Football star James Rodríguez ends 15-year Colombia career at age 35

James Rodríguez, one of the most talented midfielders in Colombian football history, announced the end of his 15-year international career on Tuesday. The 35-year-old, who recently signed with Atlético Nacional to conclude a long stint playing abroad, has now decided to retire from duty with the national team.

"After many years, matches, moments of joy and tough times – I feel the moment has come to close a chapter of my life – my journey with the Colombian national team," Rodríguez said in a video posted to his social media channels. "Wearing the jersey was a dream, but also an enormous responsibility."

Rodríguez made his senior national team debut in October 2011, scoring the game-winning goal in a victory against Bolivia in La Paz. His crowning achievement came three years later, at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, when he recorded six goals in five matches to earn the Golden Boot.

"I was fortunate enough to experience moments I never imagined – World Cups, goals, unforgettable nights, victories that made us believe and defeats that made us stronger," Rodríguez added. "From the moment I joined the national team, I wanted to leave the jersey in a stronger position when I eventually moved on, and looking back at the journey, I feel I achieved that."

The breakout performance in Brazil sealed a move from French side Monaco to Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, where he spent six seasons and collected two La Liga titles. His club career also included stints with Germany's Bayern Munich and England's Everton.

Since 2022, Rodríguez has bounced around with spells at Olympiacos in Greece, Sao Paulo in Brazil, Rayo Vallecano in Spain, León in Mexico and Minnesota United in North America's MLS, where he played just six matches.

"I had the honor of wearing the number 10 jersey and the captain’s armband. I tried to do so with respect, responsibility and an awareness of what Colombia represents,” he concluded. “I had good days and difficult ones, but I never stopped feeling proud of these colors."

Internationally, Rodríguez also played at the 2018 and 2026 editions of the World Cup, surpassing Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón for the most games played at the tournament by a Colombian with 13.

He captained the team to the 2024 Copa América final as well, marking the country’s first appearance in the championship match in 23 years. The Cucuta native, who shares the national record for caps with David Ospina at 131, finishes his international career with 31 goals and 43 assists.