Colombian midfielder James Rodríguez announced this Tuesday his retirement from the Colombian national team, ending a period of more than a decade in which he became one of the great references in the history of football in his country.
“After many years, many games, many joys and also hard moments, I feel that the time has come to close one of the most important stages of my life: my journey with the Colombian national team,” said the 35-year-old player in a video published on his social networks.
James played 131 games for Colombia and scored 31 goals, figures that make him the player with the most appearances in the history of the national team and its second top scorer.
The current Atlético Nacional player represented Colombia in the 2014 Brazil, 2018 and 2026 World Cups in Russia, in addition to playing in the 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2024 Copa América.
James Rodríguez, legend of Colombia
The brightest moment of his international career came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where James finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. His performance, including the spectacular goal against Uruguay in the round of 16, made him one of the great figures of that World Cup and opened the doors of Real Madrid, which signed him from Monaco.
He was also the protagonist of the Copa América 2024, a tournament in which Colombia reached the final and James was chosen as one of the great figures of the competition.
“Wearing that shirt was a dream, but also an enormous responsibility. Every time I entered a field I understood that I was not only playing for myself, I was playing for my family, my teammates and millions of Colombians who dreamed of all of us,” he said.
His last goal with the national team came on September 10, 2024, when he scored in Colombia’s 2-1 victory over Argentina in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
“I left absolutely everything”
James also recalled the pride he felt in wearing the number 10 shirt and serving as captain of Colombia.
“I always tried to do it with respect, responsibility and understanding what it meant to represent Colombia. There were good days and difficult ones, but I never stopped feeling proud of these colors,” he said.
The midfielder assured that he understands that the time has come to give way to the new generations.
“New generations are coming, new players, new dreams,” said James, who wished the Colombian team success in its new stage.
“I’m leaving calm because I left absolutely everything, thank you for every memory, for every hug and for every moment. Thank you very much for the Colombian team and thank you Colombia,” he concluded.
With his goodbye, Colombia loses one of the most important footballers in its history and the player who starred in one of the team’s most memorable individual performances in a World Cup.
