James Rodriguez is calling on his Colombian career after 15 years
James Rodriguez has announced his retirement from international football after 15 years in Colombia, closing a chapter in a career that has seen 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 permanent number 10.
Rodriguez made his last appearance for Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Switzerland on penalties in the Round of 16. In an emotional video shared on social media, the 35-year-old said the time had come for his international tour to end.
The time has come.
Thank you for every game, every joy, every tear and every shared dream.
Defending the colors of the Colombian national team was one of the greatest honors of my life.
Thank you, Colombia. Forever. pic.twitter.com/AlRxMgtFeI— James Rodriguez (@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 is time to close one of the most important chapters in my life: my journey with the Colombian national team,” Rodriguez said.
“Wearing this jersey was a dream, but also a huge responsibility. Every time I stepped on the court, I understood that I wasn’t playing just for myself. I was playing for my family, my teammates, the thousands of Colombians who dreamed of us all.”
Rodriguez made his international debut against Bolivia in October 2011 and quickly established himself as a key figure. He scored 31 goals and provided 43 assists in 131 appearances while wearing the captain’s armband and helping Colombia reach the 2024 Copa America final.
WORLD CUP 2014 MADE HIM A STAR
Rodriguez’s career-defining tournament came in Brazil in 2014 when he scored six goals in five games to win 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 then played 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, featuring at the 2018 and 2026 World Cups, with the team missing out on the 2022 edition.
His last international campaign ended in disappointment as Colombia were knocked out by Switzerland on penalties. However, Rodriguez leaves with a record that ranks him among his country’s most experienced players.
RODRIGUEZ LEAVES WITH NO REGRETS
Rodriguez said he was proud of all he had achieved in Colombia’s colors and insisted he was leaving feeling fulfilled.
“I’m leaving peacefully because I gave everything. Thank you for every moment, thank you Colombia,” he said.
He will now continue his club career at Atletico Nacional after recently returning to Colombian football. The move marks a homecoming for Rodriguez, who last played club football in the country with Envigado in 2008.
From his breakthrough in 2011 to an unforgettable World Cup in Brazil and his run to the 2024 Copa America final, Rodriguez’s international career has included some of Colombia’s most significant moments. His retirement marks the end of one of the country’s defining football stories of the modern era.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
16 Sep 2026 08:18 IST