“Today I want to speak from the heart,” James Rodriguez wrote on social media. “After many years, many matches, and many moments of joy and difficulty, it is time to close one of the most important chapters of my life: my journey with the Colombian national team.”
35-year-old J. Rodriguez debuted for the Colombian national team back in 2011, immediately scoring the winning goal against Bolivia.
The creative midfielder became a very important part of the national team, especially during the World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2026 (Colombia did not qualify for the 2022 tournament).
At the 2014 World Cup, the Colombian won the Golden Boot – the award given to the tournament’s top scorer, after scoring six goals in five matches, including a very impressive one in the round of 16 match against Uruguay.
Such a performance at the World Cup led to a career leap – he signed a contract with Real Madrid.
“Wearing these jerseys was a dream, but also a huge responsibility,” said the footballer. “Every time I stepped onto the field, I understood that I was not playing for myself. I was playing for my family, my teammates, thousands of Colombians who dreamed with us.
I had the honor of wearing the number 10 jersey and the captain’s armband. I always tried to do so with respect, responsibility, and understanding of what it means to represent Colombia. I experienced good days, as well as very tough ones, but I never stopped being proud of these colors.”
J. Rodriguez’s last appearance for the Colombian national team was on July 7, when his team lost to Switzerland on penalties in the World Cup round of 16.
He scored 31 goals and made 43 assists in 131 matches for the national team.
The midfielder, who played in three World Cups, matched this number with other Colombian football legends: Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincon.
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J. Rodriguez also led the Colombian team to the 2024 Copa América final, where Colombia reached after a 23-year break, but lost the gold match to Argentina.
“I leave peacefully because I gave everything. Thank you for every moment, thank you, Colombia,” said J. Rodriguez, who recently signed a contract with Colombian club Atletico Nacional and will continue his club career.
