Bombshell: James Rodríguez announced his retirement from the Colombian National Team

After almost 15 years, James Rodríguez decided to put an end to his time with the Colombian National Team. After playing in the 2026 World Cup, the 35-year-old footballer, the player with the most matches played for the national team, announced his decision this Tuesday through his social media.

"The moment has come. Thank you for every match, every joy, every tear, and every dream shared. Defending the colors of the Colombian national team was one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you, Colombia. Forever", he wrote in the post, which was accompanied by a moving video.

"Today I want to speak to you from the heart. After many years, many matches, many joys, and also tough moments, I feel that the time has come to close one of the most important chapters of my life, my journey with the Colombian national team", he began.

The midfielder explained that representing his country meant fulfilling a dream, but it also involved taking on a responsibility that went far beyond his own figure. "Wearing that jersey was a dream, but also an enormous responsibility. Every time I stepped onto the field, I understood that I was not playing just for myself, I was playing for my family, for my teammates, for millions of Colombians who dreamed with all of us", he stated.

Throughout his message, Rodríguez recalled the World Cups he participated in, his goals, and the various experiences he went through with Colombia. In that journey, he included both the great celebrations and the most difficult moments that, he believed, ended up strengthening the group.

He also referred to the purpose he had from his early years with the national team. "Since I arrived at the National Team, I had a very clear thought: that the day I left, I could feel that I left that jersey in a better place than I found it. I wanted to contribute, I wanted to leave a mark, to help Colombia believe that it could compete against anyone", he affirmed.

In that sense, James emphasized that the team's growth was not an individual achievement, but part of a collective process. "It was not just mine, it was of a whole generation, of many teammates, and of an entire country that dreamed big again", he expressed.

Rodríguez also recalled the significance of having worn the number 10 jersey and the captain's armband. Regarding both responsibilities, he noted: "I always tried to do it with respect, with responsibility, and understanding what it meant to represent Colombia".

The historic footballer also took the opportunity to thank those who accompanied him during his journey with the National Team. "I want to thank every teammate with whom I shared this path, the coaches, technical staff, and all the people who were part of the National Team during these years. Each one left something in my story", he assured.