‘I gave absolutely everything’

BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP):

James Rodríguez, one of the most talented midfielders in Colombian football history, announced the end of his 15-year international career yesterday.

The 35-year-old recently signed with Atlético Nacional after a lengthy spell playing abroad and has now decided to step away from the national team.

“After many years, matches, moments of joy, and tough times, I feel the moment has come to close a chapter of my life: my journey with the Colombian national team,” Rodríguez said in a video posted to his social media channels. “Wearing the jersey was a dream, but also an enormous responsibility.”

Rodríguez made his senior debut for Colombia in October 2011 in a victory over Bolivia in La Paz. His crowning achievement came three years later at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he scored six goals in five matches to win the Golden Boot.

“I was fortunate enough to experience moments I never imagined — World Cups, goals, and unforgettable nights; victories that made us believe and defeats that made us stronger,” Rodríguez said. “From the moment I joined the national team, I wanted to leave the jersey in a stronger position when I eventually moved on, and, looking back at the journey, I feel I achieved that.”

That breakout performance in Brazil earned him a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he spent six seasons and won two La Liga titles. His club career also included spells with Bayern Munich and Everton.

Since 2022, Rodríguez has had stints with Olympiakos in Greece, Sao Paulo in Brazil, Rayo Vallecano in Spain, Club León in Mexico and Minnesota United in Major League Soccer, where he played just six matches.

“I had the honour of wearing the number-10 jersey and the captain’s armband; I tried to do so with respect, responsibility, and an awareness of what Colombia represents,” he added. “I had good days and difficult ones, but I never stopped feeling proud of these colours.”

Internationally, Rodríguez also played at the 2018 and 2026 World Cups, matching Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón for the most tournament appearances by a Colombian player. He also captained Colombia to the 2024 Copa América final, the country’s first appearance in the title match in 23 years.

He ends his international career with 31 goals in 131 appearances.

“I leave with peace of mind because I know I gave absolutely everything. Thank you for every memory, every hug, and every moment,” added Rodríguez.