James Rodriguez calls time on Colombia career
Bogota: After a distinguished international career, Colombia's James Rodriguez has announced his retirement from playing for his country's national team. The seasoned forward took the unprecedented step of making his decision known on social media, leaving fans and teammates in a state of emotional shock. His final outing for Colombia occurred during the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the team exited the tournament in the Round of 16, losing to Switzerland.
In a heartfelt statement on his social media platform, Rodriguez expressed gratitude for every match, joy, tear, and dream shared with the national team. "The moment has come. Thank you for every match, every joy, every tear, and every dream we shared together. Representing the Colombian national team was one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you, Colombia, and forever," the exuberant sportsman conveyed.
Rodriguez's illustrious time with Colombia culminated in an impressive legacy. Having burst onto the international scene with a remarkable performance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, he clinched the Golden Boot after scoring six goals in Brazil. His contributions were instrumental in helping Colombia advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Rodriguez's influence extended beyond the 2014 World Cup. He continued to represent Colombia at the 2018, 2022, and 2026 World Cups, further cementing his status as a key figure in the national side. Across these tournaments, he managed to secure 131 caps for Colombia, scoring 31 goals and providing 43 assists. In the World Cups following his 2014 debut, he managed to contribute six more goals and four assists.
His influence was not limited to the World Cup stage. Rodriguez played a pivotal role in Colombia's Copa America campaigns, guiding the team to the final in 2024, where they sadly lost to Argentina. He also helped Colombia clinch the runner-up position in the 2016 Copa America. Rodriguez's contributions in these tournaments were marked by his impressive record of 14 appearances, one goal, and eight assists.
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