Colombia: James Rodríguez announces international retirement

James Rodríguez has decided to close the chapter with the Colombian national team. The attacking midfielder announced his international retirement on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, bringing an end to a 15-year journey and 131 caps, with 31 goals for the Cafeteros.

“The time has come. Thank you for every match, every joy, every tear and every shared dream,” the player wrote on his social media accounts.

In his message, he also recalled what the national team shirt represented to him, considering it one of the greatest honours of his life.

A long history with the Cafeteros

James Rodríguez made his debut for the Colombian national team in 2011. Fifteen years later, he became the country's most-capped player, with 131 appearances.

But when his international career is mentioned, it is above all the 2014 World Cup that comes to mind. In Brazil, then aged 22, Rodríguez scored six goals in five matches and finished as the tournament's top scorer. His goal against Uruguay in the round of 16 remains one of the defining images of the competition: a chest control, a volley and the ball under the crossbar.

That goal earned him the FIFA Puskás Award, which is presented each year for the finest goal scored on the world stage.

Colombia went on to reach the quarter-finals, the first time in its history at the World Cup. Rodríguez subsequently played in the 2018 and 2026 editions.

Read also: James Rodríguez makes his big return to Colombia

A final appearance in 2026

The 2026 World Cup was therefore his final tournament with the Cafeteros. Colombia exited the competition in the round of 16, losing to Switzerland after a penalty shoot-out.

James Rodríguez now continues his club career with Atlético Nacional, which he joined a few days before announcing his international retirement. His journey with Colombia ends with 131 caps and 31 goals.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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