James’s international career is over. The Colombian announced in an emotional social media video that he would no longer play for his country. He retires as the record-holding international and the second-highest goalscorer.
At the age of 35, it’s all over: after 131 appearances as the record-holder for international caps, James is ending his career with the Colombian national team. In a video on Instagram, the attacking midfielder said: “Today, I’d like to speak to you from the bottom of my heart. After many years, many matches, many joyful moments, but also difficult times, I feel that the time has come to bring one of the most important chapters of my life to a close.”
Wearing the number 10 shirt, James produced some truly special moments in the national team kit: At the 2014 World Cup, in the round of 16 against Uruguay (2–0), he scored one of the most memorable World Cup goals in history with a chest trap followed by a volley from a turn that flew under the crossbar – all in one fluid motion. The resulting place in the quarter-finals remains Colombia’s best-ever World Cup result to this day; James finished the tournament as top scorer with six goals, and the then 22-year-old was later awarded the Puskás Award for the best goal of the year for his volley.
James was not destined to win a title in the national team shirt
“Wearing that shirt was a dream, but also a huge responsibility,” said James, who still wore the Colombian captain’s armband at the 2026 World Cup and, with 31 goals, is Colombia’s second-highest goalscorer behind Falcao (36). He was not destined to win a title for his country in 15 years, but at the 2024 Copa América the “Cafeteros” came close: ten years after their sensational World Cup run, James led his national team all the way to the final of the continental tournament. There, however, Colombia were defeated 0–1 by Lionel Messi’s Argentina after extra time.
On the verge of tears, James concluded his farewell video with the following words: “Thank you for every match, every moment of joy, every tear and every dream we shared. Representing the colours of the Colombian national team has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Thank you, Colombia.”
The former Bayern player was also honoured for his performances in the national team shirt by Ramón Jesurun, president of the Colombian Football Federation (FCF): “Today we are saying goodbye not only to an exceptional footballer, but to a legend who marked a turning point. James Rodríguez has carried the pride of an entire nation to the very top of world football.”