James Rodriguez, regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in Colombian soccer history, has confirmed the conclusion of his 15-year international career. At 35 years old, Rodríguez recently joined Atlético Nacional, marking the end of his long journey playing abroad, and has now opted to retire from the Colombian national team.
In a video shared on his social media, Rodríguez reflected on his decision, stating, “After many years filled with joyful moments and challenges, I believe it’s time to turn the page on this chapter of my life: my time with the Colombian national team. Wearing this jersey was not only a dream for me but also a huge responsibility.”
He made his debut for the national team in October 2011, achieving significant success with his standout performance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he netted six goals in five matches, earning the Golden Boot.
“I was blessed to experience unforgettable moments—World Cups, goals, and victories that fueled our belief, along with defeats that made us stronger,” he remarked. “From the moment I joined the national team, I aimed to leave it in a better place when I stepped away, and upon reflection, I feel I accomplished that.”
His remarkable World Cup performance led to a transfer to Real Madrid, where he enjoyed a six-year tenure, winning two La Liga titles. His club career also included tenures with Bayern Munich and Everton.
Since 2022, Rodríguez has played for various teams, including Olympiakos in Greece, Sao Paulo in Brazil, Rayo Vallecano in Spain, Club León in Mexico, and Minnesota United in MLS, where he made just six appearances.
He expressed pride in wearing the number 10 jersey and the captain’s armband, stating, “I carried it with respect, responsibility, and an awareness of what Colombia stands for. Despite experiencing ups and downs, my pride for these colors never wavered.”
On the international stage, Rodríguez also represented Colombia in the 2018 and 2026 World Cups, tying with Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón for the highest number of tournament appearances by a Colombian player. He led Colombia to the final of the 2024 Copa América, the country’s first appearance in the title match in 23 years, finishing his international career with 31 goals in 131 appearances.
“I walk away with peace of mind, knowing I gave everything I had; thank you for every memory, every hug, and every single moment,” Rodríguez concluded.
Fan Take: This news marks the end of an era for Colombian soccer and a significant shift for soccer fans who grew up watching Rodríguez shine on the international stage. His retirement could open new opportunities for emerging players and signals a transition in Colombian soccer as they prepare for future tournaments without his leadership.
Source: www.foxsports.com
