James Rodriguez has hung up his boots for Colombia, announcing his retirement from international football on Tuesday after 131 caps for his country.
The 35-year-old broke the news in a video posted on social media, writing an emotional farewell to the national team he often captained. "Thank you for every match, every joy, every tear and every dream we shared. Defending the colours of the Colombia national team was one of the greatest honours of my life," he said.
Rodriguez made his senior debut back in 2011 and went on to score 31 goals for Colombia, appearing at three World Cups and four Copa America tournaments across a career that made him one of the country's most recognisable footballing exports.
The 2014 World Cup Breakthrough
His standout moment came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he scored six goals to claim the Golden Boot as Colombia reached the quarter-finals. One of those strikes, a stunning volley against Uruguay in the last 16, was later voted the best goal of the year and earned him FIFA's Puskas Award.
Club Career and What Comes Next
On the club side, Rodriguez enjoyed a decorated spell at Real Madrid, winning two Champions League titles and two LaLiga crowns, before later turning out for Bayern Munich and Everton. Last week, he completed a move to Colombian side Atletico Nacional on a deal running until next June, arriving after his exit from Major League Soccer club Minnesota United.
With his international duty now over, Rodriguez's focus turns fully to his new chapter at Atletico Nacional as he continues his career on home soil.
