After almost 15 years, James Rodríguezdecided 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.
His family also had a special place in the farewell. James highlighted the support he received during every stage of his career and specifically mentioned his children, Salomé and Samuel. "Many times I played for them, when I was tired, when there was pressure, when things didn't go as I wanted. Thinking of them has always given me one more reason to keep going. I always wanted them to feel proud of their dad. Not only for the goals or the victories but for having defended their country with love, respect, and dedication", he shared.
James Rodríguez was the best player of the 2024 Copa América
The message was also directed to Colombian fans, whom he thanked for their support throughout all these years. "Thank you for celebrating with me, for suffering with me, for demanding from me, for supporting me, and for making me feel your affection in every corner of the world", he stated.
Before closing, the midfielder left a request to the footballers who will take over in the Colombian National Team. "I wish them the best. May they always understand the privilege of wearing that jersey and defend it with their soul", he affirmed.
Finally, James made it clear that he leaves with the peace of mind of having given everything for the national team. "I leave calm because I know I gave absolutely everything. Thank you for every memory, thank you for every hug, and thank you for every moment. Thank you very much, Colombian National Team, and thank you, Colombia", he concluded.
The 2026 World Cup was thus the last great chapter of James Rodríguez with the Colombian jersey, and from now on, all his attention will be focused on his club life. After 18 years, the midfielder decided to return to football in his country to join Atlético Nacional, a team with which he could debut tomorrow against Internacional de Bogotá.
The final numbers of James Rodríguez with the Colombian National Team
Since his debut in October 2011, the native of Cúcuta played 9,858 minutes with the coffee team, distributed over 131 matches, in which he scored 31 goals, provided 43 assists, and received 12 yellow cards. Among his most notable moments are his brilliant performance in the 2014 World Cup, where he led his team to the quarter-finals, was the tournament's top scorer, and received the Puskás Award for his stunning goal against Uruguay in the round of 16, and the 2024 Copa América, where he was the main leader of the team that reached the final.
