James Rodríguez brought his international career with Colombia to an end after 15 years representing his country. At age 35, the midfielder announced his decision to step down from the national team, following a career marked by World Cups, goals, titles, and unforgettable moments.
“I want to speak to you from the heart. After many years of matches, joys, and tough times, the moment has come to close one of the happiest chapters of my life,” James said in a video posted on his social media accounts.
Rodríguez made his senior national team debut in October 2011, in Colombia’s victory over Bolivia in La Paz. However, his breakthrough came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he shone with six goals in five matches and won the Golden Boot.
“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,” he said.
His spectacular performance in Brazil led him to Real Madrid, where he spent six seasons and won two La Liga titles. He also played for Bayern Munich and Everton, and has been moving between various teams since 2022. During that time, he played for Olympiakos in Greece, São Paulo in Brazil, Rayo Vallecano in Spain, Club León in Mexico, and Minnesota United in the MLS—though he played just six games for the latter.
With Colombia, James also participated in the 2018 and 2026 World Cups, tying Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón for the most World Cup appearances by a Colombian player. In addition, he captained Colombia during the 2024 Copa América, a tournament in which the national team reached the final—its first appearance in the continental title match in 23 years.
Rodríguez bids farewell to the Colombian national team with 31 goals in 131 matches and the pride of having worn both the No. 10 jersey and the captain’s armband.
“I had the honor of wearing the No. 10 jersey and the captain’s armband; I tried to do so with respect, responsibility, and an understanding of what Colombia represents. I had good days and difficult days, but I never stopped feeling proud of these colors,” he said.
Now, with his recent return to Colombian soccer to play for Atlético Nacional, James has also decided to bring one of the most important chapters of his career to a close.
“To all of Colombia, thank you for being with me for so many years—for celebrating with me, for suffering with me, for demanding the best from me, for supporting me, and for making me feel your love in every corner of the world,” he said.
And he left a statement that sums up his farewell: “I’m leaving at peace because I know I gave it absolutely everything.”
James Rodríguez is leaving Colombia after 15 years, 131 matches, and 31 goals, leaving behind a chapter marked especially by his historic performance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
