Fifteen years, closed with a post
James Rodriguez ended his Colombia career on Tuesday. He announced it himself, in a message published on his own social media account.
“Today, I want to talk to you from the heart,” he wrote. “After many years, many games and joys, and difficult moments, it’s time to close one of the most important chapters in my life: my journey with the Colombian national team.”
He leaves at 35 with 131 caps, 31 goals and 43 assists. Only Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincon match his tally of major tournament appearances for the country.
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Bolivia first, then Brazil
The first cap arrived in October 2011 against Bolivia, and he scored the winner. Three years later came the month that defined him. Six goals in five games at the 2014 World Cup, the Golden Boot, and a volley against Uruguay in the round of 16 that took Colombia through and took him to Real Madrid within weeks.
He played three World Cups in all, in 2014, 2018 and 2026, the gap explained by Colombia failing to qualify for Qatar. He wore the number 10 and the armband, and he captained the side to the 2024 Copa America final, the country’s first in 23 years. Argentina won that one.
“Wearing this shirt was a dream, but also a huge responsibility,” he said. “I had good days and very difficult ones, but I never stopped feeling proud of these colors.”
The last one came in July
His final appearance was July 7, a round-of-16 penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup. Colombia went home. He never pulled the shirt on again.
“I’m leaving calmly because I gave everything. Thank you for every moment, thank you Colombia,” he said.
The club career carries on at home. Rodriguez recently signed for Atletico Nacional, a return to Colombian football after fifteen years spent almost entirely abroad. Colombia now build the next cycle without the player who has taken their free kicks, worn their armband and carried their attacking weight since 2011.
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