leaves the national team as a World Cup Golden Boot winner and an enduring No. 10.
Rodriguez made his final appearance for Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming on in their round-of-16 defeat to Switzerland on penalties. Speaking in an emotional video shared on social media, the 35-year-old said the time had come to bring his international journey to an end.Llegó el momento.Gracias por cada partido, cada alegra, cada lgrima y cada sueo 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— James Rodrguez (@jamesdrodriguez) September 15, 2026
"Today, I want to talk to you from the heart. After many years, many games and joys, and difficult moments, it's time to close one of the most important chapters in my life: my journey with the Colombian national team," Rodriguez said.
"Wearing this shirt was a dream, but also a huge responsibility. Every time I entered a court, I understood that I didn't play just for me. I played for my family, teammates, thousands of Colombians who dreamed of all of us."
Rodriguez made his international debut against Bolivia in October 2011 and quickly established himself as a key figure. Across 131 appearances, he scored 31 goals and provided 43 assists, while also wearing the captain's armband and helping Colombia reach the 2024 Copa America final.
Rodriguez's career-defining tournament came in Brazil in 2014, when he scored six goals in five matches to claim the Golden Boot. His stunning volley against Uruguay in the round of 16 became one of the defining goals of the tournament and helped earn him a move to Real Madrid.
He went on to play for Bayern Munich and several other clubs across Europe, the Middle East and the United States. Despite his changing club fortunes, Rodriguez remained an important presence for Colombia and featured at the 2018 and 2026 World Cups, with the team missing the 2022 edition.
His final international campaign ended in disappointment as Colombia were knocked out by Switzerland on penalties. However, Rodriguez leaves with a record that places him among his country's most experienced players.RODRIGUEZ LEAVES WITH NO REGRETS
Rodriguez said he was proud of everything he had achieved in Colombia colours and insisted he was leaving with a sense of fulfilment.
"I'm leaving calmly because I gave everything. Thank you for every moment, thank you Colombia," he said.
He will now continue his club career with Atletico Nacional after recently returning to Colombian football. The move marks a return home for Rodriguez, who last played club football in the country with Envigado in 2008.
From his breakthrough in 2011 to his unforgettable World Cup in Brazil and his run to the 2024 Copa America final, Rodriguez's international career has spanned some of Colombia's most significant moments. His retirement brings an end to one of the country's defining football stories of the modern era.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 16, 2026 08:18 IST
