James Rodríguez announces retirement from international duty with Colombia

Colombian star James Rodríguez has announced his retirement from international football with Colombia, ending a remarkable 15-year career with the senior national team, during which he was one of the standout figures in Colombian football over the last decade.

James, aged 35, made his last appearance for Colombia during the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the team reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Switzerland on penalties. The player participated in the tournament for the third time in his career and became the record holder for the most appearances by a Colombian in FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Carlos Valderrama and Fredy Rincón.

James Rodríguez's international career is one of the most prominent in Colombia's history, as he was a captain and a key playmaker for many years. He gained worldwide fame during the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, when he was crowned the tournament's top scorer with six goals, including his historic goal against Uruguay, which won the Puskás Award for the best goal of the year.

James Rodríguez has reached 131 international appearances for the national team, a record in the history of Colombia, and he has become the Colombian player with the most appearances in the FIFA World Cup. He participated in the World Cups of 2014, 2018, and 2026, leaving a clear mark in the history of the national team.

James Rodríguez's decision to retire from international football comes just days after his return to his homeland, following his move to Atletico Nacional on a free transfer, with a contract that runs until June 30, 2027.

The player has returned to the Colombian league after a 19-year absence, following his departure from Envigado at a young age to pursue his professional career in Argentina with CA Banfield.

James closes an important chapter in his career, having become one of the most influential players in the history of Colombian football, while he will continue his career with Atletico Nacional at the club level.