James Rodríguez calls time on Colombia career

Colombia star James Rodríguez has announced his retirement from international football, bringing down the curtain on a 15-year career with the national team.

The 35-year-old midfielder announced his decision on Tuesday (September 16) in an emotional video message, saying he was leaving with a sense of peace because he had given everything for Colombia.

James rose to global prominence at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Colombia reached the quarter-finals for the first time. He scored six goals in six matches to win the Golden Boot and became one of the tournament’s standout players.

His spectacular volley against Uruguay in the last 16 remains one of the defining moments of his career. His performances in Brazil also helped establish him as one of world football’s most prominent young stars.

His club career was less consistent, with spells at several top clubs failing to produce the sustained success expected after his World Cup breakthrough. His importance to Colombia, however, remained strong, and he played a key role in the team that reached the Copa América final two years ago.

James did not score at the latest World Cup, where much of Colombia’s attacking spotlight fell on Bayern Munich forward Luis Díaz.

The midfielder joined Colombian club Atlético Nacional just a week before announcing his international retirement. While his Colombia career is over, James will continue playing at club level.