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James Rodriguez has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 35 after 15 years with Colombia.
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The midfielder leaves the national team with 131 appearances and 31 goals.
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Rodriguez became a global star at the 2014 World Cup, winning the Golden Boot with six goals.
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He also captained Colombia at the 2026 World Cup before bringing his international career to an end.
September 15, (THEWILL) – James Rodriguez has officially retired from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 15-year career with the Colombia national team.
The 35-year-old midfielder announced his decision through an emotional message on social media, thanking the country for the memories, challenges and opportunities that came with representing Colombia. Rodriguez leaves the national team after making 131 appearances and scoring 31 goals, establishing himself as one of the most influential players in the country’s football history.
“Llegó el momento”, Rodriguez wrote in his farewell message, meaning “The time has come”. He thanked supporters for “every match, every joy, every tear and every shared dream”, before describing representing Colombia as one of the greatest honours of his life.
His decision closes one of the most memorable international careers produced by Colombian football. Rodriguez made his senior debut for the national team in 2011 and quickly became an important figure in the side before rising to international prominence at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
A Career Defined by the 2014 World Cup
Rodriguez’s defining moment came in Brazil, where he produced one of the outstanding individual campaigns of the tournament. He scored six goals in five matches to finish as the World Cup’s leading scorer and became the first Colombian to win the Golden Boot.
His performances also helped Colombia reach the quarter-finals, their best-ever finish at the World Cup at the time. His spectacular volley against Uruguay in the round of 16 was later voted the FIFA Puskás Award winner for the best goal of 2014.
The tournament transformed Rodriguez from a highly regarded young midfielder into a global star. His form earned him a high-profile move to Real Madrid, where he continued his club career alongside some of the biggest names in world football.
A Record-Breaking International Career
Rodriguez went on to represent Colombia at three World Cups, appearing at the 2014, 2018 and 2026 tournaments. His 13 World Cup appearances became a Colombian record, surpassing the previous mark of 10 held by Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón.
He also finished his international career with 31 goals, making him Colombia’s second-highest scorer behind Radamel Falcao. Beyond his goals, Rodriguez became known for his creativity and playmaking, finishing as the national team’s all-time leading assist provider.
His influence extended beyond the World Cup. At the 2024 Copa América, Rodriguez was instrumental in Colombia’s run to the final and was named the tournament’s best player after producing six assists.
The Final Chapter
Rodriguez’s final World Cup appearance came in 2026, when he once again wore the captain’s armband for Colombia. The tournament marked his third appearance on football’s biggest stage and ultimately became the closing chapter of his international career.
His retirement comes shortly after his return to Colombian club football with Atlético Nacional, following a spell in Major League Soccer with Minnesota United. While he will continue his club career, his decision means Colombia will now move into a new era without one of the defining figures of its modern generation.
After 131 matches, 31 goals and countless memorable moments, Rodriguez leaves the national team with a legacy built around creativity, leadership and the spectacular football that first made him a Colombian icon.
For Colombia, the era of James Rodriguez in the yellow shirt is officially over.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
