James Rodríguez announces retirement from Colombia international football
James Rodríguez has announced his retirement from international football, concluding a distinguished career with the Colombia national team.
Rodríguez shared the news in an emotional message on social media, expressing his gratitude to fans and reflecting on his time with Los Cafeteros. His final appearance for Colombia was at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the team was eliminated in the Round of 16 following a defeat to Switzerland.
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In his post on X, Rodríguez wrote: “The moment has come. Thank you for every match, every joy, every tear, and every dream we shared together. Representing the Colombian national team was one of the greatest honours of my life. Thank you, Colombia, and forever.”
Rodríguez leaves a significant legacy in Colombian football, having risen to global prominence during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He won the Golden Boot after scoring six goals and played a key role in Colombia reaching the quarterfinals.
The former Real Madrid player also represented Colombia in the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups, remaining a vital presence for the national team across multiple generations. He ended his international career with 131 caps, scoring 31 goals and providing 43 assists. In the three World Cups following his debut in 2014, he scored six goals and contributed four assists.
Beyond the World Cup, Rodríguez was instrumental in Colombia’s Copa America campaigns, helping the team reach the 2024 final, where they were defeated by Argentina. He was also part of the squad that finished as runners-up in 2016. Across 14 Copa America appearances, he scored one goal and registered eight assists, cementing his status as one of Colombia’s most recognisable and influential players.