Midfielder James Rodríguez, 35, announced his retirement from the Colombian national team on Tuesday, ending a career of 131 games and 31 goals that made him the second top scorer in the team’s history.
A Retirement Filled with Gratitude
In a video published on his social media, Rodríguez expressed: “After many years, many games, 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 path with the Colombia National Team”. The footballer, who currently plays for Atlético Nacional, recalls with emotion his passage through international football.
The Career That Marked the National Team
- He participated in the 2014, 2018, and 2026 World Cups, as well as the 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2024 Copa America, where he became the figure of the sub-championship.
- He played 131 games with the tricolor jersey and scored 31 goals, his last goal being on September 10, 2024 against Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match for 2026.
- He was the top scorer in the 2014 Brazil World Cup with six goals, an achievement that led to his transfer from Monaco to Real Madrid.
During his career, Rodríguez always emphasized the responsibility of wearing the number 10 jersey and the captain’s armband: “Wearing that jersey was a dream, but also an enormous responsibility. Every time I entered a pitch, I understood that I wasn’t just playing for myself, I was playing for my family, my teammates, and millions of Colombians who dreamed of all of us”, he explained.
The Legacy of an Icon
The midfielder assured that “new generations, new players, new dreams are coming” and wished the best to the National Team: “I’m leaving peacefully because I left everything, thank you for every memory, every hug, and every moment. Thank you, Colombia National Team, and thank you, Colombia”.
Credits: deultimominuto.com
