Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 15-year career in which he became one of the most prominent players in the country’s football history. The 35-year-old confirmed his decision through an emotional message on social media on Tuesday, months after making his final appearance for Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Curtain on career
Rodriguez leaves international football after making 131 appearances for Colombia and scoring 31 goals. He finishes as the country’s most-capped player and its second-highest goalscorer, behind Radamel Falcao. The attacking midfielder also registered 43 assists during his international career and represented Colombia at three World Cups — in 2014, 2018 and 2026 — as well as four editions of the Copa America.
Rodriguez said representing Colombia had been among the greatest honours of his life as he thanked his teammates, coaches, family and supporters for accompanying him through his international journey. He made his senior international debut against Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier in October 2011 and gradually established himself as the creative fulcrum of the Colombian side.
Brazil breakthrough
Rodriguez’s defining international tournament came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where his performances transformed him into a global football star. He scored six goals to finish as the tournament’s leading scorer and claim the Golden Boot as Colombia reached the quarter-finals, then the country’s best performance at a World Cup.
His spectacular volley against Uruguay in the round of 16 became one of the tournament’s defining moments and later earned him the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of the year. The midfielder subsequently represented Colombia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia before returning for the expanded 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Final World Cup
Rodriguez’s final appearance for Colombia came against Switzerland in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Colombia were eliminated following a penalty shootout, bringing their campaign to an end. He had also played an influential role in Colombia’s run to the 2024 Copa America final, where they finished runners-up after losing to Argentina.
Rodriguez captained the national side during the latter stages of his international career and remained an important creative presence for Colombia despite experiencing frequent changes at club level.
Club career continues
His retirement applies only to international football, with Rodriguez continuing his club career. He recently joined Atletico Nacional, marking his return to Colombian club football after spending much of his career overseas. Rodriguez has represented several major clubs during his career, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Monaco, Porto and Everton, while also having spells in Qatar, Greece, Brazil, Spain, Mexico and the United States. His move to Atletico Nacional came shortly before the announcement of his international retirement, opening a new chapter at club level as his long association with the Colombian national team comes to an end.