James Rodríguez announces retirement from Colombia duty | OneFootball

James Rodríguez has announced his retirement from the Colombia national team at 35. The player said in a video posted on his social media that it was time to close a defining chapter.

He departs as top scorer at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Colombia's most-capped player and the nation's second-highest goalscorer.

Now at Atlético Nacional, he played at the 2014, 2018 and 2026 World Cups. He also featured at the 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2024 Copa América, starring as runners-up in 2024.

Rodríguez made 131 appearances and scored 31 goals. His last for Colombia came on 10 September 2024 in a 2-1 win against Argentina in the eighth round of 2026 qualifying.

His career peak arrived in Brazil in 2014, when he scored six to finish as tournament top scorer, prompting a move from Monaco to Real Madrid that summer.

He wore the No 10 and captained the side at times, stressing respect and responsibility in representing Colombia. He thanked supporters, acknowledged a new generation is emerging and said he leaves content after giving everything.

Source: Superdeporte

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