James Rodríguez Retires From Colombia After 131 Caps and 31 Goals

James Rodríguez has announced his retirement from international football with Colombia, bringing an end to a 15-year career with the national team. The 35-year-old confirmed the decision in an emotional video posted to social media on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.

A Career Defined by Records

Rodríguez leaves the Colombian national team as its all-time leading assist provider, with 43 assists, and as the country’s second-highest goalscorer with 31 goals, behind only Radamel Falcao García. He also holds the record for most goals scored in FIFA World Cup qualifying history for Colombia, with 14, underlining a career built as much on creating chances as scoring them.

He made his senior international debut in October 2011 against Bolivia, scoring the winning goal on his first appearance, and went on to represent Colombia at three World Cups, in 2014, 2018, and 2026. Colombia failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, the one notable gap in an otherwise consistent run at the top level.

Career By the Numbers

The Peak: Brazil 2014

Rodríguez’s career reached its high point at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he won the Golden Boot after scoring six goals in five matches as Colombia advanced to the quarter-finals. His standout moment came in the round of 16 against Uruguay, where a spectacular volley earned him FIFA’s Puskás Award for the best goal of the year and helped seal a move to Real Madrid shortly after the tournament.

He went on to captain Colombia to the final of the 2024 Copa América, a defeat to Argentina that marked the country’s first appearance in the tournament’s final in 23 years.

Bowing Out at the 2026 World Cup

Rodríguez made his final international appearance on 7 July 2026, in a round-of-16 penalty shootout loss to Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup. He finishes his Colombia career with 131 caps, tied with Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón for the most major tournament appearances by a Colombian international.

In His Own Words

In his retirement message, Rodríguez said the time had come to close one of the most significant chapters of his life, reflecting on the highs and difficult moments of representing his country. He said he was leaving with peace of mind, having given everything to the cause during his time with the national team, and thanked Colombian fans for the memories shared along the way.

What Comes Next

Rodríguez’s retirement from international duty comes shortly after he completed a free transfer to Colombian side Atlético Nacional, joining the Medellín-based club after leaving Major League Soccer side Minnesota United. His deal with Atlético Nacional runs until 30 June 2027, and he is expected to now focus solely on his club career following his Colombia exit.

Over the course of his club career, Rodríguez also won two Champions League titles and two La Liga titles with Real Madrid, in addition to spells with Bayern Munich and Everton.

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