James Rodríguez Ends 15-Year Colombia Career at 35 and Says Gave 'Absolutely Everything'
James Rodríguez ends a 15-year run with Colombia after 131 appearances and 31 goals, closing out his international career after the 2026 World Cup.
- On Tuesday, Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez announced his retirement from the national team, ending a 15-year international career. The 35-year-old recently signed with Nacional after a long stint playing abroad.
- Since his senior debut in 2011, Rodriguez matched Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincon for the most tournament appearances by a Colombian player. He captained Colombia to the 2024 Copa America final, the nation's first appearance in 23 years.
- Rodriguez recorded 31 goals in 131 appearances during his international tenure. His crowning achievement came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he scored six goals in five matches to win the Golden Boot.
- Reflecting on his tenure, Rodriguez added, "I had the honor of wearing the number 10 jersey and the captain's armband; I tried to do so with respect, responsibility, and an awareness of what Colombia represents." He leaves with peace of mind.
- His final international appearance occurred at the 2026 World Cup, where Colombia reached the round of 16 before losing to Switzerland. Rodriguez now focuses on his club career with Nacional, concluding his 15-year journey with the national team.
106 Articles
106 Articles
The midfielder leaves the combined coffee maker as his top assistant and second historical scorer, after 15 years, three World Cups and a Golden Boot. His farewell again places the comparison with Carlos Valderrama on the table.
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«I leave quietly because I left absolutely everything»: the top referent and scorer of the World Cup Brazil 2014 says goodbye thus to the national team.
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