James Rodríguez retires from Colombia after emotional video

James Rodríguez announced his retirement from international football on September 15, 2026, sharing an emotional video on social media in which he said goodbye to the Colombia national team after a long and decorated run.

Career totals and last appearance

Rodríguez finishes his international career with 131 caps and 31 goals. His final match for Colombia came at the 2026 World Cup, when Colombia reached the round of 16 and were eliminated by Switzerland after a penalty shootout — that game proved to be his last in the national jersey.

"The moment has come. Thank you for every match, every joy, every tear and every shared dream. Wearing the colors of the Colombian national team was one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you, Colombia. Forever," James said in the video.

He made his senior debut in 2011 as a 20-year-old and rose to global prominence at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he won the Golden Boot and produced a memorable volley against Uruguay. Over time he became Colombia's record appearance holder and its all-time leader in assists, ranking second in goals only behind Radamel Falcao; he also holds the Colombia record for most goals in World Cup qualifying.

Rodríguez was a central figure in the generation that reached the 2024 Copa América final and served as captain at the most recent World Cup. Only days before announcing his international retirement he completed another major change in his club career: after almost two decades abroad he returned to Colombia and signed for Atlético Nacional, his first spell in a Colombian club since leaving his homeland at 16.

His decision closes an era for Colombian football — a player whose creativity and moments of brilliance shaped a generation and left a long list of records and memories for fans.

Photo: press material from the event