Archive · 16 Sep 2026
James Rodriguez Retires From Colombia After Storied International Career
James Rodriguez has stopped playing international football for Colombia.
He played for the national team for many years, with reports describing the period as 14 or 15 years.
He made 131 appearances and scored 31 goals.
His most famous tournament was the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
He scored six goals and won the Golden Boot for being the tournament’s top scorer.
Colombia reached the quarter-finals that year.
Rodriguez also played in three World Cups and four Copa America tournaments.
He thanked Colombian supporters in an emotional video.
He recently joined Atletico Nacional after leaving Minnesota United.
James Rodriguez announced his retirement from Colombia’s national team after either 14 or 15 years, according to differing reports.
He finished with 131 appearances and 31 goals for Colombia, often serving as captain.
Rodriguez won the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot after scoring six goals as Colombia reached the quarter-finals.
He represented Colombia at three World Cups and four Copa America tournaments.
He recently joined Atletico Nacional after leaving Minnesota United and previously playing for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton.
- Who
- James Rodriguez, Colombia’s 35-year-old midfielder and captain.
- What
- He announced his retirement from Colombia’s national football team after 131 caps and 31 goals.
- When
- Tuesday; the reports differ on whether his international career lasted 14 or 15 years.
- Where
- The announcement was made in a social media video, and Rodriguez recently joined Atletico Nacional in Colombia.
- Why
- He said he was leaving with serenity because he had given everything, without providing a more specific reason.
- International appearances
- 131 caps for Colombia
- International goals
- 31 goals
- 2014 World Cup
- Six goals, the Golden Boot, and a quarter-final finish with Colombia
- Major tournaments
- Three World Cups and four Copa America tournaments
- International career length
- Reported as 14 years in one account and 15 years in another
- New club
- Atletico Nacional, on a deal running until next June
- Age
- 35
