James Rodríguez says goodbye to Colombia: “I lived moments beyond dreams”

James Rodríguez, one of the leading figures in Colombian football in recent seasons, has officially announced his farewell to his national team. In an emotional message, the 35-year-old midfielder revealed that “the time has come” to close this chapter.

“Today I want to speak from the heart. After many years, I feel that the time has come to close one of the most important chapters of my life. Wearing this shirt was a dream, but also a huge responsibility,” he began in his farewell message.

The player ends his time with the Colombian national team with 131 caps and 31 goals. Over the course of his international career, he featured at the 2014, 2018 and 2026 World Cups, as well as the 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2024 Copa América tournaments.

“I had the opportunity to experience moments I never imagined. All of that marked me forever. On the day I retired, I wanted to leave this shirt held even higher than when I arrived. Today, looking back on the path I’ve travelled, I feel that I achieved that,” he added.

The former FC Porto player recently returned to his homeland to play for Atlético Nacional. Before that, he spent time at clubs such as Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton and São Paulo.

In the same message, James admitted that his children were an additional source of motivation during his journey with the Colombian national team. “Thinking of them always gave me one more reason to keep going. I wanted them to feel proud of their father,” he said.

The midfielder also addressed the new generation of Colombian footballers. “May they understand what it means to defend this shirt and do so with soul,” he concluded.