James Rodriguez ends 15-year Colombia career after 2026 World Cup exit
James Rodriguez announced his retirement from international football on September 15, 2026, bringing a 15-year spell with Colombia to a close after his final appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a round-of-16 defeat to Switzerland on penalties. The 35-year-old revealed the decision in an emotional social media post.
Rodriguez made his international debut against Bolivia in October 2011 and finished with 131 appearances, 31 goals and 43 assists for Colombia. He wore the captain's armband at times and was part of the team that reached the 2024 Copa America final. His career with the national side is described in the article as one that saw him become one of the country's most celebrated players.
Speaking in a video shared on social media, Rodriguez said the time had come to end his international journey and posted: Llegó el momento.Gracias por cada partido, cada alegra, cada lgrima y cada sueo compartido.Defender los colores de la selección Colombia fue uno de los mayores honores de mi vida.Gracias, Colombia. Para siempre. pic.twitter.com/AlRxMgtFeI— James Rodrguez (@jamesdrodriguez) September 15, 2026 "Today, I want to talk to you from the heart. After many years, many games and joys, and difficult moments, it's time to close one of the most important chapters in my life: my journey with the Colombian national team," Rodriguez said. "Wearing this shirt was a dream, but also a huge responsibility. Every time I entered a court, I understood that I didn't play just for me. I played for my family, teammates, thousands of Colombians who dreamed of all of us."
His standout tournament came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he scored six goals in five matches to win the Golden Boot. The article singles out his volley against Uruguay in the round of 16 as one of the tournament's defining goals and notes that the performance helped secure a move to Real Madrid. He later had spells with Bayern Munich and "several other clubs across Europe, the Middle East and the United States," according to the source.
Despite varied club fortunes, Rodriguez remained a presence for Colombia, appearing at the 2018 and 2026 World Cups while the team missed the 2022 edition. His final international campaign ended in disappointment as Colombia were knocked out by Switzerland on penalties. The article states he leaves with a record that places him among his country's most experienced players and that he expressed pride and fulfilment: "I'm leaving calmly because I gave everything. Thank you for every moment, thank you Colombia," he said.
Rodriguez will continue his club career with Atletico Nacional after recently returning to Colombian football, the article reports, marking a homecoming since he last played club football in the country with Envigado in 2008.